You do not need to be a mountaineer to walk among the great peaks of the Bernese Oberland. The Jungfrau region's trains, gondolas and cable cars lift you high above the valleys, and from the top stations a network of well-marked, well-maintained paths leads across alpine meadows with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in view. These five walks are suitable for most reasonably fit visitors, including families, and can each be done in half a day from Interlaken. Distances and times are approximate walking times without stops.
First to Bachalpsee
Ride the gondola from Grindelwald to First, then follow the broad path to the Bachalpsee, a small alpine lake whose still water reflects the Schreckhorn and the surrounding peaks. The walk is about six kilometres there and back, with only modest climbing, and takes around two hours. Combine it with the First Cliff Walk, the steel walkway clamped to the rock face beside the gondola station. The path is busy on fine summer days, especially weekends, so go early.
Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg
Often called the Panorama Trail, this is one of the best views-for-effort walks in the Alps. Ride the gondola from Grindelwald Terminal or the cable car from Wengen to Männlichen, then follow the mostly downhill path of about four and a half kilometres to Kleine Scheidegg, which takes around an hour and a half. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are in front of you for much of the way, with the Grindelwald valley below. From Kleine Scheidegg, take the train down to Grindelwald or Wengen, or on up to Jungfraujoch.
Mürren to Gimmelwald
These two car-free villages sit on a sunny ledge above the Lauterbrunnen valley, facing the great peaks across the gorge. The walk between them is short and easy, mostly downhill on a quiet lane, and takes well under an hour. From Gimmelwald, ride the cable car down to Stechelberg in the valley, or back up to Mürren. Combine the walk with the Schilthorn and you have a full and varied day.
The Lauterbrunnen valley floor
For a flat walk with no lifts required, follow the valley from Lauterbrunnen village past the Staubbach Falls towards Stechelberg, with waterfalls pouring off the cliffs on both sides. The path is easy and suitable for pushchairs on most stretches, and you can walk as far as you like and return by bus. In the warmer months, the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain, make a good stop along the way.
Harder Kulm
Interlaken's own viewpoint is reached by funicular in a few minutes, but fit walkers can hike up the forest path from town, a steep climb of around two hours. Most people ride up and simply walk out onto the Two Lakes Bridge platform for the view over Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the Jungfrau. It is ideal for a short evening outing.
When to go
The high trails are usually clear of snow from about June to October, though the exact dates depend on the year and the altitude, and the gondolas and cable cars close for maintenance for a few weeks in spring and late autumn. Check the lift timetables and trail conditions before you set out. In winter, several of these routes become marked winter walking paths, but conditions are different, so follow local signs.
What to bring
Sturdy shoes with good grip, a waterproof and a warm layer even in summer, sun cream, sunglasses, a hat and water. Weather changes fast in the mountains, and afternoon thunderstorms are common on hot summer days, so start early. Follow the yellow signposts, which give walking times to each destination, and remember that trails marked with white-red-white are mountain paths that need more care.
Passes and planning
Lift tickets add up quickly, so compare regional and Swiss rail passes, which can cover or discount many of the gondolas and trains used on these walks. Our three-day itinerary shows how to combine walks with Jungfraujoch and the Schilthorn, and our best-time guide explains which months suit hiking.
Two more easy walks
On Lake Brienz, the lakeside path from Iseltwald to the Giessbach Falls is a gentle walk of about five kilometres, usually an hour and a half to two hours, through woods and along the shore, finishing at the waterfalls and the historic Grandhotel Giessbach, with boats back to Interlaken in season. At Schynige Platte, reached by vintage cog railway from Wilderswil in summer, the panorama trail loops around the summit ridge for views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on one side and the lakes on the other, and you can visit the alpine garden at the top station.
