Previously Best of the Bernese Oberland
With invigorating Alpine air, dramatic scenery, and nothing but the sound of tinkling cowbells for company, Switzerland is perfect for those looking for a memorable mountain holiday. The Bernese Oberland region boasts walking opportunities through gentle alpine hills and beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Engstligen Valley, plus the chance to walk across one of the longest suspension bridges in Europe. There’ll also be a gondola ride to the beautiful Oeschinen Lake and an ascent up the 2,341-metre summit of Elsighorn.
What you’ll love
- Walking the balcony paths above Oeschinen Lake
- Taking a gondola ride to the lake
- The Alpine scenery of Engstligenalp
- Taking in views from almost 2,000 metres above sea level
- Walking between high peaks on the Hahnenmoos Pass
- Exploring the Kander Valley
What’s included
- Full programme of guided walks led by local HF Holidays Leaders
- Comfortable accommodation
- Half-board (breakfast and evening meal)
- All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
- Walks transport using Swiss train services
- Return flights from the UK including hold baggage
- Airport transfers by coach
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Welcome to Hotel Steinmattli. Unpack and settle in.
These walks venture onto the high meadows of Tschentenegg above Adelboden, and both walks offer excellent views of the Engstligen valley, with Adelboden far below and the surrounding mountains, where many of the walks to be enjoyed later in the week, can be identified.
Option 1 - Tschentenegg, the Hörnliweg and Schermtanne
Distance: 8 miles (13km) with 1,200 feet (360m) of ascent and 1,400 feet (420m) of descent
Total ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
Total descent: 1,400 feet (420m)
In summary: We take the Tschenten gondola to the upper slopes and, after soaking up the panoramic views, return to Adelboden ascending gradually through meadows to Hörnli Alpine Garden with its rich array of wild flowers. From here we traverse above the village through woodland before descending to follow the river back to the hotel in time for afternoon refreshments.
Highlight: Panoramic views above the Engstligen valley.
Option 2 - The Hörnliweg, Scwandfelspitz and Schermtanne
Distance: 9 miles (14½km)
Total ascent: 2,400 feet (720m)
In summary: From the hotel we ascend through woodland before picking up the route of the easier group as we traverse above Adelboden to the Hörnli Alpine Garden. After enjoying the beautiful array of flowers, we ascend through meadows to the Tschenten restaurant and zigzag our way to the summit of Schwadfelspitz for superb panoramas. The great views continue as we make our descent into Adelboden.
Highlight: Reach the summit of Schwandfeldspitz, an impressive spur with views in all directions.
The broad grassy saddle at the Hahnenmoos pass is the historic route between Adelboden and the village of Lenk. The pass was once the site of a local festival where villagers from the two valleys met for trade and athletic contests. From Adelboden we take a long gondola ride of 3 miles to the upper station and restaurant at Sillerebühl, situated at an altitude of just under 2,000 metres.
Option 1 - Sillerenbühl, Flower Trail, Hahnenmoos Pass and Geils
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 800 feet (240m)
Total descent: 2,500 feet (750m)
In summary: From Sillernbühl we follow a wonderful floral trail to the Hahnenmoos Pass where we will get great views and also spot some of the locals flying model gliders We continue through the Pommern Pass to descend to Berglager and our gondola back to Adelboden.
Highlight: Discover the profusion of wild flowers.
Option 2 - Hahnenmoos Pass, Ridges Above Geils
Distance: 9 miles (14½km)
Total ascent: 2,100 feet (630m)
Total descent: 3,700 feet (1,110m)
In summary: We ascend to Laveygrat with views down to Lenk, before descending to the Hahnenmoos Pass. We follow a track towards the Pommern and bypass the prominent peak of Regenbolshore. We then follow a spectacular ridge down to Bütschi and up to Tronegg for more great views over to Engstilgen Falls before starting our descent to Berglager and our gondola back to Adelboden.
Highlight: the path across the narrow ridge to Hundersattel with the precipices of the Rostock away to the right.
The village of Kandersteg lies in the adjacent valley to Adelboden, just a few miles away as the crow flies. Both walks take a gondola and head to Oeschinensee, a picture-postcard mountain lake in spectacular surroundings that change colour from azure to emerald depending on the cloud cover.
Option 1 - Kandersteg and Oeschinensee
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)
Total descent: 2,300 feet (690m)
In summary: Our route leads us to the Senn Hutte overlooking the beautiful Oeschinensee before heading around the northern side of the lake up to a lovely mountain hut at Unterbargli where we can enjoy a spot of lunch. We retrace our steps to the lake shore and continue to the Berghotel, a popular tourist spot, before descending down the valley to Kandersteg and well-earned refreshments.
Highlight: Enjoy lunch at a typical mountain hut.
Option 2 - Kandersteg, Oeschinensee and High Mountain Alps
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (390m)
Total descent: 2,700 feet (810m)
In summary: The harder route takes us along a spectacular path, traversing high above the lake to the huts at Oberbargli perched on a hanging valley. From here we descend to the hut at Unterbargli and on to the Berghotel where we follow a similar path to the easier group to Kandersteg to join them for refreshments.
Highlight: Spectacular views.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. You may wish to use the efficient Swiss transport system to visit the attractive lakeside resorts of Interlaken, Thun or Spiez. Alternatively, you could hire a bike in Adelboden and cycle in the local area.
The impressive Engstligen Waterfall is one of the area’s most impressive sights and is clearly visible from the hotel balcony. The falls drop around 600 metres making them the second highest in Switzerland. Above the waterfalls is the Engstligenalp, a vast expanse of alpine flowers and pastures that was once an ancient glacial lake. The lofty summits and glaciers of the Wildstrubel surround this impressive hanging valley.
Option 1 - Engstligen Valley, Engstligenalp and Falls
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: Today we take the cable car to ascend to Engstligenalp. We take a leisurely walk in the hanging valley taking time to admire the scenery and Alpine flowers. After lunch we descend using the cable car and continue our walk through woodland to the lower falls where we can appreciate their power. We continue on the path to the bus stop to catch the return bus to Adelboden.
Highlight: View the impressive Engstligen waterfalls.
Option 2 - Engstligen Valley, Hinterberg, Engstligenalp and Falls
Distance: 9 miles (14½km)
Total ascent: 2,600 feet (780m)
In summary: We ascend through the dramatic Hinterberg corrie over a spur to the beautiful pastures of Engstligenalp. We spend some time walking on the high valley before descending, we cross the foot of the upper falls continuing to the lower falls and our bus back to Adelboden.
Highlight: Potentially spot marmots, ibex or chamois.
The Elsighorn is the northernmost significant summit on the high ridge that separates the Engstligen and Kander Valleys. We go to Elsigbach by minibus and take a cable car to the slopes above.
Option 1 - Elsigenalp, Bonderalp and Lohnerfalls
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 1,000ft (300m)
Total descent: 2,800ft (840m)
In summary: Our walk uses a traversing route that heads across the mountainside to the Bunder Hutte for lunch and then to the foot of Lohner Falls by rougher paths. The return to Adelboden is then by good tracks through Alpine forests and valley meadows.
Highlight: Visit the impressive Lohner Falls.
Option 2 - Elsighorn, Golitschenpass and Stand
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 2,800 feet (840m)
In summary: We ascend to the summit of Elsighorn, at 2,341m the highest point of the week, which goes on to the Golitschenpass and another summit, Stand, with spectacular views all the way. The descent is via Elsigsee and the friendly Elsighutte taking the cable car part way down, before walking a little further down to catch the bus back.
Highlight: Spectacular views from the summit of Elsighorn.
We hope to see you again soon.
Hotel Steinmattli - Bernese Oberland
The 4-star Hotel Steinmattli is a modern chalet-style property located in a peaceful part of this charming village. All 63 comfortable bedrooms offer a balcony or terrace, en-suite bathroom and beautiful views. A delicious evening meal is served each day in the hotel’s Alpen Chic Restaurant. The shops and bars of Adelboden are just a short walk away.
Rooms
There are 63 well equipped bedrooms to make your stay exceptional. Each room features:
- Private balcony or terrace
- Television with a range of English channels
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room safe
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries
About your stay
The hotel features:
- Wellness centre with sauna and whirlpool
- Fully stocked bar with large comfortable seating area
- Restaurant Alpen Chic with stunning mountain views
- Free bike hire
Food & drink
Our holidays in the Bernese Oberland are half-board including breakfast and dinner each day.
Breakfast
Breakfast is an extensive buffet with hot and cold options served in the main restaurant. The coffee is excellent.
Lunch (payable locally)
The hotel offers picnic lunches at a small charge that can be made up at breakfast time. Alternatively, ingredients can be purchased from the local shops and on certain days it maybe possible to eat out at a local café or hut. Your leaders will advise you of the best options each day.
Evening meal
The restaurant Alpen Chic produces food of an exceptionally high standard; a range of red and white wines are available to accompany your meal. There is the option of cheese rather than a sweet dessert each night.
The hotel has signed up to a new initiative in Switzerland that aims to reduce food waste and pride themselves on wasting nearly nothing at all. For this reason portions are kept fairly modest but you are welcome to request a larger portion when you order or even ask to be served the same course twice if you are very hungry. This will be explained to you by the hotel team on arrival.
Your evenings
The friendly atmosphere of our guided walking holidays continues into the evening.
Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer whilst listening to our leaders outlining the next days walks. After dinner you can take a stroll into the village to sample the local bars or just have a coffee and relax in the bar with your fellow guests.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Advertised prices listed below show the lowest economy flight price option for that departure. On holidays where we offer local UK airports, details will appear in the “Important Information” section below and available alternative flight options will be offered when you book. Seating upgrades may be available on request and at an additional charge, please call 020 3974 8865 for a quote.
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
29 Jun - 06 Jul 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £2,599 £2,499 pp |
from £2,599 £2,499 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
06 Jul - 13 Jul 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,759 £2,659 Double from £2,599 £2,499 pp |
from £2,599 £2,499 pp |
from £2,759 £2,659 |
Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
27 Jul - 03 Aug 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,779 £2,679 Double from £2,619 £2,519 pp |
from £2,619 £2,519 pp |
from £2,779 £2,679 |
Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
17 Aug - 24 Aug 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,759 £2,659 Double from £2,599 £2,499 pp |
from £2,599 £2,499 pp |
from £2,759 £2,659 |
Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
29 Jun - 06 Jul 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £2,379 £2,279 pp |
from £2,379 £2,279 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
06 Jul - 13 Jul 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,559 £2,459 Double from £2,399 £2,299 pp |
from £2,399 £2,299 pp |
from £2,559 £2,459 |
Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
27 Jul - 03 Aug 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,559 £2,459 Double from £2,399 £2,299 pp |
from £2,399 £2,299 pp |
from £2,559 £2,459 |
Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
17 Aug - 24 Aug 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,559 £2,459 Double from £2,399 £2,299 pp |
from £2,399 £2,299 pp |
from £2,559 £2,459 |
Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
Important information
- With flight holidays: Price includes return flights to Zurich Airport, hold baggage, and airport transfers accompanied by our local guide.
- Regional flights: Please click BOOK NOW to view Manchester prices
- Independent travellers can join our transfer from Zurich Airport - price available on request
7 nights
from
£2,379pp
£2,279pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
354Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
