Best Hikes Near Bern, Switzerland (For Beginners & Experts)

The capital city of Bern is a must-visit when planning your travels in Switzerland. The Old Town in Bern has such a long and fascinating history the whole city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find lots of cool day trips to take near Bern, and outdoor adventures such as hiking will be an unforgettable part of your trip.

The area has a whopping 1,582 kilometers of diverse trails from expert to family-friendly, and the infrastructure of huts, maps, and trails is excellent. So no excuses. Lace up your hiking shoes, grab a backpack, and discover the best hiking trails near Bern.

Blumental Panorama Trail

The Blumental (Flower Valley) Panorama Trail is a short hike perfect for an introduction to hiking, family hiking, and for those who aren’t so athletic. The trail is 2.2 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. With an ascent and descent of 300 meters, the trail is easy enough for a five-year-old.

You’ll take the funicular in Allmendhubel to the top and begin your hike here as you head down into the Blumental Valley and eventually back into Mürren. You’ll pass by the Pension Suppenalp, an excellent restaurant where you can take a break and eat. You’ll take the funicular in Allmendhul to the top and begin your hike here as you head down into the Blumental Valley and eventually back into Mürren. You’ll pass by the Pension Suppenalp, an excellent restaurant where you can take a break and eat.

The fit and more adventurous aren’t left behind on this trail. You can take a turn-off near the Suppenalp to a trail leading to the Schilthorn, a summit in the Bernese Alps. The path will take you in the direction of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains for splendid views.

• Hike: Point to Point
• Distance: 2.2 km
• Time: 1 hr 15 min
• Difficulty: Easy

Brienzer Rothorn Hike

If you want to experience the most magnificent views in the Swiss Alps, the Brienzer Rothorn hike is for you. The summit soars up to 2,350 meters with views of around 700 summits on a clear day. You’ll marvel at unobstructed views of the Bernese Alps including the Jungfrau, and the distant Juras.

The best part? You don’t have to be a super-athlete to enjoy the show. The historic Brienz Rothorn Railway, still powered by steam, will lessen the effort. Chugging along since 1892, the scarlet carriages will take you all the way to the final station where the hike to the summit is only a 100-meter climb.

The fit can hike up from the bottom along several trails. Either one of these is a challenging climb but the rewards for your efforts include pine-scented forests, picturesque alpine meadows, views of Lake Brienz, and snow-capped peaks.

• Hike: Point to Point
• Distance: 10.5 km
• Time: 5 hr
• Difficulty: Challenging

Northface Trail Murren

The trail loop near Murren is considered to be moderately challenging. The 8.4-kilometer trail begins and ends at the Schilthornbahn station in Murren and takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. It’s a popular trail for birders and runners, but you’ll still enjoy some solitude. May through June is the best time to go.

The first few meters are paved before a natural path leads to the Spilboden House. The trail becomes wider and flatter from the Schiltalp restaurant, and information boards along the route provide information about the history of the surrounding mountains. From the Schiltgrat lift, the trail passes through a forest of conifers to the Suppenboden hut in Lauterbrunnen sitting at an elevation of 1852 meters. The final part of the trail leads to Almendhubel, a hill above Murren. The funicular will return you to Murren.

• Hike: Loop
• Distance: 8.4 km
• Time: 2 hr 42 min
• Difficulty: Moderate

Gantrisch Circular Walk

This moderate-level 7-hour circular walk starts in Zollhaus and ends in Gurnigebald. The 21-kilometer path affords spectacular views with only a few steep climbs in some places.

The Gantrisch trail follows the hills west of Thun with views to the south of the 2,000-meter-plus peaks in the Gantrisch chain. In the distance, the higher snow-capped Alps can be seen. Views to the north include dense forests and the valleys of Bern and Schwarzenburgerkand. On a clear day, it’s even possible to see as far as the Black Forest and the summit of Mount Pilatus.

The wide and well-marked trail with viewing points and resting spots along the way. Do this hike all in one trek or break it into sections for an easier hike.

• Hike: Loop
• Distance: 21 km
• Time: 7 hr
• Difficulty: Moderate

Harder Kulm Loop Trail

The Harder Kulm Trail is a popular day hike with awesome views of Interlaken. It leads to the top of Harder Kulm, a funicular station sitting at 1,322 meters high in the Bernese Oberland.

The hike has different options for reaching the top of Harder Kulm to fit your skill level and your budget. Many people choose to get to the top by cable car that, depending on when you go, may cost as much as CHF 32. Or you can avoid the cost and get there by a connection of trails. Signs beside the funicular station point the way and suggest an average hiking time of 2.5 hours. Some of the trails are shorter and can be done in less than 2 hours. Most trails are marked by time rather than by distance.

At the top, you can enjoy a meal in a pricey restaurant or enjoy the views from free lookout points

• Hike: Loop
• Distance: 8.2 km
• Time: 4 h 9 min
• Difficulty: Challenging

The Faulhorn Trail

• Hike: Out & Back
• Distance: 22.7 km
• Difficulty: Challenging

The Faulhorn Trail has breathtaking views from start to finish, and by spending a night in a historic hotel at the top of Faulhorn Summit, you can extend your trek to a 2-day outing. The trail is difficult in some parts with an average elevation of 500 meters throughout the hike.

Begin your adventure with a ride on the century-old funicular railway that runs from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte. In addition to the views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau from the station platform, a nearby enchanting garden features 500 plant species and a hotel with a restaurant and terrace with more stunning views of the Jungfrau region.

You have a choice of routes to hike. One passes through picturesque pastureland; the other leads from the alpine garden and becomes a walk along a ridge overlooking the Oberland mountains on one side and Lake Thun and Brienzersee on the other side. The two routes merge in the upper part of the pastureland.

Gastern Valley Hike

• Hike: Point to Point
• Distance: 9-23 km
• Time: 3 to 7 h
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

If you truly want to “get away from it all,” the Gastern Valley hike is perfect. The trail is located in the Kander Valley of the Bernese Oberland at an elevation between 1,196 and 1,495 kilometers. It meanders for 11.4 kilometers through valleys, meadows, and forests.

The almost trafficless valley is surrounded by imposing rock walls and lacks mass tourism Bus service to the area is limited and cars are taxed and only allowed at certain times. Getting here will take some time, effort, and patience. Once here, you can choose your own out-and-back again route along the hiking trail.

You’ll follow the river Kander for the first part of the hike and then pass through a forest. If you choose to go further, you’ll come upon some unusual rock formations.

Schynige Platte Panorama Trail

• Hike: Loop
• Distance: 6 km
• Difficulty: Easy

The Schynige Platte trail near Wilderwil, Bern is a fairly popular trail. But despite its popularity, it’s not quite as crowded as other hikes in the Jungfrau region. Located near Wilerswil, Bern, the route-type loop trail is about 6 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 234 meters. It’s easy enough for young children about five to 6 years old with some hiking experience but the alpine dirt trail isn’t stroller-friendly.

A mountain cogwheel train will take you to Schynige Platte, a mountain just south of Interlaken. A restaurant and children’s playground swings, seesaws, and a barefoot path are right next to the train station.

You’ll find plenty of spots to stop and have a scenic picnic, and there is one fire pit near the start of the hike.

The Lauterbrunnen Valley Hike

• Hike: Point to Point
• Distance: 6.7 km
• Time: 2 hr
• Difficulty: Easy

If you love to chase waterfalls, the Lauterbrunnen Valley hike is for you. Each side of the 4-kilometer-long trail has waterfalls cascading over the mountains. In all, the valley is home to 72 waterfalls. Both hikers and bikers use this trail which begins on a private road and turns into a scenic path along the river.

This easy hike explores the Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to 72 waterfalls that tumble over the mountains on both sides of the path. Both pedestrians and bikes can use this path which starts on a quiet private road before turning into a dirt path along the river.

The family-friendly hike has little elevation gain, and small children can ride scooters along the way. The trail has much to see even if you only hike for one kilometer. The hike is free with no gondola ride. It begins near Lauterbrunnen and ends at the Stechelberg Postbus stop.

Augstmatthorn Hike

• Hike: Point to Point
• Distance: 6.5 km
• Time: 6 hr
• Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

This hike overlooking Interlaken and Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is a 6-hour hike that is reached by a 10-minute funicular ride up to Harder Kulm. The trail ends in Habkern. A viewing platform at the top of the summit sits at 1,322 meters above sea level for views of the surrounding snowy mountains.

Along with striking views, you may spot a colony of ibex in their natural habitat. The agility of these handsome creatures will be one of the most unique and impressive parts of this hike.

The Augstmatthorn hike is moderately difficult with a steep descent on the way to Habkern via Lombachalp and Wiesenrain. Your legs will be tested, and you may find yourself wishing you were an ibex. But the dramatic views will make it worthwhile.

Plan Your Trip to Switzerland

Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more

Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums.

Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland.

Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland.

Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland.

Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring!