Switzerland Family Multisport
Biking & Hiking in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland’s terrain of jagged snowcapped peaks, lush wildflower-speckled valleys and charming alpine villages is a sensory delight. On this Backroads trip in the Bernese Oberland, you and your family will gaze at craggy peaks and turquoise glaciers, drink in crisp mountain air and savor old-world charm and hospitality. Enjoy smooth pedaling and hardy hiking in view of the famed Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. Along the way, sample Swiss cuisine, from the traditional fare of an alpine stübli to sophisticated meals served in world-class restaurants.
Trip Planning Links
- Fresh alpine air amid glaciers, meadows and impossibly blue lakes
- Rides through archetypal Swiss villages with cheery wooden chalets
- Cross turquoise Lake Thun on a historic paddleboat
- Speed down the mountain in an authentic luge
- Feast on fondue to your heart’s content
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Kandersteg
Meet in Kandersteg 
Commute the Swiss way with a chairlift ride to 5,500 feet Hike on a ridge above the waters of Lake Oeschinen, where limestone cliffs are capped by snowy peaks and hanging glaciers Take time for a snack and cup of cocoa on a well-deserved break at a traditional mountain hut.
Days 2-3 Grindelwald
Easy pedaling leads to the lakeside town of Spiez Board a historic paddleboat and cross Lake Thun to Interlaken Hitch a ride on a cog train to Grindelwald at the foot of the Eiger Enjoy a traditional alphorn concert Hop on a Trotti bike for an exhilarating ride to the Grindelwald valley floor Tried the luge? Today is your chance!
Days 4-6 Giessbach
Pedal through Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to more than 70 glacier-fed waterfalls Feel the spray of magnificent Trummelbach Falls, located inside a cavern Pedal through the countryside to Lake Brienz Boat across turquoise waters to Giessbach Hike across the ridgeline overlooking the Gental Valley and descend by bike Visit a traditional cheese farm and sample local specialties Walk through the peaceful forest of Iseltwald.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
The memories of this trip for me and my son will last forever. Backroads took great care of all the details and everything ran very smoothly. Backroads even supplied gorgeous weather for the entire trip. Way to go! We will be back!- Millbrae, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Switzerland Family Multisport
ALPINE ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns*
Hotel Victoria Ritter
Kandersteg (1 night) Nestled in the heart of town, this family-run alpine oasis is surrounded by stunning snowcapped peaks, and offers tennis courts and an indoor swimming pool.
* Casual Inn
Grand Hotel Regina
Grindelwald (2 nights) This Leading Hotels of the World member features swimming pools, spacious guest rooms, a solarium and a wonderful locale at the foot of the towering Eiger north face.
Grandhotel Giessbach
Giessbach (2 nights) Set idyllically by the Giessbach waterfalls and Lake Brienz, the elegant old-world estate welcomes families with gardens, terraces, tennis courts and a pool.
Switzerland Family Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.6, 6, 6.9 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 16, 21, 27, 40 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 5.3, 7.8 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 14, 22, 26, 29 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 20, 41 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 3.1 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Please keep in mind that while the mileage is moderate, the altitude can make hiking and biking more challenging than the route rating implies. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.