
Switzerland Multisport
Switzerland - the land of cheese and chocolate, trains you can set your watch by, belled cows grazing in lush meadows and those incredibly beautiful Alps. In the Bernese Oberland with Backroads, you’ll have plenty of chances to gaze at craggy peaks and turquoise glaciers, breathe crisp mountain air and savor old-world charm and hospitality along your route. Amid this inspiring landscape, 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 five-star restaurants.
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 sheer limestone cliffs are capped by snowy peaks and hanging glaciers
Enjoy a snack during a well-deserved break at a traditional mountain hut.
Days 2-3 Grindelwald
Pedal down a beautiful valley and past cheerful soft-eyed milk cows and wooden chalets bedecked with geranium-filled window boxes
In the lakeside town of Spiez, board a historic paddleboat and cross turquoise Lake Thun to Interlaken, named for its position between lakes Thun and Brienz
Catch a cog-rail train to Grindelwald at the foot of the Eiger
This region offers plenty of options: ascend to a high alpine hut, sail through the skies on a paraglider or relax at a café with a view of countless peaks and glaciers.
Days 4-6 Giessbach
Witness magnificent Trummelbach Falls - located inside a cavern, these ten powerful glacier-fed waterfalls drain off the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks
Pedal along Lake Brienz, perhaps stopping for a dip
Bask in the cool spray of cascading Giessbach Falls
Hike along the ridge line overlooking the Gental Valley
Visit a traditional cheese farm Walk along Aareschlucht Canyon, Europe’s narrowest gorge.
ALPINE AMBIENCE : Premiere Inns
Hotel Victoria Ritter (1 night): Traditional alpine charm nestled in the village with a pool, gardens and lovely terrace.
Grand Hotel Regina (2 nights): A member of Leading Hotels of the World set at the foot of the glorious Eiger and offering first-class spa facilities and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Grandhotel Giessbach (2 nights): An elegant old-world estate with gardens, terraces, tennis courts, pool and spectacular lake and waterfall views.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
3 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.6, 6.1, 6.9 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3
3 Route Options Available
- Biking 21, 27, 34 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3
2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 5, 8 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2
4 Route Options Available
- Biking 22, 26, 29 miles
- 500- 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2
3 Route Option Available
- Biking 12, 24 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Hiking, 3.1 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3.3
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/5-10Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $750 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/23-28Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $750 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
I have so many wonderful things to say about our Swiss Trip. It was the best trip I had ever experienced in my life. I adored our leaders and miss all my new friends in our group and wish I could go again right now. The part I enjoyed the most (outside of the perfect weather and the perfect "Heidi" scenery) was meeting couples who like to do the same things we do. My brother recommended this trip to me and he was so right- it was perfect. You do such a wonderful job with everything. I was very impressed with how well planned it was. The routes, the picnics, the knowledge of the area, you have thought of everything. Not once did I have to worry about anything. Everything went like clockwork. I laughed for 10 days straight - but cried when we had to leave everyone as we parted on our separate journeys. I will definitely want to go again - perhaps to Tuscany or Provence next year! Congrats on doing such a super job!Plymouth, MN
love Backroads, which is why this is my 7th trip!!! This trip was awesome. The scenery, people, Backroads leaders and all that Switzerland has to offer was just great. The accomodations were top notch and hiking and biking our way through Switzerland was fantastic. This is the first time our young adult sons joined us and they also loved it!East Meadow, NY