Region Overviews: Europe Travel Guide: Overview
Encapsulating 50 nations and a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity, Europe is a traveler’s playground.
The grass really is greener in Switzerland. Just ask the dairy cows grazing in the lush alpine meadows. Or simply see for yourself while hiking and biking through spectacular Swiss landscapes encircled by snow-covered mountains and punctuated with sparkling lakes. From the idyllic peaks and valleys of the Bernese Oberland to the North Face's iconic skyline, experience the best of Switzerland's mountain playgrounds.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Start Kandersteg / End Interlaken
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Savor breathtaking alpine scenery as you commute the Swiss way: by chairlift! | Hike on a ridge above Lake Oeschinen, surrounded by limestone cliffs, snowy peaks and hanging ice | Cold beer and hot cocoa await at a traditional alpine hut.
A family-run alpine retreat surrounded by verdant forests and soaring snowcapped mountains. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
From flower-laden chalets to milk cows adorned with brass bells, the scenery is quintessentially Swiss as you bike through a serene valley | Ride past teal-colored Lake Thun en route to Interlaken | Indulge in decadent fondue paired with regional wines | Bike through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, famous for its thundering waterfalls and towering rock faces | Hop aboard a historical cog-wheel train for a 1,300-foot lift to the resort town of Wengen | Tackle the breathtaking hike up to Kleine Scheidegg, the base camp for the famous Eiger Glacier climb.
Catch stunning views of Eiger's north face from this luxurious chalet-style hotel. (pool, spa)
Admire the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau towering above the emerald-green landscape | Hike from First Peak to Bachalpsee, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes | Let loose on an exhilarating descent by Trotti bikes into Grindelwald Valley | Walk on the impressive north face of the Eiger Trail, one of Switzerland’s most legendary hiking routes | Bike into Meiringen Valley past countless waterfalls, including seven-tiered Reichenbach Falls | Bike along Lake Brienz and kayak in its turquoise waters | Amble along the lake’s shore to the charming town of Iseltwald.
Elegance and old-world charm reign at this turreted beauty in a picturesque setting by Lake Brienz and the Giessbach Falls. (pool)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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. LEARN MORE.
Note: The walking and hiking terrain on this trip includes a mix of dirt paths and paved and gravel roads. Most of our hikes take place at elevations of 4,000–7,000 feet, which can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. The biking routes vary from level to rolling with a few steeper climbs. Most of our rides are on car-free bike paths; the Backroads support van will intersect with the routes at strategic points.
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
For the best riding in Switzerland, we've chosen a combination of small quiet roads and some unpaved bike paths with short stretches of limited van support. Our bikes are equipped with slightly wider tires to accommodate the path and trail surfaces.
While the hotels on this trip offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning and guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Encapsulating 50 nations and a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity, Europe is a traveler’s playground.
Stay up to date on the latest Backroads news. You’re free to opt out at any time.