Breathtaking views, magnificent mountains, un-spoilt nature, glistening lakes and genuine hospitality – we have created a multi-sport trip to enjoy the best of Switzerland. The scenery is spectacular – experience the fresh alpine air on hikes with views of alpine glaciers, verdant lush meadows and pristine alpine lakes. And cycling through Swiss villages between Kandersteg and Interlacken and cycling around Lake Brienz is sublime. Admire the famed Eiger and walk/hike in splendor. Overnight in historic and charming inns and lodges.

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
  • A ride you will never forget: along Lake Brienz
  • A hike you will never forget: under the Eiger
  • Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises

Location

Kandersteg

Day 1

Grindelwald

Day 2+3

Brienz

Day 4+5, Departure

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
6 nights lodging in hotels
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Jun 26-Jul 2
Jul 10-16
Jul 24-30
Jul 31-Aug 6
Aug 14-20
Aug 23-30

2024

Jun 24-30
Jul 8-14
Jul 22-28
Jul 29-Aug 4
Aug 12-18
Aug 21-28

Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Kandersteg / Brienz

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

TERRAIN

COST

Land Cost:
US $2,950 pp

Single Supplement:
US $750

Bike Rental:
US $230

E-bikes available (on request):
US $400

E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.  

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.

1

Day 1

Our meeting is at 7 pm where we will enjoy a wine reception followed by dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.

2

Day 2

Kandersteg
We will begin our day by taking a chairlift up to a ridge above Lake Oeschinen. You will be invigorated as you hike from alpine hut to hut, having lunch in an idyllic setting. Back in Kandersteg, we will dine out at a favourite restaurant, a short stroll from the hotel.
Hike Distance: 7.9 km; 500 m gain

3

Day 3

Grindelwald
Today cycle through storybook scenery through a lush valley on buttery smooth pavement as you ride from Kandersteg to Thun and along the shores of Lake Thunersee to Interlaken. We will then take a cog-wheel train bound for Grindelwald, located under the north face of the Eiger. Grindelwald is the quintessential mountain resort village with a great variety of restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
Ride Distance: up to 60 km; 500m gain.

4

Day 4

Grindelwald
Awake and take in the glorious scenery of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains. We will take the gondola up to First Peak (2150m) to hike to Bachalpsee 2265m; with its reflective waters, grassy banks and the mighty Schreskhorn, Wetterhorn and Finsteraarhorn as backdrop, and the sound of cowbells from pastures scattered with wildflowers, this is a quintessential Swiss alpine scene. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then hike a beautiful trail descending to the valley.
Hike Distance: 13.7 km; 300m gain

5

Day 5

Brienz
You have two hikes to choose between today, including the Alpiglen hike and the magnificent Eiger trail that finishes with a train trip from the highest train station in the world back to Grindelwald. For an additional activity, visit the Gletschershulcht, just 10 minutes from Grindelwald. Walkways have been fastened to the walls of this ravine and in summer you can climb onto a spiderweb of netting that suspends over the roaring meltwater. The walkways carry you a kilometer in the ravine as you pass climbers and canyoners rappelling down the craggy rock-faces.
Hike Distance: 3.5 km; 200m & 12.3 km

6

Day 6

Brienz
Today is a chance to bike around Lake Brienz on a bike path that is mostly paved but includes some gravel sections. Explore the charming village of Iseltwald and stop to swim if you wish. Have lunch in Brienz and if you want to extend the ride, continue down the Meiringen Valley and view the Reichenbach Falls or ride out to Innertkirchen and back to our hotel in Giessbach. There is an option to kayak on Lake Brienzersee from the hotel also.
Ride Distance: 38.5 km; 940m gain.

7

Day 7

Departure Day
Depart from Brienz at your leisure. We provide a shuttle to the Brienz train station by 10 am.

Activities: There is the opportunity to hike, bike and kayak on this trip. Please refer to the distances and elevation gains to determine suitability.

Chalet-Hotel Adler, Kandersteg

Built in 1906, all guest rooms are decorated in chalet style and offer magnificent views of the surrounding forests and snow-capped mountains. There is a spa, swimming pool and other amenities to make your stay comfortable.


Hotel Gletschergarten, Grindelwald

A charming 3-star chalet-style hotel operated by the same family for over 3 generations. All guest rooms have a balcony or terrace with breathtaking views. The restaurant is renowned here and the welcome warm.


Seehotel Baren, Brienz

Located directly on Lake Brienz, this hotel has been operating for many centuries and renovated with charm. There is a good restaurant and spa treatments. 



			

		

				

					

			
			

		

		
			


	


 

                        
                    

                        

	
	
	
	
	



	
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