Conrad Stein

Switzerland: Bärentrek

<p>The Bernese Oberland is home to one of the most famous mountain worlds, including the much admired trio of peaks of the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau. In the eastern part of the Bernese Alps alone, 8 of the 47 Swiss four-thousand-metre peaks stretch their glaciated summits majestically into the sky and characterize the landscape in a unique way. The Bernese Oberland is above all a land of waterfalls, mountain lakes and dramatic gorges: the Simmen Falls, Staubbach and Trümmelbach, the Giessbach Falls, the Aare and Rosenlaui gorges, the Oeschinen and Blausee lakes. One of the most glamorous long-distance hikes is the Bear Trek, which crosses the Bernese Oberland from east to west in 7 days (approx. 120 km) and takes in the most spectacular scenery. Under the spell of gigantic glaciers and imposing rock faces, the route follows in the footsteps of the bears that once crossed the passes in prehistoric times. In addition to the unique high mountain landscape, fauna and flora, picturesque valleys with pretty villages bearing world-famous names such as Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Kandersteg and Lenk provide further variety, comfort and nostalgia from the turn of the century. And those who prefer the rustic hut life will find rustic mountain accommodation in selected places. The starting point is Meiringen in Haslital, the end point Gsteig in Saanenland. Thanks to the exemplary public transport network, the route can also be divided into shorter stages or split into weekend trips.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iris Kürschner | Conrad Stein Verlag | 3rd edition 2017 | 128 pages | format 16.4 x 11.4 | 7 maps, 48 color illustrations, 10 color elevation profiles | paperback</span></p>