SWISS ALPS TREK
The Bernese Oberland

This is a challenging trip so you will need to have some previous hiking experience on different/steep terrains. You will need to:

• Have the ability to hike 15km along a trail with a backpack of around 10-15kg
• You will need to be able to hike up to1800m of elevation in one day
• The idea is to travel as light as possible so we’re not carrying huge backpacks.
• You need to be happy travelling in a group and have a good sense of adventure

Yes, travel insurance is a must. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance to cover you for all aspects this trip, including cancellation.

As told by your guide:

Hiking the beautiful rocky trails under the epic peaks of the Alps is quite something. After years of trekking and guiding in the Alps here is what I will pack for our 6-Day Swiss Alps Trek this August. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice explorer, proper packing is essential to enjoying multiple days on the mountain. With the convenience of staying in mountain huts, inns, and hostels along the route, I will opt for a lighter pack, focusing on essentials and leaving unnecessary weight behind. The past few summers In the Alps have been incredibly warm but I will always be prepared for a variety of weather as in the mountains you just never know. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to pack for your 6-day Alpine adventure:

Clothing

MOISTURE-WICKING T-SHIRTS

2/3x Lightweight, breathable tops to keep you dry and comfortable during the trek and to change to in the evening after the hike. I will take a mix of Merino and quick-drying T-shirts, long and short-sleeved.

INSULATING LAYERS

A Fleece jacket or lightweight insulated jacket for warmth during chilly evenings and windy cols. Having a thin layer to add on when hiking in the morning, and something extra to add on when we stop for lunch. I will take a thin fleece layer and an insulated jacket ( Arc’teryx delta fleece and a Patagonia Micro Puff)

SHORTS, LEGGINGS OR HIKING TROUSERS

Ideally, I spend all summer in shorts, but I will also pack a pair of thin hiking leggings for the evening and cooler days. Hike in what you are comfortable in.

WATERPROOF LAYERS

Essential for protection against rain, wind, and unexpected weather changes. I will pack a thin pair of waterproof trousers which rarely get used and a waterproof jacket. (Decathlon rain pants & Fjallraven EcoShell)

COMFORTABLE HIKING BOOTS/TRAIL SHOES

Worn in boots/shoes for traction and stability on rugged terrain. I will spend all summer in my trail shoes as I prefer them to boots because they’re light and breathable. The best option is always the pair you are used to.

MOISTURE-WICKING SOCKS

  I will pack 3 pairs of quick-drying socks to keep your feet dry and blister-free. It’s really important to look after your feet and if you feel a hotspot to treat it right away with Compeed or similar.

SUN PROTECTION

 A wide-brimmed hat (I’m a big fan of a bucket hat), sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield against the strong Alpine sun. We spend a lot of time out in the sun and it’s really important to protect yourself.

GLOVES, BEANIE AND A BUFF

Lightweight gloves and a beanie for warmth during chilly mornings and evenings, they are small  items but can make a big difference if the weather drops.

Gear

LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK 45-55L

Opt for a comfortable, well-fitted backpack with enough capacity for your essentials. Tests that it all fits in well with 1.5l of water before heading out.

SLEEPING BAG LINER

A lightweight sleeping bag liner for added warmth and cleanliness in mountain huts.

WATER BOTTLE/ BLADDER

You will need to carry a minimum of 1.5l a day to stay hydrated on the trail with a durable, refillable water bottle/bladder. Some days you can’t always refill en route.

TREKKING POLES

I highly recommend using hiking poles. They provide stability and support, especially on steep ascents and descents and save your knees for all those future adventures.

HEADLIGHT & MULTI TOOL/KNIFE

The headtorch is useful for having in the mountain huts and its always handy to have a multi-tool or a knife. Even if it’s just used to cut some delicious alpine cheese.

First Aid Kit

A basic FA kit which includes basic supplies such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and blister treatment. If you join one of our guided trips then your guide will carry a full first aid kit but it is always good to have some of your own supplies.

Toiletries and Personal Care

TRAVEL-SIZED TOILETRIES

Pack essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, moisturiser in small containers

QUICK-DRY TOWEL

Lightweight and compact, ideal for drying off after a shower or a dip in one of the stunning alpine lakes

Other

MAP AND COMPASS (OR GPS)

Ensure you have navigation tools to stay on course, especially in remote areas.

CASH AND ID

Carry sufficient cash for purchases in mountain huts and hostels, along with identification documents. Some take cards but it’s always good to have some cash just in case.

SNACKS

Super important for keeping you going throughout the day, especially those long climbs! I’m a big Colin the Catapillar and Medule dates fan!

A list of gear that will be needed for the trip. This basic list is essential so let us know if you don’t have everything and we can help. The idea is to travel light so we can move a bit faster. A way to do this is to clean your t shirts/socks when you have a shower each day. The weather is often warm enough to easily dry it for the next day.

Head Neck

• Cap/ bucket hat
• Sunglasses
• Buff – Neck warmer
• Upper Body
• Waterproof Jacket
• Thin insulated jacket
• Fleece/ mid layer
• T- shirt x2 (x1 for hiking in
• x1 for evenings)
• Thin gloves
• Legs
• Waterproof trousers
• Underwear x2-3
• Swimwear
• Shorts for hiking

Feet

• Trail shoes/ hiking boots
• Socks x2
• Hygiene
• Personal hygiene items &
• medication
• Clothes washing gel
• Soap – Biodegradable
• Suncream
• Camping Towel

Gear

• 30-40l backpack
• Water bottle/Camel back
• Sleeping bag (thin)
• Headlight
• 1.5l Water bottle/Camel back

At Adventuress in the Wild our mission is to support women working in the adventure industry, as we realise the empowering impact they are making on the women that they lead.

What makes this trip so special is that you will be led by Sophie Nolan, expert international wilderness guide and founder of Sidetracked Adventures. Sophie has spent years leading adventurers through remote mountain country.

This tour is operated by Sidetracked Adventures.

We will travel from inn-to-inn on this trip staying in different accommodations each night. We have tried to include the details of the room setup on the trip schedule but this may change due to availability. We will stay in a mix of hostels, mountain huts and hotels. Each will have showers, toilets, running water. In the hostels and hotels we will have shared twin/triple rooms. They will often have WIFI. The final hotel of the trip will often include a swimming pool with sauna so if you’d like to use this please pack your swim wear.

We will stay in a mix of hostels, hotels and mountain huts. We spend 2 nights in different mountain huts, one is a farm and is a small wood lodge set mid-climb up the valley with a beautiful view of the Jungfrau mountains. We will sleep in a 8-bed dorm room here. We will have a 4-course dinner with the whole hut and have a chance to have a shower. The next mountain hut is at our highest point of the trip 2800m. It is a larger hut with lots of hikers and climbers using it. We will stay in a larger dorm with possibly 20 people on bunk beds. We will have a 3-course meal altogether. The atmosphere is always really special in these huts. Then we finish in a fancy hotel on the final night with a pool and a sauna.

Your guide will meet you in Gimmelwald on the first day of the trip at 4pm. Here we will go through the plan for the week, and head out for dinner together (not included)

You’ll finish the trip in Kandersteg on the final day after breakfast and you are free to leave anytime on the final day of the trip as there are no activities planned after breakfast.

The most environmentally friendly option is by train. It would be a beautiful journey into the Swiss mountains.

Zurich – 3.5 hr train to our meeting point

Geneva – 4.5hr train to our meeting point

(similar train times for the return journey from Kandersteg)

Arrival to Switzerland

Once you have booked your travel just drop us a message with your plans so we know when to expect you. We will be meeting at this hostel in Grindelwald Hostel.

Address: Terrassenweg 18

CH-3818 Grindelwald

Meet time: 4pm

The hostel is situated in a quiet, elevated position on the Terrassenweg, slightly above the village centre of Grindelwald at 1130 m above sea level. Directly in front of the house is the bus stop “Naturfreundehaus”

Train from Interlaken to Grindelwald (every half hour), Bus Nr. 122 from Grindelwald

railway station in direction of Klusi / Bodmi to the stop “Naturfreundehaus” directly in front of our doors; with the guest card you travel free with all local buses.

Last departure from Grindelwald railway station 18.44 

The hostel can be reached by foot in approx. 15 minutes from Grindelwald station (signposted) -> steep ascent. Any problems just send us a message and we can help organise your travel.

The weather in Switzerland in the summer is often glorious sunshine. We have spent the last 3 summers hiking in just sorts and t-shirts with very little rain. That being said we are in the mountains so you will need to be prepared for colder temperatures and rain. It ranges from 15-35 degrees in the summer.

You will be hiking with your own gear on this trip.

We will fill our water up from the accommodation in the morning and on most hikes, there are water fountains where we can refill or mountain huts where we can buy water from. You should be equipped to carry at least 1.5l.

We provide breakfast and lunches each day and 2 evening dinners when we are in the mountain huts. The breakfasts will be served in the accommodation, these will be continental style. For lunches, we will prepare sandwiches and lunches in the morning before we head out. You will need to supply your own snacks each day.

6-7 women

It will work in most places where we stay, some of the lower valleys we may lose signal. 

Yes you can do this in all the accommodations we stay in.