Superb alpine trekking holiday adventure trekking with some easy climbing in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland. Close to the picturesque ski town of Kandersteg in Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland is one of the most impressive mountain groups in the entire Alps of Europe. This adventurous glacier-walking holiday makes a high-level trekking traverse of eastern section of the range with some easy climbing sections, amongst a collection of dramatic alpine peaks of the Bernese Oberland which includes the famous trilogy of Eiger (3970m/13,022ft), Monch (4099m/13,445ft) and Jungfrau (4158m/13,638ft). Our alpine walking route will negotiate high and rugged terrain, including the Aletsch alpine glacial system which has its heart at the junction of glaciers known as Konkordia. Trekking across several airy alpine mountain passes and overnighting in spectacularly situated Bernese Oberland refuges, we also make an ascent to the snow-capped summit of Abeni Flue (3962m/12,995ft). From this high vantage point, our climbing effort is rewarded with a magnificent alpine panorama that includes the Matterhorn, distant Mont Blanc and the stunning pyramidal peak of the Finsteraarhorn (4274m/14,019ft), the highest summit in the Bernese Oberland. This is an excellent walking holiday and an ideal introduction to glacier trekking and climbing easy Alpine peaks. This holiday can be combined with our Bernese Oberland Haute Route West to create a sensational complete traverse of the Bernese Oberland.

Day 1: Arrive in Kandersteg

The group will rendezvous at the hotel in Kandersteg, a pretty village situated under the the towering Bluemlisalp range of peaks. Here, you will be welcomed and made to feel at home. KE Land Only package services begin at 7.00 pm, with a briefing from the guide about the week ahead. This is also a chance for our guide to check out your clothing and gear. After this, it will be time to sit down to dinner. Overnight at the hotel. Meals included: Dinner (D)

Day 2: To the Mutthorn Hut

We make a transfer to the hamlet of Selden (2537m) in Gasteretal. From here, we walk up the valley to reach the Kanderfirn Glacier where we rope up and make the long and gentle climb up to the Mutthorn Hut. (2900m).This hut is situated on a rock island on a high glacial plateau, directly underneath the south face of the Gspaltenhorn. 6 to 7 hours of walking. 1400 metres of ascent. (B, D)

Day 3: Glacier crossing to Fafleralp

A short day today, as we ascend the Kanderfirn Glacier to reach the wide-open glacial terrain of the Petersgrat (3205m). Our route takes us across an indistinct col, which is difficult to locate if there is poor visibility. Beyond this pass, we descend the Talgletsher, via the south-west flank of the Chrindelspitza. A steep zig-zag trail leads us into the valley of Fafleralp (1787m). Here, there is an old refuge/hotel, with showers and an excellent restaurant service to look forward to. 4 to 5 hours of walking. 370 metres of ascent. 1350 metres of descent. (B, D)

Day 4: To the Hollandia Hut

Today’s walk takes us up the Lotschental Valley to the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Reaching the Langgletcher, we will say goodbye to the greenery of the lower valleys for several days. Roping up, we ascend across crevassed terrain to the Lotschenlucke and the Hollandia Hut (3240m). 8 to 9 hours walking. (B, D)

Day 5: Climb the Abeni Flue

Our objective today, is to climb the Abeni Flue (3962m), which marks the high point of the trek and also provides us with fantastic views of the Western Alps, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau, the Monch and the Finsteraarhorn. We then descend, via the Grosse Aletschfirn Glacier and cross Konkordia Platz (the largest glacial expanse in the Alps). The day’s finale is the impressive iron stairway to the Konkordia Hut (2850m). We will have earned a drink on the terrace. 8 to 9 hours walking. 900 metres of ascent. (B, D)

Day 6: To the Finsteraarhorn Hut

Descending the stairway in the morning is even more exciting! But, we do have a less taxing day ahead of us, as we trek easily up to the Grunhornlucke (3280m). Crossing this pass and the Fischergletcher beyond, we make a short ascent to the Finsteraarhorn Hut (3048m). Plenty of time to relax and enjoy this magnificent mountain location. After lunch we practice some crevasse rescue techniques, close to the hut. 4 hours of walking. 650 metres of ascent. (B, D)

Day 7: Gimsel Pass, transfer to Kandersteg.

We make an early start along a path that leads us down to the Fieschergletscher. Normally this is a dry glacier so we just need our crampons on to progress down it and to pass below the Rotloch (2843m). Often quite complex route finding is needed to get onto the next glacier – the Galmigletscher. We ascend this to the Studergletcher and a final section of uphill takes us to the Oberaarjoch (3216m). There are fantastic views down to the dam in the distance. An long and easy descent of the Oberaargletscher leads us to a good trail beside the reservoir of the Oberaarsee, where we find soil, grass and an amazing array of flowers. At the end of the lake, we cross the dam and head for a well earned beer at the hotel. Our transport will meet us here and transfer us to the train station at Oberwald, where we catch the train back to Kandersteg. Overnight at the hotel in Kandersteg. 7 hours walking. 630 metres of ascent. 950 metres of descent. (B, D)

Day 8: Services end after breakfast

The KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. (B)