Bernese Oberland Trail Running 

Run the Alps’ trail running tours of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland traverse some of the most famous mountain terrain anywhere in the Alps, if not the world. 

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Why run in the Bernese Oberland?

The scenery: Part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage area, you’ll run among some of the world’s most photographed mountains, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

The villages:  You’ll stay in picturesque villages nestled amongst these iconic peaks, including Wengen, Mürren, Kandersteg, and the famed mountain resort of Grindelwald.

The cuisine: You’ll stop at mountain huts and alp farms to sample local cheeses, röstis dinners and nut tortes.

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Run the Alps offers three trips in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland: 

_{Lead images: Kim Strom}

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Guided or Self-Guided?

Not sure which trip style is right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Guided Tours

• Led by licensed International Mountain Leaders who know the Alps inside out.
• Small groups, with built-in camaraderie and support on the trail.
• Everything is taken care of — from navigation to accommodations.
• Perfect if you enjoy meeting other runners and having a local expert by your side.

Self-Guided Tours

• Run at your own pace, with detailed route notes, maps, and GPX tracks in our app.
• Luggage transfer and accommodations arranged for you.
• On-the-ground support via our Whatsapp helpline if you need it.
• Ideal if you prefer flexibility and independence, but still want all the in-country logistics taken care of.
• For more information about our self-guided tours, check out this article.

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Why travel with Run the Alps?

• Local Experts: We focus exclusively on trail running trips to the Alps. Our team has lived, raced, and run here for years.
• Inclusive for All Levels: We have trail running vacations for every level of runner – and, on our guided tours, will never leave anyone behind.  
• Small Groups: Our guest-to-guide ratio is as good as, or better than, any other tour provider we know. It’s usually a maximum of 7:1, which allows us to give every runner the attention they deserve.
• Positive Impact: A portion of every trip supports our Net Positive initiatives.
• Beyond the beaten track: Unlike many tour companies, we don’t just offer tours to the busiest areas! Check out all our trips here.

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Planning your trail running vacation to the Bernese Oberland

Thinking about a trip to Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland? Here are the essentials to help you prepare:

When to Go

• June–early July: Quieter trails, cooler but typically stable weather.
• July–August: Best weather, but busiest season and can get hot!
• September: Cooler, quieter, beautiful autumn colors.

Gear
Lightweight trail shoes, layers for changing weather, hydration vest, and poles are recommended. A full packing list is included in your pre-trip materials.

Travel Logistics
Switzerland’s superb network of trains and buses make travelling to the Bernese Oberland incredibly easy. The closest airport is Zurich, which is a little over three hours away by train and bus. Geneva is around four and a half hours away. There are train stations in each airport, making for convenient transport to the region. Your tour package will include detailed information about traveling by Swiss public transport to the start and end of your tour.

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FAQs

How difficult is trail running in the Bernese Oberland?

The trails in the Bernese Oberland are, broadly speaking, often less technical than in Italy or France. If you’re new to the trail running world, consider starting with our Discover Tour. If you’re more experienced and have been trail running for a few years, check out our Classic Tour, or our longer Grand Bernese Oberland Traverse. For training resources head here.

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What kind of accommodations will I stay in?

On our Bernese Oberland trail running vacations, you’ll typically stay at 3 or 4* hotels or a well-appointed mountain inn. The Grand Bernese Oberland Traverse includes one night in a high-mountain hut for a true alpine experience.

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When’s the best time to run in the Bernese Oberland?

The best time to run in the Bernese Oberland is June–September. July and August bring the most stable weather, but also the most crowds.

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What’s the difference between guided and self-guided?

Guided trips are led by licensed International Mountain Leaders who support from arrival to departure. On self-guided trips we provide detailed route materials, luggage transfers, accommodations, and on-the-ground support via our Whatsapp helpline.

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Can I bring a non-running partner?

Yes! Non-running companions can join you. They can hike, sightsee, and enjoy the mountains alongside your Run the Alps adventure. Learn more here.

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Can I take part in a trail race in the Bernese Oberland?

There are plenty of great options for trail races near the Bernese Oberland. You can use our Alps Race Finder to find your perfect race. It may be possible to add a race to your itinerary. Please get in touch and we can discuss your options.

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For more general FAQs, click here.

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