300 kilometres - 20 stages
The ViaBerna is an attractive long-distance hiking path in the Swiss Canton of Bern. With its 20 panoramic stages, the ViaBerna runs from Bellelay in the Bernese Jura through the Mittelland to the Susten Pass in the Bernese Oberland. This 300-kilometre hiking trail gently leads hikers across the Jura enchanting alpine grasslands, mysterious moorland, wild valleys, narrow canyons and astonishing flood plains, while the high-altitude trails offer unforgettable awe-inspiring views over the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.
The ViaBerna project is underpinned by Berner Wanderwege together with different partner organisations. With around 14’500 members, Berner Wanderwege is the largest association in the Canton of Bern and the biggest hiking organisation in Switzerland.
Leading Quality Trails (LQT)
The Leading Quality Trails certificate guarantees that ViaBerna meets the high LQT quality standards for European walking trails and the ViaBerna is the first trail in Switzerland to hold such certificate. A varied gastronomy offer involving regional products, special accommodation options and dedicated luggage transfer along the trail complete the versatile offer by ViaBerna.
Bernese Jura - 5 days
Embraced by the vertical walls of the Combe Grède, hikers can be taken by a feeling of isolation while challenging the demanding path up to the summit of the Chasseral. However, once at the top the breathtaking panorama a surreal peaceful feeling become absolutely real. The route continues via the Ende der Welt in Magglingen before plunging into the sparkling Taubenloch gorge. The many peaks and valleys of the Jura make the first stages of the ViaBerna an unforgettable experience.
Mittelland - 6 days
«Nume nid gsprängt! (take it easy, in Bernese dialect) is what they say here. This trail shows the leisure side of the canton and, in fact, when walking over the covered wooden bridge into medieval Aarberg there is the feeling that time stopped here: around Wohlensee lake even the normally fast-flowing Aare river slows down and the bears are not disturbed at all hikers.
Gäng e chly hü! (let's keep walking, in Bernese dialect) on the way up from Lake Thun to the cosy town of Aeschi, where the hiking trail ends in a perfect harmony with nature.
Bernese Alps - 9 days
There is certainly no shortage of spectacular passes in the Bernese Oberland. The Rengglipass (>1’800 m.) is almost unknown to most people but the turquoise-blue of Lake Brienz makes the start of this hiking-week an authentic experience. The path continues through Lobhörner, followed by a unique panoramic tour in Schynigen Platte, First, Grosse Scheidegg, then a short break in the idyllic Rychenbach Valley and a passage through Engstlenalp before ending at the Susten Pass.
Entire Trail - 20 days
The ViaBerna leads from the idyllic small villages in the Jura to renown tourist centers. At first the isolated valleys and sharp ridges of the Jura frame Canton of Bern; then the Aare river flows through the fertile plateau to the capital of the Swiss Confederation, finally the peaks of the Oberland stretch upwards, forming a magnificent set to end the ViaBerna in the best way.
Services
Restaurants and accommodations
Along the ViaBerna there are numerous restaurants, shopping points and accommodation with various price ratios. An updated list can be found below.
List of restaurants and accommodations
Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer can be booked via Eurotrek, partner of ViaBerna. For more information:
Public transports
It is recommended to use public transports to reach the stages destinations. Timetable enquiries are available at:
