Snowshoeing in the Bernese Oberland: The best routes

Winter is here, and with it, the perfect time for snowshoeing in the Bernese Oberland . If you love snow underfoot, crisp mountain air, and views of majestic peaks, you've come to the right place. Far from the hustle and bustle of the ski resorts, the Bernese Oberland offers tranquil trails, breathtaking landscapes, and routes for all abilities – from leisurely beginner loops to challenging day hikes at altitudes of over 2,000 meters.

In this article, we present the 8 best snowshoe tours in the Bernese Oberland – with detailed information on elevation gain, duration, difficulty, and highlights. You'll learn which tours are suitable for families, where to find alpine challenges, and what you should consider regarding equipment and safety . Included are classics like the trail from Sunnbüel to Daubensee , the tranquil loop around Lauenensee – and insider tips like the winter tour to the Axalphorn .

• Introduction & Planning for Snowshoeing in the Bernese Oberland
• The best snowshoe tours for beginners
• Snowshoeing for advanced hikers: Challenging routes
• Winter hikes around Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen
• The most beautiful snowshoe trails in the Jungfrau Region
• Equipment & Safety for Snowshoeing
• Comparison: Which trail suits you?
• Common Mistakes & Professional Tips
• FAQ: Your questions about snowshoeing in the Bernese Oberland
• Conclusion: Discover snowshoe adventures in the Bernese Oberland

Introduction & Planning for Snowshoeing in the Bernese Oberland

Why snowshoeing in the Bernese Alps?

Few regions combine alpine scenery with tranquil accessibility as well as the Bernese Oberland. From the UNESCO-protected Jungfrau Region to secluded heights above Lake Brienz, you'll find ideal conditions for snowshoeing . Instead of trudging through the noise of ski slopes, you'll trek through snow-covered forests, past frozen lakes, and with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Many trails are accessible by public transport and offer varying levels of difficulty – perfect for day trips or long winter weekends.

Best time to travel and typical weather conditions

The optimal time is between January and March . In lower-lying areas, there is often enough snow from the end of December. Above an altitude of about 1,500 m, you can frequently expect excellent conditions until mid-March. A particularly attractive feature: the stable high-pressure system in February often brings sunny, clear days – ideal for winter hiking.

Tour planning and route selection depending on experience level

Those venturing out with snowshoes for the first time are best advised to start on marked trails – such as the Lauenensee loop or the Hohwald-Tschuggen Trail . More experienced snowshoe hikers have a wide selection of alpine routes with elevation gains between 500 and 1000 meters – including Grimmifurggi or the Axalphorn . For all tours: check the avalanche conditions, mark your route, and always carry safety equipment!

Typical regions for snowshoeing

• Jungfrau Region (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen)
• Lötschental
• Saanenland / Gstaad
• Diemtigtal
• Hasliberg & Lake Brienz

The best snowshoe tours for beginners

Hohwald–Tschuggen Snowshoe Trail (Beatenberg)

This short, well-marked route above Lake Thun is ideal for beginners and families. You start at Hohwald and hike up about 250 meters in altitude through the snow-covered forest to the viewpoint at Tschuggen. There, a spectacular view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau awaits you.

• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Elevation gain: 250 m
• Starting point: Hohwald near Beatenberg
• Special feature: Family-friendly, marked circular trail

Sunnbüel – Arvenseeli – Daubensee (Kandersteg)

A classic hike in the Gemmi Pass area. You start by taking the train from Kandersteg to Sunnbüel and hike across the plateau past the frozen Arvenseeli lakes to Daubensee. It gets particularly picturesque here – when the sun shines, the ice sparkles blue!

• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Elevation gain: approx. 350 m
• Starting point: Sunnbüel mountain station
• Special feature: Extensive terrain – low avalanche risk

Circular tour on the Hasliberg (Meiringen)

From the Bidmi mountain station, a comfortable circular tour awaits, offering a unique panorama of the Wetterhorn and the Rosenlaui glacier. The route is marked, mostly well-tracked, and therefore ideal for families and beginners.

• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
• Elevation gain: approx. 250 m
• Starting point: Bidmi (cable car from Meiringen)
• Special feature: Pure panorama, easy access

Lauenensee circular tour (Gstaad – Saanenland)

A gentle introduction to snowshoeing: From the parking lot or by bus, you can reach Lake Lauenensee and hike along the marked trail around this frozen natural gem. Ideal on clear days!

• Duration: 2.5–3 hours
• Elevation gain: 300–400 m
• Starting point: Lauenensee parking lot
• Special feature: Peaceful winter fairytale, easy orientation

tour	Length of time	Elevation gain	Starting point	Highlight	Safety / Marking
Hohwald–Tschuggen	1.5–2 h	250 m	Hohwald	View of the Eiger	Marked trail
Sunnbüel – Daubensee	2–3 h	350 m	Sunnbüel	Frozen lakes	Well signposted
Hasliberg circular tour	1.5–2.5 h	250 m	Bidmi	Wetterhorn view	Family-friendly
Lauenensee	2.5–3 h	300–400 m	Lauenensee	Peaceful winter landscape	Easy navigation

Snowshoeing for advanced hikers: Challenging routes

Snowshoe hike to the Stockhorn (Erlenbach)

An impressive mountain tour with over 800 meters of elevation gain. From the starting point at the Chrindi mountain station (accessible by cogwheel train), the route ascends the steep west face to the summit. You'll be rewarded with a stunning 360° panorama of Lake Thun, the Bernese Alps, and the Swiss Plateau.

• Duration: 4–5 hours
• Elevation gain: 800–900 m
• Starting point: Chrindi
• Special feature: Frozen Hinterstockensee lake, top panorama

Grimmialp – Nidegg – Grimmifurggi

This route in the Diemtig Valley leads you through a magical, almost deserted mountain landscape. Especially in February, deep winter prevails here, and you can hike in seclusion through snow-covered forests and high plateaus.

• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Elevation gain: 500–600 m
• Starting point: Grimmialp
• Special feature: Hut at Furggi, avalanche safety guaranteed

Axalphorn snowshoe tour (Lake Brienz)

A real insider tip: From the sunny village of Axalp, you hike up to the high plateau near the Axalphorn. The view over the turquoise Lake Brienz is unique, especially in late winter when visibility is clear.

• Duration: 4–5 hours
• Elevation gain: 700–800 m
• Starting point: Axalp above Brienz
• Special feature: Solitude, pure nature experience

Oeschinensee snowshoe tour (Kandersteg)

The tour leads from the Oeschinensee mountain station (accessible by gondola) across wide slopes to the idyllic lake. In winter, Oeschinensee freezes over – a perfect backdrop for photos and a rest stop against steep north faces!

• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Elevation gain: 600–700 m
• Starting point: Kandersteg mountain station – Oeschinensee
• Special feature: Popular photo subject, but not frequently visited