72625 posts
Hi Indigojaq and welcome to MySwissAlps!
Late June should be just fine for hiking in the Bernese Oberland. First, I can link a few information pages you may find useful on our site:
Bernese Oberland: what not to miss, the towns, how to travel
Hiking in the Swiss Alps information (with links for maps among other general information)
Here’s a good page for activity suggestions and a list if hikes in the BO area.
I have no personal experience in the area for ‘off the beaten path’ trails but I am sure other members do and will chime in! 🙂
I hope that helps get you started!
Lucas
15484 posts
Hi Indigojaq,
In late June you may just beat the largest crowds, but you will definitely not be alone. The Bernese Oberland is a large area. The Jungfrau Region is the most popular one. Other regions like the Simmen valley should be noticeably less crowded. An early start helps to avoid crowds, and longer and particularly more difficult trails will be quieter. All on average though. Sunny clear days will attract more people to all types of trails.
606 posts
Late June is a good time to visit the BO area, not too crowded.
For lots (50 pages) of detailed information on the region please see a document I’ve composed based on my (now) 19 trips to the region. Link at
http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/tips-about-wengen-and-the-jungfrau-region-by-kim
72625 posts
You expressed an interest in less busy trails so here is an idea for you!
As your trip is based in the Bernese Oberland, an unusual hike/walk can be made from Brienz, if you make your way there first. Take the Postbus from next to the rail station to Axalp (you can find bus times from sbb website). The bus ride is fun – twisty and narrow road.
Get off at the terminus and make a note of the times of return buses! Look for a carving of a hiker pointing to the trail to the left then simply follow that trail – it is called Schnitzerweg (German for carver way) – there are carvings all along the trail which leads down to a small lake. there are fine views over Brienz at the early part of the walk before it goes through the trees.
Students from the wood-carving college in Brienz did these carvings after a storm damaged a lot of the trees so they turned them into something beautiful/interesting.
It is not a difficult trail but will not be crowded and will certainly be a bit different! Take a camera to take photographs of the carvings. You return by the same route. There are two places to eat near the bus stop if you need refreshments before catching you bus back to Brienz.
Maggie
72625 posts
Thanks, Kim. This is supremely helpful. The section on hikes, especially. I will likely have questions for you as I get further in my plans! Thanks for taking the time to write it up and for directing me to it!
15484 posts
I still have to do that one Maggie. Sounds like fun and a hidden gem.
72625 posts
Great links and info, Thanks!
72625 posts
Since I’m an artist, I think I will especially like this hike! Thanks!
58 posts
Many thanks for this fabulous report Kim. It is very useful! We will spend 2 weeks in Wengen as a base to discover this marvellous region. Merci beaucoup!