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Bärentrek

Bärentrek — the trail guide

The Bärentrek is a 111.9 km trek in Switzerland, typically walked in 5-8 days, with 7497 m of total ascent. It rates Extreme on our published rubric (67 m of gain per km, topping out at 2768 m).

The Bärentrek (Bear Trek) crosses the Bernese Oberland beneath the legendary north faces of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. This demanding multi-day route links Meiringen to Adelboden via high passes, traditional mountain villages, and spectacular glacial viewpoints. The trail passes through some of Switzerland's most dramatic alpine scenery, with well-placed mountain huts enabling comfortable staging.

Quick facts

Distance111.9 km
Total ascent7497 m
Typical duration5-8 days
Difficulty (computed)Extreme
Steepness67 m gain per km
High point2768 m
CountrySwitzerland
RegionSwitzerland

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Extreme" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 598 m · high point 2768 m · 7497 m total ascent over 111.9 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 605 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan6°-2°167 mm
Feb8°-1°124 mm
Mar10°1°147 mm
Apr13°3°164 mm
May17°7°227 mm
Jun23°12°211 mm
Jul24°14°247 mm
Aug24°14°202 mm
Sep20°11°166 mm
Oct17°7°154 mm
Nov11°3°138 mm
Dec8°0°155 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bärentrek?

The Bärentrek is 111.9 km, and most hikers complete it in 5-8 days. Total elevation gain is 7497 m.

How difficult is the Bärentrek?

It rates Extreme on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 67 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 2768 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Bärentrek is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Bärentrek?

In Switzerland. The route starts near 46.725, 8.191 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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