Column Kate Parkyn
Summer Holidays 2020 – Spotlight on Switzerland: hiking and cycling in the stunning Bernese Oberland
Where do you stand on the Great Summer Holiday 2020 Question?
I think that many of us had almost given up on the idea of our usual spot of Summer holiday escapism? However recent activity indicates that many people have decided to take this opportunity to explore a bit more of their wider “back garden”.
Hiking and Cycling in the Bernese Oberland
With that in mind over the next 6 weeks we are going to explore different types of holidays right here in this amazing country that we are fortunate enough to call home. Starting with an idea for an active hiking and cycling holiday in the stunning Bernese Oberland where you can enjoy the freedom of cycling and hiking with no luggage! Secure in the knowledge that it will be waiting for you at each of your hotels. How perfect is that?
World Heritage Site Castle of Spiez – credit photo Enrique Lopez Garre
Just some of the sights you will experience along the way are world famous Gstaad, the stunning Simmental Valley, The Riviera of Lake Thun, the Swiss Heritage Site of Spiez Castle, The Hikers Paradise that is Grindelwald, The Mighty Mountain trio of The Eiger, The Mönch and The Jungfrau (worth the trip alone), the car free wonderland of Wengen and The waterfall rich Lauterbrunnen Valley. What more could you possibly want from a Summer adventure?
Lauterbrunnen credit photo Image par nextvoyage de Pixabay
Maybe a spot of luxury & gastronomy? Phew, this trip has it all covered.
Day 1: After making your way to Gstaad, on the train of course, no traffic & no delays means more time to concentrate on easing yourself into your vacation. On arrival check into the 5* Chalet Style Wellness and Spa Hotel Ermitage and indulge in a welcome aperitif and a 5 course dinner which will surely set you up nicely for the week ahead.
Day 2: After getting your E-Bike fitted, drop your bags off and cycle 45km, mainly downhill, from Gstaad to Spiez. Highlights include the Simmental Valley, the small Romantic Castle of Spiez which is situated on the shore of the impossibly deep blue Lake Thun, which is the only lake entirely located in the canton of Bern. Enjoy a 4 course dinner at the 4* superior Hotel Eden.
Credit photo Photosforyou on Pixabay
Day 3: Take a leisure day to relax or enjoy the many activities in the picturesque town of Spiez. In the afternoon, the private boat owned by your next hotel – the Wellness & Spa Hotel Beatus Merligen, will collect you for a trip across Lake Thun and your next 5 course gourmet dinner and overnight stay.
Day4: Get back on your E-Bike to pedal the approx 31 km to Grindelwald at the foot of the Eiger! You will undoubtedly enjoy the lakeside terrace & 5 course gourmet dinner of the 4* Kirchbuhl Hotel
Hike to the Bachalpsee, Grindelwald credit photo Image par Mark Pringle de Pixabay
Day 5: Time to lace up your hiking shoes to tackle the impressive and popular Eiger Ultra Trail to Wengen. Hiking time is approx. 5h30. Highlights of today include Kleine Scheidegg, Trummelbach Falls and then a 5 course buffet dinner at the final hotel of your tour, the 4* Beausite Park Hotel.
Niederhorn credit photo Image par Rene Staempfli de Pixabay
Day 6: Take time to relish in the incredible surroundings that you find yourself in when you are ready, take the train back home…. hmm…. or maybe extend your stay for a few more days?
Credit photo Csr_ch on Pixabay
You could even try a wellness break, stay tuned for more information next week…..
About the author:
Kate Parkyn runs a bespoke travel business with her husband Dave. Working to be an inspiration to her 2 children and passionate about family time, travel, adventure and all things outdoors, especially cycling, golf and yoga. She is an avid cook who loves to experiment and see how she can up the nutritional content of things we love to eat! Excited about providing her clients with first class customer service and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that everything is being taken care of. Contact her at 079 638 9752 CH and in UK: 01962 454 480 Email: go.supreme@notjusttravel.com, website https://gosupreme.notjusttravel.com/
