Walking in the Bernese Oberland

Book excerpt: Over 100 walking routes in the Bernese Oberland are described in this guidebook, suitable for all abilities from short flat walks to adventurous treks. Routes range from 2 to 24km in a region that boasts famous peaks such as the Eiger, Monch and the Jungfrau. But there are lesser-known mountains, too, that are just as scenically dramatic. Add to that the romantic valleys, lakes, flower-filled meadows and a network of mountain huts and rustic inns and you'll understand why the Bernese Alps seduce the hiker back year after year. The guide is divided into nine chapters: Haslital, Lutschental, Lauterbrunnental, Kiental, Kandertal, Engstligental, Ober Simmental, Lauenental and Saanental, with a regional focus around Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Gsteig and Meiringen, Kandersteg, Griesalp and others. The layout of this guide follows an east-west convention, beginning with the Haslital and working west from valley to valley as far as Col du Pillon below Les Diablerets. Additionally, the guidebook includes useful practical information on getting to and around the region, where to stay and how to prepare for a trip into the Bernese Alps.