Switzerland is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, with its towering peaks, serene valleys, and charming alpine villages.

This guide can help you make the most of your exploration in the stunning Bernese Oberland. Find out what to visit, where to stay and how to get around.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, it offers a resource covering top destinations, practical tips on transportation and where to base your trip in the Oberland, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

Where is the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland

Bernese Oberland is located in the middle of Switzerland.

This region is known for its picturesque villages like Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken.

It offers hiking, skiing, and scenic mountain train rides with breathtaking views often seen on most social media.

It's a must-visit for lovers of Swiss landscapes and adventure.

Lauterbrunnen: The Valley of Waterfalls

Staubbach Falls

One of Lauterbrunnen’s most iconic features is Staubbach Falls, a 300-metre-high waterfall cascading down the cliffside.

It’s particularly stunning in summer when sunlight creates a misty rainbow effect.

Take the short hike to a viewpoint behind the falls for a unique perspective of the falls.

Trümmelbach Falls

Hidden within the cliffs of Lauterbrunnen Valley, Trümmelbach Falls showcases a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls thundering inside the mountain.

The falls is accessible by tunnels, stairs, and pathways.

Trummelbach Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that demonstrates the raw power of nature as 20,000 litres of water per second tumble through the caverns.

Lauterbrunnen Valley Trail

Lauterbrunnen valley trail is a gentle trail that winds through the valley floor, passing by alpine meadows, grazing cows, and waterfalls.

It’s a perfect way to experience the beauty of Lauterbrunnen at a leisurely pace.

Enjoy a picnic along the way in this fairy tale-like setting.

Other Activities in Lauterbrunnen

• Paraglide Over the Valley

• Relax at Lauterbrunnen Church

• Explore the Valley by Bike

• Take a Helicopter Tour

  
  

Grindelwald: Gateway to Adventure

Grindelwald First

Grindelwald First is know for its stunning alpine views and exciting outdoor adventures.

Ride the gondola to the top, where you can hike to Bachalpsee, walk the thrilling First Cliff Walk, or try the First Flyer zip line.

In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

Lake Bachalpsee

Take a scenic 2 hour hike to Bachalpsee from First and enjoy a peaceful day by the lake.

Perfect for picnicking, photography, and soaking in the beauty of the Swiss Alps, this area caters to both adventure seekers and those in search of tranquillity.

Männlichen

Männlichen offers sweeping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.

Once at the top, enjoy hiking trails connecting to Wengen and Grindelwald, or simply take in the panoramic vistas from the viewing platform.

In winter, Männlichen transforms into a skiing paradise.

Mannlichen is accessible via Grindelwald-Männlichen gondola cable car and the Wengen-Männlichen aerial cableway.

Eiger Glacier via Eiger Express Gondola

For an unforgettable experience, take the Eiger Express, a tricable gondola ride that takes passengers from the Grindelwald Terminal to the Eiger Glacier station

This modern cableway offers stunning views of the Eiger North Face and surrounding Alpine scenery, providing easy access to hiking and skiing areas near the famous glacier.

Gimmelwald: A Hidden Gem

Gimmelwald is a car-free village located at the end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, perched on a picturesque mountain terrace.

This tiny, untouched village offers a glimpse into traditional Swiss alpine life.

Wander through the village, admire the flower-filled chalets, and soak in the tranquillity.

Take the Cable Car to Allmendhubel

For a family-friendly adventure, take the funicular to Allmendhubel above Mürren.

Enjoy panoramic views, easy walking trails, and a fun Flower Park for children.

Ride the Schilthorn Cable Car to Piz Gloria

Experience the Schilthorn cable car to Piz Gloria, where scenes from the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service were filmed.

Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views, dine in the revolving restaurant, or challenge yourself on the "Thrill Walk."

Mürren and Wengen

Mürren and Wengen are two picturesque car-free villages nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, perfect for both adventure and relaxation.

Hike to Mürren

The trail to Mürren winds through forests and alpine meadows, offering jaw-dropping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Explore Wengen

Visit Wengen in summer for stunning hikes or in winter for world-class skiing. The annual Lauberhorn ski race attracts top athletes from around the world.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a popular destination in the Bernese Oberland, featuring shops and convenient train connections to other parts of Switzerland.

Lake Brienz and Lake Thun

Both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun offer stunning alpine views.

Enjoy boat cruises or kayaking on Lake Brienz, known for its crystal-clear waters, or explore charming towns along Lake Thun’s shores.

Brienz Rothorn Bahn

Hop on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn, a historic cogwheel railway, for unforgettable views and hiking trails.

Harder Kulm

Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm, known as the “Top of Interlaken.”

Enjoy stunning views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz, making it the perfect spot for sunset photography.

Alpine Garden in Schynige Platte

Take a vintage cogwheel train to Schynige Platte, home to an impressive alpine garden with over 600 species of native plants and breathtaking mountain views.

Canyoning in Saxeten Gorge

If you’re an adventure lover, canyoning in Saxeten Gorge is exhilarating. Navigate narrow gorges and abseil down waterfalls with local guides ensuring a safe experience.

Jungfraujoch: The Top of Europe

Jungfraujoch

Ride the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.

Explore the Ice Palace, take in stunning glacier views, and visit the Sphinx Observatory.

For a memorable journey, take the train to Kleine Scheidegg and switch to the Jungfrau Railway. On your return journey, get of at the first stop Eiger Galcier Station and take the scenic Eiger Express gondola to Grindewald Terminal.

Winter Sports in the Jungfrau Region

Visit in winter to experience some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Jungfrau Ski Region, which includes Wengen, Mürren, and Grindelwald.

Where to Base Yourself in the Bernese Highlands

These villages are conveniently connected to each other via cable car, train, and bus, making it easy to explore the Bernese Oberland.

Depending on your travel style, you might prioritise convenience, parking, views, breathtaking landscapes, or sticking to a budget. Find the best area based on your preferences!

Interlaken: The Central Hub

Interlaken is an ideal base for most travellers, especially for first timers or if staying for a short period, three days or less.

Interlaken serves as a convenient gateway to other Swiss cities, making it easy to explore the region.

Lauterbrunnen: Be Surrounded With Towering Nature

Lauterbrunnen is my ideal base in the Swiss Alps.

Surrounded by towering mountains and just minutes from Staubbach Falls, it offers excellent transport access to nearby villages via train, cable car and bus and only 20 minutes ride away from Interlaken

The village also have car parking for convinience. They also have a hostel and camping ground for budget friendly trips

Recommended Accommodations:

• Camping Jungfrau (budget-friendly and camping)

• Hotel Staubbach (charming family-run hotel)

  
  

Mürren or Wengen: For Stunning Mountain Views

Basing yourself in Mürren or Wengen offers stunning mountain views of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau along with access to hiking trails and ski slopes.

Bear in mind that these villages are car free village, you can park at Lauterbrunnen and make your way to Murren or Wengen.

Gimmelwald: A Hidden Gem

Gimmelwald, another car-free village, with traditional Swiss charm and fewer tourists. Stay here for a more intimate connection with nature.

The Best Way to Get Around Switzerland

Transportation and Passes

If you are visiting mostly the Bernese Oberland area, consider an Oberland Pass. It provides unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats in the region, making your journey more convenient.

If you're planning to visit other Swiss cities like Lucerne, St. Moritz, or Zurich, consider a Swiss Travel Pass combined with the Swiss Half Fare Card to maximise your benefits.

Tips for Using Swiss Transportation

Plan Ahead: Use the SBB website or app for real-time schedules and route planning.

Reservations: Recommended for popular scenic routes and during peak seasons.

Luggage Drop: Many train stations offer luggage storage services.

Etiquette Tip: Always let people exit before boarding any form of transport.

If you are driving, consider staying in Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or Interlaken for easy access to the beautiful attractions of the Bernese Oberland.

Weather Tips for Your Adventure

The weather in the Alps can be unpredictable, even in summer. Check live weather updates before heading out.

If you are already at the top of the mountain and visibility is poor, consider waiting, as clouds can clear quickly.

Until Next Time!

Happy exploring, and may your travels be as awe-inspiring as the mountains themselves.