Best Places to Visit in Switzerland (Bernese Oberland Region)

Bernese Oberland is one of the most stunning natural habitats in the world. It is undoubtable, the best place to visit in Switzerland. Bernese Oberland is truly a paradise for the nature and hiking lovers. Filled with most Iconic Mountains in the Alps, calm and stunning turquoise blue lakes, unique Cogwheel trains experience, stunning green alpine meadows and picturesque little villages, makes it must visit place on Planet earth.

If you are confused between which part of Switzerland is the best, then the answer is obvious, its Bernese Oberland. It is full of unique shades of nature, picturesque views, scenic mountain trails, family adventure etc. There are so many wonderful places you can visit in Bernese Oberland region.

Bernese Oberland is the region of valley of Aare situated towards south of Bern and west of Luzern. The region is centered at picturesque town of Interlaken. Oberland is German word translated as Highland in English, Therefore, Bernese Oberland is also called as Bernese Highlands for obvious reasons.

If you want to explore different shades of nature in Bernese Oberland, the summer is the best time to explore the region. Therefore, this article is briefly focused on best things to do in Switzerland (Bernese Oberland region) during summer time.

We have divided this article into following 7 different section: -

• Best Mountain peaks in Switzerland (Bernese Oberland region)

• Best lakes to Visit in Switzerland (Bernese Oberland region)

• Best Villages to Visit in Switzerland (Bernese Oberland region)

• Best Swiss pass to Buy for exploring Switzerland (for Bernese Oberland region)

• Important Tips for visiting Switzerland (Especially Bernese Oberland region)

• Tips for Budget travelers for exploring Switzerland

• Where to stay in Bernese Oberland Region

So lets dive into the details.

Best Mountain peaks in Switzerland (Bernese Oberland region):

Bernese Oberland region is famous for its unique mountain Excursions. There are numerous mountain excursions you can try in Bernese Oberland. However, We have listed here the best and most scenic ones.

1. Jungfraujoch (Includes Eiger Glacier and kleine Scheidegg):

Jungfraujoch:

Jungfraujoch, also called as Top of Europe, is the highest mountain extrusion in Europe connected by train. It is definitely one of the best locations to visit in Europe. Jungfraujoch is basically a viewpoint cum cogwheel train station located between Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. Jungfraujoch has 360-degree panoramic viewpoint called Sphinx terrace which offers breathtaking views of longest glacier in Alps and wonderful panorama of alpine peaks. It also has the ice palace with some unique ice sculptures. You can find the snow all round year in the top platform of the glacier which makes it one of the most unique place to explore.

Eiger Glacier:

Eiger Glacier (Also called as Eigergletscher) is the second leg of Junfraujoch top. Eiger glacier is train station located at footstep of Eiger north face. It offers breathtaking views of Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch at one side and views of beautiful alpine meadows on the other. It is also a starting point of the scenic and adventurous trails during summer and ski paradise during the winter. It is recommended to experience the scenic trails of Junfrau Eiger walk and Eiger glacier to Kleine Sheidegg walk if you are visiting in summer season. The trails offers unforgettable views of mountain range and alpine meadows.

Klaine Scheidegg:

Klaine Scheidegg is the first leg of Jungfrujoch top. It is the starting point of Train that runs till Junfraujoch top and also the end point of the trains that runs from Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. Klaine Scheidegg is basically the train station nestled in the center of beautiful alpine meadows with some hotels and restaurants. Located at 2061 meters above the sea level, it offers marvelous views of Eiger north face, Jungfrau and Monch. Klaine Scheidegg is basically the center of fantastic scenic mountain trails such as Eiger trail, Junfrau Eiger Walk, Mannlichen walking trail etc.

How to Reach Junfraujoch, Eiger Glacier and Klaine Scheidegg:

By Trains:

It can be reached by trains from Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. The direct Cogwheel trains runs every day from Grindelwald as well as Lauterbrunnen till Klaine Scheidegg. From Klaine Scheidegg you need to change to another cogwheel train that takes you till the top (i.e. Jungfraujoch).

The Eiger glacier is intermediate train station between Klaine Scheidegg and Junfraujoch top. During your return journey from Junfraujoch top, you may get down at Eiger glacier the take scenic walk till the Klaine Scheidegg.

As a summary, if you want to reach Jungfraujoch from Interlaken by trains, then first you need to take train from Interlaken to either lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, then change to another train from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald to reach at Klaine Scheidegg, then again change to last train for final leg from Klaine Scheidegg to reach Junfraujoch top.

The overall train journey till the top is itself an amazing experience since it offers mesmerizing views of alpine mountains and beautiful landscapes.

By Gondola (Cable Car):

There are direct gondolas running from Grindelwald terminal station (which is a train station just before Grindelwald main train station) till the Eiger Glacier. However, to reach the Junfraujoch top, you need to change to the Cogwheel train at Eiger Glacier.

Also, from Eiger glacier, you can reach Klaine Scheidegg by train, or you can also choose to walk through beautiful alpine meadows.

The Gondola ride from Terminal stations till Eiger glacier also offers breathtaking views. You can also club the one-way journey by Gondola and return journey by trains to experience both angles of the journey.

2. Schilthorn – Piz Gloria

Schilthorn is located on the opposite of the Jungfraujoch separated by wonderful lauterbrunnen valley. It is widely known for shooting location of James bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.

Located at the 2970 meters, Schilthorn offers breathtaking 360-degree view of more than 200 peaks including Jungrau, Eiger, and Monch. The most unique experience at Schilthorn is its rotating restaurant which rotates at its own axis once in every 45 mins. If you are a fan of James bond, then you can follow James bond’s footsteps on 007 walk of fame.

Schilthorn is also heaven for hiking lovers. It offers numerous hiking trails including Summit ascent, North face trail, mountain view trail, flower trail etc.

The midway Gondola station “Birg” offers adventurous thrill walk through the skyline is one of the unique experience. The thrill walk is around 200 meters long pathway directly cantilevered from walls of rock massif filled with adventurous paths in between.

How to reach Schilthorn – Piz Gloria

Schilthorn can be reached by Gondola from Stechelberg Gondola station and also by combination of Train and Gondola from Lauterbrunnen.

Via Stechelberg valley station

From Interlaken, take train till Lauterbrunnen. From Lauterbrunnen, change to the bus from Lauterbrunnen to the Stechelberg valley station which is Gondola (cable car) station to reach Schilthorn.

Journey from Stechelberg to Schilthorn is 4 step Gondola journey (i.e. Stechelberg to Gimmelwald, Gimmelwald to Murren, Murren to Birg and finally Birg to Schilthorn).

Via Grütschalp and Murren

From Interlaken, take train till Lauterbrunnen and from Lauterbrunnen take combination of Cable car and narrow gauge train till Murren. The combination of Cable car and train journey is considered as one leg since the departure times of train and Cable are properly synchronized. From Murren train station you need to walk till Schilthorn Gondola station to catch Gondola till Birg. You need to change gondola at intermediate station Birg to reach at top of Schilthorn.

The route offers the scenic ride of narrow-gauge train through the breathtaking views.

3. Grindelwald First

Grindelwald first is another Peak in the Bernese Oberland that offers magnificent views and unique experiences. Grindelwald first is widely known for its different adventurous activities at the top that makes it ideal destination for Family adventure. The top of Grindelwald first offers mesmerizing views of mountains and the Grindelwald valley. The main attraction at the top is Tissot Thrill walk starts with the pathway cantilevered from walls of rock massif and the suspension bridge in between. The thrill walk ends at the viewing platform that offers mesmerizing views of Mountains overlooking Grindelwald valley.

The Grindelwald first is also an ideal location for hiking lovers. It offers some of the scenic trails through the alpine meadows including Trail to Lake Bachalpsee and most scenic trail of first to Schynige Platte. Click Here to download Map of Grindelwald first hiking trails.

The most unique experience at Grindelwald first is different adventurous activities including First flyer, first glider, First mountain cart and first trottibike. It is recommended to take a thrilling ride of either First flyer or first glider (or both if possible). You can also descend the mountain by combination of Mountain cart and Trottibike.

How to reach Grindelwald first:

Grindelwald first is connected by Gondola (Cable cars) from Grindelwald. If you are coming from Interlaken OST, then take direct train to the Grindelwald. Once you reach to the Grindelwald, you can walk for 10 minutes to reach Grindelwald Gondola station. You can also catch bus from Grindelwald train station till Grindelwald first Gondola station. The scenic Gondola ride to reach the top take around 40 to 45 Minutes.

4. Schynige platte:

Schynige Platte Also called as (Top of Swiss Tradition) is less famous but it something that you should not miss during your trip to Switzerland. It offers one of the best panoramic views and some of the best high elevation hiking trails. Located at elevation of 1967 meters, the Schynige Platte offers wonderful panorama of alpine peaks including stunning views of Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger on one side and breathtaking views of turquoise colored lake Brienz and lake Thun under the skyline on the other side. If you are enthusiastic of the natural floras then high elevation Alpine Garden will give you all the information about alpine floras you need.

Schynige Platte also offers different hiking trails suited for all tastes. The scenic Daube viewpoint trails passes through alpine garden offers beautiful views of lakes and peaks is something that you should not miss. If you want to experience best high elevation scenic trail then you should try the trail of Schynige Platte-Faulhorn-First which passes through oldest mountain hotel in Europe, beautiful alpine meadows and lake Bachalpsee. The trail takes around 6 hours, therefore, make sure you are wearing proper gears. You can also try other hiking trails like Loucherhorn Panorama trail, Oberberghorn panorama trail etc. Click here to download Map of Schynige Platte Hiking trails.

It is also a best place to visit with family and with kids. It offers the play area for kids with some slides.

How to Reach Schynige Platte:

Schynige Platte Can be reached by 100 years old cogwheel train from Wilderswill train station. Wilderswill station can be reached in 10 mins from Interlaken OST by bus or by trains. The cogwheel train takes around 45 Mins to reach at the top of Schynige Platte. The train ride is itself an amazing experience filled with dramatic landscapes and mesmerizing views.

5. Brienzer Rothorn:

Undoubtedly the best train ride in the Bernese Oberland region, the steam locomotive engine train journey offers breathtaking views of alpine Meadows and magnificent Lake Brienz. The trains journey is itself and unique experience since the trains are open coaches and allow you to feel the true beauty of nature while travelling. Brienzer Rothorn is one of the most scenic destinations in Bernese Oberland region and it is something that you should not miss. To get the panoramic view, you can go further up till 2350 meters elevation by cableway to the Sörenberg which is a biosphere listed in UNESCO world heritage sites.

Brienzer rothorn also offers numerous hiking trails to further explore the breathtaking views. The hiking is brienzer rothorn needs to have some basic gears like Hiking shoes, raincoats etc. Some of the scenic hikes in the brienzer rothorn are Brienzer Rothorn – Schönbühl – Turren (– Lungern), Brienzer Rothorn – Brünigpass, Brienzer Rothorn – Planalp, Planalp – Brienz, Brienzer Rothorn – Lättgässli – Chruterenpass – Planalp, Planalp – Mettli – Brienz, etc.

Click here to download the map of Brienzer rothorn hiking trails.

How to reach Brienzer Rothorn:

To get to the Brienzer Rothorn, you need to catch the steam locomotive train from Brienz train station. The steam locomotive train station is located next to the Brienz main train station. The Steam locomotive train journey from Brienz to Brienzer Rothorn takes around 1 hour. You can reach to Brienz from Interlaken OST by train, bus or ferries. The train journey takes around 25 Mins.

6. Harder Klum:

Harder Klum, also called as top of Interlaken, is Interlaken’s own mountain. Just 15 mins. funicular ride from Interlaken OST, Harder Klum offer fantastic panorama of Interlaken town, lake Brienz and lake Thun. It also offer breathtaking views of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains. It is recommended to visit Harder Klum during the sunset after the busy travelling day to relax and admire the views.

How to reach Harder Klum:

Harder Klum can be reached by Funicular that runs from Interlaken Ost train station. The ride takes just 15 mins to reach the top.

Best lakes to Visit in Switzerland (Bernese Oberland region): -

Lake Brienz: -

Lake Brienz or Brienzersee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. Its calm turquoise blue water, beautiful little villages around the coasts and spectacular views every corner make it a must visit location in Switzerland.

Lake Brienz is located in between Interlaken and Brienz. The best way to explore the lake is to take cruise boats from Interlaken or from Brienz and explore coastal villages and admire the calmness and beauty of Lake Brienz.

There are plenty of activities you can do in Lake Brienz from just swimming in the lake, kayaking through its calm water, soaking the sun around the lake, boat trip around the lake, just walk around the coast, just sit on a bench with a spectacular view and live in the moment. The lake is photogenic in every corner if you are fond of photography.

Lake Brienz also has some photogenic villages around the coast like Iseltwald, Brienz, Bonigen, Oberried, Niederried etc. Iseltwald is our personal favorite in all of them due its picturesque peninsula. It is also most photographed place of Lake brienz.

Lake Thun: -

Lake thun or Thunersee is another gem of Bernese oberland located in between towns Interlaken and Thun. Lake Thun is calm, romantic, scenic and perfect destination to spend some quality time with you loved ones. The best way to explore that lake are lake cruises. The lake is surrounded by beautiful and romantic villages. The Spiez is our favorite town of lake Thun which hosts the majestic castle and Romanesque church. The lake Thun is also surrounded by 5 majestic castles.

There are plenty of things to do in lake Thun. You can take a day trip and explore 5 castles by boat, experience the water sports, walk around the lake to admire the beauty of picturesque lake, swim and relax under the sun, explore romantic villages around the lake, etc.

The famous Beatus caves is also located on the coasts of Lake Thun near to Interlaken.

Know more about How to explore Thun.

Best Villages to Visit in Switzerland (Bernese Oberland region)

There are plenty of cute villages in Bernese Oberland region. We have mentioned here our top 5 picks ranked from number 1 to 5.

1. Lauterbrunnen:

The picturesque village of lauterbrunnen, nestled in valley and land of beautiful waterfalls is undoubtably one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. It is also a Central location for visitors heading to Junfraujoch and Schilthorn. The picturesque Staubbach fall is the main attraction of the Village. In fact, the Lauterbrunnen valley hosts around 72 waterfalls glittering through the edges of the mountains which makes it one of unique destination to explore.

2. Murren:

Murren is a mountain village located on the footsteps of Schilthorn at elevation 1638 meters from sea level. The village full of Swiss chalets, offers majestic views of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau overlooking the Lauterbrunnen valley. Murren is also a center for cable cars heading towards Schilthorn. The picturesque village is car free, but the electric vehicles are allowed to use in the village. Murren can be reached directly by Cable car from Stechelberg or by combination of Cable car and cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen.

3. Iseltwald

Iseltwald is definitely one of the most romantic villages in Switzerland. Being located on the peninsula of beautiful Lake Brienz, the village is one of the most photographic spots of Switzerland. The village surrounded by the turquoise blue water of lake Brienz is perfect place to spend the romantic day or two with your loved ones. The village is also ideal place for swimming in the clam water of Lake Brienz or for experiencing the water sports like Kayaking. Iseltwald can be reached either by Cruise Boats running from Interlaken or Brienz or by bus from Interlaken or by train from Interlaken.

4. Wengen:

Wengen is another mountain village located on the footsteps of Junfraujoch and kleine Scheidegg. Located at the elevation of 1274 Meters, the village offers mesmerizing postcard views of Lauterbrunnen Valley and surrounding alpine meadows. The village is full of Traditions Swiss chalets hosting tourist exploring the surrounding region.

The Village is directly connected by trains running from Lauterbrunnen to Klaine Sheidegg.

5. Grindelwald:

Grindelwald, also called as Eiger village, is another picturesque village surrounded by green meadows and Mountainscapes. It offers commanding view of Eiger north phase and Wetterhorn Mountain. Grindelwald is also a central town for tourists heading towards kleine Scheidegg, Junfraujoch and Grindelwald first. Due to the great atmosphere and picturesque location, the village is also a Cosmopolitan Holiday destination of Switzerland.

Grindelwald can be reached directly by trains from Interlaken.

Know more about Grindelwald at Grindelwald Travel Guide.

Best Swiss pass to Buy for exploring Switzerland (for Bernese Oberland region).

If you are planning to explore Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, then its always beneficial to buy a regional Pass dedicated for Bernese Oberland Region. You can buy this pass directly from the SBB website. You can buy regional pass for 3 days, 4 days, 6 days, 8 days and 10 days. The Bernese Oberland regional pass will cover almost all the mountain extrusions, however, only the tickets of Jungfraujoch top and Schilthorn are discounted with this pass. It will also cover all modes of public transport such as Bus, trains, boats, cable cars etc. Therefore, its is always recommend to buy Bernese Oberland regional Pass for exploring the region.

Important Tips for visiting Switzerland (Especially Bernese Oberland region):

1. Plan your trip based on the weather forecast. The rainy weather during the summer can ruin your trip since the views at the top will be blocked by the clouds.

2. Always wear hiking shoes for visiting Bernese Oberland region.

3. Always Carry raincoats or Poncho even weather forecast shows no rain.

4. Try to start your hike in the early morning to get the less crows and unique personalized experience.

5. Carry winter jackets also in summer if you are planning for a mountain excursion.

Tips for Budget travelers for exploring Switzerland (Bernese Oberland region): -

1. Book your accommodation in Advance since cheap deals gets full too quickly.

2. Buy Bernese Oberland regional pass if mountain Excursions are included in your Itinerary.

3. Don’t eat or buy anything at the mountain tops. The prices are comparatively higher at the mountain top. Instead carry some snacks with you.

4. Choose hostels or air BnB instead of hotels.

5. Try to cook your own food whenever possible.

6. Don’t shop in the small villages (such as Grindelwald, Murren, Lauterbrunnen etc.). Instead try to do your shopping in big towns or cities like Interlaken, Bern, Zurich etc.

Where to stay in Bernese Oberland Region:

Being the popular region of Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland offers multiple range of accommodations from budget to extreme luxury. However, we will focus on budget places here.

1. Always compare your deals on Skyscanner Hotels services. They have started their own hotel booking platforms in addition to flights. You can compare and seal the cheapest deal for booking your accommodation through Skyscanner. Click here to find your Accommodation in Bernese Oberland region.

2. Always book your accommodation in advance while planning a trip to Switzerland as cheap deals are not easy to get in Switzerland.

3. Don’t stay in main or famous towns such as Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Murren since hotels are costlier in this location. You can choose to stay in other less popular villages such as Wilderswil, Gsteigwiler, Gimmelwald etc.

4. Do your complete research on prices of different location through skyscanner hotels before making any booking. If you are lucky, you may end up getting cheap deals at great locations.

5. You can also try searching your accommodation in other lake side villages which are connected by trains or bus lines. You may end of getting cheapest deal with mesmerizing views of lakes.

6. Check out our detailed blog on How to find best budget Hotel in Europe for more information on booking budget accommodation.

We hope that this block will help you to plan your trip to Switzerland. If you have any question or need professional advice or support to plan you Itinerary or book a whole trip, then please let us know in the comment box or reach out to us from our enquiry page. We are happy to help you. Also, check out our other blogs here for information on budget travel in Europe.