With the highest peaks, the grandest glaciers and the most charming Alpine villages, the Bernese Oberland is a region of superlatives. Located to the south of Bern, the Swiss capital, and home to more than its fair share of glittering lakes, famous resorts and towering viewpoints, this is a place where dramatic vistas and epic natural features lift the spirits to heights as soaring as the area's mountaintops.
With such striking scenery, it’s little surprise that there are seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits here, no matter the season. The Bernese Oberland is, after all, the birthplace Alpine ski resorts, , and home to many miles of pristine pistes, from the ritzy glamour of Gstaad to the dramatic, World Cup race-worthy flanks of the Eiger and the Jungfrau. In the warmer months, it’s nearly impossible not to be drawn to the lush green valleys that are revealed when the snow melts, whether hiking along trails, taking refreshing dips in Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, or simply drinking in the picture-postcard views.
The Bernese Oberland is divided into various sub-regions, and two to make a special note of are the thrilling heights of the Jungfrau Region and the buzzing lakeside cities of Interlaken. The Jungfrau Region is centred around three majestic peaks – Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau – and five charming villages: Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Haslital, Wengen and Mürren, where an air of peace and tradition pervades. Some of the villages are car-free, making it easy to soak up the abundant natural beauty – and difficult to believe you’re within easy reach of some of Switzerland’s most famous cities.
A visit to the region would be incomplete without ascending to the icy reaches of Jungfraujoch. Also known as ‘The Top of Europe’, this sky-high spectacle is covered in snow all year round, with an ice palace to explore, a glacier to trek across and the highest train station in Europe to marvel at. For 007-worthy thrills, head to Schilthorn-Piz Gloria, captured memorably in the 1969 Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. On a clear day here, you can see as far as the Mont Blanc massif and Germany’s Black Forest, before toasting the view in the world’s first revolving mountain restaurant.
Keen walkers are also well served in the Jungfrau Region, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the notorious Eiger north face on the Eiger trail or take a ride on the steepest open funicular in Europe at the beginning of the Gelmersee circular hike. Cyclists will relish the chance to try the Bachalpsee Loop, which starts with a fierce ascent from Grindelwald, made more than worth it by knockout views of Lake Bachalp and a smooth, exhilarating descent through meadows and woods.
Interlaken, as the name implies, is surrounded by water, with the deep sapphire sparkle of Lake Thun to one side and the tropical turquoise hue of Lake Brienz to the other. Surrounded by gentle hillsides, picturesque villages and snow-capped peaks, the mirror-smooth waters are certainly something to behold from the shore, but it’s even better to board a boat for a day of cruising. Another day trip with plenty of old-world appeal is taking the traditional mountain railway to Schynige Platte, where the Alpine gardens and sun-dappled scenes blend wonderfully with the dramatic heights of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Alongside the charm, Interlaken also offers high-octane thrills. It has even been called the adventure capital of Europe, with paragliding, river rafting, kayaking, canyoning, stand-up paddle boarding and jet boating added to the usual Swiss summertime pursuits of hiking and cycling. A great starting point for a trip in the region is Thun; considered the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, this city combines a bustling atmosphere with fairy-tale charm. The scenic bay of Spiez is another good starting spot, with a historical castle and vineyards producing traditional Swiss wine adding cultural intrigue to the aquatic adventures on offer on Lake Thun.
It looks all the better in the knowledge that this timeless land is being protected by Switzerland Tourism’s ‘Swisstainable’ movement, which builds upon the country’s considerable green credentials. These include hydroelectric power, the expansion of public transport and a commitment to becoming climate neutral by 2050.
Find out more about the Bernese Oberland here.
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