
Grindelwald © swiss-image.ch
The magnificent Bernese Oberland region, recognised for the
impressive triple-peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau (the
Ogre, Monk and Maiden), is a major tourist area with resorts
boasting world-class winter and summer activities. It also features
one of the most popular tourist excursions in Switzerland, the
breathtaking cog railway to the Jungfrau Plateau. From here, the
highest station in the world, staggering views and ice caverns
within the glacier can be enjoyed.
Bernese Oberland is the most magnificent of the Alpine regions,
a concentration of the very best of Swiss scenery, with towering
snow-capped mountains, glaciers, pristine lakes and waterfalls,
meadows of edelweiss, pastures echoing with the tinkle of cowbells,
and typical wooden chalets with geranium-filled window boxes.
The gateway to the Bernese Oberland is the popular resort of
Interlaken, which is also the main transport hub of the region. An
extensive network of roads, mountain railways, funiculars, cable
cars and hiking trails link it to the other popular resorts in the
area, including the scenic ski village of Wengen, and Grindelwald,
the most established skiing and hiking centre in the region. The
Oberland's most glamorous resort and the place for glittering
socialites to be seen is the chic town of Gstaad, popular more for
its high society than for its skiing.
Although intensely popular during the skiing and hiking seasons,
the region is well equipped with a wide range of outdoor
activities, from the slopes to scenic lake cruises, and
accommodation ranging from fancy hotels to rustic lodges caters for
all visitors. The transport network is efficient and extensive,
integrating easy travel with many panoramic views of the stunning
scenery that makes the Bernese Oberland such a celebrated
sightseeing area. Travellers can take advantage of the Bernese
Oberland Pass, which provides unlimited transport by by bus, boat,
gondola, funicular and mountain train for a period of 7 to 15
days.