Bernese Oberland Travel Guide

The magnificent Bernese Oberland region, recognized 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.

Gateway to the Bernese Oberland is the popular resort of Interlaken and 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. 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.