Tourist attractions and day trips in the Bernese Oberland

Roundabout journey

"Discover the Bernese Oberland within 1 day"

Engstligenalp

"Hiking area with a giant waterfall"

One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Switzerland can be found near the village of Adelboden. The Engstlige waterfalls (Engstligenfälle) can be seen from the valley as well as from the gondola that takes you from Unter dem Birg up to Engstligenalp. For an impressive face to face view of the waterfalls, however, you need to walk down the trail from Engstligenalp. Another reason for a trip to Engstligenalp is that the high plateau is particularly suitable for wheelchair users, people with baby buggies, and anyone who would like to take an easy hike in a beautiful high mountain landscape. You will have a view of the Wildstrubel mountain chain all the time. There is a restaurant on Engstligenalp, about 5 minutes on foot from the gondola station. You will reach Engstligenalp by gondola from Unter dem Birg near Adelboden. There is a parking lot at Unter dem Birg, which can also be reached by bus from Adelboden. Adelboden can be reached by bus from Frutigen.

Sillerenbühl

"A panoramic view of the hiking paradise of Adelboden"

You will reach Sillerenbühl after a pleasant gondola ride along forests and meadows and across the small river of Allebach. Sillerenbühl has a restaurant with a small playground, but above all it offers a great view of the friendly green landscape with its many trails. In the foreground, there are mostly meadows and some woods. In the background, there are bold rock peaks such as the Albristhorn as well as snow covered peaks such as Altels and the Rinderhorn. Sillerenbühl is a perfect starting point for all kind of hikes. There are short and easy trails, e.g. leading to the Hahnenmoospass, but also longer trails such as to Bergläger. From Adelboden, take the gondola up to Sillerenbühl. Adelboden can be reached by car or by bus from Frutigen. There is a large parking lot at the middle station of Oey.

Brienzer Rothorn

"A steam train to a beautiful viewing point"

From Brienz, old steam trains as well as modern trains leave for the Brienzer Rothorn (2,350 m, 7710 ft). The nostalgic steam trains bring a special atmosphere, but this trip is not only a must for train lovers: the scenery and the views are magnificent too. During the trip you will have a view at the Brienzersee for a long time; suddenly you will see the entire Jungfrau group. On a clear day you will be able to distinguish the different mountains in an excellent way. At the top of the Rothorn you will find several hiking possibilities. The view at the northern as well as the southern side will be worthwhile. The trains leave directly across the railway station in Brienz, where you can also find the landing stage of the boat from Interlaken.

Giessbachfälle

"19th century hotel with a waterfall in its backyard"

The Giessbach rises on the slopes of the mountains Faulhorn and Schwarzhorn, between 2,000 and 2,500 m (8,200 ft) above sea level. Just before the water reaches Lake Brienz, it flows through a number of waterfalls in the forests, and along the 'Grandhotel Giessbach' from 1874. Until the First World War in particular, this beautifully situated hotel has been visited by many poets, artists, philosophers and politicians. The boat trip to the Giessbach, the view of the waterfalls and the possibility to walk along the shores of Lake Brienz make this a great excursion. The boat takes you across Lake Briez: from Interlaken or Brienz to the Giessbach estuary. You will walk to the upper waterfalls, about 120 m (400 ft) above the lake, so that you can view the waterfalls from several locations along the way. If desired, part of the climb can be conquered using the funicular that takes guests from the boat to the hotel. Giessbach can also be reached by car from Brienz/Meiringen through a narrow road via the settlement of Engi. In this case, you will start at the upper waterfalls and walk down towards the hotel and Lake Brienz.

St. Beatus-Höhlen

"The interior of the mountains"

Picture:  St. Beatus-Höhlen.

The St. Beatus-Höhlen are situated at 6 km (4 miles) from Interlaken, at the northern slope which borders the Thunersee. These stalactitic caves can be reached by car, but you can also take the boat or bus from Interlaken or Thun. A 20 minute walk past the accompanying museum and the playground/picnic area takes you to the entrance of the caves, where you can also find a romantic restaurant with a terrace. A guided tour enables you to take a look inside the interior of the mountain world. The guide will give explanations, and you will have time to look around. The museum can be visited without a guide afterwards. A guided tour may be rather busy on rainy days in July and August. Visiting the caves is not to be recommended if you are not a good walker.

Harder Kulm

"The highest restaurant of Interlaken"

Picture:  Jungfraubahnen.

Near the railway station of Interlaken Ost you can take the funicular to the Harder Kulm. You can grab a bite here, take a small hike through the woods and enjoy the view of the city and the Jungfrau. Very suitable for small children as well.

Modelleisenbahn-Treff

"Miniature European railways"

Niederhorn

"Majestical view of Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps"

Picture:  Thunersee-Beatenberg-Niederhorn Bahnen.

The Niederhorn is situated on a narrow ridge, the Güggisgrat, over 1,300 m (4,300 ft) above Lake Thun. Such a location guarantees a magnificent view of the Bernese Alps, including the famous trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. But there's also the village of Beatenberg with Lake Thun below it. The Niesen, behind the town of Spiez across Lake Thun, can clearly be seen. The other side of the ridge overlooks the fathomless depths of the practically deserted Justis valley. Berghaus Niederhorn is there to serve you a meal. The Niederhorn is also the starting point for a number of trails; a hike over the Güggisgrat allows you to explore the intriguing scenery surrounding the Niederhorn. The Niederhorn can be reached by a gondola from Beatenberg. You will reach Beatenberg either by bus/car from Interlaken, or by a funicular from Beatenbucht. Beatenbucht can be reached by bus, car and boat from Interlaken and Thun.

Top o'Met

"First class view of the Jungfrau from downtown Interlaken"

Dining while enjoying a spectacular panoramic view does not necessarily require a trip into the mountains. Restaurant Top o'Met on the 16th floor of hotel Metropole offers a magnificent view of the town and the Jungfrau. You can eat indoors or on the terrace, while watching the activities of the paragliders. They may pass by at virtually no distance from the terrace on their way to the landing place across the street. The restaurant is not the cheapest one in town, but the excellent food and the view make it a great experience that can be highly recommended. Hotel Metropole can be reached in 10 minutes on foot from the train station of Interlaken West. The (paid) parking lot of the hotel at the back can be reached from the Harderstrasse. Address: Höheweg 37 CH-3800 Interlaken Website: www.metropole-interlaken.ch.

Shopping in Interlaken

"Plenty of souvenirs"

Blausee

"Ancient natural beauty, a boat trip and a trout-farm"

The Blausee is situated between Frutigen and Kandersteg, and can be reached by bus from either of these places. It's a bit sad that the Blausee has become a touristic attraction more and more, where it used to be a special piece of nature. And yet visiting it will still be worthwhile, because of the old, fairylike woods and the amazingly blue lake. You will be able to make several short walks through the woods, along the Blausee and along the river of Kander. A little boat trip on the Blausee is one of the possibilities too. As the water is very clear, you can see petrified trees at the bottom of the lake. Also you can visit the trout-farm. Information boards explain about the way trouts are breeded. If you are hungry, you can eat trout in the restaurant or prepare one yourself on a barbecue. You can easily combine your visit to the Blausee with hiking. The trail Frutigen - Blausee is an example of a route in this area.

Jungfraujoch

"Top of Europe; a trip to Europe's highest train station"

Especially in summer, it is a unique experience to be in the middle of the world of perpetual snow and glaciers. A visit to the Jungfraujoch, part of the UNESCO natural inheritance in this region, is really a must for visitors of the Bernese Oberland. The Jungfraujoch is the highest situated train station in Europe at 3,454 m (11,332 ft) over sea. It is in use since 1912. The plan to extend the railway to the summit of the Jungfrau is as old as the railway itself, but it remains a plan for the time being. A train leaves from Kleine Scheidegg; it mostly runs through a tunnel in the north face of the Eiger. In this tunnel the train will make a short stop at the station Eigerwand (2866 m, 9,403 ft), where you can get off for a short period of time to look down through windows in the north face of the Eiger. The next short stop is the station Eismeer (3,160 m, 10,366 ft). You will have the opportunity to enjoy the view on a world of ice. When you have arrived at the Jungfraujoch you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Bernese Oberland on the one hand, and the Konkordiaplatz on the other hand. The Konkordiaplatz is an intersection of several glaciers, among which the Grosser Aletsch-glacier. This region belongs to the canton of Wallis. You can ski here, ride a snowboard or have a ride with real sledge-dogs. If you are in good shape and wear the right clothing you can walk to the Mönchjochhütte (3,650 m, 11,975 ft) where you can have a drink before you return. An elevator brings you to the viewing point Sphinx (3,571 m, 11,716 ft). Furthermore, there are magnificent ice caves, with beautiful statues carved in ice. Be careful here; you might fall because of the slippery bottom. For those who have a lot of money to spend, there are a kiosk, several restaurants and a hotel. Metrological research is being performed on the Jungfraujoch since 1922, and there is a telescope on the roof of the Sphinx. It is interesting to know that at this altitude lightning can struck even when the sky is clear. The Sphinx is located high and is primarily constructed of steel, which makes it a potential dangerous place. However, steel cables are tightened over the terrace that serve as lightning conductors (Faraday cage) to protect you.

Schilthorn

"In the footsteps of James Bond: dining and enjoying the view at 3,000 m (9,800 ft) over sea"

Picture:  Henry Joss.

From Stechelberg a gondola leaves, through Mürren, to the Schilthorn (2,970 m, 9,744 ft). You might know the revolving restaurant at the top of the mountain from James Bond's "On her majesty's secret service". On a clear day, you will have a magnificent view of 360 degrees over the tops of the Bernese Oberland. But also when it's clouded you may be lucky enough to have the chance of being higher than the clouds, so that you can look down on them, enjoying the sun in the meantime. In the valley station and at the several intermediates you will find cameras, which show you the situation at the top, live. Be careful though: also at a beautiful, sunny day you may have the bad luck to end up in the middle of a cloud.

Trümmelbachfälle

"The force of nature"

A very special attraction is formed by the Trümmelbachfälle, situated at the eastern side of the Lauterbrunnen valley. These waterfalls can be reached by foot, by car or by postbus from Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg. These waterfalls are meltwater, coming directly from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Thousands of liters per second rumble down in beautifully worn out rock walls. In the course of thousands of years the water slowly grinded the rocks into remarkable shapes. The best option may be to have yourself transported up by the funicular (standseilbahn), and to walk down from there. You can easily combine your visit to the Trümmelbachfälle with hiking. You just need to cross the narrow valley about half-way on the trail Lauterbrunnen - Stechelberg to reach the Trümmelbachfälle.

Three passes tour

"Long tour across the high mountains of central Switzerland"

You will not only cross three passes during this beautiful car trip in the utmost east of the Bernese Oberland; but also explore three cantons: Bern, Uri and Wallis. However, you will only see a very small part of Wallis. The tour starts in Meiringen. You will drive to the village of Innertkirchen and head for the Sustenpass from there. On the other side of the pass, in the village of Wassen, do not turn onto the expressway, but turn right to Göschenen and Andermatt. Andermatt is the last town of size you will come across for some time. From here, head for Realp and the Furkapass. You will enter the canton of Wallis on the pass. As you are in Gletch in the valley, you will turn to the Grimselpass and leave Wallis soon after. The Grimselpass leads back to Innertkirchen, and Meiringen, via Guttannen. Some highlights along the way are the Stein glacier on the Sustenpass, the Rhône glacier on the Furkapass and the lakes on the Grimselpass, where the river Aare rises. You can visit the ice grotto inside the Rhône glacier. Due to the movement of the glacier of some 35 m (115 ft) per year, to grotto needs to be carved out of the ice every spring. There are a lot of viewing points along the way as well. Therefore, it is recommended to take enough time for the car ride and to take many breaks on the several smaller and some larger parking lots along the route. You will find restaurants in Meiringen, Innertkirchen, Andermatt and Guttannen, but also on the Sustenpass and the Grimselpass. This trip of 131 km (81 miles) requires a travelling time of about 6 hours, depending on the number of breaks you take along the way. If you are not familiar with driving on pass roads, you may want to read the tips about driving in the mountains. You may pass along some snow fields until late summer, but the roads are normally clean. There are no gas stations along the pass roads, so you need to check your fuel level before leaving a village. The tour can only be made in summer. Meiringen can be reached by train or by car from Interlaken or Luzern (via the Brünigpass). You can make the three passes tour by comfortable post car as well. The post cars depart from Meiringen and Andermatt. Seat reservations are obligatory. More information on these bus tours can be found through Swiss Post.

Aareschlucht

"Impressive nature"

East of Meiringen, the river Aare runs through a "schlucht" (a very narrow canyon). The Aareschlucht came into being after the last ice-age, when the Aare gradually eroded a passage through an enourmous rocky dike: the Kirchet between Meiringen and Innertkirchen. Wooden paths along and sometimes through the rock walls give you the opportunity to walk above the water in the 1,400 m (4,600 ft) long canyon. You will meet beautiful pieces of nature here. The Aareschlucht also has limited opening hours on some evenings. The schlucht is lightened then, resulting in a very special atmosphere. There is a parking place at the western entrance. This entrance can also be reached by taking the train from Meiringen to Innertkirchen. This train leaves just outside the railway station in Meiringen, from a separate small station. You need to get off at the station Aareschlucht West where you cross the bridge over the Aare. A five minute walk brings you to the schlucht. The eastern entrance can be reached by postbus. A visit to the Aareschlucht can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Reichenbachfall.

Planplatten

"Great view and beautiful nature"

Reichenbachfall

"The force of nature that killed Sherlock Holmes"

The story tells that Sherlock Holmes fell down this waterfall as he duelled with his arch enemy. But the Reichenbachfall mainly is an extraordinary piece of nature. The funicular takes you to a viewing point where you can see how the water of the Reichenbach rumbles down over 100 m (330 ft). A footpath leads you further up where you can take a close look at the main waterfall and several smaller ones. The Reichenbachfall is located just outside Meiringen. It is a 20 minute walk from the railway station. A visit to the Reichenbachfall can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Aareschlucht. You can also visit the Reichenbachfall while hiking as you will use its funicular on the trail Grosse Scheidegg - Meiringen.

Niesen

"Magnificent view of the Thunersee and surroundings"

Picture:  PicSwiss.

South of Spiez you will find the striking triangle shaped Niesen (2,362 m, 7,749 ft). This mountain top really has a reputation for the inhabitants of the Bernese Oberland. A saying goes: "Trägt der Niesen einen Hut, so wird das Wetter wieder gut" (if the Niesen wears a hat - meaning: surrounded by clouds - the weather will become nice again). So keep your eyes on this mountain. The top can be visited by a funicular (standseilbahn), which leaves from Mülenen. The stair-case along the railway track seems to be the longest one in the world with its 11,674 steps! From the top, the Thunersee, Spiez, the Jungfrau group and the plains east of Thun can be seen.

Castle Spiez

"Beautifully situated castle with a 1000 year old church"

This midieval fortress has served as a residential castle for several families. Every family reconstructed the building partially, resulting in a well preserved overview of the transformations that the castle went through in history. Several rooms can be seen in their original Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque style. The interior is mostly still present. The castle is owned by the Stiftung Schloss Spiez (Spiez Castle Foundation) since 1929, that maintains the building and makes it available for temporary exhibitions and concerts. The garden and the 1000 year old castle church can be visited as well. The castle is beautifully situated at the base of the Spiezberg and along the lake. The castle can be reached by bus or a 15 minute walk from the railway station in Spiez. You can reach it by boat from Interlaken or Thun as well. In that case a five minute walk is required to get to the castle. You may visit the castle as a break while hiking from Faulensee to Spiez.

Stockhorn

"Literally the edge of the Bernese Oberland"

Once the gondola has taken you up the mountain from Erlenbach im Simmental, it takes an 8 minute walk to reach the summit of the Stockhorn at 2,190 m (7,185 ft). That's when you see that the Stockhorn is literally located on the edge of the Bernese Oberland. The Stockhorn is where the Alps begin: on the one side, there is a wide view of the relatively flat Berner Mittelland. On the other side, there is an impressive panoramic view of the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. On a clear day, you can even see the Titlis in the utmost east of the canton of Bern, and the Mont Blanc in France. The town of Thun and Lake Thun can be seen over 1,600 m (5,200 ft) under your feet. There is a restaurant next to the gondola station. If you cannot walk to the summit, an alternative can be found in the 'Stockhorn-Augen' (Stockhorn Eyes): a grotto with two windows allowing you to enjoy all of the view anyway. There are information panels about geology of the Stockhorn region as well. The Stockhorn-Augen can easily be reached by wheelchair users. You can take a short walk around Lake Hinterstocken from the middle station of Chrindi. You will travel to Erlenbach im Simmental by train or by car from Spiez or Zweisimmen. There is a parking lot along the main road across the gondola station. It is a 15 minute walk from the train station to the gondola station.