Idyllic towns nestled in the Bernese Oberland Switzerland

Even though some of the other regions in Switzerland are gorgeous, like the Appenzell region in the NE, or the warmer areas near Italy, like Lugano, the Bernese Oberland region is my favourite.

There’s just something about the Bernese Oberland region in Switzerland that I can’t help but love. Maybe it’s the stunning mountains that seem to touch the sky or maybe it’s the crystal-clear lakes that reflect the beauty of nature. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that the Bernese Oberland region is one of the most beautiful places on earth. And in my opinion, it’s the best region in Switzerland.

Easy Reference Guide

From hiking and climbing in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, there’s always something to do. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to fall in love with this amazing place. If you want a truly magical experience, be sure to head to the Bernese Oberland region when planning your Switzerland itinerary You won’t regret it!

The region is home to some of the cutest towns in all of Europe! From the quaint, chocolate-box charm of Grindelwald to the storybook feel of Lauterbrunnen, there’s a town here to suit every taste. Let’s take a look at five of the best towns in the Bernese Oberland region and what makes each one unique.

1. Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a small village located in the Bernese Alps. It’s most famous for its stunning mountain views, which have been attracting visitors for centuries. In recent years, Grindelwald has become increasingly popular with outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers superb opportunities for hiking, climbing, and skiing.

From the soaring peaks of the Eiger and Jungfrau to the glistening waters of Lake Brienz, the scenery in Grindelwald is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re enjoying it from your hotel room, hiking one of the many trails, or taking a scenic train ride, there’s no shortage of ways to absorb the stunning panoramas and the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a relaxing day spent exploring charming shops and cafes, Grindelwald has something for everyone. There’s no need to worry about being bored here!

Grindelwald-First

Grindelwald First is an adventure park located near Grindelwald. You take a gondola up to the top of the mountain named First. From the First Cliff Walk to mountain biking, there is an adventure waiting for you. There are many reasons why Grindelwald First is the most popular tourist attraction in Grindelwald. One of the main reasons is the First Cliff Walk. The First Cliff Walk is a suspension bridge that provides stunning views of the valley below. It is also one of the safest bridges in Europe, so you can rest assured that you will be safe while enjoying views that will take your breath away.

Mountain biking enthusiasts also love visiting Grindelwald First. There are many different trails to choose from, so whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will be able to find a trail that challenges you. If you get tired of biking, there are also many other activities available, such as hiking and climbing.

If you purchase the adventure package, which we did, you can also fly down the mountain in a glider (not a real glider, it’s on a metal cable), and ride down the mountain in a First Mountain Cart, which is like a giant tricycle with large wheels. This is a fantastic place to go if you have kids or teenagers because it keeps them happy and active.

Grindelwald First Walkway — Grindelwald First Aerial walkway

2. Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen is often referred to as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls” due to the numerous cascades and waterfalls that can be found throughout the valley. Lauterbrunnen means many springs, or loud springs, in German. It’s also home to some of the most dramatic cliff faces in Switzerland, which make it a popular spot for base jumping and paragliding.

The most popular waterfall is the Staubbach Falls, which plunges over 300 meters into the valley below. Other notable waterfalls include the Trümmelbach Falls, which are located inside a mountain, and the Giessbach Falls, which cascades down several tiers of rock before cascading into a serene lake.

In addition to its waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is also home to some of the best hiking trails in Switzerland. The most popular trail is the Jungfrau region, which takes hikers to the top of one of Europe’s highest mountains. There are also numerous other trails that wind through the valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Whatever your interests, you are sure to find something to enjoy in Lauterbrunnen.

3. Jungfraujoch

There’s just something about visiting the Jungfraujoch that is so much fun! Maybe it’s because it’s the highest railway station in Switzerland and Europe, or maybe it’s because of the awesome views of the nearby mountain peaks. Whatever the reason, a visit to the Jungfraujoch is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Switzerland.

The Jungfraujoch is located near the border between the cantons of Valais and Bern, and it can be reached by taking the Jungfrau Railway from Kleine Scheidegg. The journey on the railway is an adventure in itself, as you travel through tunnels inside the Eiger and Mönch mountains before arriving at the station.

Once you arrive at the Jungfraujoch, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains, as well as a chance to explore some of the tunnels and watch an exciting ice show. There’s also a restaurant at the station, so you can enjoy a delicious meal while soaking up the amazing views.

Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or just looking for a unique travel experience, a visit to the Jungfraujoch is definitely worth adding to your Switzerland itinerary.

Kleine Scheidegg

The main reason to visit Kleine Scheidegg is to take the train to the Jungfraujoch. However, there are several great hiking trails that start and end here.

4. Mürren

Mürren is a car-free village located high up in the mountains. Its position affords it incredible views over the Jungfrau region, which makes it popular with both tourists and photographers alike. Mürren is also well-known for being one of the best places in Switzerland to watch the sunset.

Piz Gloria

If you’re a fan of James Bond, then you’ll definitely want to check out Piz Gloria at Murren. This is the location where many scenes from the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service were filmed. Not only is it a great spot for Bond fans, but the views from the top are incredible.

You can see for miles in every direction and on a clear day the 360-degree panorama offers views of around 200 Swiss mountain peaks.

The restaurant at Piz Gloria is also worth a visit. It’s the longest aerial cable car in the Alps, and it’s quite an experience to ride up to the top. Trust me, this is one place you don’t want to miss if you’re ever in Switzerland!

Piz Gloria, Schilthorn Switzerland — Piz Gloria, Schilthorn

5. Wengen

Wengen is another car-free village located in the Jungfrau region. It has gorgeous timber chalets that you can stay in. Another thing that the village is known for is its beautiful belle epoque hotels. There is also a cable car that goes up to Mannlichen, with a gorgeous view of the Eiger and Monch peaks.

In the summer, during Swiss National Day, there are many musical performances of Swiss traditional music with yodelling, alphorns, and bell ringing. Its main claim to fame is being the host resort for the annual Lauberhorn Ski Race, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious races on the World Cup circuit.

Stunning autumn view of picturesque alpine village Wengen with Jungfrau Mountain and Lauterbrunnen Valley on background. — Stunning autumn view of picturesque alpine village Wengen

Lauberhorn ski races

If you’re looking for a winter sports event that’s sure to be a good time, look no further than the Lauberhorn ski races! These races, which take place in Wengen, Switzerland, attract around 30,000 spectators each year and offer a unique experience that you won’t want to miss.

In addition to the exciting races, you can also enjoy an airshow by the Patrouille Suisse, the aerobatic demonstration team of the Swiss Air Force. The Lauberhorn is a mountain sitting between Wengen and Grindelwald, north of the Kleine Scheidegg. Its summit is at an elevation of 2,472 meters (8,110 feet), making it one of the tallest mountains in the area. Whether you’re a fan of skiing or just looking for a fun event to attend, be sure to check out the Lauberhorn ski races!

6. Interlaken

Interlaken sits between two glacial lakes (hence its name) and is surrounded by mountains. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland and offers an array of activities for visitors, including hiking, biking, canoeing, paragliding, and hot-air ballooning.

Interlaken is a small city in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. It’s a popular tourist destination for its scenic location between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, as well as its proximity to the Jungfrau region. There are a number of fun things to do in Interlaken, including taking a boat tour of the lakes, hiking in the nearby mountains, or visiting one of the many museums and art galleries. If you’re looking for a unique tourist destination with plenty of activities to keep you busy, Interlaken is definitely worth a visit.

Boat Trip on Lake Thun

A boat trip on Lake Thun is the perfect way to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Bernese Oberland. The lake is dotted with castles and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a truly breathtaking sight. The Blümlisalp steamship leaves from Interlaken West and takes passengers on a journey to Neuhaus Nature Reserve, St. Beatus Caves, Beatenbucht, Spiez, Gunten, Oberhofen, Hilterfingen, Hünibach and Thun. Along the way, passengers can take in the fresh mountain air and appreciate the beauty of this idyllic region. A boat trip on Lake Thun is an unforgettable experience that is not to be missed.

This boat trip takes over 2 hours. If you are short on time, you can take a boat tour of Lake Brienz, which is a smaller lake.

How to get to the Bernese Oberland Region?

The Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland is more or less in the middle of the country so it is easy to get to. You can fly to either Zurich airport (about 2 hours) or Geneva (about 2.5 hours) away. The transport system is excellent so you don’t need to hire a car. The destinations are easily reached by rail.

It is good to know that. Mürren, Gimmelwald ( just below Mürren), and Wengen are car-free towns. You can get to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald by car, but you will need to park it as you will be using the trains and cable cars to get around., so there really is not much point in hiring a car. Why pay for parking and car hire costs when you really don’t need to?

Getting around Switzerland

If you’re planning on travelling by train in Switzerland, then it’s well worth your while to get a Swiss train pass. With a pass, you’ll get unlimited travel on the country’s extensive and reliable train network, which covers almost everywhere you might want to go.

You’ll also save money compared to buying individual tickets, and you’ll have the flexibility to change your plans if you need to. Plus, many passes come with additional benefits like discounts on other forms of transport and attractions, or in the case of the Swiss All-in-One Pass it covers all forms of transport, with unlimited access and even includes free visits to over 500 museums.

Book: Swiss All-in-One Pass on Train, Bus, Boat

When to visit the Bernese Oberland region?

The Bernese Oberland region is a year-round destination. Each season has its unique activities to offer. If you are planning to go hiking then the best time of the year is between June and October. If you go earlier in the year, not all the trails will be open.

Of course, if you are planning snow-related sports then Jan – March is the best time to visit.

Map of the Bernese Oberland

I always like having a map on hand as a point of reference. Here’s one to make your life a bit easier and help you find your bearings.

Bernese Oberland Region map — Bernese Oberland map

Where to stay Bernese Oberland

I love Switzerland in September, this is also the low season so you can get excellent deals on accommodation.

I always use Booking.com for my travels. Check below for the latest deals.

Booking.com

So there you have it—six of the cutest towns in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region! Whether you’re looking for breathtaking mountain views or a fairy-tale charm, you’re sure to find it here. If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out these forty vacation destinations for nature lovers .

Author Bio: Karen Chow is the founder of Earth Jubilee, a travel and sustainability blog. She has travelled to over 35 countries and loves mountains and forests. Murren is her favourite village in the whole world and really thinks you should go.