Bernese Oberland Region

About Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Visit one of our most indulging and picturesque tours while in Switzerland. If your staycation is for a limited time, but you want to see the iconic landmarks with the Swiss Alps, turquoise lakes, and historical towns, then head off with our Jungfraujoch & Interlaken’s Secrets tour in Bernese Oberland.

Bernese Oberland is the region located south of the Swiss capital city of Bern. This region remains popular and attractive throughout centuries for locals and tourists from all over the world. The central town is considered to be Interlaken town, which has easy access to the entire region. In contrast, the world’s famous place in Bernese Oberland is the Jungfrau region with its breathtaking and stunning scenery.

Interlaken is placed right between lakes Thun and Brienz in the heart of Switzerland with the gorgeous backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountain peaks. The perfect combination of Swiss nature and magical local atmosphere awards you with a lifetime memory. If you are a fan of Swiss watches and the best watch mechanisms, take a chance to visit one of the many luxurious boutiques on the shopping streets. Even a simple walk along the town followed by a peaceful stroll along the riverside of Lake Thun will rejuvenate you with positive energy.

Now, you may be confused about the difference between these terms Jungfrau and Jungfraujoch? Jungfrau is the third-highest mountain of the Bernese Alps. At the same time, Jungfraujoch is Europe’s Highest Train station and attributes to the “saddle” between two grand mountain peaks of Jungfrau and Mönch.

The journey to Jungfraujoch starts with the impressive cogwheel train that takes you from Lauterbrunnen valley right at the heart of the UNESCO heritage site “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” to the top of the observatory platform at 3571 meters above sea level. As the steepest cogwheel train and the mountain tunnel of 7 kilometers in length, the impressive Swiss engineer developments allow travelers to enjoy the astonishing mountain peaks and marvelous views all year round.

Earlier, I have mentioned Lauterbrunnen valley, and this is another beautiful gem located in the center of the Bernese Oberland region. The valley is a quintessential alpine village renowned by its classic Swiss chalet houses and surrounded by the emerald meadows, most famous mountains, and the highlights of that area – waterfalls! Lauterbrunnen is well known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls”.

This wonderland inspired many musicians, writers, and poets. Well, renowned German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was so impressed by this valley that he got inspired by Staubbach Falls and wrote “Song of the Spirits Over the Waters.” J.R.R Tolkien got influenced by the beauty of the surrounding nature, which brought an idea for Rivendell during a hike from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen.

Also, the notorious movie starring James Bond, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed in that valley. Staubbach waterfalls are one of the highest free-falling in Europe. Should I mention that Lauterbrunnen valley became a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2001! To conclude, I would like to advise several things that you should bring with you before heading on this adventure:

• Comfortable and Steady Shoes Warm
• A Waterproof Jacket
• A Camera for Majestic Photoshoots!

Discover those highlights where ever you may be in Switzerland with our exquisite Jungfraujoch and Interlaken’s Region Discovery Day Trip from the cities :  Basel – Bern – Lucerne – Zurich

Finally, if you want your very own customized tour based on this article, please contact us; we will be more than happy to assist!

List of Museums in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

1. Ballenberg Open-Air Museum (Museumsdorf Ballenberg) is located in Brienz that is an open-air museum that focuses on traditional Swiss rural architecture and lifestyle with over 100 historic buildings from different regions.

2. Sherlock Holmes Museum is located in Meiringen that’s dedicated to the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and features exhibits related to the character and author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

3. Jungfrau Park is located in Interlaken that is a theme park which combines entertainment with educational exhibits, as well as displays on the history of the region, dinosaurs, and space exploration.

4. Thun Castle Museum is located in Thun Castle which offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Thun with its exhibits on medieval armor, weaponry, and local artifacts.

5. Trummelbach Falls is not strictly a museum, however, with its impressive waterfalls near Lauterbrunnen that are accessible via a tunnel lift – it does showcase the power of nature and with its information boards, it provides geological and historical insights.

6. Lötschental Museum is located in Kippel and it showcases the cultural heritage and traditions of the Lötschental Valley with exhibits on local crafts, costumes, and folklore.

7. Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn Visitor Center is in Naters, and being a visitor center, it provides information on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn region via exhibits on geology, flora, fauna, and the Alpine ecosystem.

8. Outdoor Museum Ballenberg is located in the Brienz region, this open-air museum focuses on traditional rural architecture, crafts, and farming practices, preserving the cultural heritage of the region.

List of Sites in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

1. Jungfraujoch is commonly referred to as the “Top of Europe,” it is the highest railway station in all of Europe that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

2. Interlaken is a popular destination nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz that is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure activities.

3. Lauterbrunnen Valley is a very picturesque valley is blessed with cascading waterfalls e.g., the famous Staubbach Falls, that are surrounded by towering mountain peaks.

4. Schilthorn is famous mountain peak within the Bernese Alps known for its panoramic views, revolving restaurant (Piz Gloria), and as a filming location for a James Bond movie.

5. Grindelwald is a charming alpine village surrounded by mountains that offers great opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountain climbing as well as access to the Jungfrau region.

6. Lake Thun is a beautiful lake located between Interlaken and Thun, it offers boat cruises, water sports, as well as fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

7. Oeschinen Lake is a mountain lake located near Kandersteg that is known for its turquoise waters, hiking trails, and winter activities.

8. Harder Kulm is a mountain viewpoint above Interlaken that is accessible by rail-car that offers panoramic views of the town, lakes, and mountains.

9. Trummelbach Falls is a series of glacial-melt waterfalls inside a mountain within the Lauterbrunnen Valley that is accessible via lift and tunnels.

10. Mürren is a car-free village perched on a cliff above Lauterbrunnen Valley that offers views of the surrounding peaks as well as access to hiking and skiing areas.

11. Niederhorn is a mountain peak near Beatenberg that offers panoramic views of Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps, it’s a great location for hiking and biking.

12. Grimsel Pass is a mountain pass in the Bernese Alps that has a wonderful scenic drive with its alpine scenery, and view of the Grimsel Hydroelectric Power Complex.

13. Thun is a charming historic lakeside town that features a castle, museums, and a picturesque promenade along Lake Thun.

14. Brienz is a village located on the shores of Lake Brienz that is well-known for its traditional wood carving, promenade, as well as the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum.

15. Giessbach Falls is a majestic waterfall near Brienz that cascades down a series of terraces with a historic hotel overlooking the falls.

List of Notable Restaurants in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

1. Restaurant Schloss Schadau is located in Thun and is an elegant restaurant offers stunning views of Lake Thun and serves gourmet Swiss cuisine with a modern twist.

2. Restaurant Eigernordwand is situated in Grindelwald, this restaurant has stunning panoramic views of the Eiger North Face and offers traditional Swiss dishes e.g., fondue and raclette.

3. Restaurant Aaregg is a lakeside restaurant in Brienz that offers fresh seafood and regional Swiss cuisine that focuses on seasonal ingredients.

4. Bebbis is a popular restaurant located in Interlaken that offers a cozy ambiance and a diverse menu e.g., Swiss specialties, international dishes, and vegetarian options.

5. Restaurant Bären is a charming mountain restaurant in Wengen that offers a mix of Swiss and international cuisine, including hearty alpine dishes and gourmet creations.

6. Restaurant Seeblick is a lakeside restaurant in Iseltwald which offers a terrace with beautiful views of Lake Brienz that serves a range of Swiss and Mediterranean dishes.

7. Hotel Schönegg is a boutique hotel and restaurant in Wengen that is known for its cozy ambiance and delicious Swiss and international cuisine.

8. Restaurant Oberland is a rustic restaurant in Lauterbrunnen that offers traditional Swiss cuisine, including rosti, cheese dishes, and hearty meat specialties.

9. Restaurant Veranda offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains in Mürren that serves a mix of Swiss and international dishes, including vegetarian options.

10. Restaurant Regina is a family-run restaurant in Grindelwald that specializes in Swiss cuisine, with a focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes.

11. Restaurant Chaletbau Matten is cozy chalet-style restaurant in Matten bei Interlaken that offers a warm ambiance and serves Swiss dishes, including homemade desserts.

12. Restaurant Giessbach is near Brienz and is a lakeside restaurant that is part of the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach which offers fine dining with views of the Giessbach Falls.

13. Restaurant Eiger is a mountain restaurant in Mürren that features a sunny terrace and serves a mix of Swiss and international dishes e.g, pizza and pasta.

14. Restaurant Belvédère is in Grindelwald and offers stunning views of the Eiger as well as a range of dishes e.g., traditional Swiss cuisine and international favorites.

15. Restaurant Dorfli is a cozy restaurant in Grindelwald that serves Swiss and international dishes, including vegetarian options, in a traditional Alpine setting.