EXCURSIONS IN THE BERNESE OBERLAND
A holiday can mean entirely different things to different people.
Are you looking for relaxation and secluded havens in the heart of the Bernese Oberland or is excitement and adventure more your thing? Whatever you are craving, choose Interlaken as your base camp and make your holiday dreams come true. Experience the striking symbiosis of mountains and lakes – an exhilarating and inspiring mix. The peaceful mountain environment, picturesque Alpine landscapes, spectacular views and numerous excursion destinations are easy to reach from Interlaken.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Hikes in the Interlaken Holiday Region
Are you a keen hiker? The stunning Alpine panorama with the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peak trio is literally on your doorstep. Take glorious hikes to breathtaking summits, glistening turquoise lakes, clear mountain streams, mossy forests, colourful nature reserves and high moorlands – all just a short trip away. Discover a plethora of hikes ranging from the leisurely to the challenging.
Jungfraujoch
Europe’s highest-altitude train station at the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is your gateway to a high-Alpine world of snow and glaciers. The two-hour train journey from Interlaken Ost to the Jungfraujoch takes you past fairytale mountain scenery and towering cliffs. On the Jungfraujoch, at 3454 m.a.s.l., the Sphinx observation deck affords the best views of the mighty Aletsch Glacier and the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Landscape Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. Don’t forget to wrap up warm for a visit to the Ice Palace, where you can admire sculptures hewn from blue-shimmering ice in sub-zero temperatures. The sensation of snow crunching underfoot, even in summer, is particularly lovely.
Schilthorn – Piz Gloria
A former stomping ground of Secret Agent 007 James Bond, no less, the Schilthorn summit at 2970 m.a.s.l. can be reached by cableway. Catch a cable car and take in the wraparound vistas, including breathtaking views of the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Landscape with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peak trio as well as 200 other mountain peaks. The 360-degree revolving summit restaurant takes 45 minutes to give you a round tour of the surrounding mountains, all from the comfort of your seat. Find out more about James Bond on a visit to the interactive summit exhibition. A little further down the mountain, at 2677 m.a.s.l., the Thrill Walk, a partially glass-bottomed sightseeing path, hugs the mighty cliff face below the middle station at Birg. Are you a keen hiker or do you prefer skiing or snowboarding? In summer, the Schilthorn is a popular hiking region and in winter the highest-altitude ski resort in the Bernese Oberland.
Harder Kulm
Interlaken’s local mountain is steeped in legend. Learn more about eerie incidents and strange occurrences on the Harder circular hiking trail. The wide panoramic trail leads mainly through the pleasantly shady mountain forest, but also reveals amazing views of Lakes Brienz and Thun, Interlaken and the plain between the two lakes and the majestic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau triple peaks.
From the mountain restaurant, the trail, at first stony but wide, ascends at a respectable incline to the Harder Ridge. This is followed by a leisurely descent along a narrow path to Wanniwald, on to Elfenweg and from there back to the Harder summit.
St. Beatus Caves
The impressive St. Beatus Caves are located high above Lake Thun. Formed over millions of years, this dripstone cave system is a natural phenomenon that amazes and enchants in equal measure. Legend has it that the caves sheltered the monk Saint Beatus, who is said to have fought, conquered, and driven away the fire-breathing dragon that lived there in the sixth century. Even today, the caves radiate a powerful energy from their hidden chambers, towering halls and rushing waterfalls. Explore this unique cave system and venture into a fascinating subterranean world of water and stone. A footpath runs from the car park through the woods to the cave entrance, leading across several bridges that span the waterfall gushing from the caves. Listen to the roaring, gushing and dripping water – it’s a true force of nature.
Niederhorn
Visiting the Niederhorn is like securing a ringside seat to the greatest show on Earth, starring stunning views of the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. Situated at 1950 m.a.s.l, the Niederhorn affords breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the deep blue waters of Lake Thun. Escape from the everyday hustle and bustle and enjoy the best seat in the house far above the fog line. Enjoy an exhilarating descent on a scooter-bike or varied hikes in the beautiful natural landscape.
Niesen
Enjoy sweeping views of the Lake Thun region and the Bernese Alps.
Catch a ride on the vintage funicular up to the Niesen summit. Whether you’re into hiking, good food, a refreshing drink with panoramic views to match, live music or climbing the world’s longest staircase (11,674 steps) on the Niesen Run, this pyramid-shaped mountain has you covered. Children can enjoy the Niesen Village playground and a «Gschichtefahrt» (story-telling trip) about the fox who lives on the Niesen.
Stockhorn
At 2190 metres above sea level, the Stockhorn is the highest peak in the Stockhorn range. Its imposing summit towers above the town of Thun at the gateway to the Interlaken Holiday region. As you travel from Berne towards the Bernese Oberland, the peak is visible long before you get there. Alpine experiences and culinary pleasures await on the Stockhorn in all seasons. On a clear day, the views of Thun and its lake and across the Central Plateau to the Jura mountains are simply stunning.
Grindelwald-First
The gondola cableway from Grindelwald takes you up to First in just 25 minutes. The panoramic vistas during the ride are unique and stunningly beautiful. First is situated at 2168 m.a.s.l, and a perfect destination for those who enjoy combining their mountain excursions with a healthy dose of active exploration.
Schyninge Platte
From Wilderswil, a vintage rack-and-pinion railway transports you up to the Schynige Platte in around one hour. Once you reach the top at 1967 m.a.s.l, take in the wonderful views of Interlaken, Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and the surrounding mountain peaks. Do you enjoy hiking in the Swiss mountains? The Schynige Platte is a paradise for hikers. You can also explore the Alpine botanical garden with some 650 different flowering plants and ferns. If the sun is shining, we recommend a refreshing drink or a delicious meal on the sun terrace of the over 100-year-old mountain hotel or a slice of fresh fruit tart at the middle station at Breitlauenen.