Interlaken is the main town in the Bernese Oberland region and is located between two lakes. It's an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders, including the Jungfrau region. Take a stroll around the town, visit the Victoria Jungfrau Hotel for its charming architecture, and soak up the stunning scenery.
Grindelwald is a mountain resort village that is famous for its stunning views of the Eiger and Wetterhorn peaks. Take a cable car up to the Grindelwald First for a panoramic view of the Swiss Alps, hike the Glacier Gorge trail for a stunning natural wonder, and enjoy a traditional Swiss meal at a restaurant nestled in the scenic mountains.
Lauterbrunnen is a stunning valley town surrounded by 72 waterfalls. Take a stroll around the town, visit the Staubbach Falls for a majestic view, and take a cable car up to Schilthorn, a panoramic viewpoint that was featured in the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."
Lake Brienz is a gorgeous turquoise lake that is surrounded by the stunning mountains of the Bernese Oberland. Take a boat tour of the lake, go fishing or swimming, or hike one of the many scenic trails in the area. For a unique experience, book a night at the Giessbach Falls Hotel, which is perched on the edge of a waterfall.
Oeschinensee Lake is a stunning alpine lake that is surrounded by steep cliffs and snowy peaks. Take a cable car up to the lake, hike around the shore, and take in the breathtaking views. During the winter months, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular spot for ice skating and ice fishing.
Thun is a charming medieval town on the shores of Lake Thun. Visit the 800-year-old castle, stroll along the Aare River, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a lakeside restaurant. If time permits, take a boat tour around the lake for some stunning views of the Bernese Alps.
The Bernese Oberland region is best explored by car or public transportation. Renting a car is a great option for flexibility, but public transportation is excellent and convenient. A Swiss Travel Pass can provide unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats in the region and can be purchased for various lengths of time. This pass can also provide discounts on cable cars and funiculars.
Estimated travel costs for this itinerary:
If you have less time, consider skipping Thun or Oeschinensee Lake. If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the Swiss capital of Bern or the charming village of Murren. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring sturdy hiking shoes or boots for the various outdoor activities.
The main airport in the Bernese Oberland region is Bern Airport (BRN), which is located in the city of Bern and is about 22 kilometers away from Interlaken. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is also an option, but is about 2 hours away by train or car. Geneva Airport (GVA) is farther away but can provide access to the western part of Switzerland.