Posted by The Bernese Oberland is not only known for its dramatic mountain scenery, but also for a long tradition of using alpine herbs.
Thanks to large differences in altitude, sunlight and soil types, a wide variety of medicinal and culinary plants thrive in the region.
For centuries, local people have collected and used these herbs for healing purposes, home remedies and traditional Alpine cuisine.
Below is an overview of well-known herbs that grow naturally in the Bernese Oberland, including their typical habitats, altitude ranges and traditional uses.
Arnica (Arnica montana)
- Altitude: approx. 800 – 2,500 m
- Typical habitat: Nutrient-poor mountain meadows, open slopes and light alpine forests
- Traditional use: Arnica is famous for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
It is mainly used externally for bruises, sprains, joint pain and muscle soreness.
Masterwort (Meisterwurz – Peucedanum ostruthium)
Altitude: approx. 1,000 – 2,500 m
Typical habitat: Damp alpine meadows, stream banks and subalpine grassland
Traditional use: The root has long been used in Alpine folk medicine.
It was traditionally taken for digestive problems, colds and general weakness.
Masterwort is also valued for its calming and mildly anti-inflammatory effects.
See also:
Plants of the Bernese Oberland
Animals of the Bernese Alps
Gentian (Gentiana species)
- Altitude: approx. 1,000 – 2,500 m
- Typical habitat: Limestone grasslands, alpine pastures and rocky slopes
- Traditional use: Gentian root is one of the most important bitter herbs in the Alps.
It is used to stimulate digestion and appetite and is a key ingredient in many herbal liqueurs.
Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
- Altitude: approx. 800 – 2,000 m
- Typical habitat: Dry, sunny meadows, rocky ground and open slopes
- Traditional use: Thyme is well known as both a medicinal herb and a culinary spice.
It has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties and is commonly used for respiratory complaints.
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
- Altitude: approx. 800 – 2,000 m
- Typical habitat: Dry pastures, rocky slopes and sparse mountain forests
- Traditional use: Juniper berries are widely used as a spice, especially for meat dishes.
In traditional medicine, they were valued for their digestive and diuretic properties.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Altitude: approx. 600 – 2,000 m
- Typical habitat: Meadows, alpine pastures, roadsides and open grassland
- Traditional use: Yarrow has long been used for wound care, digestive problems and menstrual discomfort.
It is known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.
These herbs represent only a small selection of the medicinal and culinary plants found in the Bernese Oberland.
Many of them are protected, and collecting herbs in the wild is restricted in certain areas.
Nevertheless, they remain an essential part of Alpine culture and biodiversity.
Long Video