Posted by The Bernese Oberland is famous for its dramatic Alpine scenery. High peaks, deep valleys, waterfalls and turquoise lakes create some of the most impressive views in Switzerland. What makes the region especially attractive for tourists is that many of the best viewpoints are easy to reach. Cable cars, cog railways and short walking paths allow visitors to enjoy spectacular panoramas without long or difficult hikes.
This guide shows the best viewpoints in the Bernese Oberland, focusing on places that are realistic to visit for normal travelers. Some viewpoints are perfect for a short stop, others can be combined with light hiking, villages or lake cruises. The article is designed to help you choose the right viewpoints depending on your time, weather conditions and travel style.
Why the Bernese Oberland Has So Many Great Viewpoints
The geography of the Bernese Oberland is ideal for viewpoints. Steep valley walls, high mountain passes and elevated terraces create natural balconies with wide-open views. Unlike flatter Alpine regions, the contrast between deep valleys and high peaks is very strong here.
Another key factor is infrastructure. Mountain railways and cable cars have been built for over a century, originally for locals and later for tourism. Today, this network makes many viewpoints accessible even if you have only a few days in the region or limited hiking experience.
Most viewpoints offer views of classic Alpine icons such as glaciers, snow-covered peaks and traditional mountain villages. On clear days, visibility is excellent, making the Bernese Oberland a top destination for photography and sightseeing.
Harder Kulm – The Classic Viewpoint Above Interlaken
Harder Kulm is one of the easiest and most popular viewpoints in the Bernese Oberland. It rises directly above Interlaken and can be reached by the Harderbahn funicular.
From the viewing platform, you look down on Interlaken and enjoy a unique view of both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz at the same time. In the background, the peaks of the Bernese Alps form a dramatic backdrop.
- Best for: quick panoramic view, sunset visits, short trips
- Effort level: very low (funicular + short walk)
- Time needed: about 1.5–2 hours including return
Harder Kulm is ideal if you want a great view without committing a full day to mountain travel.
Schilthorn – High-Alpine Panorama at 2,970 Meters
The Schilthorn is one of the highest viewpoints accessible by cable car in the region. Located above the village of Mürren, it offers a wide panorama over the Bernese Alps.
On clear days, the view includes the famous trio Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, as well as distant peaks far beyond the Bernese Oberland. The sense of altitude is much stronger here than at lower viewpoints.
- Best for: dramatic mountain views, high-altitude experience
- Important: visibility depends heavily on weather
- Time needed: half to full day including travel
If clouds are low, the view may be limited. Always check the forecast before planning a Schilthorn visit.
First Cliff Walk – Views Without a Long Hike
First Mountain above Grindelwald is famous for its accessible viewpoints and easy trails. The First Cliff Walk is a short metal walkway attached to the rock, offering impressive views straight down into the valley.
This viewpoint is popular because it combines excitement with minimal effort. You do not need hiking experience, and the walk is short but memorable.
- Best for: easy viewpoints, photos, families
- Effort level: low
- Combine with: short panoramic walks around First
First is one of the best choices if you want big scenery with very little walking.
Kleine Scheidegg – Views Below the Eiger
Kleine Scheidegg is a high mountain pass and a major transport hub in the Bernese Oberland. It is reached by cog railway from Grindelwald or Wengen.
The viewpoint here is famous for its close-up perspective of the Eiger north face. Unlike very high summits, Kleine Scheidegg offers a balanced view: high Alpine scenery without extreme altitude.
- Best for: classic Alpine scenery, railway journeys
- Effort level: low to moderate
- Combine with: light hiking or the route to Jungfraujoch
This viewpoint works well even on days with changing weather, as visibility is often better than at higher summits.
Wengen – A Village Viewpoint with Alpine Atmosphere
Wengen is a car-free mountain village located on a sunny terrace above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The village itself is a viewpoint, offering constant views across the valley towards the Jungfrau massif.
Unlike mountain stations, Wengen combines scenery with village life. Cafés, hotels and walking paths allow you to enjoy the view at a relaxed pace.
- Best for: relaxed sightseeing, village atmosphere
- Effort level: very low
- Time needed: flexible, from a short stop to half a day
Mürren – Panoramic Terrace Above Lauterbrunnen
Mürren sits on a cliff edge above the Lauterbrunnen Valley and is one of the most scenic villages in the region. The views stretch across the valley to the big peaks of the Bernese Alps.
The village itself offers multiple viewpoints along walking paths and terraces. Even a short stroll provides excellent photo opportunities.
- Best for: wide panoramas, peaceful atmosphere
- Effort level: low
- Combine with: cable car rides or light hikes
Lauterbrunnen Valley – Viewpoints from Below
Lauterbrunnen offers a different kind of viewpoint experience. Instead of looking down from above, you look up at vertical rock walls and waterfalls.
Walking through the valley floor, especially near Staubbach Falls, gives a unique perspective that contrasts with the elevated viewpoints elsewhere in the region.
- Best for: dramatic valley scenery, easy walks
- Effort level: very low
- Weather advantage: often good even when peaks are cloudy
🎟️ Jungfraujoch Tickets – Book Early & Secure Your Spot
The Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is one of Switzerland’s most popular attractions.
Tickets often sell out quickly, especially in high season.
Booking online in advance is the safest and easiest option.
🚆 Train & cable car tickets (round trip)
Direct access to the Jungfraujoch – no planning stress.
👨🏫 Guided tours from Interlaken
Often only slightly more expensive than tickets alone – with expert guide included.
Viewpoints Around Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
The lakes add another dimension to the Bernese Oberland scenery. Elevated viewpoints above Lake Thun and Lake Brienz combine mountain and water views.
Many of these viewpoints are reached by short hikes or local transport and are ideal on days when high mountains are partly covered by clouds.
- Best for: lake and mountain combinations
- Effort level: low to moderate
Choosing the Right Viewpoint for Your Trip
Not every viewpoint fits every travel plan. The best choice depends on time, weather and physical condition.
- Short stay: Harder Kulm or village viewpoints like Wengen
- Clear weather: Schilthorn or Kleine Scheidegg
- Unstable weather: Lauterbrunnen Valley or lake viewpoints
- Families: First Cliff Walk, Mürren village paths
Combining one high viewpoint with one village or valley viewpoint often gives the best balance.
Best Time of Day for Viewpoints
Morning usually offers the clearest views, especially in summer. Clouds tend to build up in the afternoon, reducing visibility at higher altitudes.
Late afternoon and early evening can be excellent for lower viewpoints such as Harder Kulm, especially for sunset views.
Practical Tips for Viewpoint Visits
- Always check the weather forecast and live webcams
- Dress in layers, even in summer
- Start early for high-altitude viewpoints
- Have a backup plan at lower altitude
- Do not try to visit too many viewpoints in one day
Conclusion
The Bernese Oberland offers some of the best viewpoints in the Alps, ranging from easy village terraces to high-alpine platforms. Thanks to excellent transport infrastructure, many of these panoramas are accessible to almost everyone.
Whether you prefer a quick look from above Interlaken, a dramatic high-mountain panorama or relaxed village views, the region provides outstanding scenery in every category.