Posted by The Bernese Oberland, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is home to a wide range of attractive towns and mountain villages. Some serve as transport hubs, others are quiet alpine resorts, while a few are famous worldwide for their scenery and mountain railways.
Below is an overview of ten particularly important towns and villages in the Bernese Oberland. All of them are popular with visitors due to their location, landscape, accessibility and tourist infrastructure.
1. Interlaken
Interlaken is the central gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The town lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and functions as the main transport hub of the region. Most visitors arrive here by train or car before continuing into the surrounding valleys and mountain resorts.
Main attractions:
Harder Kulm,
boat trips on Lake Thun,
paragliding,
excursions to the Jungfrau region.
2. Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a large alpine village surrounded by some of the most famous peaks in Switzerland. It is a major center for hiking, skiing and mountain excursions and offers a wide range of accommodation options.
Main attractions:
First,
Bachalpsee,
Eiger Trail,
Glacier Gorge.
🎟️ 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.
3. Thun
Thun is a historic town at the northern end of Lake Thun. With its old town, castle and lakeside promenade, it combines urban life with alpine scenery. Thun is also an important starting point for exploring the western Bernese Oberland.
Main attractions: Thun Castle, Old Town,
Lake Thun,
Schadau Park.
4. Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen lies in a narrow valley framed by high rock walls and is famous for its waterfalls. The village is often described as one of the most scenic valleys in Switzerland and is a base for trips to Wengen and Mürren.
Main attractions:
Staubbach Falls,
Trummelbach Falls,
Schilthorn,
hiking trails.
5. Wengen
Wengen is a car-free mountain village located above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It is only accessible by train and offers a traditional alpine atmosphere with wide views of the surrounding peaks.
Main attractions: Männlichen, Jungfraujoch, Lauberhorn downhill ski course, hiking routes.
6. Mürren
Mürren is another car-free village, perched high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley on a sunny terrace. The village is known for its direct view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Main attractions:
Schilthorn and Piz Gloria,
winter sports, hiking.
7. Brienz
Brienz is located on the eastern shore of Lake Brienz and is known for its wood carving tradition. The village also serves as the starting point for one of the most scenic mountain railways in the region.
Main attractions:
Brienz Rothorn Railway,
Ballenberg Open Air Museum,
boat trips on Lake Brienz.
8. Adelboden
Adelboden is a classic mountain resort with a strong focus on winter sports. It is also popular in summer for hiking and alpine activities.
Main attractions: Engstligen Falls, Tschentenalp, ski areas, Vogellisi Adventure Trail.
9. Kandersteg
Kandersteg is a quiet alpine village best known as the gateway to Lake Oeschinen. It attracts visitors interested in nature, hiking and high-mountain landscapes.
Main attractions: Lake Oeschinen, Blausee, hiking routes, via ferratas.
10. Spiez
Spiez lies on Lake Thun and features a picturesque harbor, vineyards and a historic castle. The town is often considered one of the most scenic locations on the lake.
Main attractions: Spiez Castle, wine trails,
boat cruises on Lake Thun,
lakeside hiking.
All of these towns and villages are easily accessible from
Interlaken, mainly by train or mountain railway. Some locations, such as Wengen and Mürren, are completely car-free and can only be reached by public transport.
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