Posted by The Bernese Oberland is one of Switzerland’s best-known travel regions. It combines famous mountain railways, dramatic valleys, waterfalls, alpine lakes and classic Swiss towns. Most visitors use Interlaken as a base because it sits between two large lakes and has the best public transport connections into the mountains.
Below you find ten experiences that many travelers consider the “core highlights” of the Bernese Oberland. The list focuses on places that are realistic to visit on a normal holiday and that work well as day trips from Interlaken.
1) Jungfraujoch – “Top of Europe”
The Jungfraujoch is the flagship attraction of the region. At 3,454 meters it is Europe’s highest railway station and a viewpoint above the glaciers. The panorama is impressive even for people who have already visited other alpine destinations.
The journey itself is part of the experience: you travel on mountain railways and sections of the famous cog railway system. The downside is the price. A return trip can easily be 250 euros or more, depending on the starting point and season. Still, for many visitors it is a “once in a lifetime” day.
If you want more background information and practical tips about the ascent, see the trip up to the Jungfrau region.
🎟️ 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.
2) Schilthorn & Piz Gloria
The Schilthorn and Piz Gloria are ideal if you want a big panorama with a slightly different atmosphere than Jungfraujoch. The rotating restaurant became famous through the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. Many visitors combine the summit with the cliff walk attractions on the route.
Schilthorn is also a good choice for people who like viewpoints, modern cable cars and a clear “package” of attractions in one place.
Tickets from the valley to the Schilthorn (Thrill Walk etc.) should be booked online in advance. Prices are usually a bit over 100 euros:
More info and booking
3) Lauterbrunnen Valley and waterfalls
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most photogenic places in the Bernese Oberland. Sheer cliffs, green meadows and many waterfalls create a landscape that looks almost unreal on certain days.
The best-known waterfall is the Staubbach Falls, which drops from a high rock wall close to the village. Another major highlight are the Trümmelbach Falls, a powerful waterfall system inside the mountain, reachable via tunnels and stairs.
4) Thun Castle and the old town
Thun is a classic Swiss town at the edge of the mountains. The castle is the main landmark and offers great views over Lake Thun and the alpine skyline. The historic center is also worth a walk, especially if you want a quieter day outside the high-mountain areas.
Many people combine Thun with a boat cruise on Lake Thun or with a stop in Spiez.
5) Brienzer Rothorn steam train experience
A ride on the historic steam train up to the Brienzer Rothorn is a highlight for rail fans and for anyone who enjoys slow, scenic travel. On clear days you get wide views over Lake Brienz and the surrounding peaks.
At the top you can do short hikes or simply enjoy the viewpoint before returning to the lake area.
6) Trümmelbach Falls (inside the mountain)
The Trümmelbach Falls are often described as one of the most unusual natural sights in Switzerland. You do not just “look at” a waterfall from outside. Instead, you walk through the mountain and see the water rushing through narrow rock channels.
If you visit in summer, it is also a good stop on a hot day because it is cooler inside the mountain.
7) Schwarzsee (quiet mountain lake near Grindelwald)
Schwarzsee is a smaller, calmer lake that fits well if you want a relaxed walking day. The area is scenic without the heavy “top attraction” feeling. Many visitors like it for short hikes, picnics and easy photos.
It is also a good idea if you travel with family members who prefer gentle walks rather than long mountain tours.
8) Harder Kulm viewpoint above Interlaken
The Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s local mountain. The ride up is very short, but the viewpoint is strong: you can see both lakes and the iconic three peaks Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in one panorama.
If your time is limited, Harder Kulm is one of the easiest “high impact” experiences because you start directly from Interlaken.
Buy tickets for the Harderbahn online:
More information and booking
9) Oeschinensee (mountain lake near Kandersteg)
Oeschinensee is one of Switzerland’s best-known mountain lakes. The landscape is dramatic, especially with the steep rock walls in the background. You can reach the area partly by cable car, but the final access is on foot, which keeps the atmosphere more “natural” than in many other places.
It is a good day trip if you enjoy hiking and want a lake that feels truly alpine.
10) Lake Thun and Lake Brienz (boat trips and lakeside villages)
The Bernese Oberland is not only about high mountains. The two large lakes close to Interlaken are perfect for slower travel days. Lake Thun has classic towns and castles along the shore, while Lake Brienz is known for its turquoise water and steep mountain backdrop.
Boat cruises are popular on both lakes, and you can mix them with short hikes, village walks and viewpoint stops.
If you still ask yourself what to prioritize, a good approach is to choose one “big mountain day” (Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn), one valley and waterfall day (Lauterbrunnen), and one lake + town day (Thun/Brienz/boat cruise). That already creates a very balanced Bernese Oberland itinerary.