Last updated on March 22nd, 2026
After our amazing 5-day trip to the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland I knew I had to share our experiences with you. This beautiful region in the Swiss Alps is packed with stunning mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages. Our Bernese Oberland itinerary let us see the best sights and do fun activities without feeling rushed.
We included well known towns, like Interlaken and made our way through Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and up to Jungfraujoch. We sprinkled in lesser known pretty villages, hiked past green meadows, saw huge waterfalls, and rode cable cars to mountain peaks. The views of the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains were breathtaking.
I want to preface with a caveat. The weather in the Swiss Alps can be quite fickle. Even in the warmer months, be prepared for rain or heavy mist in higher altitudes. Since this is mostly a nature destination, some of your planned outdoor excursions can be affected by these weather conditions.
Always carry rain gear and dress in layers, so that you can continue with most of your planned activities. If you can’t, be prepared to change course at the last minute. Switzerland’s public transportation is so great that if you buy a transport pass, you can change activities and destinations any time you want.
We loved how easy it was to get around using trains, cable and buses. This made our trip stress-free and let us focus on enjoying the scenery. I’ll share tips on where to stay, what to see, and how to make the most of your time in this Swiss paradise.
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Planning Your Trip to the Bernese Oberland
A successful trip to the Bernese Oberland, also called Bernese Highlands, starts with smart planning. We’ll cover when to visit and how to get around this beautiful Swiss region.
Where to Stay
This is a tough one. Most visitors opt to stay in either Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen. The former is convenient for excursions in all directions to the south, west and east. Interlaken also has the largest range of accommodations, from hostels to luxury hotels to holiday rentals and a variety of restaurants and groceries. You’ll find most tour operators have set up base here. However, it’s not the best-looking Swiss city and is not representative of typical Swiss life and culture.
Lauterbrunnen is very central for all kinds of excursions in the Jungfrau area and has decent tourist facilities. It is a stunning town. However, it has become quite touristy is recent years and is most enjoyable to experience early in the morning or after sunset, when all the day trippers have stopped passing through.
We chose to split our 5 days between two bases because we wanted to cover the region thoroughly without wasting too much travel time every day. If you’re spending less than 5 days in the area, then just pick one base.
We started with a 3 day base in Mürren and ended with 2 days in Interlaken. Mürren gave us cozy and quiet experience for all our mountain activities, while Interlaken was convenient for taking long day trips to sights around Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Some people may find Mürren a little too small but still want to stay in an Alpine village, in which case Wengen is a great alternative. Find out how Mürren compares to Wengen as a base.
Here are more details on various places to stay in the Bernese Oberland. I’ve covered a range, from large towns to tiny villages.
This itinerary will include sights around both the lakes near Interlaken. If you have fewer than 5 days, you may want to explore just one of them. Our Lake Thun vs. lake Brienz comparison guide can help you choose which one.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Bernese Oberland is from June to September. Summer brings warm days that are perfect for hiking and sightseeing. Temperatures range from 60-75°F (15-26°C). However, an occasional afternoon thunderstorm is not unheard of.
Winter (December to March) is great for skiing and snow activities. But some hiking trails and cable cars may close.
Spring and fall can be nice, with fewer crowds. Keep in mind that May and October can be rainy. Some attractions may have limited hours in the shoulder seasons and the high altitude hiking trails will be closed until late spring and after early fall.
Getting There and Around
The closest major airport is Zurich. It is worth spending a day or two in Zurich before exploring the rest of the country. Zurich is home to Switzerland’s largest art museum – Zurich Museum of Art.
From Zurich, take a train to Interlaken, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The trip takes about 2 hours.
Once in the region, trains and buses connect most towns and villages. Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on public transport throughout the country or the Berner Oberland Pass for just this region. There’s also the Jungfrau Travel Pass, but trains and buses going west from Interlaken are NOT covered. However, it does cover more cable cars than the STP and all boat rides are covered too.
You can also buy a Swiss half fare card to get discounts on routes that are not covered by whichever pass you decide to buy.
It is hard to advise on which pass would be best for your needs because the answer depends on how many people are in your group, how many children, number of days, sights and activities you’re interested in, and the maximum travel time you can do in one day.
Renting a car gives more freedom but isn’t necessary. Parking can be tricky in small towns. Plus, some areas like Mürren and Wengen are car-free.
For mountain excursions, use cable cars and cogwheel trains. They’re pricey but they are fully or partially covered by the passes and offer amazing views and access to high-altitude spots.
Let’s get to our recommended itinerary for a 5 days in the Bernese Oberland. This plan will work from any base you choose within the region. You’ll just need to get to the start point of each day’s itinerary.
The Afternoon of Day 1: Arrival in Mürren, Schilthorn & Birg
As I mentioned earlier, we chose to stay in Mürren for our first 3 days, so we got to the village before lunch and focused on the nearest activities for the rest of that day. If you’re staying anywhere else, plan to get to Mürren well before before lunch to follow this day’s itinerary. If you have more time, there are more things to do in Mürren and the surrounding area. I’ve explained a full one day plan in more detail separately.
After arriving in Mürren, we checked into our accommodation and headed up to the famous Schilthorn peak. We enjoyed lunch with amazing views at Piz Gloria before taking on the thrilling Birg Thrill Walk one level down the mountain.
Starting in Mürren
We reached Mürren by cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp and then a mountain train from there. We checked into our accommodation and drop off our bags. This car-free village sits on a cliff with stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Mürren has many great options for lodging. Try Hotel Alpenruh for its central location and mountain views. The rooms are cozy and the staff is super friendly.
After settling in, we took a quick stroll through the charming village. There will be time later during your stay to explore Mürren more thoroughly.
Ascend the Schilthorn and Have Lunch at Piz Gloria
Next, we hopped on the cable car up to Schilthorn. The Schilthornbahn station is at the opposite end of the village to the train station. The ride takes about 30 minutes (including a transfer at Birg) with amazing views the whole way. At the top, we’re greeted by 360-degree views of over 200 mountain peaks.
We had lunch at the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant. The food is good, but the views are the real star. As we ate, the restaurant slowly rotated to give us a panorama of the Alps. I recommend that you reserve a table in high season for the most popular mealtimes.
After lunch, we checked out the Bond World exhibit. Parts of the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” were filmed here. While kids and Bond fans may find this part interesting, we thought it was a bit kitschy and old-fashioned – not worth spending too much time at. The restroom was quite interesting, though!
Thrill Walk at Birg
On our way back down, we stopped at the Birg station for the Thrill Walk. This cliff pathway has glass floors and wire mesh sections. It’s not for the faint of heart but a lot of fun!
The views from the Thrill Walk are incredible. We could see straight down the cliff face to the valley far below. It’s an adrenaline rush, but totally safe.
For those who aren’t into heights, there’s a nice viewing platform at Birg too. Either way, it’s a great spot for photos of the surrounding peaks.
Depending on how much time and daylight you have left in the evening, you can either spend more time and have dinner in Mürren or take the final cable car all the way down to Stechelberg in the Lauterbrunnen valley.
Day 2: Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Hike, Wengen & Jungfraujoch
It’s a day to take in more breathtaking views on an easy hike, visit Europe’s highest railway station with an icy experience, and explore another charming car-free village.
Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Hike
We started our day by getting back down to Lauterbrunnen and taking the train to Wengen. From there we took the cable car to Männlichen. The ride takes about 6 minutes and runs every 20 minutes. At the top, we were greeted with stunning mountain vistas.
The hike from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is perfect for all skill levels. It’s about 3 miles long and mostly flat or slightly downhill. We walked for about 1.5 hours, passing through green meadows full of wildflowers and views on either side of the ridge. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
You’ll have non-stop views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in front of you. Some people choose to walk in the opposite direction because Kleine Scheidegg is the start and end point of the rail line for the Jungfraujoch. That way, you can do Jungfraujoch first thing in the morning and then do the hike to Männlichen. There’s nothing wrong with that, especially if you have clearer skies on Jungfraujoch in the morning. Just know that doing hiking the trail this way means the peaks will be behind you and you’ll be going slightly uphill throughout.
Ascent to Jungfraujoch
Just before we reached Kleine Scheidegg, we came across Restaurant Grindelwaldblick, which had stunning views from its outdoor tables. It was the perfect spot for us to have a break for coffee and refreshments.
We then boarded the famous Jungfraubahn to Jungfraujoch. This train climbs through tunnels inside the Eiger mountain. The trip takes about 35 minutes with a quick stop to look out the windows of the tunnel.
Jungfraujoch, at 11,332 feet, is Europe’s highest railway station. We spent a few hours here exploring the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and Snow Fun Park. The views of the Aletsch Glacier are incredible.
It’s cold up here, even in summer, so make sure to dress warmly. Bring sunglasses too – the snow is bright! There are food options if you get hungry.
Explore Wengen
We returned to Kleine Scheidegg and took the train to Wengen in the late afternoon. This car-free village was a great place to unwind after our big day. We strolled through the quiet streets, taking in the traditional Swiss architecture. There’s a fantastic viewpoint over the valley near the north end of the village.
Wengen has many nice restaurants where you can try local dishes like rösti or fondue. We chose the very cozy Bergrestaurant Allmend and selected an excellent fondue from their extensive list. We deserved it after a long day! It was then time to return to Mürren.
Day 3: Mürren, Gimmelwald, Trümmelbach Falls and Lauterbrunnen Valley
This day is for exploring charming mountain villages, see stunning waterfalls, and soak in the beauty of Lauterbrunnen Valley. We’ll start high up in Mürren before making our way down to Gimmelwald and Trümmelbach Falls, ending the day in picturesque Lauterbrunnen.
Explore Mürren and Walk to Gimmelwald
Our day began in Mürren once again, perched on a clifftop with amazing views of the Alps. We strolled through its quaint streets and grabbed breakfast at a local cafe. The Allmendhubel funicular is worth a quick ride if it’s during wildflower season or you have kids who will enjoy the playground there.
From Mürren, we took an easy 1-hour walk to tiny Gimmelwald. This scenic path winds downhill through meadows and forests. In Gimmelwald, check out the old wooden houses and maybe stop for a drink and some local knick-knacks at The Honesty Shop. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but it’s such a wholesome concept in this modern world!
Visit Trümmelbach Falls
Next, we headed down to Stechelberg on the cable car. This is one end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. From there, we took the bus to Trümmelbach Falls. If you have more time, you can just walk for about 40 minutes. The scenery is beautiful and the trail is mostly flat.
These powerful waterfalls are inside the mountain, carved by glacial meltwater. You take an inclined elevator that runs inside and emerge onto walkways to see 10 glacier waterfalls up close. The thundering water and rock formations are really cool. Plan to spend about an hour here exploring the different levels and viewpoints.
Exploring Lauterbrunnen and the Staubbach Falls
We finished our day walking to and exploring Lauterbrunnen village. The walk from Trümmelbach Falls to Lauterbrunnen is around 40 minutes. The same bus in the valley can take you to the village, but I recommend that you don’t skip doing it on foot. It’s flat, easy, and incredibly scenic. Use my detailed guide on hiking the Lauterbrunnen Valley if you want to start it in Lauterbrunnen village and end in Stechelberg with detours to the 2 major waterfalls.
This place looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale, with steep cliffs and waterfalls all around. The star attraction is Staubbach Falls, right at the edge of town. It’s one of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls at 300 meters. You can walk up a path behind the falls for a unique view.
After that, we continued along the footpath and the village main street to see the cute shops and restaurants before ending our day.
Day 4: Arrive in Interlaken, St Beatus Caves, Boat Ride on Lake Thun, Thun
Day 4 takes us to the beautiful Interlaken area. On this day, we explored mysterious caves, enjoyed a scenic boat ride, and visited the charming town of Thun.
Arrive at Interlaken Hotel
We started our day by arriving at our hotel in Interlaken after leaving Mürren early in the morning. This town sits between two lakes, giving it a unique and stunning setting. After dropping off our bags, we took a quick walk to get our bearings. Our hotel was close to the Interlaken West train station, which made it easy to get around.
The views of the surrounding mountains from Interlaken are breathtaking. More than that, it is a convenient base from which to explore the areas surrounding the two lakes – Thun and Brienz. We could see why Interlaken is such a popular spot for travelers. There are plenty of shops and restaurants along the main street if you need anything. This is also where you can buy quality Swiss souvenirs.
Visit St. Beatus Caves
Next, we hopped on Bus 21 from Interlaken West in the direction of Thun but got down at the Beatushöhlen stop to visit St. Beatus Caves, deep inside the Niederhorn massif. The ride takes about 20 minutes and offers nice views of Lake Thun. When you arrive, you’re greeted by an impressive waterfall at the cave entrance. Take the outdoor stairs up to the ticket office. You’ll pass by the cave museum, but you may want to skip that to maximize your day trip on Lake Thun.
If you choose a guided tour of the caves, you’ll learn about the caves’ history and geology. We just did a self-guided tour while reading the information boards at various points. This was more than enough to enjoy the experience and it took us about an hour overall. Inside the caves, we followed a well-lit path through winding tunnels and caverns. The rock formations are amazing – we see stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years.
It’s cool and damp inside year-round, so bring jackets.
Take a Boat Cruise to Thun with Lunch on Board
After the caves, we walked down to the ‘Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen‘ pier to catch our boat to Thun. It’s an easy and scenic walk of about 15-20 minutes. The cruise across Lake Thun from there takes just over 1.5 hours and is very relaxing. We had a very nice lunch of local Swiss dishes on board while taking in the views from a table by a window.
The scenery is stunning. We passed by cute villages and saw snow-capped mountains in the distance. There’s a nice breeze off the water that felt refreshing.
Explore Thun
We arrived in Thun in the afternoon and started exploring this charming town. The medieval old town is really pretty, with cobblestone streets and old buildings. We climbed up to Thun Castle for great views of the area.
There are lots of shops and cafes to check out. You can stop for coffee and people-watch in the main square. The River Aare runs through town, and we enjoyed a walk along its banks. We stopped at Obere Schleuse, a covered wooden bridge from where we watched river wave surfers having a lot of fun!
Here’s where you can make a decision. You can spend some more time in Thun if you want to shop or visit the Kunstmuseum for some interesting art before heading back to your base for the day. We were happy spending just a couple of hours in the town before moving on. After all, the magic of Switzerland lies in its stunning natural beauty, right?
Visit Blausee Lake
If you leave Thun from the train station by around 3:30, you have plenty of time to visit one more beautiful lake. The entrance ticket to Blausee is a bit lower if you enter after 4PM. Take the train from Thun to Frutigen and then the bus to Blausee BE. From there it’s a short walk to the entrance and another short walk to the actual lake.
Blausee is small but stunning because of its underground mineral water source providing crystal clear conditions. The light that scatters through it and the lack of algae also contribute to its vivid blue color.
If you aren’t too late, you may be able to catch a ride on the small boat that takes you across and back. If not, that’s ok. A walk around the entire perimeter is lovely and you can end with a drink at the cafe at the head of the lake. Swimming is not allowed here, as the water’s purity needs to be preserved. Just enjoy the views from the different angles around the trail.
Our entire visit took as about 1.5 hours and we didn’t rush it. The park is typically open until 9PM, but check to see if there’s early closure on any day for a private event. We got back to Frutigen by the same bus and then 2 trains back to Interlaken. The entire journey is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Day 5: Lake Brienz, Aare Gorge and the Open-Air Ballenberg Museum
We spent our fifth day taking in the natural beauty and cultural history of the Bernese Oberland. We cruised on Lake Brienz, explored the stunning Aare Gorge, and visited the fascinating Ballenberg Open-Air Museum.
Morning Cruise on Lake Brienz
We started our day with a relaxing boat trip on Lake Brienz. The turquoise waters are surrounded by steep, forested mountains. It’s a great way to see the area from a different angle.
We boarded the boat in Interlaken Ost. The cruise took just over an hour to reach Brienz at the other end of the lake. On the way, we passed charming villages like Iseltwald and Giessbach.
At Giessbach, we spotted the famous waterfall cascading down the mountainside. The boat stops here, so you can hop off for a look if you want. There’s a funicular to take you to the top if you’d rather not climb. However, if you’re going to visit Reichenbach Falls later in the day, skip this and just enjoy the view from the boat.
If you have an extra day in the area, I recommend that you get off at the Iseltwald boat stop, explore the village, and hike for about 1.5 hours to Giessbach Falls. It’s a well-marked and mostly flat trail.
Visit Aare Gorge
After our lake cruise, we headed to the Aare Gorge. This narrow canyon was carved by glaciers and the Aare River over thousands of years.
To get there, we took a train from Brienz to Meiringen station and then another small local train to the west entrance of the gorge. You can exit via the east entrance and take the same local train back to Meiringen or take a bus if you’re going elsewhere next.
We walked along sturdy walkways attached to the rock walls. The path is about 1.4 km long and should take you around 45 minutes to complete. It takes you through tunnels and over bridges. The rushing water below is impressive.
The gorge is up to 200 meters deep in some spots. We felt tiny next to the towering rock walls. It’s cool and damp inside and there are spots where you’ll get a little wet even if it’s not raining, so I recommend wearing a rain jacket.
Afternoon at Ballenberg Museum OR Reichenbach Falls
For the afternoon, I’m going to give you two options. You can visit the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, or if you still haven’t had your fill of waterfalls, you can see the Reichenbach Falls.
You step back in time at Ballenberg. The museum has over 100 old buildings from all over Switzerland. You’ll see how people lived and worked in the past. There are craft demonstrations and farm animals too.
The museum is big, covering 66 hectares. You can easily spend 3-4 hours here and if you have kids, you’ll want even more time. It’s a fun and educational way to learn about Swiss culture and history. We spent around 2.5 hours by skipping a few sections.
If you choose Reichenbach Falls instead, you’re in for a treat. These powerful waterfalls are famous as the spot where Sherlock Holmes supposedly died. There’s a direct bus that goes from Aare Gorge to the falls. It’s pretty infrequent outside peak season, so you’ll probably have to walk a bit if you don’t have a car.
You can take a funicular up the falls for the best views. The falls drop 120 meters in two main stages. It’s an impressive sight, especially after rain.
The Morning of Day 6: Harder Kulm and Leave Bernese Oberland
We’ll wrap up our Bernese Oberland adventure with a visit to the Harder Kulm observation deck right in Interlaken before heading to our next destination. This quick stop is the perfect way to end your trip on a high note.
Visit Harder Kulm
This stunning viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the Swiss Alps, the shimmering Lake Brienz, and the town of Interlaken.
To reach Harder Kulm, head to the Interlaken Ost railway station and hop on the Harderbahn funicular. I recommend going early because this is a very popular attraction and the funicular that takes you there is small and gets full quickly.
This charming red cable car will whisk you up the mountainside in just 10 minutes and the views along the way are absolutely incredible. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the lakes, forests, and mountains that make this region so special.
At an elevation of 1,322 meters, Harder Kulm offers quite an awe-inspiring panorama. There’s a viewing platform that juts out over the edge of the mountain. Take a moment to soak in the majesty of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, and snap a few photos to remember your magical trip to this region.
If you’re feeling peckish, the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a bite while enjoying the view.
Final Thoughts and Travel to Your Next Destination
Now it’s time to head to your next stop. Many trains, including the EuroCity, InterCity, Golden Pass Express, and Regio, enter and exit Interlaken.
Let’s take a moment to think about how much variety this region of Switzerland offers. You can catch amazing views from mountaintops, hike ridges and valley floors, take boat rides on stunning lakes and view waterfalls and gorges galore! It can feel like you need at least a month to explore everything this region has to offer, but 5 days is a good amount of time to see the highlights.
This itinerary I’ve shared with you makes your time here efficient, but remember to stay flexible and don’t be afraid to backtrack to a few places if you need to. The public transportation is efficient and reliable, so you can cover distances quickly.
Optional Adventure Activities and Relaxation
The Bernese Oberland has plenty of ways to get your adrenaline pumping or unwind after long days of hiking. There are some exciting options for thrill-seekers and those looking to relax.
Activities at Grindelwald First, Paragliding and Skydiving
Grindelwald First is a lot of fun for all day family fun in the outdoors. You can do another cliff walk, try zip-lining or an aerial glider while attached to a horizontal cable, or try mountain carts or scooters.
There are numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. A popular hike is to Bachalpsee Lake. Try skiing and snowboarding in winter.
Murren, Interlaken and Grindelwald are a top spots for paragliding in Switzerland. Take a tandem flight with an expert guide and soar over the lakes and mountains. The views are incredible!
For an even bigger rush, you can also go skydiving. Jump from 14,000 feet and free-fall for about 45 seconds before your parachute opens. It’s pricey but worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Spa Experiences and Wellness Centers
You may need some R&R after all that adventure. Visit the Spa & Wellness Center at Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel in Interlaken. They have saunas, steam rooms, and pools with mountain views. A day pass costs about 70 CHF.
