Bernese Oberland, central Switzerland · Switzerland
The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau above waterfall valleys, car-free villages, glacier railways and lakes, the most concentrated mountain scenery in Europe.
Photo: Leonhard Lenz · CC0
The Bernese Oberland is Switzerland's most dramatic mountain region, a cluster of 4,000-metre peaks above green valleys, glaciers and two large lakes. Interlaken, a small town between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is the gateway, and from it, mountain railways climb to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, and on to the Jungfrau massif. The area, together with the Aletsch Glacier, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The highlight is the Jungfraujoch, a saddle at 3,454 metres, reached by a cog railway that travels through a tunnel inside the Eiger and Mönch. The station is called the Top of Europe, and at the top are an ice palace, the Sphinx observatory and views over the Aletsch Glacier. Below, the Lauterbrunnen Valley has 72 waterfalls falling from its cliffs, including the Staubbach and the vast Trümmelbach, and car-free villages such as Wengen and Mürren cling to the walls above.
It is also an adventure hub, with paragliding, canyoning, skydiving and hiking, and softer options like lake boats, chocolate factories and Harder Kulm's viewing platform. Interlaken itself is a touristy base, and many visitors prefer to stay in Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. Three or four days is a good stay, with time for the Jungfraujoch on the clearest morning.
Why visit
The Jungfrau region is the greatest concentration of Alpine scenery in Switzerland.
Jungfraujoch, at 3,454 metres.
Lauterbrunnen's cliffs and falls.
Its north face above Grindelwald.
Thun and Brienz, in turquoise.
Trails, paragliding and canyoning.
Main attractions
The sights are spread along valleys, so base yourself in the region and use trains.
The highest railway station in Europe, with an ice palace, the Sphinx viewing terrace and views of the Aletsch Glacier. The trip takes about 2.5 hours from Interlaken.
Tip Go on a clear morning, and bring warm clothes.
A U-shaped glacial valley with sheer walls and dozens of waterfalls, including the 300-metre Staubbach Falls.
Tip Walk the flat valley floor.
Ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain, reached by a tunnel lift and walkways.
Tip Open in summer only.
A village beneath the Eiger's north face, with cable cars to First and the Bachalpsee lake.
Tip Hike from First to Bachalpsee.
A viewpoint above Interlaken reached by funicular, with a platform over the two lakes.
Tip Good for an evening.
A turquoise lake with a peaceful village on a peninsula.
Tip Take a boat.
Things to do
The region is for mountain trains, walks and adventure.
The Jungfrau railway climbs through the Eiger.
Tip Book early, and watch the weather.
An easy walk to a mountain lake with Eiger views.
Tip Start early.
Flat paths between waterfalls.
Tip A half day.
Tandem flights from Beatenberg.
Tip Book with a licensed operator.
A historic cog railway to an alpine garden.
Tip Open in summer.
A boat to Giessbach Falls.
Tip Included in some passes.
Local food
The Oberland's food is hearty and Alpine.
Fried grated potato, often with cheese and egg.
Where to try it Mountain restaurants.
A heap of meats, sauerkraut and beans.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
A sweet from Meiringen.
Where to try it Cafés.
A shared pot.
Where to try it Chalet restaurants.
Cheese from local huts.
Where to try it Dairies on trails.
Accommodation
Choose a base by the trip you want.
Transport
Interlaken is a rail hub.
Trains and cable cars cover the valleys.
When to go
Summer has open trails, and winter has skiing.
Waterfalls at full strength, but many lifts closed.
Hiking and long days.
Clear air and gold.
Skiing, with snow-covered villages.
Worth planning around: Cloudy days for Jungfraujoch.
Itinerary
The summit, the valley and the lake.
Jungfraujoch.
Lauterbrunnen.
Water and views.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan the mountains.
FAQ
On a clear day, yes. On a cloudy day, no, so check the weather.
Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald for scenery, and Interlaken for convenience.
Three or four.
June to September for hiking.
Yes, trains and lifts serve everything.
Yes, the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch area is a World Heritage Site.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Jungfrau Region, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Central Switzerland, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
A postcard old town on Lake Lucerne, with the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, Mount Pilatus, Rigi and paddle-steamer trips, ideal as a Swiss base.
Don't miss Walking across the Chapel Bridge at sunset, with the Reuss river, the water tower and the snow-dusted Pilatus behind.
Explore Destination — LucerneBern, western Switzerland, Switzerland
A relaxed capital with a UNESCO-listed old town, six kilometres of arcades, the Zytglogge clock tower, the Rosengarten viewpoint, the Bundeshaus, river swimming and Einstein's apartment.
Don't miss The old town's red roofs and the Aare's turquoise bend, seen from the Rosengarten.
Explore Destination — BernValais, south-west Switzerland, Switzerland
A car-free Alpine village at the foot of the Matterhorn, with the Gornergrat railway, Riffelsee reflections, hiking, year-round skiing and the highest cable car in Europe.
Don't miss The Matterhorn's reflection in the Riffelsee at dawn, from the Gornergrat railway.
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