Bernese Highlands Travel Guide

Our comprehensive guide covers all the important information you need to know to plan your trip to the stunning Bernese Highlands in Switzerland.


Introduction to Bernese Highlands

Located in the central region of Switzerland, Bernese Highlands is a beautiful region known for its stunning Alpine scenery, lush green valleys, breathtaking waterfalls, and charming villages. This region is a prime destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

This guide provides you with all the information you need to plan your visit to this breathtaking corner of Switzerland.

List of Places to Visit in Bernese Highlands

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ballenberg Open-Air Museum: This expansive outdoor museum features over 100 historical buildings from various regions of Switzerland and gives you a glimpse into rural Swiss life in the 16th to 19th centuries.

  • Thun Castle: Dating back to the 12th century, Thun Castle is a magnificent structure overlooking the town of Thun. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and the museum inside.

  • Eiger Trail: This legendary trail is one of the prime attractions in the Bernese Alps and takes you along the northeast flank of the Eiger mountain.

Natural Attractions of Bernese Highlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Jungfraujoch: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors stunning views of the Swiss Alps and is the highest train station in Europe.

  • Staubbach Falls: Located in Lauterbrunnen, the Staubbach Falls is one of Switzerland’s tallest waterfalls and a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers.

  • Lake Thun and Lake Brienz: These two lakes are surrounded by gorgeous Alpine scenery and provide the perfect backdrop for scenic boat rides.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bernese Highlands

Bernese Highlands is a hiker’s paradise with a plethora of hiking trails to choose from. Some popular routes are:

  • Hardergrat Trail: This stunning hike takes you along a narrow ridge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Eiger Trail: This legendary trail is one of the prime attractions in the Bernese Alps and takes you along the northeast flank of the Eiger mountain.

  • Kandersteg to Oeschinensee: This hike takes you through lush forests, past waterfalls and streams, and ends at the crystal-clear Oeschinensee lake.

Best Things to Do in Bernese Highlands: Activities and Tours

  • Jungfraujoch Train Tour: Travel to the top of Europe on the Jungfraujoch train tour, which takes you to the highest railway station in Europe with stunning views of the surrounding Alps.

  • Adventure Park Interlaken: This adventure park offers a range of activities, including rope courses, zip-lining, and more, set amidst the beautiful Swiss Alps.

  • Paragliding over Interlaken: Take in stunning aerial views of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains on a tandem paragliding ride.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bernese Highlands

Day 1: Explore the charming old town of Bern Day 2: Visit the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum and Thun Castle Day 3: Hike the Hardergrat Trail and take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains Day 4: Take a scenic boat ride on the Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Day 5: Visit the Jungfraujoch and explore the Sphinx Observatory and the Ice Palace Day 6: Go paragliding over Interlaken and visit the Trümmelbach Falls Day 7: Relax and enjoy the beautiful Swiss scenery.

Food and Drink Scene of Bernese Highlands

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rösti: A Swiss specialty made of grated potatoes, served as a side dish to meat or eggs.

  • Fondue: Melted cheese, served with bread, potatoes, and pickled vegetables. A Swiss classic.

  • Zopf: A braided Swiss bread that’s a staple of any Swiss breakfast table.

Local Beverages

  • Kirsch: A traditional cherry liqueur made in Switzerland

  • Raclette wine: A Swiss wine that pairs well with Raclette cheese.

Where to Stay in Bernese Highlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, Bernese Highlands has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget.

Luxury Hotels

  • Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Swiss Alps.

  • Belle Epoque Hotel: A charming hotel in Interlaken, with beautiful décor and a cozy atmosphere.

Budget-Friendly Hostels

  • Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof: A clean, modern hostel close to the center of Interlaken.

  • Balmers Hostel: One of the most popular hostels in the area, with a lively bar and plenty of activities to keep guests entertained.

What to Buy in Bernese Highlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Swiss Chocolate: Switzerland is known for its delicious chocolate, and Bernese Highlands has plenty of chocolate shops to choose from.

  • Cow Bells: A traditional Swiss souvenir, cowbells make for a great memento of your trip to the region.

  • Wood Carvings: Switzerland is known for its wood carving, and you can find plenty of unique handcrafted wooden items in Bernese Highlands.

Local Culture and Customs of Bernese Highlands

The people of Bernese Highlands are proud of their traditions, including the cow-bell ringing, yodeling, and Alphorn playing. Respect for the environment is also a significant aspect of the culture in Bernese Highlands.

Best Time to Visit Bernese Highlands

The best time to visit Bernese Highlands is from June to September, when the weather is mild and the Alpine scenery is at its best. The winter months are also popular for skiing and snowboarding.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bernese Highlands

Do:

  • Respect the environment and wildlife
  • Try Swiss chocolate and cheese
  • Take in the stunning Alpine scenery

Don’t:

  • Ignore safety signs when hiking
  • Leave your trash behind in the mountains
  • Wear hiking boots in town

Safety and Health

Safety in Bernese Highlands

Bernese Highlands is a safe place to visit, but visitors should take precautions when hiking in the mountains or engaging in other adventurous activities. Visitors should also be aware of the risk of avalanches in the winter months.

Health in Bernese Highlands

Switzerland has excellent public healthcare, and visitors are advised to purchase travel insurance before their trip to cover any medical expenses.

Getting to Bernese Highlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bernese Highlands

The nearest airports to Bernese Highlands are Bern-Belp Airport and Zurich Airport.

Bus Stations Near Bernese Highlands

There are several bus stations in the area, with connections to many nearby towns and villages.

Other Options

The Swiss rail network is very efficient, and there are frequent trains connecting Bernese Highlands to the rest of Switzerland.

How to Get Around in Bernese Highlands

The best way to get around Bernese Highlands is by public transport. Trains and buses are frequent and efficient, and visitors can purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on public transport.

Where to Go Next from Bernese Highlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lucerne: A charming town on the shores of Lake Lucerne, with beautiful views of the Swiss Alps.

  • Zermatt: Home to the famous Matterhorn peak, Zermatt is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Bernese Highlands is a magnificent destination with its stunning mountain scenery, charming villages, and endless opportunities for adventure. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and provided you with all the information you need to make your visit to Bernese Highlands an unforgettable experience.

The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau


    Brienz
    Gimmelwald
    Grindelwald
    Gstaad
    Interlaken
    Kandersteg
    Lauterbrunnen
    Mürren
    Thun
    Wengen