Get to know the 20 top places and sights in the Bernese Highlands – one of the most beautiful regions in Switzerland.
Tourism Bernese Highlands
The list of sights and places in the Bernese Highlands (in german: Berner Oberland) is long. In addition to well-known places, we have also included a few lesser-known ones. Because the Berner Oberland is known worldwide for tourism. But for a long time it wasn’t like that at all. The first inn was built 1823 in the Bernese Highlands. And that was on the Faulhorn. In 1835 on Wengeralp, in 1838 on Kleine Scheidegg with a view on the Eiger North Face and in 1840 on the Brienzer Rothorn.
Nevertheless, the Jungfrau Region was already one of the most visited areas in the Alpine region around 1800. Scholars, poets and aristocrats in particular came here. These are the people who have enough time and money to travel.
But unlike today, many hosts did not know how to deal with guests. They were unfriendly. So much that even vicarages welcomed tourists. Today, thanks to wonderful hotels and great cable car facilities, everyone is welcome to explore this beautiful area of Switzerland.
In this article, I would like to introduce you to our top 20 places to see in the Bernese Highlands.
Top 20 Places in the Bernese Highlands
1). Lake Oeschinen
Of course, Lake Oeschinen cannot be missed from the list of sights in the Berner Oberland. Word has spread about its beauty and it is visited by tourists from all over the world. Accordingly, the lake is crowded on nice summer days and weekends.
If you like peace and quiet, it is better to arrive during the week or when the cable car is not running.
Lake Oeschinen is a natural lake that was once formed by a rockfall. A 30-minute walk from the cable car station takes you to the lake, where rowing boats can also be hired. In May, when there is still snow further up in the Alps, ibex can be seen on the circular hike with a bit of luck.
2). Blüemlisalphütte SAC
If you are looking for an alpine adventure in the Bernese Highlands or in Switzerland, you would be well advised to hike from Lake Oeschinen towards the Blüemlisalphütte. The 1200 metres of altitude difference takes about 4 hours from the cable car station. During the hike you have a view of various glaciers. The feeling of arriving at the SAC hut is indescribable.
If you want, you can even spend the night there. Or simply eat something delicious, such as the famous cheese sandwiches. Take enough water with you, because even at the Blüemlisalphütte there is officially no drinking water.
If you still want to, you can even hike towards Griesalp on the same day, where there is a post bus (please check the schedule on sbb.ch).
3). Kiental
If the post bus no longer runs from Griesalp, you can either stay overnight on Griesalp. Or take a hike through the Kiental to Reichenbach i.K..
But the Kiental, another sight in the Berner Oberland, is also worthwhile for everyone else. On the one hand, it has the steepest post bus route in Europe (to Griesalp). On the other hand, we have a natural paradise that is rarely found in Switzerland and at this altitude.
The former Tschingelsee was formed by a rockfall and is very valuable for biodiversity. Accordingly, it is a nature reserve and may not be entered. Nevertheless, the view over the river streams from the outside is worthwhile.
If you want to hike in the direction of Griesalp, you will come along a beautiful waterfall route. The Kiental is very close to Kandersteg.
4). Gasterntal
A rather unknown place in the Berner Oberland is the Gasterntal. It is also close to Kandersteg and surrounded by 3000-metre mountains such as the Balmhorn or Doldenhorn.
For me, the Gasterntal is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Berner Oberland and a top sight. The wilderness, the many waterfalls and the great restaurants give the valley an incredible charm. If you want, you can even hike to a mountain hut such as the Lötschenpasshütte. There are also charming mountain hotels in the Gasterntal.
5). Lake Arnen
Not far from Gstaad is Lake Arnen, a popular destination in the Berner Oberland. Thanks to the restaurants and the access directly to the lake (buy a parking ticket of 5CHF with coins (as of 2020)), the Swiss lake is very busy in summer.
If you want to escape the crowds at weekends or during the summer holidays, I recommend hiking towards Col de Vore. From there you have a panoramic view ovre Lake Arnen, Glacier 3000 and many more. In summer, there are also masses of wild blueberries, a dream for everyone. Be sure to wash them before eating.
6). Grimsel Pass
The Grimsel Pass is one of the most beautiful Alpine passes in Switzerland and connects the Berner Oberland with the Valais. In addition to a great drive and the restaurant on the pass, there are also hikes to be made here.
How about a hike along the Grimselsee to the Lauteraarhütte? From here you have a view over the Schreckhorn and other impressive mountains of the Swiss Alps.
7). Sustenpass
Another mountain pass in the Berner Oberland is the Sustenpass. From Meiringen you can reach the sight not only by car, but also by bus in summer (e.g. Susten, Steingletscher).
On the Susten Pass, you absolutely have to make a stop at Steinsee. The glacier lake is a jewel of the Swiss Alps and makes you forget all your everyday worries. If you like, you can even hike to the Tierberglihütte SAC.
8). Rosenlaui
The Rosenlaui is one of the top sights in the Berner Oberland and can be reached from Meiringen. From late spring to autumn there are even post buses to Grindelwald.
Meanwhile, this place is also a popular destination on Instagram and attracts many people. If you want, you can start great hikes here where you only see a few people. Not only is the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge a great destination. The Hotel Rosenlaui, including its restaurant, is also a nice place to enjoy your time.
9). Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen has managed to become famous thanks to good marketing and its endless beauty. On Instagram, the small town now has over 250,000 posts and attracts tourists from all over the world.
Because the imposing Staubbach Falls, which plunge into the depths practically above the village, is one of the main photo motifs. Incidentally, there are a total of 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. They are particularly impressive in May and June when the snow melts.
10). Gimmelwald
Now we are going to the Jungfrau Region in the Berner Oberland. Probably the least known sight in terms of villages is Gimmelwald.
Although it is right next to Mürren and used by many as a transit destination, Gimmelwald is usually very empty. Here there is the first “Honesty Shop” in Switzerland. This is a shop that does completely without staff and is based only on honesty.
Great hikes also start from Gimmelwald, for example to the unknown Sefinental valley.
11). Mürren
Right next to Gimmelwald is the village of Mürren. It is not only one of the most beautiful villages in the Berner Oberland, but also in Switzerland. With views of the entire mountain range of the Jungfrau region, such as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, Mürren is the perfect destination to spend vacations or at least a day trip.
In addition to the panoramic view, Mürren also has delicious restaurants and beautiful walks to offer. Moreover, the village is car-free, which makes it very pleasant to linger. Only approved electric cars are allowed to drive here. Of course, there are also taxis to get from A to B comfortably.
12). Grindelwald First
The “Grindelwald First” mountain station is located above Grindelwald. In addition to the top attraction “Grindelwald First Cliff Walk”, the Bachalpsee is also a popular place in the Bernese Highlands. You can start here beautiful hikes with a view over “Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau”.
Anyway: Grindelwald First is a must for everyone. Because the view is simply phenomenal and the possibilities almost limitless.
13). Wengen
Above Lauterbrunnen and very close to Grindelwald is Wengen. The village in the Berner Oberland is easy to reach by train from Lauterbrunnen or Kleine Scheidegg. On the one hand, the Lauberhorn Downhill, a famous ski race, takes place here.
On the other hand, in summer Wengen is the perfect starting point for hikes in the Jungfrau region. In winter, athletes from all over Switzerland come here to ski.
14). Kleine Scheidegg
Kleine Scheidegg is easy to reach by train from Grindelwald or Wengen. Directly behind the Kleine Scheidegg you have the imposing mountain “Eiger”, which is almost 4000 metres high.
In winter, a great toboggan run starts here. And of course, skiers also get great slopes for their money. In summer, Kleine Scheidegg is a popular destination in the Berner Oberland,
especially for hikes in the Jungfrau Region.
15). Grosse Scheidegg
The Grosse Scheidegg is the brother of the “Kleine Scheidegg”. Interestingly, this mountain is lower than its “small” namesake. But the view is beautiful as well.
From Grosse Scheidegg there are various hikes to be made, such as to Grindelwald First or Bort. There are also many hidden lakes to be found. Note that most of them are in nature reserves. This means that leaving the paths is not permitted.
You can reach Grosse Scheidegg by post bus from Grindelwald. And you could even take the bus to Rosenlaui. A great highlight!
16). Iseltwald
Iseltwald is a municipality on Lake Brienz in the Bernese Highlands. Since Instagram, the place is increasingly visited by tourists thanks to the beautiful Seeburg Castle and the proximity to Interlaken. Accordingly, in summer sometimes all the parking spaces are occupied.
It is worth walking along the lakeside promenade of Iseltwald. With the permanent view on the castle, this is very rewarding. But a boat trip to Iseltwald is also very much appreciated by those who know it.
17). Spiez
Spiez is as well close to Interlaken. But compared to Iseltwald, the municipality is not on Lake Brienz, but on Lake Thun.
Spiez is famous for its beautiful chalets, castle and vineyards. The good location on the lake and the boat connection to Interlaken also make Spiez a perfect destination for excursions and sightseeing in the Berner Oberland.
18). Brienz Rothorn
The Brienzer Rothorn above Lake Brienz is a popular destinations. Thanks to the steam train from Brienz, it makes the place a great photo subject. But the Brienzer Rothorn can also be reached by cable car from Sörenberg (cheaper option).
The mountain in the Berner Oberland is best known as the starting point for the Brienzer Grat hike. This leads from the Brienzer Rothorn to the Augstmatthorn and to the Harder Kulm in around 7 hours.
19). Sigriswil
Sigriswil is one of the most beautiful villages in the Berner Oberland. The village above Lake Thun captivates with its uniform wooden chalets. And a wonderful view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
From here, a Swiss panorama walk starts to Gunten, where you can enjoy an almost permanent view of Lake Thun. Sigriswil is also a great place to stay overnight.
20). Giessbach Falls
The Giessbach Falls are a water fall with 14 steps above Lake Brienz. The destination is a real highlight for waterfall lovers and people who like energetic places. Because the waterfall is absolutely a great tip. Furthermore, the Grandhotel Giessbach serves after the visit delicious meals with the great view.
