Illustrative header image for Bernese Oberland Highlights Tour

AI-generated illustration

7-day itinerary

Bernese Oberland Highlights Tour

Q: What is the best time of year to visit the Bernese Oberland for optimal hiking conditions?

The best time to visit is between June and September, as this period offers the most favorable conditions for hiking and ensures that mountain railways are accessible.

Q: Is a car necessary for getting around the region, particularly in villages like Wengen and Mürren?

A car is not necessary and is often impractical, as the region is best explored via Swiss Federal Railways. Villages like Wengen and Mürren are car-free and accessible primarily by cable car or train.

Q: Are the mountain railway tickets, such as those for the Jungfrau, included in the standard travel pass?

No, the standard travel pass often excludes specific high-altitude excursions. You typically need to purchase separate, expensive tickets for mountain railways like the one to the Jungfrau or Schilthorn.

Q: What type of clothing should I pack for the alpine environment?

You should pack layered clothing, including a waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots, to handle the rapidly changing weather and cooler temperatures found at higher altitudes.

Q: Is cash required for purchases in remote areas like mountain huts?

Yes, it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases in remote areas, such as mountain huts, as cash is often required even though credit cards are widely accepted in towns.

7-day alpine journey through Jungfrau region

Length: 7 days · 14 sights
Pace: Moderate
Estimated cost: CHF 895 per person
Based in: Bernese Oberland

1
Day 1: Arrival in Interlaken & The Harder Kulm

Arrive in Interlaken, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Settle into your accommodation and take the Harder Kulm railway for panoramic views of the two lakes and surrounding peaks.
- 10:00
  
  Arrival and Transfer to Hotel
  
  Check into your hotel in Interlaken. Recommended areas: Near the station for convenience or near the lakes for scenery.
  
  About 60 min
- 14:00
  
  Harder Kulm Summit
  
  Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm. Enjoy the 360-degree view of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
  
  About 3 hours
- 17:00
  
  Stroll along the Aare River
  
  Relaxing walk along the riverbank to decompress after travel.
  
  About 60 min
Meals:

Dinner at Interlaken Town Center

Where to stay:

Stay in Interlaken. It is the main transport hub with easy access to trains and buses.

Getting around:

Walking and local bus. No car needed.
2
Day 2: Wengen & The Jungfraujoch

Visit the car-free village of Wengen and take the cogwheel train to the 'Top of Europe' at Jungfraujoch.
- 08:00
  
  Train to Lauterbrunnen
  
  Take the train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen.
  
  About 30 min
- 08:30
  
  Train to Wengen
  
  Short train ride up to the car-free village of Wengen.
  
  About 10 min
- 09:00
  
  Explore Wengen
  
  Walk through the picturesque car-free village, enjoying views of the Eiger North Face.
  
  About 60 min
- 10:15
  
  Train to Jungfraujoch
  
  Take the Jungfrau Railway from Wengen/Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch (3,454m).
  
  About 2 hours
- 12:15
  
  Jungfraujoch Station & Ice Palace
  
  Visit the Sphinx Observatory, Snow Palace, and enjoy the highest railway station in Europe.
  
  About 3 hours
- 15:30
  
  Return to Interlaken
  
  Descend via Jungfrau Railway back to Lauterbrunnen and train to Interlaken.
  
  About 60 min
Meals:

Lunch at Jungfraujoch Restaurant

Where to stay:

Stay in Interlaken.

Getting around:

Extensive use of Swiss Travel Pass trains. Book Jungfrau tickets in advance.
3
Day 3: Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren

Explore the 'Valley of 72 Waterfalls' and visit the car-free village of Mürren with views of the Schilthorn.
- 09:00
  
  Staubbach Falls
  
  Hike down to the base of Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen.
  
  About 60 min
- 10:30
  
  Train to Lauterbrunnen Station
  
  Return to station and transfer to cable car.
  
  About 45 min
- 11:15
  
  Cable Car to Mürren
  
  Take the cable car from Grütschalp to Mürren.
  
  About 30 min
- 11:45
  
  Schilthorn & Piz Gloria
  
  Take the rotating restaurant train up Schilthorn. Visit the James Bond exhibit.
  
  About 2 hours
- 14:00
  
  Hike Mürren to Gimmelwald
  
  Scenic hike through alpine meadows to the tiny village of Gimmelwald.
  
  About 2 hours
- 16:00
  
  Return to Interlaken
  
  Hike back to Mürren station, cable car down, train to Interlaken.
  
  About 60 min
Meals:

Lunch at Mürren Village

Where to stay:

Stay in Interlaken.

Getting around:

Cable cars and trains. Swiss Travel Pass covers most.
4
Day 4: Grindelwald & First Cliff Walk

Visit Grindelwald and experience the adrenaline-pumping First Cliff Walk and the suspension bridge.
- 09:00
  
  Train to Grindelwald
  
  Short train ride from Interlaken to Grindelwald.
  
  About 30 min
- 09:30
  
  Gondola to First
  
  Take the gondola from Grindelwald to First.
  
  About 45 min
- 10:15
  
  First Cliff Walk
  
  Walk along the cliff edge suspended 500m above the valley.
  
  About 2 hours
- 12:15
  
  First Suspension Bridge
  
  Walk across the 100m long suspension bridge over the Schreckfeldgletscher.
  
  About 60 min
- 13:15
  
  First Zip Line (Optional)
  
  Take the zip line down from First to Bachalpsee (weather permitting).
  
  About 60 min
- 15:00
  
  Return to Interlaken
  
  Gondola down, train back to Interlaken.
  
  About 60 min
Meals:

Lunch at First Mountain Restaurant

Where to stay:

Stay in Interlaken.

Getting around:

Train and Gondola. Swiss Travel Pass covers train and gondola.
5
Day 5: Lake Brienz & Giessbach Falls

Travel to the turquoise Lake Brienz, visit the historic Giessbach Falls and Grand Hotel.
- 09:00
  
  Train to Brienz
  
  Train from Interlaken to Brienz.
  
  About 45 min
- 09:45
  
  Boat to Giessbach
  
  Take the historic paddle steamer boat to Giessbach Falls.
  
  About 30 min
- 10:15
  
  Giessbach Falls & Grand Hotel
  
  Hike up the stairs to see the falls and explore the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach.
  
  About 1.5 hours
- 12:00
  
  Explore Brienz Village
  
  Walk around the lakeside village, known for woodcarving and spinning wheels.
  
  About 60 min
- 13:00
  
  Return to Interlaken
  
  Boat back to Brienz, train to Interlaken.
  
  About 60 min
Meals:

Lunch at Giessbach Restaurant

Where to stay:

Stay in Interlaken.

Getting around:

Train and Boat. Swiss Travel Pass covers these.
6
Day 6: Oeschinensee & Kandersteg

Day trip to the stunning alpine lake Oeschinensee, accessible via a scenic cable car ride from Kandersteg.
- 08:00
  
  Train to Kandersteg
  
  Train from Interlaken to Kandersteg (approx 1h 15m).
  
  About 60 min
- 09:15
  
  Cable Car to Oeschinensee
  
  Take the cable car up to Oeschinensee.
  
  About 20 min
- 09:35
  
  Oeschinensee Hike
  
  Walk around the lake (3km) or hike up to the Alpine Coaster or higher trails for panoramic views.
  
  About 4 hours
- 13:30
  
  Picnic by the Lake
  
  Relax by the turquoise water, rent a rowboat if weather permits.
  
  About 60 min
- 15:00
  
  Cable Car Down
  
  Descend to Kandersteg.
  
  About 30 min
- 16:00
  
  Return to Interlaken
  
  Train back to Interlaken.
  
  About 60 min
Meals:

Lunch at Oeschinensee Restaurant

Where to stay:

Stay in Interlaken.

Getting around:

Train and Cable Car. Swiss Travel Pass covers train and cable car.
7
Day 7: Aare Gorge & Departure

Visit the dramatic Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) near Meiringen before heading to the airport/station.
- 09:00
  
  Train to Meiringen
  
  Train from Interlaken to Meiringen.
  
  About 60 min
- 10:00
  
  Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht)
  
  Walk through the narrowest part of the gorge, crossing bridges and tunnels carved into the rock.
  
  About 2 hours
- 12:00
  
  Sherlock Holmes Statue
  
  Visit the statue of Sherlock Holmes in Meiringen, who spent his last years here.
  
  About 60 min
- 13:00
  
  Return to Interlaken
  
  Train back to Interlaken for final departure.
  
  About 60 min
Meals:

Lunch at Meiringen Town

Where to stay:

Departure day.

Getting around:

Train. Swiss Travel Pass covers this.

Practical information

The Bernese Oberland is best visited between June and September for optimal hiking conditions and accessible mountain railways, though July and August bring peak crowds. Spring offers wildflowers but unpredictable weather, while winter transforms the region into a ski destination. Weather in the Alps changes rapidly; always check forecasts for specific peaks like the Jungfrau or Schilthorn, as low visibility can ruin views even if the valley is sunny. Flexibility is crucial, as rain may force you to swap outdoor activities for indoor museums or lower-altitude valley walks. Getting around is easiest via the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), which connect major hubs like Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald efficiently. For mountain access, consider the Bernese Oberland Pass or Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on most trains, buses, and boats. While cars offer flexibility, they are unnecessary and often impractical in car-free villages like Wengen and Mürren. These villages are accessible only by cable car from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, making them ideal bases for avoiding traffic and parking hassles. Interlaken serves as a flat, convenient transportation hub, while Lauterbrunnen offers direct valley access. Accommodation varies by preference. Wengen and Mürren provide serene, car-free alpine atmospheres with stunning views but come at a premium. Lauterbrunnen is more affordable and vibrant but can be busy. Interlaken offers the widest range of hotels and hostels, suitable for budget travelers, though it lacks the immediate mountain immersion of the villages. Booking well in advance is essential during peak summer months. Budgeting should account for high costs of dining and mountain excursions. The Swiss Travel Pass covers many transport costs but often excludes cable cars to Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch, which require separate, expensive tickets. Pack layered clothing, including waterproof jackets and sturdy hiking boots, as temperatures drop significantly at altitude. Bring sun protection and sunglasses, as UV intensity is high. Finally, carry cash for small purchases in remote huts, though cards are widely accepted in towns. Prioritize comfort and preparation to fully enjoy the region’s hiking trails and scenic beauty.

Questions people ask

What is the best time of year to visit the Bernese Oberland for optimal hiking conditions?

Is a car necessary for getting around the region, particularly in villages like Wengen and Mürren?

Are the mountain railway tickets, such as those for the Jungfrau, included in the standard travel pass?

What type of clothing should I pack for the alpine environment?

Is cash required for purchases in remote areas like mountain huts?

Book your stay

City:

Check-in:

Nights:

With:

More itineraries

All itineraries

Search Switzerland Explorer

Bernese Oberland Highlights Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Interlaken & The Harder Kulm

Day 2: Wengen & The Jungfraujoch

Day 3: Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren

Day 4: Grindelwald & First Cliff Walk

Day 5: Lake Brienz & Giessbach Falls

Day 6: Oeschinensee & Kandersteg

Day 7: Aare Gorge & Departure

Practical information

Questions people ask

Book your stay

More itineraries

Aargau Cultural Heritage

Aargau Highlights Tour

Augusta Raurica Cultural Heritage

Search Switzerland Explorer

Bernese Oberland Highlights Tour

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Interlaken & The Harder Kulm

Day 2: Wengen & The Jungfraujoch

Day 3: Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren

Day 4: Grindelwald & First Cliff Walk

Day 5: Lake Brienz & Giessbach Falls

Day 6: Oeschinensee & Kandersteg

Day 7: Aare Gorge & Departure

Practical information

Questions people ask

Book your stay

More itineraries

Aargau Cultural Heritage

Aargau Highlights Tour

Augusta Raurica Cultural Heritage