The great walk from Bern to the glaciers of the Bernese Oberland

Berne, the federal capital of Switzerland. A pretty medieval town that has preserved in the city center its typical style of Germanic cities. An interesting geographical site in a loop of the Aare River. Precisely by going up this river one can discover the jewels of theBernese Oberland.

Let's explore the main natural and historical sites of this magnificent region of Bern and the Bernese Oberland, which deserves a stay of several days.

A walk in Bern to discover the medieval spirit of the capital of Switzerland.

Berne, the capital of Switzerland, is a city that charms at first sight. Nestled in a loop of the Aare River, the medieval city of Bern is a true gem, where every street corner seems to come straight out of a fairy tale. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you will discover historical treasures at every turn, starting with the famous Zytglogge, the iconic clock tower that has been delighting visitors with its animated carillon of moving figurines for centuries. Bern's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of picturesque streets lined with elegant arcades where you can stroll sheltered from the elements, browsing boutiques, art galleries and welcoming cafés.

In the center of this city, the majestic Berne Cathedral rises with its Gothic spire, the highest in Switzerland, offering a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains for those who dare to climb its 344 steps. A few steps away, the Federal Palace invites you to discover the behind the scenes of Swiss politics, with its guided tours that immerse you in the history and workings of this unique democracy. Also do not miss the bear pit, where since the Middle Ages, the bears, symbols of the city, have been pampered in an enclosure right in the center. Going down towards the river, the Rosengarten welcomes you with its hundreds of rose bushes and panoramic views of the old town, a perfect place for a peaceful break in the heart of nature.

Berne

As you continue your exploration, be sure to visit the Albert Einstein's House, where the famous physicist lived and worked during his stay in Bern. This small museum immerses you in the world of the man who revolutionized our understanding of the universe, with personal objects and original documents that tell the story of his time in the city. A few steps away, the Museum of Fine Arts Berne houses an impressive collection of works, ranging from old masters to contemporary artists, offering a true journey through the history of art.

The district of Marzili, located below the Federal Palace, invites you to a typically Bernese experience: a dip in the cool waters of the Aare. Locals love to let themselves be carried along by the river's current, a refreshing and original way to discover the city from a different perspective. In summer, the banks of the Aare transform into lively beaches, where people meet to relax, picnic or simply enjoy the sun.

Bern is also a city where you can enjoy local specialties. Gastronomy lovers will be delighted with typical Swiss dishes in the city's many traditional restaurants. Don't miss out on trying the fondue or raclette, must-try dishes, accompanied by a glass of local wine or a Bernese craft beer. For those with a sweet tooth, a stop at one of the city's pastry shops is a must to enjoy a slice of walnut cake or a butter shortbread, specialties that will delight your taste buds.

At the end of the day, when the sun sets over the rooftops of the old town, Bern is bathed in a golden light that further accentuates its timeless charm. The streets then come alive with a warm atmosphere, where the lights of the street lamps reflect on the damp cobblestones after a brief summer rain. The café terraces fill up, and locals and visitors alike take advantage of these moments to chat over a drink, admiring the view of the mountains in the distance.

Thus, Bern is not only an administrative capital, but a city where every stone tells a story, where every alley invites you to a new discovery. It is a place where past and present come together harmoniously, offering its visitors an experience rich in culture, history and pleasure. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, a nature lover or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Bern will seduce you with its authenticity and gentle way of life.

Interlaken and Lakes Thun and Brienz, a lovely train ride from Bern towards the Bernese Oberland.

After exploring the treasures of Bern, an unforgettable adventure awaits you just an hour away by train: Interlaken, nestled between the two splendid Lakes Thun and Brienz. This train ride is a real appetizer, offering breathtaking landscapes, where the green meadows gradually give way to the majestic mountains of theBernese Oberland. At every turn, the panorama becomes more impressive, with the snow-capped peaks standing out against the blue sky, promising even more grandiose discoveries upon arrival.

Interlaken, as its name suggests, lies between the two lakes, in a valley surrounded by spectacular mountains. This charming village is the perfect base for exploring the region, whether you are a fan of extreme sports or simply looking for a relaxing break in nature. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan, with visitors from all over the world coming to admire the beauty of the Swiss Alps. The Höhematte, a large park in the centre of Interlaken, offers breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks, which dominate the horizon with incomparable majesty.

From Interlaken, a boat trip on the Lake Thun is an experience not to be missed. This lake, with its deep blue waters, is lined with charming villages and medieval castles that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale. Oberhofen Castle, with its soaring towers plunging into the lake, is one of the most picturesque, offering not only a dive into history but also spectacular views of the surrounding Alps. Cruises on the lake take in places like Spiez, with its castle and terraced vineyards, where you can taste local wines while admiring the scenery. Also not to be missed is a stop in Thun, a true jewel of the Alps with its fairy tale castle overlooking the medieval old town.

Thun – photo credit Olivier Ciucci

On the other side of Interlaken, the Lake Brienz, wilder and less frequented, seduces with its peaceful atmosphere and turquoise waters. A cruise on this lake takes you through landscapes of steep mountains and dense forests, with stops in picturesque villages like Iseltwald, where time seems to stand still. Hiking enthusiasts can take the trails that run along the lake, leading to hidden waterfalls and spectacular viewpoints over the sparkling waters. Also not to be missed is the Giessbach, an impressive waterfall that flows directly into the lake, accessible by funicular from the shore.

Interlaken is also an adventurer's paradise. If you dream of flying like a bird, this is where you can make that dream come true by going paragliding. The sky above Interlaken is often dotted with colorful sails, and flying from the top of Harder Kulm gives you breathtaking views of the two lakes and the surrounding mountains. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, Harder Kulm is also accessible by a funicular that takes you to a panoramic terrace, where an outdoor café awaits you to enjoy a meal while admiring the landscape.

The more adventurous can also try canyoning or rafting in the gorges of the rivers that flow into the lakes. These activities offer an adrenaline rush while allowing you to discover the natural wonders of the region from a unique perspective. And after a busy day, what could be better than relaxing in one of Interlaken's spas, where you can recharge your batteries with breathtaking views of the mountains?

Your excursion to Interlaken and the Lakes Thun and Brienz is more than just a train ride from Bern. It is a total immersion in the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps, where every moment, every view, every activity brings you a little closer to the alpine paradise. Whether you are looking for tranquility by the lakes, thrills or simply breathtaking scenery, this region will enchant you and leave you with lasting memories.

But there is something even more breathtaking: the glacial landscapes of the Bernese Oberland.

The glacial landscapes of the Bernese Oberland

The glacial landscapes of theBernese Oberland are among the most spectacular and impressive in the Swiss Alps, offering visitors grandiose panoramas that seem to come straight out of a dream. This region, where nature reveals itself in all its power and beauty, is a true paradise for mountain lovers and lovers of wide open spaces.

The first must-see site to admire these landscapes is the jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe”. Accessible by cogwheel train from Interlaken via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, this excursion takes you to the highest railway station in Europe, perched at 3 metres above sea level. The journey itself is an experience in itself, with magnificent views of lush green valleys, dense forests, and shimmering glaciers. Once at the top, a breathtaking panorama opens up before you: glaciers as far as the eye can see, with the majestic aletsch glacier, the longest in Europe, stretching over 23 kilometres. At Jungfraujoch, you can also visit the Ice Palace, a network of tunnels and caves dug into the glacier, where ice sculptures glow in the blue light. For the more adventurous, glacier hiking trails allow you to get even closer to this unique landscape.

Another spectacular viewpoint is the Schilthorn, famous for its 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding peaks. Accessible by cable car from Stechelberg or Murren, this mountain peaks at 2 meters and is also famous for its revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, made famous by the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". From the panoramic terrace, you can admire theEiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, along with dozens of other majestic peaks, rising proudly above valleys and glaciers. In winter, the Schilthorn transforms into a world-renowned ski destination, with slopes that offer exhilarating descents in a breathtaking natural setting.

For those wishing to explore the glacial landscapes on foot, the region also offers exceptional hiking. The Eiger Trail, accessible from the Eiger railway station, Little Scheidegg, allows you to get up close to the imposing walls of the Eiger, one of the most iconic mountains in the Alps. This panoramic trail takes you through flowering alpine meadows in summer, with spectacular views of the glaciers below.

The Kleine Scheidegg Plateau is accessible by train from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. Just like the sites of First and its beautiful landscape as well as its lovely walk to the Bachalpsee.

The view from Grindelwald First. Photo Credit: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Finally, for a unique experience, don't miss the Oeschinen Lake, a glacial alpine lake located near Kandersteg. Accessible by cable car and a short walk, this site immerses you in a picture-postcard landscape, where the turquoise waters of the lake reflect the snow-capped peaks that surround it. In winter, the lake freezes over completely, providing a vast expanse of ice for activities such as ice skating or snowshoeing. In summer, it is the ideal place for a boat ride or a hike, surrounded by hanging glaciers that sparkle in the sun.

The Bernese Oberland is full of natural treasures that seem to come straight out of a dream, and among them, the Rosenlaui Valley is a true hidden gem. Nestled between the mountains, this wild and unspoiled valley offers landscapes of striking beauty. Hiking through the Rosenlaui Gorge, a narrow canyon carved by the tumultuous waters of the glacier, is an immersive experience where you feel at one with nature. The steep walls, roaring waterfalls, and the play of light on the crystal clear waters create a breathtaking natural spectacle. Continuing higher, the flowering alpine meadows stretch as far as the eye can see, offering magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks and surrounding glaciers.

Not far from there, the Schynige plate is another extraordinary site. Accessible by a century-old cogwheel railway from Wilderswil, this mountain offers an exceptional panorama of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The Alpine Garden, home to over 600 species of alpine plants, is a paradise for budding botanists. In autumn, the flamboyant colours of the trees contrast magnificently with the eternal snows of the peaks, creating a natural tableau of rare beauty.

Le blausee, a small lake of almost supernatural clarity, located in a nature reserve, is another wonder to discover. Its waters, of a deep blue, are so clear that you can see trout swimming between the submerged tree trunks. Surrounded by dense forests and green hills, this site is perfect for a quiet stroll or a family picnic, where you can let yourself be enchanted by the serenity of the place.

Finally, the valley of Lauterbrunnen, often referred to as “ valley of 72 waterfalls", is a sight not to be missed. The waterfalls cascading down the steep cliffs, including the famous Staubbachfall, provide a fascinating natural spectacle. The landscape is dominated by towering mountains and lush green meadows, where you can hear the gentle tinkling of cow bells grazing. This valley has inspired artists and poets, and a walk here makes you understand why.

Each of these extraordinary sites, whether deep valleys, enchanting lakes or breathtaking alpine panoramas, offers a total immersion in nature in its purest form. The Bernese Oberland is a true paradise for nature lovers, where every corner holds a beauty to be discovered, and where the souvenirs you bring back are as majestic as the landscapes themselves.

A visit to the Bern and Bernese Oberland region is a great way to take home memories of breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural richness. From the historic alleys of Bern to the majestic peaks of the Oberland, every moment spent here is an invitation to discovery and wonder. Whether for nature lovers, history buffs or gourmands, the Bern and Bernese Oberland region is a destination that captivates the soul and awakens the senses, leaving you with an irresistible desire to return, again and again.

You might also be interested in these articles: