Bernese Oberland holidays

Holiday highlights

With something to suit everyone, a trip to the Bernese Oberland, the higher part of the canton of Bern on the southern side, is definitely a journey not to be missed. One of the most loved areas of Switzerland, this beautiful stretch of land has Alpine scenery, lush rolling hills and indigo lakes all set between the Reuss River and Lake Geneva.  Known for its imposing triple-peaked Alpine mountains: Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, prepare to be impressed by a spectacular landscape.   Whether you want land, air or water based activities and are looking for adrenalin thrills or sedate adventures, Bernese Oberland will open your eyes to a world you will have to pinch yourself to believe.

A fantastic, central place to start exploring this region is Interlaken, which lies between the Lakes of Thun and Brienz. This popular area is a vast playground of outdoor activity. Take part in anything from fierce canyoning down thundering waterfalls or glacier trekking with your pick axe through ice-cold streams and rocks of hard snow. Bathe in deep blue lakes and natural lidos, paraglide, handglide or take a stunning Nordic hike.  For those with lots of gumption, this is the place to try an exhilarating canyon jump!  Head though a world of rock, ice and snow on the cogwheel railway to Jungfaujoch and reach the spectacular roof of Europe. This is the highest railway station in Europe and climbs a height difference of 1400 meters in just 50 minutes.

The world’s deepest U-shaped valley, Lauterbrunnen, is one of Switzerland’s largest nature conservation areas and is home to 72 colossal waterfalls, the most iconic being the thundering Staubbach Falls.  From here, explore the picturesque car-free resorts of Wengen to the east and Murren to the west. The Alpine village of Wengen is Kuoni’s most popular Swiss resort, with its fresh mountain air, hours of sunshine, chocolate-box chalets, cool pine woods, lush meadows and hiking opportunities.

Want to go to a glacier village? Travel 30 minutes up the mountains from Interlaken to Grindelwald.  Here you can explore the mystical Blue Ice Grotto and romantic Glacier Gorge and immerse yourself in a resort of traditional folklore, music and mountain festivities.  Opened in 2009, Grindlewald’s First Flyer is one of the most popular attractions here.  It takes a certain amount of bravery to jump on, but once you do, you won’t want the experience of flying through the air to end. Deep cobalt Lake Thun has plenty of windsurfing and sailing opportunities and with its magnificent mountain backdrop is the perfect place for a tranquil swim.  The medieval Oberhofen Castle can be found on its shores, its chapel still containing impressive 15th century frescoes.  Spiez, on the opposite side of the Lake, is also a pretty village to visit for its thousand year old Romanesque Church.The Bernese Oberland opens up a world of magical Alpine scenery, astonishing mountains, thundering waterfalls, invigorating adventure and comforting beauty. It’s safe to say, you won’t want to go home.