The stunning Bernese Oberland is one of the most beautiful regions in the Swiss Alps. The scenery encompasses everything you would expect to see in Switzerland - snow-capped mountain peaks, fresh mountain air, rolling hillsides, jagged rocks and awesome glaciers. The entire region provides a year-round playground for walkers, climbers, hikers and skiers, combining towering mountains with picturesque lakes and endless forests. Set in the heart of the Bernese Oberland is the captivating capital of the region - Interlaken. The charming city is wedged between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is surrounded by the majestic triple peaks of the Jungfrau, the Eiger and the Mönch mountains.
Interlaken is an excellent starting point for adventures into the Bernese Oberland and provides an excellent 'base camp' for a comprehensive exploration of the surrounding Alps - over 45 mountain railways, cable cars, chair lifts and ski lifts lead to 200 kilometres of groomed ski pistes and a dense network of hiking trails. Excursion ships, including historic paddle steamers, ply the waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
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Classic
(34 reviews)
River Cruise
(23 reviews)Classic
(178 reviews)Classic
(153 reviews)Snow-bound views and enchanting seasonal scenery have made the Glacier Express famous at this time of year as the glistening peaks and sugar-frosted forests of the Swiss Alps provides picture-postcard backdrops. On this memorable holiday, pass icy lakes and the ethereal Palü Glacier on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express. Later, ...
Discoveries
(140 reviews)Discover the magic of a Swiss winter on this GRJ All Inclusive seasonal holiday based in the scenic Albula Valley. Experience Switzerland's most spectacular train journeys from a family-run hotel, including drinks with dinner each evening. Travel across the Swiss Alps and past enchanting glaciers to Italy on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina...
Classic
(61 reviews)On this sensational holiday, travel from Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva to the mountainous surroundings of the Jungfrau Massif. Explore fairytale Château de Chillon, sail along Lake Geneva and cross the Alps to Chamonix on the Mont Blanc Express. Boarding the fantastic panoramic GoldenPass Express, admire amazing views of the...
Discoveries
(348 reviews)Embark on this amazing GRJ all-inclusive tour of the Swiss Alps, based in the chocolate-box village of Wilderswil, where dinner and drinks are provided each evening. From this picture-perfect location, enjoy a jaw-dropping trip to Europe's highest railway station on the iconic Jungfrau Express to marvel at snow-capped peaks and the stunning...
Classic
(178 reviews)Experience the best of the Swiss Alps in ultimate luxury, where majestic mountains, picturesque landscapes and unspoiled nature align. On this magnificent all-inclusive holiday, you'll wake up in a delightful five-star hotel in the enchanting village of Grindelwald. Nestled in a green valley beneath the immense Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains...
Discoveries
(75 reviews)Enjoy an idyllic winter holiday in the heart of the snow-capped Swiss Alps, staying in the picture-book village of Wilderswil, where dinner and drinks are provided each evening. This all-inclusive getaway includes a jaw-dropping trip on the Jungfrau Express, a masterpiece of Swiss rail engineering, to Europe's highest railway station. Here,...
Classic
(43 reviews)This idyllic winter holiday is based in the heart of the Bernese Oberland in picturesque Interlaken, one of Switzerland's popular resort towns, nestled between two lakes and overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Explore this stunning region on some of Europe's most celebrated railways, with spectacular trips...
Classic
(34 reviews)Bask in boundless displays of jaw-dropping views on a spectacular First Class holiday through the Alps, uncovering the culture and history of three countries and journeying on iconic trains. Soak up the atmosphere of historic Munich on a beer tour, marvel at the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and indulge in a Mozart concert dinner in...
Classic
(8 reviews)Celebrate Christmas in the idyllic Bernese Oberland, staying in the pristine resort of Interlaken, surrounded by panoramic views, sparkling lakes and snow-capped peaks. Journey on the Jungfrau Railway to the highest train station in Europe, experiencing jaw-dropping views across the shimmering Aletsch Glacier. Cross the snowy Brünig Pass to...
On this journey of a lifetime you'll experience nostalgic train journeys aboard the historic Bernina Express, a 100 year old route, the majestic Glacier Express which gifts astounding views, and the scenic Golden Pass Express. Explore the alpine towns of Montreux and the glitzy St Moritz, gaze upon Lake Garda, and discover these mountainous,...
Discover some of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland while you travel in style aboard the Golden Pass from Lakeside Montreux, to Interlaken at the foot of the mighty Jungfrau. Travel onto beautiful Lake Lucerne, crossing three passes in total, and visit eight lakes, including Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva, on this relaxing journey...
Classic
See in the New Year on this idyllic seasonal holiday in the beautiful Bernese Oberland, staying in the picturesque town of Interlaken, surrounded by panoramic views, sparkling lakes and snow-capped peaks. Ascend Grindelwald First Mountain on a spectacular New Year's Eve excursion, looking out across the twinkling valley and visiting the...
An agricultural village, Aarmühle, grew around a nearby mill on the River Aare in the fourteenth century at which the now prosperous Interlaken Abbey held weekly and annual markets. By the eighteenth century, Aarmühle had expanded significantly and a century later began to gain a reputation as an international resort. The establishment of a Swiss cultural festival, a health spa and hotels followed. The arrival of the railway in 1872 cemented the town's popularity as a tourist destination and in 1891 the name Interlaken was officially adopted.
Since then Interlaken has built upon its success and is considered one of Switzerland's best destinations for winter sports and adventure sports enthusiasts. However, Interlaken is also an historic town at heart and its compact size means that highlights such as the town's medieval monastery and castle, the ancient and beautiful Stadthausplatz (town hall square) and a host of other attractions are delightful to discover and to explore on foot.
Murren
The pretty, traffic free village of Mürren can be
reached via Lauterbrunnen. From Mürren, the highly recommended
Schilthorn cable car climbs to the awe-inspiring Piz Gloria
revolving summit restaurant, made famous in the James Bond film "On
Her Majesty's Secret Service". A journey to the "Top of Europe" is
possible from Interlaken.
The Heimwehfluh
The Heimwehfluh is a hill which overlooks Interlaken and Lake Thun and whilst it is possible to hike to the summit, the most fun way of ascending the hill is via the Heimwehfluh's vintage funicular railway which began operation in 1906. The base station is five minutes' walk from the Interlaken West railway station, whilst atop the hill there is an observation point, children's adventure playground and toboggan run.
Japanese Garden
Close to Interlaken's monastery, Switzerland's first authentic Japanese garden, a gift from the town of Otsu with which Interlaken was twinned in 1978, is a place of beauty and calm at the heart of the town. Designed in accordance with the principles of Japanese horticulture the garden has a spiritual quality and is a delightful spot in which to rest whilst exploring Interlaken.
Aare Sluice Gate
The beauty and power of the River Aare which flows through Interlaken can be viewed in all of its magnificence at the town's historic sluice gate. This timber gate, installed in 1854, sits at the ancient boundary between Interlaken and its suburb village Unterseen. Accessible at all time of the year, the sluice gate is located near the Goldey Bridge.
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03/05/2024 · By Sam Preece
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24/08/2023 · By Sam Priestley
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