Skip Zurich or Geneva and head to the Bernese Oberland region instead! Take the train to Interlaken and use as a home base to explore the quaint storybook Swiss villages that make this country so special. Reasons to visit below:
Enchantment
The small Bernese Oberland villages – some carless! – offer a real chance to disconnect and appreciate the beauty and original character of Switzerland. Picture chalets nestled in valleys with wildflower meadows, glacier peaks in the distance and the sound of waterfalls and cowbells.
Transportation
Train travel throughout the country is easy and stress-free! Less than a 2-hour scenic train ride from Zurich, Interlaken is a centrally located town in the Bernese Oberland region. All the smaller towns are accessible by rail lines, which are easily navigable, clean and run like a Swiss watch.
Hospitality
The Swiss have high standards and a “quality over quantity” mentality. This means that even in the small towns you’re unlikely to have a bad hospitality experience or cancelation, with the exception of weather getting in the way. Unlike countries that are less dependable or strike-ridden, you can feel confident once you’ve booked your Switzerland trip.
Decadent food
Both cheese and chocolate have properties that produce feel-good chemicals in our brains. The Swiss excel in both! Decadent fondues, melted raclette cheese over potatoes, Älplermagronen mac and cheese, as well as the iconic Rösti potato dish. And of course, the Swiss chocolate is legendary. Restaurant Baren is just one example of a famed Swiss restaurants in Interlaken.
Lakes
There are more than 800 lakes in the Bernese Oberland. The town of Interlaken is flanked by two large glacier lakes: Thun and Brienz. Both have ferry access to the towns along the water and bistros on board for those who are water driven and usually prefer coastal destinations.
Mountains
Switzerland is approximately 60% mountains. In the Bernese Oberland, you can take in the mountains as a picture-perfect backdrop from the valleys, or experience them from the top. Some examples include: hiking up to Harder Kulm in Interlaken, skiing down Mürren, or taking the train to Schynige Platte or the “Top of Europe” Jungfraujoch station.
Leisure
Interlaken and the surrounding towns offer a peaceful setting to unwind in the alpine air: swimming, kayaking, walking and hiking in the summer. Skiing, boarding, ice skating or snowshoeing are the most popular in the winter. Many hotels offer award winning spas and afternoon tea service.
Adventure
There are adventurous activities as well! Interlaken is known as the thrill seeking capital of Europe. Check out this 5-day itinerary for a scenic, but epic visit to the Bernese Oberland.
