A perfect 7 day itinerary in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

The Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger. There are few more iconic alpine peaks. The wonderland Bernese Oberland in Switzerland is home to all three, alongside the magical Lauterbrunnen valley and elegant ski resorts of Mürren and Wengen. My travel guide shows you how to pack the absolute highlights of this region into a perfect seven days.

There are few places ever I’ve wanted to explore more than the Bernese Oberland. I remember being mesmerised as a small child by photos of the Lauterbrunnen valley, as my Dad projected his old slides onto our living room wall. As I grew older and slowly started to explore more and more of the Alps, a yearning remained – to visit this mythical region of Switzerland that I’d heard so much about, but could only imagine.

Whilst the name Bernese Oberland (or Berner Oberland to Swiss-German speakers) might not ring any bells, the extraordinary peaks and valleys of this area might be more familiar. From the imposing Eiger to the majestic Jungfrau, the magical Lauterbrunnen valley to the picture-perfect alpine resorts of Wengen and Mürren, breathtaking lakes Thun and Brienz to the cultural melting pot of Interlaken – it’s a bounteous region of rugged cliff faces, snow-capped mountain tops, sparking blue lakes and flower-filled meadows.

You could spend a lifetime exploring these mountains, but you’ve got to start somewhere. So I bit the bullet, booked some flights and set out to explore some of Switzerland’s grandest summits and most enchanting valleys. It didn’t disappoint. Whilst you can’t possibly pack in all the wonderful places to visit here in one week, I want to share my recommendations for the perfect introduction to the bewitching Bernese Oberland. Enjoy!

There’s no AI here! Every post on Travels with a Saddle Bag is written by myself and based on my own travels. This post was written in March 2017 and last updated in October 2024, based on my visit to the Bernese Oberland in August 2016.

Introducing the Bernese Oberland

The Bernese Oberland is an alpine region right at the very heart of Switzerland. Whilst the city of Bern is not far by road, this mountainous area feels anything but urban. The glittering lakes of Thun and Brienz are the focal point here. Surrounded by mountains, the two lie just kilometres apart, separated by the town of Interlaken. To the west, the valleys of Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald lead you to the best-known peaks popular in winter as ski destinations and in summer with hikers and campers.

This is an area of Switzerland that’s been attracting visitors from the very first days of organised tourism in Europe, and for good reason. But it’s worth noting that the main reason you’ll want to visit here is to experience the high mountains, rather than the towns. Interlaken and Thun are very functional, neat, tidy and well-appointed, but not packed with culture and heritage. Instead, this is somewhere to come and pull on your walking boots, maybe take a dip in an alpine lake and definitely consider camping to make the most of this spectacular alpine playground. Switzerland can seem a little formal, but there is plenty of joy to be found heading off on mountain paths.

Who will enjoy this itinerary?

This is a trip for outdoor enthusiasts. My suggestions are for days out and about on your feet. Lots of these activities can be adapted to use more or less public transport to reach our recommended spots, so you can tailor your day depending on how much walking you’d like to do. We’re keen walkers and trail runners so we cover a lot of ground, but you might like to use the excellent cable car and rail network for more leisurely days out.

7 day itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Interlaken and explore the town. Stay in Interlaken.
• Day 2: Visit Schynige Platte for an overview of the Bernese Oberland. Stay in Interlaken
• Day 3: Head to Harder Külm and travel to Lauterbrunnen. Stay in Lauterbrunnen
• Day 4: Explore the Lauterbrunnen valley, Gimmelwald and Mürren. Stay in Lauterbrunnen
• Day 5: Visit Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg. Stay in Grindelwald
• Day 6: Discover alpine lakes at Bachalpsee. Stay in Grindelwald
• Day 7: Depart Grindelwald via the lakeside town of Thun

Where to stay in the Bernese Oberland

Although you could complete our itinerary from a base in Interlaken (using public transport to get around), to get the very most from your experience here I’d recommend staying in the Lauterbrunnen valley and Grindelwald as well.

There are three main options when it comes to accommodation in this part of the world; upmarket hotels, homely hostels and campsites. It’s worth saying that, in our experience, Switzerland’s reputation as an expensive destination proved to be true. For this reason, we chose to camp – but were delighted by the sites we picked and how this added to the adventure.

Hotels in the Bernese Oberland

If hotel travel is your thing you’ll find Interlaken, Mürren and Wengen packed full of places to stay – from alpine style chalets in the mountain resorts to palatial-looking establishments encircling the common at the centre of Interlaken. Most are independent businesses with the exception of one or two in Interlaken, giving you a chance to experience something a little different.

Hostels in the Bernese Oberland

You’ll also find a couple of large hostels in Interlaken with mostly dorm accommodation, and a smattering up in the mountains. Try the Swiss Youth Hostel Association to find out more.

Camping in the Bernese Oberland

We found campsites to be by far and away the easiest and best-value accommodation in Switzerland. But better than this, they offered a totally different perspective on each location, with stunning views and atmosphere as standard.

Camping also offers two additional benefits. One – free parking. Switzerland is fairly formal on this front so without a campsite pitch you’ll likely have to pay to park. Two – it’s a great self-catered option in a region that doesn’t offer many of these. I recommend stocking up at the larger supermarkets in Interlaken before heading up into the valleys.

We stayed at;

Camping Jungfrau | Unterseen, just outside Interlaken | www.jungfrau-camp.ch

Easy to find, generous sized pitches, a fantastic view of the Eiger and walking distance from the centre of Interlaken.

Camping Breithorn | Sandbach, about 3km from Lauterbrunnen | www.campingbreithorn.ch

Set alongside the running river in the Lauterbrunnen valley, this old-fashioned campsite had everything we needed, with a generous side of river rapids and crashing waterfalls within arms reach. The sound of the mountain river from my bed was unforgettable.

Camping Eigernordwand | Grund, Grindelwald | www.eigernordwand.ch

Highly recommended to us by friends, this didn’t disappoint. Incredible views of the Eiger plus no need to book – they’ll always make room for you.

What to do in the Bernese Oberland

Day 1: Interlaken

You’ll want to begin your adventures in Interlaken, the centrepoint of the region. This funny little town is one of the oldest resorts in the world and a transportation hub.

Set in the lowland plains that stretch between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, there’s plenty to see. The centre may be packed with hotels, shops and lost-looking tourists but there are pretty squares to be found in Unterseen, peaceful paths down by the river and enticing views up into the Lauterbrunnen valley. Think of it as a gateway to an alpine wonderland. Make yourself comfortable on day one, get settled in and get ready for exploring on day two.

Day 2: Schynige Platte

To give yourself a real feel for the area, spend your first full day on a journey to Schynige Platte, one of the impressive peaks that stand sentinel at the entrance to the Lauterbrunnen valley. From the top of Schynige Platte you can look down not only on the town of Interlaken, nestled between lakes Brienz and Thun, but also the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys, with the mighty Eiger and snow capped Jungfrau as a larger than life backdrop.

Schynige Platte can be reached on foot in a day if you’re confident tackling some steeper climbs and tricky paths near the top. Alternatively, take the quaint mountain railway from Wilderswil.

Snaking up the mountain, it first passes through fields and then forest until it breaks through the trees at the intermediary station of Breitlauenen. The station alone is worth stopping at, the charming old building and waiting room haven’t been renovated in living memory. The most joyous experience here though is to watch the lovely station master at work, whose main priority appears to be ushering free-range chickens and sunbathing cats off the line whenever the bell rings to warn of an approaching train.

The train crawls around rocky outcrops on the final few kilometres of the line until it breathlessly takes one last turn towards the station at the peak and the magnificent view to be found here.

You can read more about hiking the route to Schynige Platte in 4 breathtaking walks in the Bernese Oberland.

Day 3: Harder Külm and Lauterbrunnen

If you spent yesterday walking, you’re going to want to give your legs a bit of a rest before tackling higher mountains during the rest of the week. Today is the perfect day to take in Interlaken from a different angle.

Harder Külm is a smaller peak on the opposite side of the plain to Schynige Platte. There are lots of trails to explore on foot– all gentler than yesterday’s climb. Alternatively, you can take the old-fashioned funicular all the way from the centre of Interlaken to the viewing platform and café at the top.

Head to Lauterbrunnen in the afternoon and find your bearings in this little village of timbered chalets surrounded by alpine pasture. The valley of a thousand waterfalls is beyond spectacular, with cascades at every turn and steep cliff faces stretching high up from the meadows below. Stroll to the Staubbach falls on the edge of the village, where a short but steep path will take you underneath the waterfall itself, and if you’ve got time book a tour of the legendary Trummelbach falls – hidden within the walls of the valley itself.

Day 4: Lauterbrunnen, Gimmelwald and Mürren

Whilst the rock faces and steep sides of the Lauterbrunnen valley look impregnable from below, there are little paths and mountain railways that wind up to the hidden villages perched up on the high alpine pasture.

This side of the valley can be explored on foot or by a combination of cable car and railway with a little walking in between. From Stechelberg, a few kilometres gentle walk from Lauterbrunnen, you can follow a steep walking route or take a speedy cable car to the idyllic village of Gimmelwald. All picture-postcard Swiss chalets, luscious gardens and alpine cattle, Gimmelwald is alpine charm personified. Meandering a little further uphill takes you into the larger resort town of Mürren, where you can explore pretty streets, take a breather in one of the many welcoming cafes and restaurants and enjoy fantastic views of Wengen and the Jungfrau across the valley.

You can return to Lauterbrunnen by mountain railway – the same way skiers and visitors to Mürren’s many hotels arrive – or take a long but gentle route on foot back down into the valley through woodlands and pasture.It’s possible to walk this route as we did – there’s more in my guide to 4 breathtaking walks in the Bernese Oberland.

Day 5: Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg

Having seen Wengen in this distance yesterday, today is a chance to properly explore it. Wengen is the home of world-class skiing and a pretty smart town to boot. A steep walk of a couple of kilometres will take you from Lauterbrunnen to the centre of town, or take a quick train ride if you prefer.

From here, you’re approaching the awe-inspiring triumvirate of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. A train will take you all the way from Wengen to the snow-capped peak of the Jungfrau, or you can opt for some more spectacular hiking. We chose the latter and followed the lush, green route of the infamous Lauberhorn piste to Kleine Scheidegg, a railway mid-station at the cusp of the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys, to take in the unbelievable views.

Find out more about beautiful walks from Kleine Scheidegg in 4 breathtaking walks in the Bernese Oberland.

Day 6: Grindelwald

A full day in Grindelwald is a chance to pack in one last peak – ironically named First. There’s a cable car from the resort centre to this mountain top, with unrivalled views of the Eiger. Alternatively, it’s another dream hike if you’ve any life left in your feet, with more steep paths twisting their way through pasture and deciduous woodlands.

A short and relatively flat walk will take from First to Bachalpsee, a hidden gem at the top of Europe. A crystal-clear, azure blue glacial lake is nestled in the folds of the mountain, and will take your breath away. Watch the water trickle down in little rivulets into the flower drenched meadows below, and pick your way along rocky paths to some of the high alpine farmhouses tucked away from view.

You might have guessed it, but there are some fantastic hikes to and from First too – check out 4 breathtaking walks in the Bernese Oberland for more spectacular scenery.

Day 7: Thun

It’s time to say goodbye, and promise you’ll be back. Make the most of a morning in Grindelwald if you can with a short stroll closer to town. If you’re heading back towards one of Switzerland’s transport hubs opt for a stop in the pretty lakeside town of Thun if you can. With colourful buildings packed in the medieval centre and traditional Swiss covered bridges galore, it’s a way to experience a different side to the Swiss landscape and culture.

Bernese Oberland travel resources

How to get to the Bernese Oberland

Flights are easy to find to Switzerland’s major international airports; Geneva, Zurich and (slightly smaller) Bern. From here, you can either use the extremely efficient Swiss rail network to reach Interlaken or hire a car. If driving (from an airport or elsewhere in Europe) you’ll find the motorway network is fast and Interlaken is well-signposted from a good 100km or so away.

How to get around the Bernese Oberland

Driving is easy here, thanks to the excellent Swiss road signage. However, it’s worth noting that both Murren and Wengen are car-free. If you need to park your car, there are multi storey car parks in Wilderswil (just outside Interlaken), Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald that visitors are encouraged to use. Rail is the best way to get around with frequent, punctual services to all villages in this area as well as some mountain destinations. Lastly, there is an excellent network of cable cars (gondolas) and funiculars that serve the ski resorts and popular hiking destinations. It’s well worth considering these not only to reach places you want to walk but also simply for the scenic views.

What to pack for the Bernese Oberland

Check out my suggestions in What to pack for the Alps in summer: A girl’s guide.

How we travelled in the Bernese Oberland

We rolled our transport and accommodation into one with a campervan, a perfect compromise. We hired ours from the excellent Blacksheep Annecy, around 30 minutes from Geneva airport in France. Whilst I’d highly recommend the experience and would use them again, the logistics of reaching the pick-up point from Geneva was difficult. Definitely consider a camper, but prioritise finding a convenient rental location for you.

Our experience in the Bernese Oberland

If you’re looking to discover spectacular alpine landscapes, the Bernese Oberland rivals anywhere in Europe. Camping, in particular, offers an excellent way to put yourself in the heart of the mountains and really soak in everything this region has to offer. What makes this area really stand out from elsewhere in the Alps though is accessibility with public transport. Whilst the Swiss rail network may not be especially budget-friendly, it is exceptional in its ability to get you to some truly magical locations. This makes the Bernese Alps an area that’s ideal for those who’d rather not drive, or would like the option to add some incredibly scenic train and cable car travel to their daily itinerary (you won’t miss a thing if you chose not to walk to every spot).

Our first campervan experience really made this trip stand out for us. It proved to be an excellent way not only to master the logistics of visiting all the places we longed to, and doing all the things we wanted to do – but it also felt like we’d fully immersed ourselves in this wild environment.

Would we do it again? I’ve been talking about it ever since!