Located in Central Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland is a fantastic area to explore for nature, history and lots of outdoor activities. While in the region, why not visit the little village of Adelboden. It’s a beautiful Swiss Alpine village and home to Our Chalet. Our Chalet is an official site of WAGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts). It’s a Guiding world center and an international meeting place for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts with year-round programs and the ability to house groups of scouts/guides, families and individuals for visits.
Why to go: This is a perfectly central area that provides a “typical” Swiss experience in that fresh, clean Swiss mountain air. There are lots of year-round outdoor activities and easy access to equally charming bigger towns, pristine lakes and breathtaking mountain views nearby.
When to go: You’ll find something to do any time during the year. Summer offers activities like hiking (by the lake, in the mountains or even across a glacier), biking and boating on the nearby lakes. While skiing is the most popular winter activity in this area with the World Cup giant slalom run on the Kuonisbärgli as well as cross-country ski trails.
What to do: There are lots of “base” options for visiting and easy connections or driving routes between towns. Interlaken is one of the best choices because it’s the perfect combination of mountain and lake with easy access to surrounding towns and sites. This town sits right between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with their beautiful lakeside towns – don’t miss Spiez on Lake Thun – it’s idyllic! There’s amazing hiking right there and also regular connections to the famous mountains such as Jungfrau. It’s also just 1 hour from Adelboden, which is a perfect little day trip away and also about 45 minutes from the city of Bern which has a lot to offer, itself (covered in a previous spotlight). For those seeking adrenaline boosting thrills, you can also find skydiving, paragliding and hang gliding.
Where to detour/extend the trip: Since this is a central area, you have access to the highlights of Switzerland. I highly recommend a visit to Jungfrau which includes a ride on the highest railway in Europe (Kleine Scheidegg) and passing through the Alpine hub town of Grindelwald. The Jungfrau railway will take you to Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe” and provides an awe-inspiring view across the Bernese Oberland and its glaciers. Another great option for a side visit is Lucerne, which is also only about 1 hour from Interlaken. There’s plenty to do in and around the town of Lucerne including visiting another famous Swiss mountain – Mount Pilatus (also covered in a previous spotlight).