Just 5 kilometres from Lenk, the roaring Simme waterfalls await, best admired from the Barbara Bridge. About an hour’s hike beyond lies the very source of the Simme, the river that gave its name to the valley. A two-day trek from Iffigenalp via the Wildstrubelhütte also passes the falls—along ancient mule trails, past alpine lakes, with a sunrise at 2,800 metres and the sparkle of the falls accompanying your descent into the valley. Also worth discovering: the Gryden loop, with its surreal crater-studded landscape. Thirsty? Local mountain water is used to brew beer—experience the taste of the valley! For authentic regional flavours, look for the AlpKultur label.

Getting there: From Bern, take the train to Zweisimmen, then continue to Lenk (1 hr 44 min). Or enjoy the scenic Golden Pass Express from Montreux to Zweisimmen and connect to Lenk (2 hrs 21 min total).

At the far end of the Kiental Valley lies the Tschingelsee—a curious lake that resembles a gravel plain ringed by rivers more than a traditional alpine lake. This unique landscape forms part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not far away is Griesalp, the starting point of stage 13 of the famed Via Alpina—widely regarded as its crowning stage. The trail here is rugged and majestic, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers. Even getting there is an adventure: the bus ride from Reichenbach to Griesalp climbs steeply, with gradients of up to 28%! On the way back down, stop at Ramslauenen, where a themed trail leads through alpine meadows and forests, with informative signs about local flora and fauna. The hike ends at the historic Hotel Alpenruhe, whose motto says it all: “Your well-being is our top priority.”

Getting there: From Bern, take the train to Reichenbach im Kandertal, then a bus to Kiental (approx. 1 hour).

Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau—these iconic peaks of the Jungfrau region attract visitors from around the globe. Yet tucked away nearby lies the quiet hamlet of Isenfluh, a true hidden gem. Its secret? A nostalgic red gondola from 1975, which whisks you up to Sulwald, the gateway to scenic hikes with stunning views of the famous trio. At the Sulwald Stübli, a cosy mountain tavern at the gondola’s top station, a sunny terrace invites you to linger. From here, follow the trail toward the Lobhornhütte—an accessible alpine hike ideal for all skill levels. On the way back down to Isenfluh, adventurous souls can rent monster scooters and speed through forest paths, passing the picturesque Sulsbach waterfall. Where to relax afterward? Head to the Waldrann Hotel Restaurant, where panoramic views of flower-filled meadows and towering peaks complete the perfect alpine escape.

Getting there: From Lauterbrunnen railway station, take the PostBus to Isenfluh (approx. 12 minutes).

The picturesque village of Erlenbach lies in the scenic Simmental Prealps at the foot of the Stockhorn, offering a sweeping panorama of over 200 peaks. Though rooted in agriculture, the village also shows traces of urban character, especially along its main street. Here, two distinct historical quarters emerge: the “Kleindorf” to the west and the “Grossdorf” to the east, the latter marked by its prominent parish church. Just below the village square stands the Agensteinhaus, an impressive example of Simmental carpentry. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing traditional craftsmanship and the local history of the region. From Erlenbach, a cable car whisks visitors to the top of the Stockhorn in just 20 minutes, where panoramic views await. Numerous hiking trails lead from the summit back down into the valley, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

The small village of Gadmen (1,200 m), first mentioned in records from 1382 as im Gadmen, is nestled in a truly enchanting alpine valley. A scenic ride on the Triftbahn gondola brings visitors to the spectacular Trift Bridge, suspended high above the valley carved by the Trift Glacier — one of the most dramatic suspension bridges in the Alps. For a longer adventure, begin at Engstlenalp and hike to the Tälli mountain inn. The Tälli Via Ferrata, accessible by gondola, was the first of its kind in the Swiss Alps and offers a secure climbing experience along fixed cables. Gadmen makes an ideal base for exploring the area. Stay at the Gadmer Lodge, a cosy mountain hotel full of alpine charm, or pitch a tent at the nearby Gadmen campsite, nestled among flower-filled meadows and rustic barns.

In the heart of the Swiss Mittelland, Burgdorf Castle is an unmissable landmark. With over 800 years of history, it rises above the rooftops of this charming small town and has become its defining symbol. Commissioned by the Dukes of Zähringen — the founders of Bern — the castle stands proudly above the Emme River. Reopened in 2020, it now houses a museum, a restaurant, and a youth hostel. A stroll through the historic old town takes you to Kronenplatz, surrounded by elegant patrician houses in the late Baroque style. For an immersive experience of the Emmental region, follow the Herzschlaufe-Burgdorf cycling route across the eastern and western slopes, passing castle gardens, cheese dairies, and dense forests — best explored by e-bike. Back in Burgdorf, stop by the old town hall, where the canton of Bern’s first democratic constitution was drafted. Today, it is home to an atmospheric hotel and restaurant. For a touch of modern culture, visit the Franz Gertsch Museum, whose spacious contemporary halls showcase works by the renowned Swiss artist, who passed away in 2022.

Getting there: By train from Bern (13 minutes).

With its centuries-old farmhouses, a historic church, and the evocative ruins of a medieval monastery, the peaceful village of Rüeggisberg transports visitors back to the era of monks, friars, and Gregorian chants. Once plagued by natural disasters and failed harvests, the local population often turned to folk beliefs for solace. Today, you can discover this rich folklore on two wheels by following the Legends of Gantrisch e-bike route. Nestled in the heart of the Gantrisch Nature Park — named after the nearby mountain range — Rüeggisberg is a gateway to excellent hiking and biking trails. Highlights include the scenic Panorama Trail and the High Trail above the Gürbe Valley, where rare alpine plants and wildlife flourish. Thanks to minimal light pollution, the park also offers extraordinary stargazing opportunities. After a day outdoors, unwind at the B&B Bären Rüeggisberg — a lovingly restored country inn promising a peaceful night’s rest.

Getting there: By train from Bern (40 minutes), via Köniz, then bus to Rüeggisberg.

Nestled in the Bernese Oberland, the charming chalet village of Saanen is considered one of the region’s most beautiful. Its architectural jewel, St. John’s Church Mauritius, boasts a wooden bell tower and striking Old Testament frescoes. Saanen proudly honors its most famous honorary citizen, Yehudi Menuhin (1916–1999) — renowned violinist, conductor, and humanitarian. As founder of the celebrated Menuhin Festival in nearby Gstaad, Menuhin left a rich artistic and spiritual legacy, showcased today at the Menuhin Centre in Saanen. To explore Saanen’s heritage, crafts, and rural traditions, visit the Museum of the Saanen Region located in the village heart. The Gstaad region’s inviting motto, "Come up – slow down," encourages visitors to savor life amidst 300 km of trails winding through alpine valleys, bubbling streams, towering peaks, and cozy traditional restaurants. A highlight for families is the “Saanis Klangerlebnis” sound trail, where you can experience the enchanting sounds of local wildlife and forest whispers.

Getting there: Take the Montreux Bernese Oberland Railway from Spiez or Montreux — the scenic journey itself is unforgettable.

Zweisimmen, a charming farming village, is the perfect starting point for exploring a stunning mountain landscape. The ascent to Sparenmoos—a sunny plateau at 1,640 meters—offers spectacular panoramic views over the Bernese Alps, the Simmental Valley, and the Saanenland region. This gently rolling plateau is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and trail runners alike. The mountain bike trail beginning in Zweisimmen winds through lush meadows dotted with cows and traditional barns. For a unique thrill, the hike from Rellerli or Jaunpass concludes with an exciting off-road scooter descent! Looking for a challenge? The Schönried-Rellerli-Bire-Sparenmoos route takes nearly six hours to complete but rewards you with a continuous succession of breathtaking vistas. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate themed trails like the Sparenmoos Game Trail, where, with a bit of luck and a good telescope, you might spot red deer, chamois, and fallow deer.

Getting there: From June 28, a hiking taxi service runs from Zweisimmen train station (reservation required by 5 p.m. the day before at +41 79 339 94 29). Alternatively, Sparenmoos is accessible on foot from Zweisimmen.