Experiences along the Grand Tour in Bern Region

In a playful and interactive way, visitors can learn more about the complex interdependencies in the Stockhorn habitat.

The historical and cultural trail showcases a selection of lifestyles and epochs in the Diemtigtal valley.

The early hours offer the best opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

The Giessbach plunges over 14 steps into the turquoise Lake Brienz. Follow the hiking trail behind the waterfall and feel the refreshing spray on your skin. In the background sits the historic Grandhotel Giessbach.

Between the Simmen and Kander valleys, Niesen rises like a pyramid, providing visitors with a view of Spiez Bay, probably the most beautiful in Europe. In addition to being home to the world’s longest staircase (11,674 steps), a funicular covering 1,943 metres (6,375 ft) altitude difference leads to Niesen Kulm, including its mountain lodge, which was founded in 1856. From here it is only a short walk to the 2,362-metre-high summit platform (7,750 ft) with an impressive 360° panorama view, covering the Bernese Alps from lakes Thun and Brienz to the Jura.

Feed the ducks on the shores of Lake Thun or read and rest on a bench in the sun. Or take a walk along the paths leading through the woods, along the avenue and across the meadows that are so inviting to sunbathers in the summer (although there is no direct access to the water).

In times past, horrible things must have happened in the Kiental Valley! At least the old legends are telling so.

Thun – the charming city on the Aare. The venerable 12th century castle of Thun, the Obere Hauptgasse with its elevated pavements and the picturesque old town are the ideal place to immerse yourself in the past. Mühleplatz and Aarequai are perfect spots for enjoying the Thun Riviera. Restaurants, bars and cafes invite you to linger over tasty food and drink. As the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, Thun is the ideal starting point for excursions in the region.

The historic elevated pavements of Thun’s Old Town, which offer shopping on multiple levels, are unique in Europe.

During his vacations on the Grimmialp Albert Schweitzer took a great many walks. He treasured the peace and tranquillity of the mountainous landscape.

The most popular open air bathing spot in Bern. As with all other public baths in the town of Bern, the Marzilibad is completely free. The separate “Paradiesli” and “Männerbad” areas allow men and women to sunbathe unclothed.

Discover the Taubenlochschlucht gorge near Biel/Bienne. Steep rock faces, wooden footbridges and the sound of the river Schüss accompany you through the Bernese Jura. You will experience one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Biel/Bienne region.

The Gwunderwasser Playground in the Diemtigtal Valley (Tiermatti, Schwenden) guarantees exciting experiences for young and old on the water.

In just ten minutes, the panorama funicular takes guests from Interlaken up to its local mountain Harder Kulm.

Outstanding walking enjoyment combined with interesting information on agriculture.

This Lake District can be experienced in the manner of the eco-museums: the objects are not to be found in a building, but in the landscape, in their historic as well as contemporary context.

A summer highlight for families. The story of the forest creature “Grimmimutz”, his friend Spillgert, the evil pepper witch and her husband Lothar can be enjoyed on the hiking loop in Schwenden.

Located in the picturesque mountain village of Grindelwald, Lindt Boutique offers a selection of exquisite chocolate products. Enjoy the incomparable taste and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the Swiss Alps.

The "Bernisches Historisches Museum" (The Berne Historical Museum) is one of Switzerland's most important cultural and historical museums and hosts a general historical collection containing approximately 500,000 objects as well as the Einstein Museum.

Schadau Castle was built between 1846 and 1854 for the Neuchâtel banker Denis Alfred de Rougemont. The location of the castle, on the southern banks of Lake Thun where the River Aare flows out of the lake, and with its views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, is almost as attractive as the architecture itself.

Discover the St. Beatus Caves above Lake Thun: Stalactite grottoes, waterfalls and the exciting dragon saga await you. In the cave museum you will learn everything about the hidden world inside the mountain.

You can take the funicular from Wabern to the Gurten in just a few minutes. At 858 metres, Bern's local mountain offers a panoramic view from the Jura to the Bernese Alps, playgrounds for children, fireplaces and restaurants.

The nostalgic red cable car carries passengers from the sunny mountain village of Isenfluh above Lauterbrunnen up to the hamlet of Sulwald. The cabin has enough room for eight people or one cow.

Take the hiking trail from Axalp above Brienz to the idyllic Hinterburgsee lake and watch the chips fly!

The mountain ridge to the south of Gstaad is well known to hikers as the most beautiful starting point for the panoramic hike to the hugely popular Lauenensee lake. A gondola takes visitors up to Höhi Wispile.

A petting zoo and large playground make the Dählhölzli an ideal family outing destination.

You overlook the beautiful alpine landscape of the Stockhorn region, with the blue Oberstockensee and the famous Simmental as well as the Alps in the background.

With its picturesque streets surrounded by vineyards and breathtaking views of Lake Bienne and St. Peter’s Island, Erlach (Cerlier in French) is one of the prettiest little towns in the Three Lakes Region. The townscape is dominated by the towering silhouette of the 11th-century castle, one of the oldest in the Canton of Bern, along with the town hall, local school, and church. Erlach is the perfect base for a day trip to the nature reserve on St. Peter’s Island, source of inspiration and creativity for such luminaries as Rousseau and Goethe in times past.

Watch the puppet play at the Zytglogge clock tower, the landmark of Bern's old town. On a guided tour, climb inside the tower and see the medieval clockwork from 1530.