Grand Tour Photo Spots in Bern Region

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.

Around 1200, Duke Berchtold V von Zähringen gave the order to build Castle Burgdorf as a residential castle. The Counts of Kyburg inherited it after his death in 1218. In 1384, the Canton of Bern bought the Burgdorf estate and the castle became the seat of the Bernese governor (Schultheiss). It served as a court, prison and the governor's office until 2012. The castle counts as one of the oldest preserved Romanesque secular buildings in Switzerland and today houses a museum, a youth hostel and a restaurant.

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.

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.

Being in the Saanen region, with its five beautiful side valleys, is as being in paradise – probably also due to the legend of the Hand of God. It is said that when He was resting here during the creation, He formed the Saanen region with the imprint of His hand – the region’s hand-like shape can be seen quite well from here. Altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 m (3,300–9,800 ft) make for heavenly views. Along with the backdrop of mountains, forests and lakes, this region strengthens your well-being and provides positive energy!

Emmental is the home of the famous cheese of the same name. The region is characterised by countless hills and valleys, and timber and milk are its most important raw materials. Can you hear the cowbells? Enjoy the view over the unique hilly landscape of the Emmental, stretching across to the famous trio of the Bernese Oberland – the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. More than 1,100 kilometres of hiking trails and numerous cycle routes make the region a paradise for those seeking an active holiday.

A museum bustling with life. On Ballenberg, the rural life of times past is revived. More than 100 original, centuries-old buildings, from all parts of Switzerland, offer a lot to discover and experience: for example, one can help with forging or basket-weaving, learn how cheese is made, or observe more than 200 farm animals. Those who feel like relaxing, can stroll through the fragrant flower and herb gardens or travel into the past during a horse-drawn carriage ride.

In the St. Beatus Caves by Lake Thun near Interlaken. Explore around one kilometre of safe and well-lit walkways inside the mountain. Discover stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed by nature over millions of years as you immerse yourself in this unique underground world. A visit to the Cave Museum is a chance to learn more about this natural wonder, with an audio guide telling you all you need to know about caves and caving.

Spiez – the pearl on Lake Thun. A winegrowing municipality made up of five villages. The natural landscape panorama in Spiez and the combination of the lake, vines, the castle and mountains is one of a kind. The municipality is made up of the five villages of Spiez, Spiezwiler, Hondrich, Faulensee and Einigen. Optimal public transport connections and the motorway make Spiez quick and easy to reach. A wide variety of activities, including nature experiences, sports and culture, appeals to families, foodies and active types alike. Spiez, a power spot by the water, stands for energy and inspiration.

The mountains rise up majestically over the glittering Lake Thun. Set against the breathtaking panoramic backdrop of the Bernese Alps, the famous three peaks, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, are unmistakeable. This is the magnificent spectacle that awaits visitors on the Niederhorn. Thanks to its unique location, it offers fantastic 360-degree views of the Swiss Plateau and the Bernese Alps, stretching as far as the cities of Thun and Bern.

Höhematte Interlaken, a protected area of historical interest since 1864, affords views from the promenade with Interlaken’s top hotels to the imposing panorama of the Jungfrau. Interlaken is the centre of the tourism and holiday region of the same name and the perfect starting point for excursions to the mountains or on Lakes Thun and Brienz. Interlaken is also the “Adventure Capital of Europe”. Here’s one highlight to prove it: paragliding. Enjoy a flight over Interlaken and land here on the Höhematte.

Built between 1861 and 1863 by Baron Albert Emil Otto von Parpart (1813-1869), a former officer in the Prussian royal service. The Baron married Adelheid Sophie Margaritha von Bonstetten (1814-1883) in 1846. Architect Heino Schmieden (1835-1913). Museum of interior furnishings in the Art Nouveau style. The interior has remained unchanged since 1900 – as if time has stood still and the owners might return at any moment. The expansive grounds with native and non-native tree species add an extra charm to the overall experience.