10 Compelling Reasons to Visit Bernese Oberland: Switzerland's Alpine Gem

 

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland region stands as a picturesque testament to the country's breathtaking beauty. With its majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages, this alpine wonderland captivates visitors from around the globe. Here are ten compelling reasons why a visit to Bernese Oberland should be on everyone's travel bucket list:

Swiss Alpine Scenery:

Bernese Oberland boasts some of Switzerland's most iconic landscapes. Towering peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau create a stunning backdrop that seems straight out of a postcard. The region's lush valleys, glistening glaciers, and pristine lakes offer awe-inspiring vistas at every turn.

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe:

Ascend to the "Top of Europe" aboard the Jungfrau Railway, a marvel of Swiss engineering. The journey to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, offers unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Visitors can explore the Ice Palace, marvel at the Sphinx Observatory, and savor panoramic vistas that leave a lasting impression.

Hiking Paradise:

Enthusiastic hikers will find paradise in Bernese Oberland. Countless trails cater to various skill levels, from leisurely strolls through flower-filled meadows to challenging treks amid the dramatic alpine scenery. The famous Eiger Trail and Schynige Platte hikes are among the must-experience routes for nature lovers.

Lakes Thun and Brienz:

Serenity awaits at the shores of Lakes Thun and Brienz. These crystal-clear bodies of water, framed by mountains, offer a tranquil escape. Visitors can cruise on vintage steamboats, engage in water sports, or simply bask in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Adrenaline-Pumping Activities: 

Adventure seekers will find no shortage of thrills in Bernese Oberland. From paragliding over Interlaken's valleys to tackling the Grindelwald-First Flyer zip line, there's an array of heart-pounding activities to get the adrenaline pumping.

Quaint Alpine Villages:

Explore charming villages dotted across the region, each exuding its unique Swiss charm. Grindelwald, Wengen, and Lauterbrunnen are among the highlights, offering a glimpse into traditional Swiss life, adorned with wooden chalets and flower-bedecked balconies.

Traditional Swiss Cuisine:

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Swiss cuisine while in Bernese Oberland. Savor the famed cheese fondue or raclette paired with local wines. Don't miss out on trying "Rösti," a Swiss potato dish, or sampling delectable Swiss chocolates and creamy desserts.

Rich Cultural Heritage:

Immerse yourself in the region's rich cultural heritage through museums, festivals, and traditional events. Learn about the area's mountaineering history at the Jungfrau Region Museum or participate in local festivities like the Alpine cattle descents in autumn.

The Bernese Oberland Railway, often referred to as the Berner Oberland Bahn (BOB), is renowned for several reasons, making it a remarkable and worthy railway experience:

A selection of Swiss Railway Mugs and other products can be found here. 

Scenic Route:

The railway traverses some of Switzerland's most breathtaking landscapes, offering panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland region. Passengers are treated to vistas of majestic mountains, charming villages, and picturesque valleys throughout the journey.

Access to Iconic Destinations:

The Bernese Oberland Railway connects various notable destinations within the region, including Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Wilderswil. These locations serve as gateways to famous attractions such as the Jungfrau region, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, and the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Journey to Jungfraujoch:

While not directly part of the Bernese Oberland Railway, the line serves as a connection point for excursions to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe." Passengers can seamlessly transfer to the Jungfrau Railway in Interlaken or Grindelwald to embark on this remarkable journey to the highest railway station in Europe.

Spectacular Waterfalls:

Bernese Oberland is home to some of Europe's most impressive waterfalls. Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen, among others, cascades dramatically from steep cliffs, creating a mesmerizing sight for visitors.

Year-Round Destination: 

Whether blanketed in snow or bathed in summer sunshine, Bernese Oberland is a year-round destination. Winter invites skiing, snowboarding, and magical snowy landscapes, while warmer months bring blooming flora and an array of outdoor activities.

Bernese Oberland has been a destination that has attracted numerous famous personalities over the years. One particularly notable figure who visited the region was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the famous Sherlock Holmes stories.

Conan Doyle visited the Bernese Oberland in the late 19th century and was deeply inspired by the landscapes and experiences he encountered there. It is said that his visit to the Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen, a stunning waterfall in the region, served as the setting for the iconic confrontation between Sherlock Holmes and his nemesis, Professor Moriarty, in "The Final Problem."

Conan Doyle's visit to Bernese Oberland left a lasting impression on him, influencing his literary works and contributing to the creation of one of the most memorable moments in the Sherlock Holmes series. The region's majestic landscapes and the dramatic setting of the Reichenbach Falls played a significant role in shaping the fictional world of Sherlock Holmes.

Bernese Oberland isn't just a destination; it's an experience that etches itself into your memory. With its stunning natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and authentic Swiss charm, this alpine gem promises an unforgettable journey for every traveler.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or a seeker of scenic beauty, Bernese Oberland invites you to discover the allure of Switzerland's majestic landscapes and embrace the magic of this breathtaking region.

Takeo Ishii 石井 健雄 - German Yodel Master

Yodeling is not just music but an art that not everyone can master. During my early days in Zurich, I loved to visit yodeling events. I remember that Bavarian type of yodeling sounded somewhat different than traditional Swiss yodeling. Besides the all-time best Franzl Lang from Germany, there is one impressive yodeling master from Japan that I like to remember. In 1291 early Alpine shepherds discover how to yodel by alternating their voices between natural singing tones and falsetto pitches. Shepherds began using the distinctive calls to round up cattle and communicate with others across the Alps. Although yodeling was probably being used back in the Stone Age, the choir singing of the yodeling songs only developed in the 19th century. Interestingly, Switzerland has an international yodel festival which is hosted every time in a different city. Through the festival's days, lots of artists from all over Switzerland, reach the host city.

The Japanese yodeling star Takeo Ishi (in German Takeo Ischi) that is still active continues to impress yodeling fans all around the world. There isn't much the public knows about him and I was told that Takeo is a very humble and nice person that identifies his style of singing with the surrounding alpine habitat. He is probably not someone who could live in a big city, the opposite would be Takeos favorite. The more nature, the more mountains the better!

Takeo was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. In high school, he was a loner, but it was during this time that he first heard yodeling on the radio. Following his father, Ischi went to university for mechanical engineering. In his spare time he became engrossed with the zither and the hammered dulcimer and learned to play these instruments. Using Franzl Lang's records, he taught himself to yodel and began performing on Japanese television. During a six-month period where he studied abroad in Germany, Ischi went to Switzerland, where he sang at a beer hall in Zurich. He soon started earning money from this. From there he sang in front of Lang, his idol, and Lang took him under his wing. He performed on television with Maria Hellwig, and after that became known in German language circles as the "Japanese yodeler".

Ischi met his wife Henriette in 1981 and proposed to her three years later at an onsen (hot spring) in Japan, where he yodeled his proposal to her. They married in 1985 and had five children, of which four sons named Maximilian, Michael, Andreas and Lukas, and one daughter named Julia. A humorous collaboration with The Gregory Brothers, "Chicken Attack", was released on January 25th, 2017, garnering over 4 million views on YouTube.

Experience the alpine atmosphere in Switzerland

Davos as an example is a small town of superlatives: this holiday destination with the international ambiance is the largest resort in the Alps for mountain holidays, sports, and conferences, at 1560 m the highest town in the Alps and a high-altitude health resort with a long tradition. In the center of Davos, visitors will find a wide range of accommodation and excellent shopping, with numerous boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. At night, too, there’s plenty of entertainment, with bars, discos and a casino.

The first situation we usually run into is that people who want to visit “Switzerland” assume that the first and best (and sometimes only) stop should be its largest city, which is Zurich. Unfortunately, Zurich is the most expensive city in the world for travelers, and it’s not really very interesting. Geneva is a very famous city (though not for tourism reasons) on a lovely lake of the same name, but it’s also notoriously dull and lacking distinction. Rick Steves puts it well by saying that “Geneva is pleasantly situated on a lake, like Buffalo or Cleveland.” The point is, you don’t want to go to Geneva unless you’ve got something specific in mind that you want to see there.

If you have 4 or fewer days in Switzerland I wouldn’t visit any of the cities listed above. If you have 5 or more days and especially if you want to include a proper city then I’d recommend 1 or 2 days in Bern. For a longer trip, and especially if you want to visit the French part of the country, then a day in Lausanne is worthwhile. Many people (me included) don’t feel as if they’ve scratched the surface of a new country if they haven’t spent at least a day or two in the largest city. Zurich is certainly pleasant and a useful transit hub so spending one or two nights there wouldn’t be a mistake. But Zurich isn’t even close to being a city like Paris, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam, or even Vienna. If you skip it in favor of spending more time in the outdoors, you won’t be missing much.

Schilthorn observation deck and restaurant

The cable cars (mountain lifts that carry up to 80 people at a time) from Lauterbrunnen to Gimmelwald and from Gimmelwald up to Mürren are short and fairly cheap, but if you keep going up two more segments to the top, you reach the Schilthorn observation deck. It’s expensive (around US$100 round-trip from Lauterbrunnen to Schilthorn) but if the weather is clear this is very worthwhile and will be your single best memory of Switzerland.

There is a rotating restaurant (with prices similar to normal Swiss restaurants) and a bizarre and anachronistic James Bond attraction based on it being a key location in the 1969 movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The Bond thing is included with the lift, and it’s worth a look.

But the main thing you come here for is the 360-degree view from one of the highest peaks in Europe. Again, the weather here is key, but fortunately, all the locals track the visibility on a minute-by-minute basis. If it’s clear up top while you are in the area, it would be a terrible shame to skip it based on the high price. But even if it’s cloudy up top, there are still plenty of wonderful things to see and do in the villages below.

     Japanese Av Star