Bernese Oberland by Train

Day 1: Arrival - SPIEZ

Individual arrival in Geneva or Zurich, and onward train journey to Spiez.

Stepping off the train, Spiez already reveals its setting: perched slightly above the water, the station overlooks the bay and Lake Thun. A short walk down to the shore, or a lift, leads to the medieval castle, whose origins date back to the 11th century, standing beside its small Romanesque church on a promontory surrounded by vineyards. Spiez is in fact home to one of the rare wine-growing areas of German-speaking Switzerland, its vines running almost to the water's edge.

The lakeside promenade, the Seepromenade, leads to the small harbour where boats depart to explore Lake Thun. Free time on arrival to settle in and enjoy the lake.

Overnight in Spiez.

Day 2: SPIEZ - Lake Oeschinen excursion - Thun

A day dedicated to one of the region's most iconic sights: Lake Oeschinen.

Train from Spiez along the Kander valley to Kandersteg, a village tucked beneath an impressive amphitheatre of mountains. From there, a cable car climbs to over 1,500 metres, followed by an easy walk of around 25 to 30 minutes through forest and alpine pasture.

Then the lake appears: Oeschinensee, in that almost unreal blue-green shade that only glacial water produces, ringed by peaks that plunge straight into the water. Several trails of varying length and difficulty allow for a short lakeside stroll or a more demanding mountain hike.

Return towards Spiez by boat across Lake Thun, sailing past Oberhofen and Hilterfingen, their villas and gardens reaching down to the water, before arriving in Thun. The old town invites a stroll through cobbled lanes and along its raised pavements, a unique architectural feature that once gave direct access to vaulted cellars, now home to small shops. Above the town, Thun Castle, with its four 12th-century towers, offers one of the finest viewpoints in the region over the Bernese Alps and the rooftops below.

Return to Spiez in the evening.

Overnight in Spiez (B)

Day 3: SPIEZ - BRIENZ

Morning train journey to Brienz, a quiet lakeside village at the far end of Lake Brienz, known for its long tradition of wood carving.

Once settled in, explore the shores of Lake Brienz and take a cruise on its striking emerald waters, framed by mountains that drop almost vertically into the lake. The boat glides past small villages such as Iseltwald before reaching the Giessbach landing stage, just below the Grandhotel, where the roar of the Giessbach Falls can be heard cascading down fourteen steps directly into the lake. From there, Europe's oldest touring funicular, opened in 1879, climbs through the forest to the Grandhotel Giessbach, an elegant 1870s building perched above the lake.

Return to Brienz in the evening.

Overnight in Brienz. (B)

Day 4: BRIENZ - Brienzer Rothorn

A vintage steam rack railway dating from 1892 carries travellers up to the Brienzer Rothorn, climbing slowly through meadows and forest towards a breathtaking panorama. On a clear day, the summit offers views over no fewer than 693 peaks, reaching the Bernese Alps, the wider Swiss Alps and, in good visibility, as far as the Black Forest in Germany.

At the top, several trails allow for further exploration, and a mountain restaurant offers local specialities with a view. A hiking option is also available, descending on foot from the Rothorn towards Planalp before rejoining the train.

Lake Brienz itself, with its turquoise water and lakeside lawn, is a pleasant spot for swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding back in the village.

Overnight in Brienz. (B)

Day 5: BRIENZ - Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe

One of Switzerland's most spectacular excursions: the Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe".

A succession of mountain trains climbs the slopes of the Eiger and Monch to reach Europe's highest railway station, at 3,454 metres. Opened in 1912, the line remains a remarkable feat of engineering. At the summit, a lift leads to the Sphinx observatory, from where the view opens onto the spectacular Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by peaks above 4,000 metres. Visitors can also walk through the Ice Palace, carved directly into the glacier.

On the way back, a stop in Grindelwald, a village set at the foot of the Eiger, allows time to wander past traditional chalets and enjoy the mountain views before returning to Brienz.

Overnight in Brienz (B)

Day 6: BRIENZ - WENGEN

Train journey to Wengen, a charming car-free mountain village at 1,274 metres, reachable only by train, with fine views over the Bernese Oberland summits and the celebrated north face of the Eiger along the way.

The rest of the day is dedicated to walking in one of Switzerland's most beautiful alpine regions, with several routes to choose from:

• Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (about 1 hour), discovering the valley famous for its dramatic waterfalls, including the Staubbach Falls
• Wengen to Mannlichen (about 3 hours), with spectacular views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau along a trail of cascades, pastures and mountain refuges

Wengen itself is easily explored on foot, its car-free centre lined with traditional chalets, mountain hotels and small shops. The village is closely tied to the famous Lauberhorn ski race, still celebrated in local landmarks today.

Overnight in Wengen.(B)

Day 7: WENGEN - MURREN - Schilthorn - WENGEN

Morning journey to Murren, combining a rack railway, a cable car and a panoramic mountain train, tracing the mountainside through forest and alpine pasture with fine views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, before arriving in the car-free village of Murren.

A cable car from Murren climbs to the Schilthorn, at 2,970 metres, rising above the alpine pastures to a panorama over the Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau and numerous Bernese Alps summits.

At the summit, the Piz Gloria complex offers a revolving restaurant with panoramic views, together with Bond World 007, an interactive exhibition on the filming of the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", shot on location here. The Skyline View platform offers a 360-degree panorama on clear days, and the Thrill Walk, a vertiginous suspended walkway along the rock face with net and glass sections, adds a further sense of adventure. A stop at Birg, the intermediate station, offers a suspended platform and the "View Point" bridge.

From Murren, a walk leads to Allmendhubel, offering magnificent panoramas over the same trio of summits, through meadows and typical Bernese Oberland scenery, often grazed by cattle. A funicular also connects the village directly to Allmendhubel for those who prefer an easier ascent.

Murren is also one of Switzerland's leading paragliding spots, with tandem flights offering an exceptional view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau above the Lauterbrunnen valley.

Overnight in Wengen. (B)

Day 8 : MURREN - INTERLAKEN

A final day at altitude, left free: extend the mountain experience with a further walk, or descend earlier to enjoy the lakeside town of Interlaken.

Train journey down to Interlaken Ost, and free time to explore the town, set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, a peaceful contrast after several days spent among peaks and alpine pastures.

The journey continues by taking the Harder Kulm funicular, a rack railway that climbs behind Interlaken station to a viewpoint above 1,300 metres. From the summit, both lakes spread out on either side of the town, while the famous trio of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau rises on the horizon, best admired from the suspended observation deck.

Overnight in Interlaken. (B)

Day 9: INTERLAKEN - Departure

Departure at leisure, with all Swiss public transport included for the day. (B)

Extra night or onward journey available on request.

The trains and journeys

Trains

• Bern - Spiez (30 min)
• Spiez - Kandersteg (40 min)
• Brienz - Interlaken Ost (20 min)
• Interlaken Ost - Lauterbrunnen (20 min)

Cogwheel and mountain railways

• Brienz - Brienzer Rothorn, steam rack railway (1892), 55 min
• Interlaken - Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe (3,454 m), via Eiger Express cable car, 1h30 total
• Lauterbrunnen - Wengen (12 min)
• Lauterbrunnen - Kleine Scheidegg via Wengen (42 min)
• Grutschalp - Murren (12 min)

Cable cars and gondolas

• Kandersteg - Lake Oeschinen (5-10 min)
• Wengen - Mannlichen (30 min)
• Lauterbrunnen - Grutschalp (5 min)
• Murren - Birg - Schilthorn (30 min)

Funiculars

• Giessbach landing stage - Grandhotel Giessbach (4 min)
• Interlaken - Harder Kulm (10 min)
• Murren - Allmendhubel (4 min)

Boats

• Lake Thun, Spiez - Thun (1h10)
• Lake Brienz cruise, Brienz - Giessbach - Interlaken (1h15 total)

Durations are approximate and depend on connections; exact schedules should be checked on the day.

Price Includes

• Swiss Travel Pass, 2nd class, for the entire itinerary as per the program, including public transport within every city on the route*
• Lake Oeschinen cable car
• Brienzer Rothorn Bahn ticket
• Jungfraujoch return ticket (traditional route outbound / express route return)
• Schilthorn cable car 
• Harder Kulm ticket
• Accommodation, double room basis (or similar):
  • La belle vue - Boutique Hotel & Café 3*, Spiez
  • Hotel Lindenhof 3*, Brienz
  • Hotel Victoria Lauberhorn Wengen*, Wengen
  • Hotel The Guesthouse by the Hey Hotel 3* Interlaken
• Breakfasts
• Digital travel booklet

*Swiss Travel Pass benefits: unlimited travel by train, bus and regular boat services throughout Switzerland, free entry to more than 500 museums.

Price Does Not Include

• International transport to and from Switzerland
• City tax (payable locally)
• Single supplement
• Lunches and dinners
• Travel insurance
• First class train supplement
• Giessbach funicular (50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass)