Excursions in the Region Bönigen and Iseltwald offer the perfect starting point.
Bönigen and Iseltwald lie quietly along the shores of Lake Brienz, while offering access to one of Switzerland’s most diverse regions. From here, the Bernese Oberland unfolds in its full range — with lakes, mountains and a dense network of excursion destinations.
Routes lead from the calm lakeshore up into the alpine world of the Jungfrau Region and into the lively towns of the Bödeli. From here, a remarkable variety of landscapes and experiences can be reached within a short time.
Places That Shape the Bernese Oberland
Between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz lies the Bödeli — the center of many activities in the Bernese Oberland. The towns here reflect the region’s character in different ways. Interlaken serves as a starting point for routes into the mountains and toward the lakes. Unterseen preserves the historic core with its streets and traditional buildings. Matten and Wilderswil complement the area as quieter yet well-connected locations, offering access to further excursions. From Bönigen and Iseltwald, all of these places are easily reached and can be combined.
Hiking in the Bernese Oberland
The Bernese Oberland features an extensive network of hiking trails. More than 500 kilometers lead through valleys, along waterways and up to scenic viewpoints. Easier routes, such as the trail along the three waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, offer a relaxed way to explore the landscape. More demanding hikes, including routes to the Morgenberghorn, provide wide views across the region’s lakes and peaks. For families, the themed trails on the Hasliberg combine movement and discovery.
The Jungfraujoch
One of the best-known destinations in the Bernese Oberland is the Jungfraujoch. The journey leads step by step from green landscapes into a high-alpine world of ice and rock. At the top, views open onto the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks. Its unique location and accessibility make the Jungfraujoch one of the region’s most impressive destinations.
Getting Around the Region
The region’s diversity is best experienced when you can move freely between its locations.
The Bernese Oberland Pass allows you to explore the region by train, bus and boat, and to combine a variety of excursions.
Jungfrau Railways tickets provide access to the high-alpine destinations of the Jungfrau Region, including the Jungfraujoch.
Discover the surrounding area
Here you’ll find more details about some of the excursion destinations nearby. There are so many places to discover that it’s impossible to include them all!
The municipalities of Interlaken, Unterseen, Matten, Wilderswil and Bönigen are located here. In Interlaken, you’ll meet visitors from all over the world, watch paragliders land, or stroll along the Höhenweg lined with souvenir shops. And of course, the Jungfrau Railways will take you from Interlaken or Wilderswil up to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe – and to many other excursion destinations. In Unterseen, the highest town on the Aare River, you can explore the old town with its historic buildings and the Stadthausplatz square.
You’ll find more information about the surrounding villages of the destination on the website of the Holiday Region Interlaken.
The Jungfrau Region offers countless excursion possibilities, well-signposted hiking trails and a wide range of adventurous activities. Below you’ll find some helpful links:
The picturesque villages lie on Lake Brienz, not far from Interlaken. From Goldswil, the Katzenpfad trail leads to Ringgenberg and then continues along the lakeside path to Niederried. In summer, you can cool off in the cold waters of Lake Brienz or enjoy a slightly warmer dip at the natural Burgseeli lido. The medieval castle church in Ringgenberg, which towers impressively above the lake, is a striking landmark and can be visited during opening hours.
Ringgenberg-Goldswil-Niederried
Discover the traditional wooden houses and the art of woodcarving in the woodcarvers’ village on Lake Brienz, or take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, where deckchairs invite you to relax. In summer, various water activities await you, and even in winter, you don’t have to miss out on a swim – enjoy a soak in one of the hot tubs with a view of the lake.
You can reach Giessbach from Bönigen or Iseltwald via the Three Waterfalls Trail. Alternatively, from spring to autumn, you can also take a boat for a more comfortable journey. From the lakeshore, a funicular railway takes you up to the historic Grandhotel Giessbach. Built between 1873 and 1875, the Grandhotel alone is worth the trip. From there, you can hike up to the impressive Giessbach Falls, which plunge over 14 tiers and a total of 400 metres into the lake below.
www.giessbach.ch
The steam cog railway takes you up to the Brienzer Rothorn at a leisurely pace. The journey itself is an unforgettable experience. Once at the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks, a variety of hiking trails, and a cosy mountain restaurant. Advance reservations for the Brienz Rothorn Railway are highly recommended – tickets can be booked online.
Travel back in time and experience everyday life as it once was at the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum in Brienz. Over 100 historic buildings and more than 200 farm animals are waiting to be discovered. There’s plenty to explore for children as well, including hands-on activities. Special exhibitions and events are held regularly – please check the website for current information.
Axalp above Brienz offers a small, family-friendly ski area in winter and numerous hiking trails in summer. Particularly popular with families is the Woodcarver’s Trail, where new hand-carved wooden figures can be discovered again and again. This scenic path leads to the idyllic Hinterburgseeli lake, nestled in a nature reserve.
Hasliberg offers a varied hiking area in summer and a wide snow sports region in winter. Families can look forward to adventure trails and playgrounds. Have you heard the stories of Muggestutz, the Hasli dwarf? Two themed trails bring his adventures to life, with exciting stations like the dwarf house, pine cone water chute, caves, ropeways, suspension bridges and the charming dwarf playground. The ball trail, with its fun and creative ball tracks, promises even more enjoyment for young and old alike.
This small, cosy mountain village, rich in tradition, lies at the foot of the Augstmatthorn. It’s the perfect starting point for excursions into the moorland of the Lombachalp, scenic hikes, and visits to an alpine cheese dairy. In winter, a small, family-friendly ski area invites you to enjoy the snow in a relaxed atmosphere.
Beatenberg, the sun terrace high above Lake Thun, is easily accessible by car or public transport. As the gateway to the Niederhorn region, it offers countless opportunities for adventure in both summer and winter. Families can look forward to plenty of fun with scooter bike runs, an alpine orienteering course, themed trails and a variety of playgrounds.
Did you know that vines are grown on the shores of Lake Thun? Discover the vineyards along the Spiez Vineyard Adventure Trail or explore other educational routes through the virtual themed SmarTrails.
Stroll along the Bälliz, discover the old town, admire the view over the city from the castle, or walk along the Aare towards Schadaupark. Thun, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, also offers cultural events to suit every taste.
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is always worth a visit! Stroll through the arcades of the old town on a shopping spree and enjoy the medieval atmosphere with its numerous fountains, sandstone façades, alleyways and historic towers. Watch the spectacle in front of the Zytglogge (clock tower) on the hour and be enthralled by the puppet show with the bear procession, the jester, the golden cockerel and Chronos – the god of time. The elevated Rose Garden above the BärenPark or the platform of the 101-metre-high cathedral tower offer the most beautiful views over the Old Town, which is surrounded by the River Aare.
City of Bern
More excursion destinations
There’s even more to discover in the region:
A trip to the Grimsel World is highly recommended. Discover the unique landscape with its rugged mountains, picturesque colours, wild waters and great people. The Grimsel- and Susten region offers many beautiful hikes and enchanting views. Do you know the Gelmer railway? With a gradient of 106 per cent, it is undisputedly the steepest open funicular railway in Europe.
Grimselwelt
Picture 2: © ‘Photo: KWO / David Birri’
The Aare Gorge is a true natural wonder. It takes around 45 minutes to walk through the gorge, a refreshing experience on hot summer days and a fascinating natural spectacle in any weather.
Aare Gorge
Picture: © «Aareschlucht / David Birri»
Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a pleasure-seeker or a family looking for adventure, the Stockhorn offers hiking trails for all levels. Fancy fishing in the trout-rich Hinterstockensee and Oberstockensee? Or how about a unique moonlight dinner?
Enjoy a ride on the historic funicular railway up the Niesen and take in the unique view over Lake Thun.
There are many exciting things to discover in the 20-hectare Blausee Nature Park, whose magical landscape was shaped 15,000 years ago by a massive rockfall from the Fisistock. Explore this unique park with its beautiful forest trails.
Blausee Nature Park
A trip to the Diemtigtal Nature Park is well worthwhile. There are countless opportunities for walks, hikes and mountain hikes.
Diemtigtal Nature Park
Picture 1: © Sommer: Naturpark Diemtigtal / Martin Wymann
Picture 2: © Winter: Wiriehornbahnen AG / Phil Wenger
