Overview
The Bernese Oberland is in the southwest region of Switzerland. The area feels quintessentially Swiss, filled with fantasy images of Alpine life: mountain towns, the soaring and towering Alps, the alphorn, chocolate and cheese. Picturesque towns there include Interlaken, Uberseen and Wengen. Yes, the people in Bernese Oberland know what tourists want to see, but even a in well-visited town like Interlaken, the results are not contrived. The region is not so much a touristy destination as a visitor's paradise.
Sights/Landmarks/To Do
Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe): One of the most popular things to do in Interlaken is to climb to the top of the region's highest mountain, the infamous Jungfrau. The mountain peak sits at an elevation of over 13,000 feet; it's a trek known as the "Top of Europe." Actually, the climb is done via train, but it's still quite an event. The 2 ½ hour journey begins in Interlaken and takes three train transfers. The first train takes you from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen. Tall pine trees cling to the mountains, and a charging river joins you for part of the trip. For the second leg of the journey, you take the longest cog railway in Switzerland. From Lauterbrunnen, you head to the town of Kleine Scheidegg. Now you're starting to go up the mountain, so the views become absolutely incredible, and the towns get smaller and smaller. You can stop to explore the villages as the train chugs along and wait for the next train. However, most people reserve the exploring for the way down.
Finally, you transfer to the third and last train. Next stop, Jungfraujoch. An engineering wonder, the Jungfraubahn railway climbs through 4 miles of tunnel carved out of Alpine rock. Construction began it in 1912, and it took 16 years to drill. The train makes two stops at lookout points so you can enjoy the view. When you finally reach the top, there's plenty to do. Check out the ice sculptures in the "Ice Palace," carved out of the largest glacier in Europe. Special equipment maintains a constant, below-freezing temperature, and the body warmth generated by visitors is recycled to heat the restaurants above. But the Ice Palace is just a teaser. The observation deck is the real star of the show.
At 11,723 feet, it's the highest vantage point in Europe, and it offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the Jungfrau. Now, it is absolutely imperative that you bring some extra layers of clothes for the extreme weather, because it is always cold. There's snow at the top of Jungfrau 365 days a year, so this isn't just a lookout point. There's plenty of adventure to be had. In the warmer months, try signing up for dog sledding!
Hours: June-Sept., daily 6:27 a.m. (first train up) - 5:10 p.m. (last train down)
Zorbing: There's snow in the Swiss Alps all year long, which is paradise for the skiing fan. However, if you're one of those people who can't picture themselves hurtling down a sheer rock of ice and snow on a couple of sticks, there's zorbing. Zorbing was invented in New Zealand, but it has bounced all over the world, including Interlaken. All you have to do is climb in a giant inflatable ball and let gravity and centrifugal force do the rest.
Wengen: Wengen is one of the villages you'll pass trough on your trip to the Jungfrau. It's about 40 minutes outside Interlaken, and it's one of the most coveted skiing destinations in the Alps. However, there's another sport in Wengen that attracts athletes and fans from all over the world - curling. Yes, this strange sport with the brooms has gotten a lot more respect recently. The local curling hall in Wengen has three rinks, so check it out!
Shopping: The main street in Interlaken is filled with shop after shop after shop, selling all the most famous Swiss-made goods. Summertime is Interlaken's high season, because of the lakes and the hiking. Thus, in the wintertime, when it's much colder, you can find good sales.
Hotels
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa: The Victoria-Jungfrau is grand in every sense of the word - size, historical standing, luxury and celebratory atmosphere. It masterfully blends the modern with the Victorian. It's as if the hotel were an elegant, refined woman who still knows how to put on a pair of designer jeans. It's also one of the oldest resorts in the Swiss Alps, but everything is very up to date. From one side of the hotel, you get an unbelievable view of the mountains. Of course, rooms on that side cost more, and the rates are high to begin with.
Web site: www.victoria-jungfrau.ch
Food/Restaurants/Bars
The Hirschen's Restaurant: This establishment is a great place to go for a traditional Swiss meal, which includes fondue, of course.
Web site: www.hirschen-interlaken.ch
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