Bernese Oberland – Interlaken, Switzerland

Switzerland is said to be the world’s second-biggest adventure-sports destination (New Zealand being the first), and the Bernese Oberland is the country’s biggest hub of outdoor adventure and natural beauty. River rafting, canyoning, paragliding, bungee jumping, skiing, mountain climbing, skydiving and glacier climbing just to name a few! Being an avid adventure seeker, this is definitely my kind of place!  I only had one day to spend in the area so I will be returning to get my thrills on another day!

Interlaken, Switzerland

Most tourists seem to chose Interlaken as a base to explore the Bernese Oberland region. Interlaken is found between Lake Brienze and Lake Thun and stares up at the three giants Eiger (3970m), Mönch (4099m) and the Jungfraujoch (4158m).

Interlaken Switzerland

Mary visits

We had hoped to take a train 4158m up the Jungfraujoch to “The Top of Europe”. From Interlaken we could see that the mountain tops were covered by clouds that seemed to plan to hover about all day. As recommended we called the number to hear a recording of the current conditions at the top of the mountain. We decided not to waste $200 each on a train ticket after hearing a report of “minimal visibility with a rather unpleasant wind.”

Three mountains covered by clouds

Aside from Interlaken, there are many surrounding villages offering accommodation that are convenient to all the region has to offer. I quite liked the little town of Grindelwald.

Grindelwald, Bernese Oberland

Interlaken, Switzerland

We explored Trümmelbach Falls …

“Ten glacier-waterfalls inside the mountain made accessible by tunnel-lift and illuminated. The Trümmelbach alone drains the mighty glacier defiles of Eiger (3970m), Monk (4099m) and Jungfrau (4158m) and carries 20,200 tons of boulder detritus per year. Its drainage area is 24 sq km, half of it covered by snow and glaciers. Up to 20,000 litres of water per second. The only glacier-waterfalls in Europe inside the mountain and still accessible.”

Trümmelbach Falls

The step path leading up this glacier had been damaged in a recent storm prohibiting our intended climb.

Glacier as seen from the ground in Bernese Oberland

A day was just not enough time to explore this gorgeous region. There are countless hiking trails and adventures to be found. Switzerland, I will be back!

To see more photos of Interlaken and the surrounding Bernese Oberland region CLICK HERE.