Berner Oberland & Wallis: watervallen en viertduizenders

Thun is situated where the River Aare flows out of Lake Thun, at the foot of the Bernese Alps. The historic city centre is recognisable by its distinctive wooden bridges and the unique elevated footpaths along the Obere Hauptgasse. Towering above the rooftops is Thun Castle, a white fortress with striking towers that offer views of the city and the lake. On the central Rathausplatz, the rich history of this former trading town comes to life. Visitors can enjoy the lakeside promenade and the narrow alleys filled with local shops. Its location between the mountains and the water creates a pleasant atmosphere that invites a relaxing stay. It is a natural point to mark the transition from the flatter lowlands to the high mountains.

Interlaken is nestled between two deep blue lakes in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. The town serves as a central hub for exploring the surrounding mountain peaks and valleys. From the Harder Kulm, you have a panoramic view of the town and the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun offer ample opportunities for waterside relaxation. In the immediate vicinity, you'll find numerous cable cars and trains providing access to alpine hiking trails. The Höheweg is the central promenade with views of the paragliders landing on the Höhematte. Thanks to its flat location in the valley, the area is perfect for exploring by bike.

Brienz is idyllically situated on the turquoise shore of Lake Brienz and exudes the atmosphere of an authentic Swiss mountain village. Historic wooden houses with detailed wood carvings adorn the streets of this tranquil spot. From the quay, steamboats depart for a cruise across the deep, clear waters to surrounding villages. The nearby Ballenberg Open-Air Museum showcases the rich rural architecture and traditions of the entire country. For breathtaking panoramic views, a historic steam train carries travelers to the summit of the Rothorn. Hikers here enjoy paths that wind along the waterfront and through steep mountain forests. The blend of artisanal culture and its serene lakeside location makes this a relaxing place to stay.

This mountain village is located directly at the foot of the Eiger North Face and offers an impressive panorama of the surrounding glacier world. From the valley, cable cars depart for high-altitude viewpoints such as the First Cliff Walk. Hikers will find an extensive network of trails that lead past alpine meadows and steep rock faces. The atmosphere in the village is characterized by a mix of wooden chalets and modern facilities. The direct view of the massive mountain peaks immerses visitors in the heart of the Bernese Alps. A trip to the Jungfraujoch is among the most iconic activities in this area. The proximity of the glaciers provides fresh mountain air and a constant reminder of the alpine nature.

In the heart of the Bernese Oberland lies the deep U-shaped valley of Lauterbrunnen, flanked by sheer rock faces. From its steep walls, dozens of waterfalls plunge downwards, with the Staubbachfall, directly behind the village, being the most iconic. The Trümmelbach Falls offer a unique spectacle where glacial water forces its way with immense power through the interior of the mountain. Hikers will find an extensive network of trails here leading to car-free villages like Mürren and Wengen on the higher plateaus. By cable car, you can reach the summit of the Schilthorn for panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The valley offers a tranquil retreat in the mountains, where the sound of rushing water and cowbells predominates. In the evening, the setting sun casts a golden glow on the surrounding snow-capped peaks. This valley is an essential stop for anyone wishing to experience the rugged beauty of the Swiss Alps up close.

Kandersteg is nestled deep in a valley at the foot of the Blümlisalp massif in the Bernese Oberland. Its main draw is Lake Oeschinen, a deep-blue mountain lake surrounded by steep rock faces and glaciers. Hikers will find an extensive network of trails leading to panoramic viewpoints and authentic mountain huts. In the immediate vicinity is Lake Blausee, a smaller but crystal-clear lake situated within a protected nature park. For those seeking higher ground, the cable car to Sunnbüel offers access to the historic route over the Gemmi Pass. The village itself retains a rustic atmosphere with wooden chalets and flowery meadows. The surrounding mountain peaks form an impressive backdrop for outdoor activities in every season. Due to its location on the north side of the Lötschberg Tunnel, it is a strategic point in the Alpine region.

Nestled among the steep rock faces of the Valais Alps lies Leukerbad, the largest spa resort in the Alps. The natural hot springs feed the extensive Leukerbad Thermal Baths, where travelers find relaxation with views of the surrounding mountain peaks. For the active visitor, the historic Gemmi Pass offers spectacular access to the high-altitude plateau. A cable car takes you to the summit, where the tranquil Daubensee invites long walks along the water. The village itself combines a cozy atmosphere with modern facilities for a comfortable stay. The imposing limestone cliffs form a dramatic backdrop that changes color throughout the day. Here you experience the rare combination of physical exertion in the mountains and recovery in mineral-rich water.

The Lötschental is considered one of the most authentic and unspoiled valleys in the Valais region. Enclosed by the impressive peaks of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage site, a serene tranquility reigns here. The valley is known for its traditional wooden houses and the mysterious masks of local folklore. Hiking trails lead through alpine meadows and along the Lonza river towards the imposing Langgletscher. By cable car from Wiler, you reach the Lauchernalp for panoramic views of the striking Bietschhorn. Its small scale and deeply rooted traditions make a stay in villages like Blatten a special experience. It is an ideal place for those who want to avoid the crowds and seek the pure Alpine power.

High above the Rhône Valley, the Aletsch Glacier stretches for a considerable distance through the Bernese Alps. From the viewpoints on the Eggishorn and Bettmerhorn, the curve in the ice mass and the deep glacier crevasses are clearly visible. The surrounding mountain peaks, rising above four thousand metres, form a constant backdrop for hikes along the valley flanks. Narrow paths wind through forests of arolla pines and over rocky ridges, offering views of the moraines. In the nearby car-free mountain villages, visitors stay in a peaceful, high-alpine environment. A trip to Lake Märjelen at the edge of the glacier reveals the physical scale of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The combination of the ice and the sun-drenched south-facing slopes creates a landscape rich in contrast. This area is ideal for a multi-day stay to explore the various hiking trails.

Saas-Fee is nestled in a high valley, surrounded by thirteen peaks over four thousand meters high. The village is entirely car-free, requiring visitors to leave their vehicles in the large car park at the village entrance. The Fee Glacier dominates the panorama, offering access to vast ice fields and summer snow activities. The Metro Alpin, the highest underground mountain railway, takes you to a spectacular high-altitude viewpoint. From the summit, you have a direct view of the flanks of the Allalinhorn and the surrounding mountain massifs. For hikers, numerous trails wind through the rugged landscape of the Saas Valley. A unique feature is the presence of tame marmots, often seen on the slopes of the Spielboden. Its location deep in the Valais makes it a peaceful alternative to the busier nearby Zermatt.

The iconic, pyramid-shaped peak of the Matterhorn dominates the horizon above this car-free mountain village in the canton of Valais. Visitors leave their vehicles in nearby Täsch to complete the final stretch to the valley by train. From the mountain station of the Gornergrat cogwheel railway, you have an unobstructed view of the surrounding 4,000-meter peaks and the vast Gorner Glacier. Hikers will find an extensive network of trails here that lead past crystal-clear mountain lakes like the Stellisee. The village itself exudes an authentic atmosphere with wooden chalets and narrow alleys, reflecting the region's rich climbing history. For a spectacular perspective on the world of glaciers, the cable car to Klein Matterhorn offers access to Europe's highest mountain station. The area is ideal for a multi-day stay where relaxation and mountain activities in the fresh alpine air take center stage.

The Val d'Hérens reveals itself as an authentic world full of tradition and impressive natural phenomena. At the entrance to the valley, the Pyramides d'Euseigne immediately draw attention with their striking stone caps on slender earth pillars. Further upstream lies the village of Evolène, where characteristic wooden houses and flower-filled balconies define the streetscape. The imposing pyramid shape of the Dent Blanche dominates the horizon, offering a spectacular backdrop for hikers. In this valley, the famous Hérens cows graze on the alpine pastures between steep rock faces. The tranquility and preserved culture make a stay here a serene experience, far from the hustle and bustle. It is an ideal place to enjoy the rugged Valais Alps and local gastronomy.

Sion is centrally located in the Rhône Valley and is characterized by two prominent hills that tower above the city. On these peaks stand the fortified Basilique de Valère and the ruins of Château de Tourbillon. The city exudes an almost Mediterranean atmosphere, thanks to the vast vineyards on the surrounding slopes. A stroll through the medieval streets of the old town takes you past historic facades and lively squares. In local wine shops, visitors can discover the renowned white wines from the Valais region. Its strategic position in the valley offers expansive views of the surrounding Alpine peaks. Culture enthusiasts will find a rich history here that dates back to well before the Middle Ages.

The mountain village of Les Diablerets is nestled in a wide valley at the foot of an impressive mountain massif. From the village, the nearby cable car at Col du Pillon takes visitors to the extensive plateau of Glacier 3000. Here, the Peak Walk offers spectacular views of the highest peaks of the Alps, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. During the summer months, the green alpine meadows invite long walks along bubbling streams and steep rock faces. The area is characterized by an authentic atmosphere with wooden chalets and a charming character. For those who love action, the Alpine Coaster offers an exciting way to experience the glacier environment. The village forms a natural haven in the mountain landscape on the border of the canton of Vaud and the Bernese Oberland.