Episode 102: How to visit 20+ mountains for free with the Berner Oberland Pass
If you’re planning on including the Bernese Oberland, which includes Interlaken and the Jungfrau region, in your Swiss vacation, you’re probably planning to enjoy a mountain excursion or two. So how good would it be if you could visit more than 20 mountain summits for free. With the Berner Oberland Pass, that’s exactly what you can do.
The Berner Oberland Pass is my go-to pass whenever I visit the Bernese Oberland. Not only does it cover public transport in the region, that’s trains, buses and boats, it also includes a huge number of free mountain excursions, and it gives you discounted admission to lots and lots of attractions and activities in the region.
The Berner Oberland Pass covers a wide area from Lucerne to Bern and as far south as Domodossola. And it’s one of the most purchased Swiss rail passes from the Holidays to Switzerland shop.
To tell us more about the Berner Oberland Pass and some of the fantastic but lesser known excursions that the pass covers, today we’re welcoming back Jana Amacher, manager of the Berner Oberland Pass.
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Show Notes
In this episode you’ll learn about:
- The benefits and inclusions of the Berner Oberland Pass
- Where to buy your Berner Oberland Pass
- Details about some of the lesser-known mountain excursions covered by the pass
- The different classes and durations of the Berner Oberland Pass
Our Guest
Jana Amacher has worked in a number of roles in the Swiss Tourism industry including as a Market Manager for Jungfrau Region Tourism.
She now works for BLS Railways and is the Manager of the Berner Oberland Pass.
Mountain excursions mentioned in this episode
>> Niederhorn – situated above Beatenberg, Niederhorn can be reached by either bus or boat from Interlaken West and then a funicular and/or cable car to the summit. It’s a great destination for hiking, seeing ibex and views of Lake Thun. There are scooters available to rent and a restaurant. Skiing, sledging, winter hiking and snowshoeing popular things to do at Niederhorn during the winter.
>> Niesen – this iconically-shaped mountain is known as the Swiss Pyramid due to its triangular shape. Located beside Spiez, it can be reached by taking a train to Mülenen where you take a funicular to the summit. A restaurant, children’s playground and fantastic views await you at the top. Mt. Niesen can only be visited from the end of April until early November.
>> Stockhorn – reached by a series of cable cars from Erlenbach in Simmental, Stockhorn is home to a lake, hiking trails, children’s playground and great views. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can even bungee jump from a cable car! You can reach Erlenbach in Simmental by train from Interlaken via Spiez. Stockhorn is a year-round destination (except when the cable cars are undergoing their annual maintenance).
>> Alpentower – the highest point in the Hasliberg region near Meiringen, Alpentower is a popular destination with the Swiss. As well as offering wonderful views of 401 mountain peaks and many hiking trails, the brunch buffet served each day during summer in the restaurant is extremely popular. Meiringen is just a 34 minute train ride from Interlaken Ost station. Alpentower is a winter destination, too.
>> Oeschinensee – Lake Oeschinen, situated above Kandersteg, is well-known thanks to its beautiful turquoise colour. After travelling by train from Interlaken Ost to Kandersteg, a short walk brings you to the lower cable car station and it’s then just a short ride to the top station. After a walk of around 30 minutes, you’ll be at the lake where you can rent a row boat, go for a hike, or enjoy a meal or snack at one of the restaurants. There’s also a summer toboggan track/mountain coaster. Oeschinensee can also be visited during the winter.
>> Sillerenbühl – a great family destination with playgrounds, jumping castle, BBQ areas, themed trails and even an indoor playground, Sillerenbühl is located near Adelboden. To get to Sillerenbühl you take a train from Interlaken Ost to Frutigen, then change to a bus to Adelboden, before taking the cable car up the mountain. During winter, sledging, skiing and winter hiking are possibilities.
Useful resources
- Buy your Berner Oberland Pass from our web shop
In our detailed guide to the Berner Oberland Pass, we cover everything you need to know about this all-in-one transport ticket for the Bernese Oberland. You can view a map of the area of validity of the Berner Oberland Pass here.
Our other resources about the Berner Oberland Pass:
- Podcast episode 46 – listen here
- YouTube Q&A with Jana – watch here
> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.
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