If you’re planning a visit to Switzerland that will include the mighty Jungfrau, Interlaken, Lake Thun or Grindelwald, among other population tourist destinations, you’ll be entering the Berner Oberland administrative district in the south of Bern canton.
If this is the case, you might already have heard of the Berner Oberland Regional Pass, but what exactly is it, and is it something you should consider purchasing before your visit?
In this guide you’ll find everything you need to know about the Berner Oberland Pass (which was previously called the Regional Pass Berner Oberland).
Click here to buy your Berner Oberland Regional Pass
GOOD TO KNOW
The Berner Oberland Pass is a seasonal pass which is available for travel between April and October. Outside of these months it may not be possible to purchase the pass. Operating dates for individual excursions covered by the Pass will be updated when the information is available.
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What is the Berner Oberland Pass?
The Berner Oberland Pass is a tourist pass which offers visitors free travel on almost all public transport in the region.
Twenty-five different mountain railways are included, as well as almost all train, bus and boat routes that connect Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken, Brig and Domodossola.
The pass also offers discounts for almost 40 different activities in the region.
The Berner Oberland Pass can be purchased for travel in either 1st class or 2nd class and it is available for durations of 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days of consecutive use.
We love the convenience and flexibility that the Berner Oberland Pass offers. With one ticket, you can hop on and off trains, buses, boats and mountain railways in the entire Bernese Oberland as you wish.
By purchasing a Berner Oberland Pass you can make substantial savings on your transport and sightseeing in the region.
The Berner Oberland Pass is our go-to Swiss rail pass when we visit the Bernese Oberland.
Validity of Berner Oberland Regional-Pass
Passes can be purchased that last 3, 4, 6, 8, or 10 consecutive days. As a seasonal pass, the Berner Oberland Pass can be used from 1 April to 31 October 2023 (subject to individual attractions, cable cars, etc operating).
Cost of Berner Oberland Pass for 2023
| Regular Price 2nd Class | Regular Price 1st Class | Reduced Fare* 2nd Class | Reduced Fare* 1st Class | |
| 3 Days | CHF 230 | CHF 276 | CHF 150 | CHF 180 |
| 4 Days | CHF 270 | CHF 324 | CHF 175 | CHF 210 |
| 6 Days | CHF 340 | CHF 408 | CHF 220 | CHF 265 |
| 8 Days | CHF 380 | CHF 456 | CHF 250 | CHF 296 |
| 10 Days | CHF 420 | CHF 504 | CHF 275 | CHF 328 |
| BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW |
Berner Oberland Pass discounts
*Holders of the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Swiss Half-Fare Card receive a discount on the price of the Regional Pass Berner Oberland however both passes must be valid for the same dates. Refer to the table above for discounted rates.
Is there a Bernese Oberland Pass for children?
The Berner Oberland Pass is available for children aged from 6 to 15 years (before their 16th birthday) for just CHF 30 (1st or 2nd class). However, if children hold a Swiss Family Card, Junior TravelCard or Children’s Co-TravelCard, they travel for free.
Children under six travel free of charge.
Where to buy the Berner Oberland Regional Pass
The pass can be purchased at major railway stations in the region but in order to make use of your pass as soon as you arrive in the Berner Oberland region, the best bet is to buy your pass online.
Prices are the same no matter where or when you purchase the pass.
For convenience, passes are delivered by email.
Bernese Oberland Pass Validity Map
To download a map of the area of validity of the Berner Oberland Pass, click here.
How do I use my Regional Pass Berner Oberland?
After purchasing your Berner Oberland Pass, you will receive a digital copy of the Pass via email. You simply show your Pass to the ticket inspector onboard each train, bus or boat when requested.
If you are enjoying a mountain excursion by cable car or funicular, just present your Berner Oberland Pass at the ticket counter or at the turnstile and the attendant will let you board.
Complete list of mountain railways fully included with the Berner Oberland Pass
- Adelboden – Engstligenalp
- Adelboden – Sillerenbuhl
- Adelboden – Tschentenalp
- Adelboden Geils – Hahnenmoos
- Beatenberg – Niederhorn
- Beatenbucht – Beatenberg
- Brienz -Planalp – Brienzer Rothorn
- Elsigbach – Elsigenalp
- Erlenbach – Stockhorn
- Grindelwald – First
- Grindelwald – Kleine Scheidegg
- Grindelwald – Pfingstegg
- Grindelwald Terminal – Eiger Glacier (Eiger Express)
- Grindelwald Terminal – Männlichen
- Grütschalp – Winteregg – Mürren
- Gstaad – Höhi Wispile
- Hasliberg Reuti – Magisalp
- Hasliberg Twing – Kaserstatt
- Interlaken – Harder Kulm
- Kandersteg – Allmenalp
- Kandersteg – Oeschinensee
- Kandersteg – Sunnbuel
- Kleine Scheidegg – Eiger Glacier
- Lauterbrunnen – Grütschalp – Murren
- Lenk – Leiterli Betelberg
- Lenk Rothenbach – Metschstand
- Lötschental – Lauchernalp
- Marbach – Marbachegg
- Meiringen – Alpen tower (Planplatten)
- Mulenen – Niesen Kulm
- Murren – Allmendhubel
- Schonried – Horneggli
- Sorenberg – Brienzer Rothorn
- Wengen – Kleine Scheidegg
- Wengen – Männlichen
- Wilderswil – Schynige Platte
- Wider – Lauchernalp
- Zweisimmen – Rinderberg
Highlights in the Bernese Oberland included in the Berner Oberland Regional Pass
Below you’ll find further details of just some of the excursions included in the Berner Oberland Pass including the savings you can make as a pass-holder. (*Indicates prices are ex Interlaken.)
Brienz Rothorn Bahn
This 125-year-old steam-powered mountain railway not only harks back to an earlier time as it climbs from the town of Brienz to 2,351-metre high Brienzer Rothorn mountain, but also offers up what are often considered the best panoramic views in the entire Berner Oberland region through its large picture windows.
As part of the landscape for so long, the train is all but ignored by the animal species that call the mountain home, including ibex and chamois goat, which can regularly be found feeding close to the tracks.
Read more about Brienz Rothorn Bahn in this article.
Operates: 3 June to 22 October, 2023
Regular ticket price: CHF 132.20* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 132.20 – Buy Now
Schynige Platte
The only rack and pinion railway of its kind anywhere in Switzerland, let alone Berner Oberland, the Wilderswil-Schynige Platte railway uses original locomotives and carriages from the late 1800s.
Taking around 50 minutes to complete the seven-kilometre route, the journey offers views of some of the most-important mountains in the Alps, including the Eiger and Jungfrau.
The railway allows visitors to travel in style, stay the night in the mountain hotel (click here to check prices), admire Switzerland’s only alpine garden, or enjoy a coffee at Breitlauenen middle station.
Read more about Schynige Platte in this article.
Operates: 1 July to 22 October, 2023
Regular ticket price: CHF 71.20* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 71.20 – Buy Now
Niesen Bahn
Another mountain railway that is not to be missed, and free with the Berner Oberland Regional Pass, is the funicular railway that runs up the side of the pyramid-shaped Mount Niesen.
Its lower station at Mülenen is easily accessible by bus or train, while the single-carriage funicular runs on a track with gradients up to 68%.
At the summit, Niesendörfli, lying 2,362 metres above sea level, you’ll find plenty to keep the whole family entertained, whether you’d prefer the many hiking trails, information path, or Berghaus restaurant.
Operates: 29 April to 12 November, 2023
Regular ticket price: CHF 89.40* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 89.40 – Buy Now
Stockhorn
Running from Erlenbach in the Simmental to the summit of Stockhorn mountain, the Stockhorn railway provides the easiest means of capturing the mesmerising panoramic views that take in more than 200 peaks, including Mount Titlis, and can extend as far as the Alsace and Black Forest.
The summit is just a few metres away from the upper station, and boasts a glass floor from where visitors can not only look out, but also down!
Regular ticket price: CHF 92.80* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 92.80 – Buy Now
First (Mount Schwarzhorn)
Rising to a height of 2,166 metres, First is one of the smaller summits on Mount Schwarzhorn. However, don’t let this put you off, since it is also the site of the upper cable car station that starts in Grindelwald and also stops at the intermediate stations of Bort and Schreckfeld.
The six-seat gondolas make the full-length journey in 25 minutes. What’s more, First is making a name for itself as a destination for the adventurous, with the First Flyer zipline, mountain carts, scooter rides and Cliff Walk by Tissot just some of the activities available. (Most activities incur additional costs.)
Operates: 27 March to 29 October, 2023
Regular ticket price: CHF 92.40* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 92.40 – Buy Now
Männlichen
This delightful alpine peak can be reached by way of the Wengen-Männlichen cable car, whose spacious gondolas not only incorporate floor to ceiling windows all the way round but also an external viewing platform that rests on the top of the gondola and is accessed via an internal staircase.
You’ll understand why the external platform is so popular when you see your first glimpses of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.
Then, when you reach the upper station at 2,222 metres, there’s the chance to follow the recently-completed Royal Walk, which leads to the mountain’s summit, a further 150 metres away.
Operates: 27 May to 22 October, 2023.
Regular ticket price: CHF 89.60* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 89.60 – Buy Now
Harder Kulm
Interlaken’s own mountain, Mt. Harder, makes a great half-day excursion. The Harder bahn (funicular) station is a five minute walk from the Interlaken Ost railway station and in just ten minutes you reach the summit.
The highlight of any visit is the panoramic view of the surrounding Alps and lakes Thun and Brienz from the Two Lakes Bridge.
A restaurant, walking trails and children’s playground can also be found at Harder Kulm.
Read more about Harder Kulm in this article.
Operates: 7 April to 26 November, 2023.
Regular ticket price: CHF 38* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 38 – Buy Now
Oeschinensee
The incredible blue hues of Oeschinen Lake, part of the UNESCO-listed Jungfrau-Aletsch site, can be admired by taking the Kandersteg-Oeschinen cable car.
With a depth of up to 56 metres, the lake is home to Arctic char, as well as lake and rainbow trout, with ice fishing and ice skating popular activities during the months of December to May when the lake’s surface is frozen over.
Rowing boats can be hired for pleasure journeys across the lake, and there’s also a summer toboggan-run suitable for all ages.
Operates: Year round except for annual maintenance (see closure dates here)
Regular ticket price: CHF 82* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 82 – Buy Now
Cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
Cruises on Lake Thun (the largest lake in the Berner Oberland region) and Lake Brienz are a wonderfully-relaxing way in which to take in much of what the region has to offer.
The elegant fleet of vessels, which include special journeys by the one-hundred-year-old steamship Blümlisalp on Lake Thun during the summer and Christmas periods, ply the waters of both lakes throughout the day.
Operates: Lake Brienz – 8 April to 22 October, 2023 / Lake Thun – 1 April to 31 October, 2023.
Regular ticket price: from CHF 54* return (Interlaken to Brienz) | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: from CHF 54 – Buy Now
Pass holders can also benefit from a discounted first class upgrade on the cruises. Pay just CHF 10 instead of CHF 16.
Excursion to Bern
The capital of Switzerland has a population of just 140,000, making it feel much more like a pleasantly-sized, and very attractive, town rather than a large major city.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the old town dates back to the medieval period, with its most famous sight from this time perhaps being the Zytglogge clock.
Also not to be missed are the fifteenth-century cathedral and town hall, while children will have a great time watching the bears after which the city is named at the Dählhölzli Zoo.
Regular ticket price: Varies depending on starting point | Cost with pass: FREE travel within the area of validity – Buy Now
Excursion to Gstaad
With the Berner Oberland Regional Pass you can connect easily between Gstaad and destinations including Turbach and the Lauenensee.
If you’re visiting Gstaad in winter you won’t want to miss the town’s major ski resort, which has welcomed everyone from Princess Diana to Madonna, while in the summer months the cross-country slopes become marked hiking trails suitable for all levels of ability.
Your fare for the premium panoramic train, the GoldenPass Express, is covered between Interlaken and Gstaad.
Regular ticket price: Varies depending on starting point | Cost with pass: FREE travel within the area of validity – Buy Now
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Excursion to Lucerne
Travelling between Interlaken and Lucerne (or vice versa) aboard the Luzern-Interlaken Express train is a highlight of any trip. This train forms one leg of the popular GoldenPass Line.
It offers passengers panoramic picture windows from which to enjoy the sights around the Brünig Pass (where the train makes a stop), waterfalls, alpine scenery and five lakes.
Once in Lucerne, you could take the Lucerne-Engelberg Express and visit Mt. Titlis (with tickets discounted 50% for pass holders). While there are many activities to enjoy once in Lucerne, no trip is complete without a gentle stroll around the cobbled streets of its Altstadt (Old Town).
Regular ticket price: Varies depending on starting point | Cost with pass: FREE travel within the area of validity – Buy Now
Activities and excursions discounted with the Berner Oberland Pass
Pass holders also receive discounts from almost 40 additional partners. Discounts include:
Schilthorn Piz Gloria
Schilthorn mountain sits above the village of Mürren, however the chain of cable cars that take visitors to the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant at its very top begin at Stechelberg, running to Mürren via Gimmelwald.
This part of the journey is free with the Berner Oberland Regional Pass, while the next cable car from Mürren to Birg and then on to Schilthorn itself offers discounts of 50% with the pass.
You’ll want to make the journey to the peak not only because of the spectacular scenery that can be observed from its 2,970-metre height, but also because Piz Gloria played such a central role in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, where it doubled as the lair for Bond’s enemy, Blofeld.
Operates: Year round except for annual maintenance (see closure dates here)
Regular ticket price: CHF 130.80* (from Stechelberg) | Cost with pass: CHF 42.80 | You save: CHF 88.00 – Buy Now
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Connecting the peaks of the Jungfrau and Mönch, Jungfraujoch is itself almost 3,500-metres above sea level. The mountain railway that leads towards Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station, took 16 years to complete because of the difficult terrain.
Now running for more than a century, the journey by train takes two hours and 15 minutes from Interlaken and is one of Switzerland’s most popular day trips.
With the opening of the Eiger Express cable car in December 2020, holders of the Berner Oberland Pass now have the option to travel either the entire journey by train, or part of the way by cable car (between Grindelwald and Eiger Glacier).
The cost of the excursion (CHF 99) remains the same regardless of which route you take.
Whilst the journey to the Top of Europe is a highlight in itself, at the summit there are plenty of activities, shops and restaurants to keep you entertained.
Our tip: Allow at least six hours for your excursion
Operates: Year round
Regular ticket price: CHF 211.20** (from Interlaken) | Cost with pass: CHF 99 | You save: CHF 112.20 – Buy Now
(**Indicates seasonal fare, ex Interlaken)
Gelmer Bahn
This incredible funicular ride started life as a freight line transporting building material up the steep sides of the mountain. Today it is dedicated to transporting passengers to its upper station at over 1,800 metres.
With a maximum incline of 106%, it is not only an engineering marvel, but also the steepest open funicular in Europe – there are no windows to spoil the view!
At the summit, pretty Gelmersee (Lake Gelmer), makes a lovely place for a picnic.
Operates: 3 June to 22 October, 2023.
Regular ticket price: CHF 32 | Cost with pass: CHF 29 | You save: CHF 3 – Buy Now
Blausee
The Blausee, or Blue Lake, has even more startling colours than the Oeschinensee.
Located in the Blausee National Park, after admiring the beautiful colours of the lake, you can enjoy a glass-bottom boat trip, let the kids run riot in the children’s playground, or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in the hotel, overlooking the lake.
The lake can be reached by bus from either Frutigen or Kandersteg.
Open: Year round
Regular ticket price: CHF 8 to CHF 10 | Cost with pass: CHF 4 or CHF 5 | You save: CHF 4 or CHF 5 – Buy Now
What other bonuses apply to the Regional Pass Berner Oberland?
Some of the other great bonus offers that apply to the Berner Oberland Pass include 50% off admission to Stockalper Castle in Brig, 25% off admission to Ballenberg Swiss Open Air Museum, 30% off admission to Aare Gorge in Meiringen, 50% off Lauberhorn Crazy Golf in Wengen, and reduced admission fees to Thun and Spiez Castles.
Berner Oberland Pass podcast
Listen to our podcast episode about the Berner Oberland Pass below.
Complete list of partner offers for holders of the Berner Oberland Pass
- City of Bern – self-guided walk through Old Town with audio guide – 50% off
- City of Thun – CHF 5 off all guided city tours
- Thun Castle – Entry to Castle Museum CHF 8 instead of CHF 10
- Thun Kunstmuseum – Reduction of CHF 2 on admission fee
- Thun Panorama – Reduction of CHF 2 on admission fee
- Hilterfingen Castle and Swiss Gastronomy Museum – Entry fee CHF 8 instead of CHF 10
- Oberhofen Castle – Entry to Castle Museum CHF 8 instead of CHF 10
- St. Beatus Caves – Entry fee CHF 12 instead of CHF 18
- Mt. Niederhorn – 50% discount on rental of a Trottibike at the Vorsass station
- Spiez Castle – Entry to Castle Museum CHF 8 instead of CHF 10
- Spiez Minigolf – 20% off minigolf tickets
- Spiez and Faulensee canoe rental – 20% off canoe and SUP rental
- Faulensee Pedalo rental – 20% off hire of pedalo, motorboats, canoes and SUP
- Lake Thun and Lake Brienz cruises – 1st class upgrade for one day for CHF 10 instead of CHF 16
- Air Glaciers Lauterbrunnen and Gstaad – 10% off scenic flights and taxi flights over Jungfraujoch
- Tropical House Frutigen – 15% off the admission fee
- Elsigenalp – Free SUP rental on Brandsee (one SUP per family/pair/group)
- Adventure Park Adelboden – Admission CHF 35 instead of CHF 39
- Blausee Nature Park – 50% off the admission fee
- Gemmibahnen Leukerbad – Free climbing kit (value CHF 30)
- Lotschentaler Museum Kippel – admission fee CHF 4 instead of CHF 6, children free
- Simplon Express, Brig – adults travel at the child rate on the round trip
- World Nature Forum, Naters – 50% off admission
- Kambly Experience, Trubschachen – 10% off purchases in the Kambly Experience store (not the cafe)
- Heimwehfluh, Interlaken – Every third ride on the funicular and toboggan run free of charge
- Bodelibahn Interlaken – 20% off round trips
- Tell Park Interlaken – 30% off admission
- Outdoor Interlaken – 10% off a range of activities including bungy jump, canyon swing (reservations required)
- Lauberhorn Crazy Golf, Wengen – 50% off admission price
- Grindelwald Glacier Gorge – Admission CHF 14 instead of CHF 19
- Ballenberg Swiss Open Air Museum – 25% off admission
- Old Sawmill, Schwarzwaldalp – Free visit plus CHF 5 discount when purchasing sawmill handicraft products
- Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge – 20% off admission
- Aare Gorge Meiringen – 30% off admission
- Bruder Klaus Museum, Sachseln – Admission CHF 8 instead of CHF 10
- Regional specialties – 10% off certified regional specialties
Berner Oberland Pass live Q&A session
Watch a recording of our live Q&A session about the Berner Oberland Pass with Pass Manager, Jana Amacher, below.
FAQs about the Berner Oberland Pass
Are seat reservations required with the Bernese Oberland Rail Pass?
No, seat reservations are not required with the Berner Oberland Pass. They are, however, recommended if you plan to travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Line trains, the Brienz Rothorn Bahn and the Schynige Platte Bahn.
Who can buy the Bernese Oberland Regional Pass?
The Berner Oberland Pass is available to anyone who wishes to travel within the Bernese Oberland.
Is the Berner Oberland Pass transferable?
No, only the person named on the Berner Oberland Pass can use it. Ownership cannot be transferred to another person.
Do I have to nominate a start date when I purchase my Berner Oberland Pass?
Yes, when you purchase your pass, you are required to nominate the date that you will start using your pass.
Does the Berner Oberland Pass have to be used on consecutive days?
Yes, the Berner Oberland Pass is a consecutive-day pass.
Where do I buy discounted tickets for travel in conjunction with my Berner Oberland Pass?
Tickets for mountain railways and attractions that offer holders of the Berner Oberland Pass a discount, can be purchased at the ticket office of the railway/attraction. Please present your valid Berner Oberland Pass in order to receive the discounted rate.
Final Thoughts on the Berner Oberland Pass
As you can see from the above examples, the Berner Oberland Pass is great value and can save you a lot of money.
If you plan on spending two or more days in the area and intend to take a couple of mountain excursions, I highly recommend you purchase the pass.
Still not convinced? You can compare the price of the Berner Oberland Pass with other Swiss rail passes and individual ticket prices with a copy of my Interlaken region rail pass comparison sheet.
To read our full guide to the Bernese Oberland Region, > click here.
