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- Destinations
- Europe
- Switzerland
- Bernese Oberland
Bernese Oberland
The magnificent Bernese Oberland region, recognized for the
impressive triple-peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau (the ogre,
monk and maiden), is a major tourist area with resorts boasting
world-class winter and summer activities. It also features one of
the most popular tourist excursions in Switzerland, the
breathtaking cog railway to the Jungfrau Plateau. From here, the
highest station in the world, staggering views and ice caverns
within the glacier can be enjoyed.
Bernese Oberland is the most magnificent of the alpine regions,
a concentration of the very best of Swiss scenery, with towering
snow-capped mountains, glaciers, pristine lakes and waterfalls,
meadows of edelweiss, pastures echoing with the tinkle of cowbells,
and typical wooden chalets with geranium-filled window boxes.
Gateway to the Bernese Oberland is the popular resort of
Interlaken and the main transport hub of the region. An extensive
network of roads, mountain railways, funiculars, cable cars and
hiking trails link it to the other popular resorts in the area,
including the scenic ski village of Wengen, and Grindelwald, the
most established skiing and hiking centre in the region. Oberland's
most glamorous resort and the place for glittering socialites to be
seen is the chic town of Gstaad, popular more for its high society
than for its skiing.
Although intensely popular during the skiing and hiking seasons,
the region is well equipped with a wide range of outdoor
activities, from the slopes to scenic lake cruises, and
accommodation ranging from fancy hotels to rustic lodges caters for
all visitors. The transport network is efficient and extensive,
integrating easy travel with many panoramic views of the stunning
scenery that makes the Bernese Oberland such a celebrated
sightseeing area. Travellers can take advantage of the Bernese
Oberland Pass, which provides unlimited transport by by bus, boat,
gondola, funicular and mountain train for a period of 7 to 15
days.
Information & Facts
Language
The three official languages are Swiss German, French and
Italian. A few people speak Romansch, but this is confined to the
southeastern corner of the country. Most people know at least three
languages, including English.
Money
The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF) divided into 100
rappen (German) or centimes (French). Although not part of the EU
many prices are nonetheless indicated in Euros and some merchants
may accept Euros. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely
accepted and ATMs are widespread; many are equipped with the Cirrus
or Maestro system. Banks offer the best exchange rates for
travellers cheques and foreign currency, but it is also possible to
exchange money at major hotels, main train stations and airports.
Banks are open Monday to Friday.
Time
Local time in Switzerland is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between March and
October).