Activities & Excursions - In the Bernese Oberland
The charming mountain village of Frutigen in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, is the perfect place to start if you want to relax and have some fun. Whatever kind of holiday you're looking for, whether it's hiking, skiing, wellness or family, you'll find a wide range of activities and sights in the region.
Frutigen and the surrounding area
Tellenburg – The old castle ruins above Frutigen are a popular spot to watch the views of the Kander Valley.
Frutigen Sports Centre – Great for families: indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness, wellness, mini golf, climbing tower, marble playground, beach volleyball and more.
Hohstalden Suspension Bridge (5 km) – At 153 metres, it's one of the longest pedestrian bridges in Europe, so it's a real highlight for hiking enthusiasts.
Blausee (7 km) – This deep blue, crystal-clear mountain lake is one of the most beautiful sights in Switzerland. It's nestled in an idyllic nature park with organic trout farming.
Niesen (8 km) – Take the Europe's longest funicular railway up the pyramid-shaped «local mountain» for a view that stretches as far as the Black Forest.
Elsigenalp–Metschalp (12 km) – The Frutigen ski area is small but perfectly formed, with slopes that are always well looked after. When summer comes around, there are some great hiking routes to the Elsighorn or Elsiglake.
Surrounding villages
Kiental (12 km) – an UNESCO World Heritage Site that's a bit of a hidden gem for nature lovers. Welcome to the steepest post bus road in Europe! It's located in the Blüemlisalp area, right next to Griesalp.
Kandersteg (13 km) – is home to Lake Oeschinen, the Allmenalp summer toboggan run and the unspoilt Gasterntal valley.
Adelboden (15 km) – A top ski resort with 185 km of slopes and where the Ski World Cup is held. It's a proper hiking paradise in the summer.
Spiez (14 km) – Right on Lake Thun, with Spiez Castle, vineyards and the most beautiful bay in Europe.
Further afield
Thun (25 km) – also known as the 'City of the Alps' thanks to its stunning scenery, including Thun Castle, the St. Beatus Caves and boat trips on Lake Thun.
Interlaken (32 km) – A great place for outdoor activities between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Lötschental (33 km) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with typical Valais mountain villages.
Wengen (46 km) – No cars, train to the Jungfraujoch «Top of Europe» (3,554 m) and home of the Lauberhorn downhill race.
Mürren (46 km) – No cars, with a cable car to the Schilthorn «Piz Gloria» (the James Bond backdrop).
Grindelwald (50 km) – is at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and you can get to the Jungfraujoch from there.
Bern (52 km) – The capital of Switzerland with a UNESCO old town, shopping in the arcades and cultural flair.
Saas Fee (59 km) – «The Pearl of the Alps», with skiing all year round thanks to a glacier at 3,456 m.
Zermatt (63 km) – No cars, it's got the Gornergrat railway to the Matterhorn, which is one of Switzerland's most famous destinations.
Gstaad (65 km) – A classy mountain village where the rich and famous like to hang out, and where you can watch sports like the Swiss Open Tennis & Polo Cup.
Lucerne (100 km) – You can't miss the Chapel Bridge, Glacier Garden and KKL when you're on Lake Lucerne.
Zürich (172 km) – This is a financial and cultural hotspot, and it's famous for shopping on Bahnhofstrasse.
