This area south and east of Bern is a travel destination in summer and winter. In the summer, there are hundreds of miles of trails to hike or to traverse by mountain bike. In the winter, the area is a mecca for skiers. Interlaken This is the tourist center of the Bernese Oberland. The town's name means "between lakes," in this case the Thunersee and the Brienzersee. The landscape is dominated by views of three main mountains, Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. The visitor might start a tour of Interlaken at the Hohenweg, a 35-acre park in the center of town surrounded by hotels and restaurants. Of particular note nearby is the flower clock at the Kursaal, or casino. A highlight of a trip to the Bernese Oberland is the train trip from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch. The Jungfraujoch train station is the highest in Europe; getting there requires a change of trains, and a trip through four miles of tunnel. However, the view from 11,000 feet is magnificent. Once at the top, the visitor has a choice of several restaurants. Grindelwald Grindelwald is the only major resort in the Jungfrau region that can be reached by automobile, and thus, it is a popular tourist spot year-round. Nearby is the Lower Grindelwald Glacier. Visitors can see the glacier up close from the comfort of an observation gallery. The more adventurous who wish to make a two-hour hike (or a 15-minute bus trip) to the Upper Grindelwald Glacier may have the opportunity to tour the Blue Ice Grotto. Wengen This is an extremely attractive resort town overshadowed by the three main peaks of the Benese Oberland. No cars are allowed here; those who do not hike to Wengen usually arrive by train. There are no street names, but directional signs show visitors how to reach hotels and other spots of interest. In the summer and early fall, it is possible to visit nearby Trummelbach Falls. An elevator built into the rock allows visitors to see more easily where the water descends over the gorge. Also close by is Staubbach Waterfall, which drops 1,000 feet over a cliff. |
