Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a fascinating city. It is surrounded with the crystal-clear waters of the River Aare. It is a perfect medieval centre with cobbled streets and grey sandstone buildings. Bern is an excellent base for exploring more of Switzerland. If you love lakes, rivers and snow-capped mountains, then Bern would be a paradise for you. Its prime location and impressive railway links make it extremely easy to explore the surrounding areas. When you are in Bern, you must make the most of your time here. So, check out our list of the top day trips from Bern, Switzerland.
1. Interlaken
Interlaken is a wonderful base for catching a glimpse of the spectacular scenery in Central Switzerland, while rejoicing in the comforts of a beautiful lakeside resort. Tourist attractions like Harder Kulm, Hohematte park, Schynige Platte, and Interlaken Monastery and Castle are worth a visit. You can enjoy boat rides on Lakes Thun and Brienz. Interlaken is one of the oldest and most famous day trip spots in Switzerland. Outdoor activities like climbs, walks, and adventure tours are available for enthusiastic travellers.
2. Grindelwald
Located at the heart of the Lütschen Valley, Grindelwald has everything that can make your day trip perfect. It is a wonderful location for mountaineers, hikers, and skiers of all levels. If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere in Grindelwald. The mountain scenery of the Jungfraujoch region is breathtaking. Grindelwald also offers world-class skiing, fantastic day hikes, great accommodation, delicious food and excellent hospitality. You can just cosy up by a bonfire and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. It is truly a mountaineer’s paradise.
3. Lucerne
Located at the foot of the Alps in central Switzerland, Lucerne’s lake reflects the beautiful snowy peaks of Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis. Mount Pilatus has the sobriquet “Dragon Mountain” after a medieval legend claimed it to be a home of dragons with healing powers. A trip to the top of the mountain is always adventurous and exciting. Lake Lucerne is an incredible water body, with an uneven shape that tempts you to explore. It is a very popular day-trip destination.
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4. Zermatt (from USD 507.0)
Zermatt is a perfect place if you are looking to splurge on a European ski weekend. The mighty Matterhorn dominates the skyline, and it gives rise to a beautiful landscape that you can ever witness. Skiing in Zermatt mostly lasts through early summer, but the warmer weather makes a perfect time to hike. The village of Zermatt is beautiful and traffic-free. It has old-fashioned brown chalets and winding streets. There cannot be any place as beautiful as Zermatt.
Bern to Zermatt Full-Day Tour with Gornergrat Railway Ticket
Duration: 9 hours
5. Schilthorn (from USD 600.0)
Schilthorn lures visitors with a fascinating view of the beautiful Swiss skyline. The summit reaches 2970 m (9744 ft) above sea level and is located near Mürren and Lauterbrunnen. Once you reach the top, you will be able to have a glimpse of the three famous mountain ranges in the region - Mönch, Jungfrau and Eiger. It is one of the most popular places to visit while exploring the Jungfrau Region. It is an incredible opportunity to spend a remarkable day at the peak of a mountain. You can also have a delicious meal in the “Revolving Restaurant”. It is the same spot where James Bond 007 was filmed in 1969.
Schilthorn Piz Gloria (James Bond Location) Private Tour from Bern
Duration: 9 hours
6. Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular attractions in Bernese Oberland. It is located at one of the highest points in Swiss Alps. The cogwheel train is the only way to get to the top. The train station is located at the highest point in Europe. The views from the Jungfraujoch are completely incredible, and the trip up there is totally worth it. You can go out in the snow and admire the view of the Grosser Aletsch glacier. In summer, you can do many fun activities like skiing, sledging and snowboarding in the Snow Fun Park.
7. Montreux
Montreux is a magical place that has lured so many artists and travellers in search of natural beauty, serenity and motivation. Every year, Montreux hosts the famous Montreux Jazz Festival. The wineries here are world famous. The Chateau de Chillon is a remarkable example of a medieval castle, which makes you feel like it has come out of a fairytale. The views of the Dents-du-Midi are incredible. You can walk on the lake Promenade and ride the cogwheel train or just mill around Old Montreux.
8. Vevey
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, in the middle of the Vaud Canton, Vevey is a mesmerising city. It is famously named as one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera” because of its perfectly mild climate and the beautiful alpine panorama. Vevey is a perfect place for a memorable day trip as it offers numerous things starting from the cultural amenities, leisure activities and museums. Lake Geneva offers a beautiful panoramic view, which makes it a perfect place for taking a relaxing walk on the lakeside.
9. Zurich
Zurich’s scenic beauty and artistic treasures have made the city perfectly fit for a day trip. The city is organised, clean and easy to explore. You can have a glimpse at Europe’s most important artworks in ‘Landesmuseum’. Or, you can visit Zoo Zürich, which is a popular attraction. You can wander for hours through the winding streets of the historic old town. The city has an outstanding public transportation system, which makes it an incredible base for excursions.
10. Lausanne
The location of Lausanne is extremely beautiful. It is the second-largest city on Lake Geneva. The beautiful town is car-free. It has small streets with cafes and boutiques, which gives it a medieval outlook. The Olympic Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Some other famous attractions are the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Place de la Palud, Sauvabelin Tower and Musee des Beaux-Arts. You can just roam in the parks and gardens, relax by the lakeside, or get engaged in sporting and cultural activities. Lausanne has everything that makes it a great place for a day trip.
Visit the paradise today
This whole area of Switzerland is mesmerising. There are so many lakes, rivers and snow-capped mountains that provide endless beauty and charm, which makes it a paradise. It is very easy to take these day trips from Bern. Just plan everything in advance to make your trip hassle-free.
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