Switzerland is a country that sits at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists for good reason. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love sampling local delicacies like gooey fondue. If art, culture, and nightlife inspire you, then you’ll adore visiting iconic cities like Zurich and Bern. History buff? There’s no shortage of fascinating museums and medieval castles to explore. No matter your travel style, no visit to Switzerland would be complete without experiencing some of the nation’s gorgeous natural scenery. America’s favorite European travel expert, Rick Steves, has the perfect recommendation for where you should go to do just that.
Rick Steves spends several months out of each year in Europe. He has published multiple bestselling guidebooks, hosted popular travel-themed television shows, and takes thousands of travelers on group tours each year. It’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about European travel. When it comes to exploring the Swiss Alps, he recommends the Bernese Oberland region (also called Berner Oberland) and a favorite hike through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, where the views will take your breath away.
Visiting Berner Oberland
Rick Steves’ other favorite spots for epic Alpine views
When exploring the Bernese Oberland region, you’ll have a variety of beautiful hikes to choose from. There are options for all experience levels, from challenging mountain climbs with steep inclines to leisurely strolls through flower-covered meadows. The three most notable mountains surrounding the Lauterbrunnen Valley include Eiger, Mönch, and Jungrau.
“A good, easy hike, with drop-dead views of these three peaks (in good weather) is between Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg, two spots along the high ridge that separates the Lauterbrunnen Valley from the Grindelwald Valley,” Steves wrote on his website. The hike he’s referring to is known as the Panorama Trail. It’s 2.9 miles each way and takes just over an hour to complete. Since there’s only a 173-foot elevation gain, most people find it relatively easy.
Steves also suggests taking the cable car to the top of the Schilthorn. From the 9,744 elevation, you can enjoy panoramic views. There’s a restaurant called Piz Gloria, which is surrounded by windows and rotates slowly 360 degrees so that you don’t miss out on seeing any of the 200 mountain peaks that surround the Schilthorn. On a clear day, you may even be able to see France and Germany in the distance. Piz Gloria was used as a filming location for the 1969 James Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” There is a small museum filled with memorabilia and a gift shop in addition to the restaurant. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, don’t skip the Thrill Walk, which takes you along a cliff edge.
