Switzerland

Holidays by Destination Europe Switzerland The Bernese Oberland 

Berneroberland

The most accessible and the most touristy part of the country, the region offers the famous mountains Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. There is also the Thunersee (lake) and its castles, plus the attractive old town of Thun with medieval castle and medieval centre, and the Brienzersee (lake) with Brienz, known as the country's centre for wood carving, including nativity scenes, plus the country's last steam-driven rack railway.

Nearby is Meiringen, an old town known from the death scene of Sherlock Holmes at the attractive Reichenbach Falls (visitable by funicular), so boasting a Holmes Museum. Meringues were also invented here or hereabouts so you see plenty.

Interlaken between the two lakes is mainly a transport hub so sees lots of traffic and rather a lot of tourists. A better nearby option might be Wilderswil, a few kilometres to the south and full of old wooden houses and base station for a cog wheel train.

The most attractive part of the region is probably the Lauterbrunnen valley, with high bluffs and around 70-plus waterfalls. Above is Murren, car free, with access to the Schilthorn summit with a revolving restaurant featured in the James Bond film, Her Majesty's Secret Service. It's a good alternative (and cheaper) to the Jungfrau trip. Wengen is similar but slightly livelier, on the opposite side of the valley, known above all for skiing.

Grindelwald is in another valley, almost as busy and offering access by rack railway to the Jungfraujoch, just below the peak of the Jungfrau and highest train station in Europe. The summit is very touristy with husky sledge rides, ice sculptures, glacier walks etc. However, views, including the impressive Jungfraufirn and Aletschgletcher glaciers, are notable. Grindelwald sees more tourists than resorts in the Lauterbrunnen valley. However, the area around is good for hiking.

To the west is the Kander valley and Kandersteg, with plenty of rural and scenic attractions - and reportedly one of the best places in the country to learn skiing. Beyond is Gstaad, very chi-chi, especially in winter, though rather quieter than you would expect. Chateau d'Oex is a ski and sports resort is know as a family place and for its hot air ballooning.

The tourist office runs a children's play bus which tours villages and there are a variety of activities on offer for children ranging from those at the mountain climbing school to joining in baking bread. There are also details of bike and hiking trips suitable with children.