Discover the Hidden Gems of Bern: 10 Must-Visit Mountains Near Bern in 2023
Bern: The Ultimate Destination for Adventure Seekers
Bern, one of the largest cities in Switzerland, is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers. From the serene Aare river to the Old Town, Parliament Building, and numerous museums, Bern has everything to offer to the curious traveler. But, wait, there’s more to Bern than what meets the eye.
Bern serves as an excellent base to explore the mountains of canton Bern and its neighboring cantons. Though not as close to the Bernese Alps as Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or Wengen, Bern is a perfect middle ground between city life and mountain excursions.
Now that you have a fair idea of the distances, it’s time to take a closer look at the mountains themselves. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the list of 10 mountains to visit near Bern, Switzerland.
10) Niederhorn (1,963 meters)
Niederhorn (1,963 meters)
Niederhorn is a magnificent mountain located in the Emmental Alps of the Bernese Oberland, near Beatenberg in canton Bern, Switzerland. At a height of 1,963 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of Lake Thun and the surrounding mountain peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
If you're wondering how to get from Bern to Niederhorn, it's simple. Take the train from Bern to Thun, and then take the bus to Beatenbucht. From Beatenbucht, you can take the funicular up to Beatenberg and then the gondola to Niederhorn. Despite a few transfers, it only takes 90 minutes to reach Niederhorn from Bern.
Niederhorn is a must-visit destination for its panoramic views of the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. It is also an ideal location to view the Justis Valley, Jura, and Aare Valley from the mountain peak. Apart from the stunning views, there are plenty of hikes around Habkern and Gemmenalphorn. Keep an eye out for alpine ibex, which are known to roam around the area.
After a long day of hiking, take a break at the big wooden playground next to the restaurant. You can also rent mountain scooters from the middle station to enjoy a thrilling ride down the mountain.
Plan your trip:
| Opening Time: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (May to October) |
| Address: | Niederhornbahn AG, Postfach 391, CH-3800 Interlaken, Switzerland |
| Admission Fee: | Adults: CHF 38, Children: CHF 19 (one-way) |
TIP: Combine your trip to Niederhorn with a stop at St. Beatus Caves in Beatenberg for an unforgettable Swiss experience.
9) Schilthorn (2,970 meters)
Schilthorn: A Summit in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Schilthorn is a summit in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland, overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley below. Although Schilthorn is administered and located in Lauterbrunnen, the western slope belongs to Kander Valley.
If you want to reach Schilthorn from Bern, the easiest way is to travel to Interlaken Ost and then take a train to Lauterbrunnen. From Lauterbrunnen, transfer to Stechelberg, Schilthornbahn, and take the cable car in four succeeding sections: Gimmelwald, Mürren, Birg, and finally Schilthorn. However, if you prefer to drive, there are lots of parking spots in Stechelberg.
| Address: | Schilthornbahn AG, Stechelberg 3824, Switzerland |
| Opening Hours: | Daily, 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM (depending on the season) |
| Price: | Adult: CHF 97, Child (6-15): CHF 48.50 (round-trip ticket) |
It takes approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes to reach Schilthorn from Bern. You can also book a guided group tour from Bern to Schilthorn if you don't want to go by yourself.
So why should you visit Schilthorn? Well, if you are a James Bond fan, you will love it! Schilthorn was made famous by the spy film "On Her Majesty’s Secret Service" featuring James Bond. Therefore, you can enjoy Bond World, an interactive exhibit about Bond, Bond Cinema, a cinema showing clips from Bond classics, and 007 Walk of Fame, 15 information boards on the mountaintop.
Aside from Bond World, you can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the Jungfrau region, Beni Flue, and Blümlisalp from the top. The Piz Gloria restaurant, located 1,300 meters above Mürren, offers a spectacular view of the surroundings. Schilthorn is also a winter ski resort with 50 kilometers of slopes between 1,600 and 3,000 meters. It’s open until the end of April and has the steepest slope in the region at 88% steep.
If you plan to visit Schilthorn, make sure to bring your camera and capture the beautiful scenery.
8) Le Moléson (2,002 Meters)
Le Moléson: Truly a balcony over the Prealps, the summit of Le Moléson offers breathtaking views of the French part of Switzerland, from the Lake of Geneva to the famous peaks of the Bernese Oberland, as well as from the Mont Blanc to the Jura Mountains and the 3 Lakes region.
If you're planning a trip to Le Moléson from Bern, traveling by car is more convenient as it takes only an hour compared to almost 3 hours by train with multiple transfers. You can park your car near the base of the lifts and enjoy your day.
| Opening Time: | Daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Address: | 1663 Moléson-sur-Gruyères, Switzerland |
| Activities: | Hiking, climbing, downhill golf, downhill carts, bouncy castles, playground, and cheese-making demonstrations at Fromagerie d’Alpage |
| Winter Activities: | Over 35 kilometers of slopes for skiing and snowboarding |
Le Moléson is located in the region of Gruyéres in the canton of Fribourg. Moleson village is a developed tourist destination at 1,130 meters with alpine chalets, hotels, railways, and other fun stuff. Further up the road, the 2,002-meter-high Moléson mountain offers stunning views.
Le Moléson is perfect for adventurers and nature lovers. You can explore the mountain and take part in a variety of outdoor activities. The Fromagerie d'Alpage is a must-visit spot for cheese lovers, as you can see the cheese-making process up close and taste some of the best mountain cheese in Switzerland.
Don't miss the chance to experience the beauty of Le Moléson and create unforgettable memories. Plan your visit today!
7) Schynige Platte (2,000 meters)
Schynige Platte: A Spectacular Alpine Destination in the Bernese Oberland
The Schwarzhorn group in the Bernese Oberland boasts of a small yet stunning mountain known as Schynige Platte. It is comprised of Gumihorn (2,099 meters), Tuba (2,076 meters), and Geiss (2,067 meters) peaks, with the viewpoint located at an altitude of 2,000 meters.
| Location | Bernese Oberland, Switzerland |
| Altitude | 2,000 meters |
| Opening Time | Third week of May to third week of October |
| How to Reach | Train to Interlaken Ost, train to Wilderswil, and then cogwheel train |
How do you get from Bern to Schynige Platte?
If you are traveling from Bern, take the train to Interlaken Ost and then switch to another train to Wilderswil. From Wilderswil, you can hop on the century-old cogwheel train that climbs up the mountain with a 25% steepness. The travel time from Wilderswil takes one hour, and the cogwheel train operates from the third week of May to the third week of October.
Why should you visit Schynige Platte?
The cogwheel train up to Schynige Platte from Wilderswil offers an experience that harks back to the Belle Époque era. It is a slow one-hour ride, just like the red panorama coaches that travel to Brienzer Rothorn. The view during the train ride is mesmerizing, and the top offers an even better vista with stunning views of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and most of the Bernese Alps.
Once you reach the top, you can explore the alpine garden with hundreds of different plants or hike to Faulhorn and Bachalpsee Lake. The entire experience of riding the cogwheel train, exploring the garden, and taking in the spectacular views makes a visit to Schynige Platte an unforgettable experience.
6) Zweisimmen Rinderberg (2,008 meters)
Rinderberg:
Rinderberg is located between Gstaad and St. Stephan in the Bernese Oberland and is part of the Bernese Alps. It is situated at the northern end of the range that separates the Saane valley from the Simmental valley, north of the Wildhorn. The area boasts of stunning scenery and is a popular spot for ridge hikes and high-altitude hikes due to its location.
How to get from Bern to Rinderberg?
To get to Rinderberg from Bern, take a train to Zweisimmen and then switch to the cable car that leads to Rinderberg. The travel time from Bern to Rinderberg is approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes.
Why visit Rinderberg?
Rinderberg is a great destination for hiking enthusiasts. With its stunning location, visitors can enjoy ridge hikes and high-altitude hikes. Additionally, visitors can take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
| Opening Time | Address |
|---|---|
| June - October | Rinderbergstrasse 32, 3778 Schönried, Switzerland |
5) Harder Kulm (1,321 meters)
Harder Kulm, located at an altitude of 1,321 meters above sea level, is the top station of the funicular that sits above the picturesque towns of Interlaken and Unterseen in the canton of Bern.
If you want to travel from Bern to Harder Kulm, take a train to Interlaken Ost and walk through the English Garden. You can cross the bridge to the Interlaken Harderbahn station, which is just a 6-minute walk from the railway station. The funicular departs once every 30 minutes and takes only 10 minutes to reach the summit of Harder Kulm. The travel time from Bern to Harder Kulm is around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Why should you visit Harder Kulm? The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes from the viewing platform near the funicular station are simply breathtaking. The panorama extends over Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, as well as Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The town of Interlaken lies in the middle of the panorama, making it a beautiful sight to behold.
If you enjoy hiking, you can go on mountain hikes from Harder Kulm, including one that leads to Augstmatthorn and another through the woods to Interlaken. Moreover, the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant offers delicious food and a stunning panoramic view. You can even buy lunch tickets for reasonable prices to enjoy a meal with a view.
If you want to experience something different, you can attend the brunch held every last Sunday of the month or the evening trips offered from mid-April to mid-October.
| Opening Time | April to end of October |
|---|---|
| Address | Harder Kulm, Unterseen, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland |
| Evening Trips | Mid-April to mid-October |
| Lunch Tickets | Available for reasonable prices, includes meal for adults |
You can book tickets to Harder Kulm on GetYourGuide and experience the stunning panoramic views of the Swiss Alps for yourself.
4) Niesen (2,362 meters)
Niesen: The Iconic Mountain Peak of Bernese Alps
Niesen, a pyramid-shaped mountain, located in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, is one of the symbols of Lake Thun. It is a popular tourist attraction and offers an extraordinary experience to visitors.
How to Get to Niesen?
You can take direct regional trains from Bern to Mülenen. From Mülenen, the Niesenbahn funicular will take you to Niesen. The funicular departs once every 30 minutes from mid-April until mid-November.
Why Visit Niesen?
One of the main reasons to visit Niesen is the funicular ride. Despite looking steep at 66% and 68%, the ride is quite safe, and there are no cogs on this funicular. Upon reaching the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the Bernese Alps, Lake Thun, Simmen Valley, and Kander Valley.
The mountain also has a glass restaurant and a kids’ playground called Niesen Village (Niesendörfli) at the top, where you can enjoy a meal while enjoying the stunning views. During winters, skiing and snowshoeing are also possible here.
| Opening Time: | Mid-April to Mid-November |
| Address: | Niesen Kulm 1, 3713 Mülenen, Switzerland |
| Height: | 2362m |
| Transportation: | Regional trains from Bern to Mülenen and then Niesenbahn funicular to Niesen |
Don't miss the chance to visit Niesen and take the amazing funicular ride that leads to spectacular views from the top!
3) Weissenstein (1,395 meters)
Discover the Wonders of Weissenstein: A Must-Visit Mountain in Jura!
If you're planning to explore the beautiful Jura region of Switzerland, don't miss out on Weissenstein, a stunning mountain located north of Solothurn town. This 1,300-meter mountain offers a majestic view of Solothurn and its surroundings. Weissenstein is situated on the eastern side of the Juras and is located in the canton of Solothurn.
So, how do you get from Bern to Weissenstein? Simply take the train from Bern to Solothurn, followed by a regional train to Oberdorf SO. Once you arrive, take the cable car up to Weissenstein. Expect a travel time of 70 to 90 minutes from Bern to Weissenstein.
If you're looking for an adventure, Weissenstein has plenty to offer. The mountain range boasts various hiking trails, including the Planet Trail and Jura Garden Trail, which will take you through stunning landscapes and breathtaking scenery.
But that's not all! Weissenstein also offers a fantastic view of the Swiss Alps and Central Switzerland. It's truly an experience you don't want to miss.
| Opening Time | Monday - Sunday | 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM |
|---|---|---|
| Address | Weissensteinstrasse 65, 4515 Oberdorf SO, Switzerland | |
| Height above Sea Level | 1,300 meters |
2) Marbachegg (1,476 meters)
Marbachegg - A Must-Visit Sunny Terrace in Switzerland
Marbachegg is a beautiful and sunny terrace located at the junction of the Emmen valley in Bern and Entlebuch in Lucerne. This picturesque location offers a spectacular panorama that will leave you mesmerized.
The cable car runs from Marbach village at 888 meters to Marbachegg at 1,476 meters on the northern side of Schrattenfluh, providing a thrilling and scenic ride.
If you are wondering how to get to Marbachegg from Bern, you can take the train to Escholzmatt, followed by a bus to Schangnau, and then take the cable car up to Marbachegg. The entire journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
| Location | Emmen valley in Bern and Entlebuch in Lucerne |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1,476 meters |
| How to Get There | Train to Escholzmatt, bus to Schangnau, and cable car up to Marbachegg |
| Opening Time | 9:00am to 4:30pm daily |
Once you reach Marbachegg, you can witness the breathtaking views of Schrattenfluh, Schibegütsch, and Hohgant. The location also offers an excellent opportunity to see the high alpine peaks of Schreckhorn, Finsteraarhorn, Wetterhorn, Mönch, and Eiger.
If you are interested in nature, you can visit Switzerland's first biosphere reserve - the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. The reserve offers unspoiled moors and karst fields for nature lovers to explore.
With so much to see and do, Marbachegg is definitely a must-visit destination in Switzerland.
1) Stockhorn (2,190 meters)
Stockhorn is a breathtaking mountain located in the Bernese Oberland, in the charming town of Erlenbach im Simmental. Standing at an impressive height of 2,190 meters, this mountain offers a stunning panoramic view of Lake Thun, Aare Valley, Bern, and the Jura Mountain range. The best way to reach the top is by taking a cable car from Erlenbach.
Traveling from Bern to Stockhorn is easy. Take a train to Erlenbach im Simmental and then switch to the cable cars to Chrindi and Stockhorn. The travel time is around 1 hour and 31 minutes, but the awe-inspiring views from the top are worth every minute of the journey.
Why should you visit Stockhorn, you ask? Well, Stockhorn offers a magnificent setting, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau to the south and the Swiss plateau to the north. The partially glass-floored platform is a unique feature of Stockhorn, offering a clear view of 400 meters down the valley. And next to it is a panoramic mountain restaurant, where you can indulge in some delicious Swiss cuisine.
If you're looking for some adventure, Stockhorn offers bungee jumping in the evening after regular cable car hours. You can freefall down the cable car to Hinterstockensee Lake, which is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. But for those looking for a more relaxing experience, fishing is available in the beautiful Lake Hinterstockensee.
Stockhorn is also ideal for hiking, with several hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty. And for thrill-seekers, there are climbing routes, paragliding, and delta flying options.
| Location | Erlenbach im Simmental |
|---|---|
| Height | 2,190 meters |
| Travel Time from Bern | 1 hour and 31 minutes |
| Activities | Bungee jumping, fishing, hiking, climbing, paragliding, delta flying |
| View | Lake Thun, Aare Valley, Bern, Jura Mountain range, Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau |
If you are wondering which mountains to explore near Bern, you have come to the right place. In this article, we have discussed the 10 mountains near Bern that you simply cannot miss. Now, let’s take a look at how to get to these magnificent mountains from Bern.
| Mountain Name | Distance from Bern |
| Marzilibahn | 1.7 km |
| Gurten | 3.6 km |
| Niesen | 35.5 km |
| Jungfrau | 57.8 km |
| Titlis | 97.4 km |
| Pilatus | 106.7 km |
| Stanserhorn | 112.2 km |
| Rigi | 116.2 km |
| First | 117.3 km |
| Stoos | 128.6 km |
Note: All distances are approximate and measured from the city center of Bern.
