Bernese Oberland Through the Seasons

By Veronica Reyes, October 08, 2025

High in the heart of Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland region is one of those places where each season feels like a new story waiting to be told. From snowy peaks reflected on turquoise lakes, to cows adorned with flowers parading through alpine villages. The region has “that something” that never fails to impress.

Having spent time in the Bernese Oberland, especially through the quiet beauty of winter, I’ve come to realize how each season transforms the region in its own magical way. Every time of year has its charm, but winter carries a special kind of wonder. These are some of the moments that make this region unforgettable:

Spring – Awakening in the Alps
Spring in the Bernese Oberland feels a gentle awakening. As the snow begins to melt, valleys bloom, meadows turn green again, and waterfalls come alive with their powerful natural force. It’s the time when hikers trade in snow boots for lighter shoes, and cyclists start tracing the paths along Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. This quieter season also makes it perfect for discovering traditions, like wood-carving in Brienz — a craft that’s been part of the region’s soul for generations.

Summer – Trails and Turquoise Lakes
Summer is when the Bernese Oberland comes fully alive. I still remember hiking in Grindelwald, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and endless alpine trails, the kind of scenery that almost doesn’t feel real.

Apart from the endless adventures in the mountains, Interlaken—whose name literally means ‘between lakes’—sits perfectly between Lakes Brienz and Thun, which turn into playgrounds for swimmers, paddleboarders, and kayakers.

Autumn – Colors and Traditions
When autumn arrives, the Bernese Oberland puts on one of its most beautiful shows. Hillsides glow with shades of gold and red, and crisp mountain air makes hiking even more rewarding. This is also the season of the Alpabzug, when cows return from the high pastures, decorated with flowers and bells. I first experienced this tradition in Charmey during my very first visit to Switzerland, and the memory still feels magical. It’s a reminder of how deeply nature and culture intertwine here.

Winter – A World of Ice and Warmth
Winter is what I can call my favorite season of the year. The ski slopes of Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren, and Adelboden attract enthusiasts from around the world, with pistes for every level. Even if skiing isn’t your thing, the landscapes alone are breathtaking — villages covered in snow, frozen waterfalls, and peaks glowing pink at sunrise.

For me, winter here has been about the extraordinary off-the-beaten-path experiences. Gliding across Lake Brienz on a winter kayaking tour, surrounded by silence and snow-covered peaks, feels like stepping into another world.

Another amazing experience was the Raclette Rafting on Lake Thun, where you enjoy a meal of melted cheese and a glass of white wine while wrapped up in warm blankets and gently drifting across icy waters — the perfect mix of warmth and wonder.

Winter also brings a quieter magic: Christmas markets lighting up the towns, and the glory of the spas. There’s something indescribably soothing about soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while snowflakes fall all around you.

The Bernese Oberland is never just one thing. It’s fresh beginnings in spring, endless adventures in summer, golden traditions in autumn, and stunning beauty in winter. Each season offers its own invitation — you just have to decide when to answer it.