If you research “Where to go in Switzerland”, 99.99% of websites will inevitably suggest the Berner Oberland as part of your journey…. And we couldn’t agree more! We often refer to this region as the “postcard of Switzerland”, with its majestic alpine landscapes, rich pastures, authentic chalets, 800 glistening lakes and the Swiss flag reigning high and proud at every turn. However, the other side of the coin means that the views are often synonymous with crowds…

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But don’t worry, there are many breath-taking places to be explored off the tourist map, and even backroads that lead to the iconics. You just have to know which twists and turns to take… It is still very possible to find the more genuine pearls by taking the road less travelled.

Here are three still relatively well-preserved stops that we highly recommend as you explore the Berner Oberland!

Rosenlaui

As soon as you take the narrow winding road up to this valley, you know you’ve hit a special place. The wildly romantic Rosenlaui region set amidst the Swiss alps cannot be compared to anywhere else, offering the avid nature enthusiast a number of incredible hiking possibilities and the opportunity to uncover its glacier gorges that date back to thousands of years ago and are open to the public since 1902.

But our favorite part was what we discovered after the walk through the gorges… a picturesque waterfall that can’t help but make you feel like you’re alone in the world, far from everything, in some sort of fairytale. While you’re here, we recommend you enjoy a tasty homemade meal at the Schwarzwaldalp restaurant a little higher up in the valley.

Stockhorn

There is an abundance of mountain peaks to be explored in the Berner Oberland. You have the most famous ones, such as the Schilthorn Piz Gloria and the Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), and then you have the lesser-known gems such as the Stockhorn and its jaw-dropping views over the legendary alps (including the Jungfraujoch and the Eiger), Lake Thun, all the way to the Jura and beyond. Take the cable car to the top, enjoy the views, take a few hundred photos and hike back down to your car through the flawless nature. On your way, we suggest you stop at the “Berggasthaus Obertstockenalp”, a cheese farm ready to welcome you for a simple local meal.

Isenfluh

One of our favorite hidden gems is the local valley of Isenfluh. Just getting there is an adventure, as you ride a cable car that you have to operate yourself!

Once you’ve arrived, take the time to enjoy the views over the Monch, the Eiger and the Jungfrau peaks from the mountain restaurant owned by a lovely couple just by the station. If you’re not hungry yet, continue on with a scenic hike up to the Lobhorn, popping by the small cheese farm on the way. At the top, you’ll find an alpine refuge which will welcome you for some local cheese & charcuterie, and a unique panorama….

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