The Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland is – in my opinion – the place you need to “see before you die” in the Alps. There is no other spot in Europe that I have traveled to more. I love it so much that – if not for a work permit dispute – I was prepared to move my family there a couple years ago. From quaint villages, to stunning blue lakes and impressive glacial peaks, the Bernese Oberland has it all. This region may not receive the same attention as other regions – Lake Luzerne, Zermatt, Geneva, etc – but with its natural beauty and fun drinking options, you’d be a fool not to hit this mountain paradise.
“Fun drinking options you say?”
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If you find beer and awe inspiring views fun, than yes |
Of course! Here’s a quick dive into some uniquely Oberland drinking options to go along with all of that beauty.
Adventure sports require a drink after completion
From Lauterbrunnen, to Wengen and down to Interlaken, the Bernese Oberland offers heart racing outdoor adventures. Ever wanted to zorb down a mountain, paraglide off of a cliff or ski the true backcountry? If yes was your answer to any of these then this region is for you. And everyone knows that the best way to wind down your adrenaline is with a good drink. Some outdoor companies in the Bernese Oberland even include the booze in your package for when your feet touch the ground.
We’ve all wanted to drink a martini like 007
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Grab a martini and enjoy the above the clouds view at Piz Gloria |
The “Beer of the Alps” is from here
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Enjoy a Rungenbrau, your local beer in the Alps |
Craft beer has also exploded
Following in the footsteps with much of the western world, craft beer has begun thriving in the Bernese Oberland. You’ll be able to find at least 5 different artisans of hand crafted ales and lagers at the base of the Alps. If craft beer is your thing – raises head, hey I’m talking about me – then you’ll be able to grab some suds with very like minded people. Brewery tours on the doorstep of snow peaks and glacial lakes are like a dream come true.
An Alpine boat cruise at sunset with champagne? Yes please
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Yup, you should probably hop on a boat. photo courtesy Freddy Enguix |
Relive your youth at the Funny Farm
Some hostels are different than others. Interlaken has one of those hostels. The Funny Farm is one of the great hostels of Europe. It is a meeting place of backpackers from around the world, and it is a great place have a drink or 10. No matter your age, if you want to hear about different routes to travel or things to do, you must at least have a drink at the Funny Farm. If you’re adventurous than I suggest a stay there as well.
Cheese and beer go together like….
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Keep eating and making that great Alp cheese my cow friends |
Any table you pull up to has a “view”
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Seriously, just grab a table, relax and enjoy the views. |
High end to budget drinks available for all
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You can be as posh or as backpacker as you want in the Bernese Oberland |
Celebrate the “cows coming home”
Cows, sheep...basically whatever you can get a bell on. The Swiss people - and such those in the Bernese Oberland - are proud of their cows and such celebrate in the fall when those animals come down from the mountains after grazing season. Find a small town in the Oberland in the fall and listen for the bells, the cows will be close behind and a night of schnapps drinking will be ahead of you.
Beyond having an unlimited amount of things to do and places to drink, the Bernese Oberland is very easy to get to. Efficient rail will bring you to this quintessential Alpine area, with a number of transport options available to get you around the region itself once you’ve arrived. And once you’ve arrived, the people of the Oberland will welcome you with open arms. I’ve never been given more free chocolate – anywhere on earth – than I have been given in the Bernese Oberland. And who doesn’t love Swiss chocolate?
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Enjoy yourself at the top of Europe |
So grab your cowbell, work on your alp horn skills and get ready for a breathtaking – and thirst quenching – trip to the Swiss Alps, Oberland style.
(PS…I’m still available for Swiss hire so let those job offers flow)