Bern to Lungern, Meiringen, Brienz, Interlaken & Thun – Grand Lakes & Waterfalls Tour

Morning Departure from Bern – Lakes and Valleys of the Bernese Oberland

Your English-speaking driver will collect you from your hotel in Bern for a scenic journey toward the lake region of central Switzerland. After about an hour, you’ll arrive at Lake Lungern, a dazzling turquoise lake surrounded by forests and traditional wooden chalets. A viewpoint above the valley offers panoramic views — a perfect first stop for photos and quiet admiration.

From there, the route continues to Meiringen, a small alpine town where fiction meets reality. Fans of detective literature will recognize it as the place where Sherlock Holmes met his fate in Conan Doyle’s story. You can visit the Sherlock Holmes House, a small but beautifully curated museum that recreates Holmes’s study at 221B Baker Street. Alternatively, if you prefer nature, the stop can be replaced with a visit to the Aare Gorge, a narrow, mystical canyon where wooden walkways cling to the rock walls and the sound of glacial water echoes through the passage.

Midday by the Lakes – Brienz, Iseltwald & Interlaken

Next comes Brienz, a serene lakeside village known for its woodcarvers and quiet beauty. Stroll the waterfront promenade where flowers bloom beside carved balconies and mountains reflect in the water. The scent of fresh wood and lake breeze create an atmosphere that feels timeless. Take time for a coffee or browse one of the traditional craft shops before continuing to Iseltwald.

A short drive away lies Iseltwald, perhaps the most photogenic village on Lake Brienz. Its charming pier, small harbor, and peaceful setting made it famous as a filming location for the global hit “Crash Landing on You.” You can stand where the now-iconic “Pier Scene” was filmed, take your own photos, and soak in the serenity of the turquoise lake and surrounding mountains.

From there, you’ll reach Interlaken, the lively alpine resort between two lakes. Spend around two hours exploring — from the paragliders drifting above Höhematte Park to elegant cafés along the main boulevard. Interlaken offers both adventure and calm, framed by the snowy peaks of the Jungfrau region.

Afternoon Return – The Lake Thun Panorama

As the afternoon light turns golden, your journey continues along the northern shore of Lake Thun, one of Switzerland’s most scenic panoramic roads. The cliffs above the water, the deep green forest, and the soft shimmer of the lake make every curve unforgettable.

You’ll stop briefly near the St. Beatus Caves, where a waterfall cascades from the rock face, framed by forest and legend. Then continue to the fairytale Schloss Oberhofen am Thunersee, whose elegant tower rises directly from the water — one of the most photogenic castles in Switzerland.

Finally, stop in Thun, a picturesque lakeside town with a medieval castle and charming riverside cafés. It’s the perfect place to end the day before returning to Bern through peaceful countryside and fading alpine light.