Camping Guide | Berner Oberland

The Bernese Oberland is located in the heart of Switzerland and belongs to the Canton of Bern. It extends south of the city of Bern and is dominated by the majestic Bernese Alps. The region is known for its impressive peaks such as Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, as well as deep blue lakes like Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Arriving by car is very easy. From Germany, you can reach the Bernese Oberland via various routes. Coming from Munich, it is best to take the A96 to Lindau, then continue on the A14 and A1 into Switzerland. Just before Bern, switch to the A6, which leads you directly into the Bernese Oberland. Please note that a vignette is mandatory in Switzerland. The annual vignette costs CHF 40 and is available at gas stations and rest areas. Those arriving from Hamburg take the A7 to the A5, drive towards Basel, and from there continue on the A2 and A6 into the Bernese Oberland. This route is a bit longer but offers a varied landscape. The driving time is about 10 hours depending on traffic. The Bernese Oberland is also easily accessible by train. There are direct train connections to Bern from many German cities. From there, you can reach the various towns in the region via regional trains. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) offer a dense network and regular connections. The nearest airport is Bern-Belp (BRN). From there, there are bus connections to the larger towns in the Bernese Oberland. Alternatively, you can fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH). From Zurich, you can reach Bern by train in about an hour. Within the Bernese Oberland, it is best to get around by car or public transport. Many places are well-served by buses and trains. For hikes and excursions into the mountains, using the mountain railways is recommended. Cycling is also a good option for exploring the region. There are numerous cycle paths along the lakes.

The Bernese Oberland is divided into various sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. Below we give you an overview so that you can find the perfect place for your camping holiday. The Interlaken region, situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is the tourist center of the Bernese Oberland. Here you will find numerous campsites, hotels, and restaurants. Interlaken is a paradise for active travelers. You can go hiking, climbing, paragliding, and much more here. Interlaken is also an ideal destination for families, as there are many attractions and activities for children. The Jungfrau region, around the famous peaks Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, is another highlight of the Bernese Oberland. A breathtaking mountain landscape with glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows awaits you here. An excursion to the Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe", is particularly recommended. From here, you have an incomparable view of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. In this region, campsites can be found in Grindelwald, Wengen, and Lauterbrunnen. The Lake Thun region, with the town of Thun of the same name, offers a mix of culture and nature. Thun is a charming town with a medieval old town and an imposing castle. There are numerous campsites and bathing beaches at Lake Thun. Here you can relax, swim, sail, or simply enjoy the sun. The region is particularly popular with families and water sports enthusiasts. The Kander Valley, located south of Lake Thun, is a quieter and less touristy area. Here you will find idyllic villages, green meadows, and rolling hills. The Kander Valley is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. A visit to Lake Blausee, a small, crystal-clear lake with a unique blue-green color, is highly recommended. There are also some beautiful campsites here, ideal for a relaxed camping holiday. Finally, the Gstaad region in the western Bernese Oberland is known for its luxury tourism. Celebrities from all over the world meet here. However, Gstaad also offers a beautiful landscape with numerous hiking trails and ski slopes. There are also some campsites here, ideal for an active and relaxing holiday.

The camping landscape in the Bernese Oberland is diverse and offers something for every taste. There are an estimated 80 campsites in the region, ranging from simple meadow sites to luxurious resorts with every comfort. Many campsites are family-run and emphasize a personal atmosphere. You will often find small, nature-oriented sites with few pitches. These sites are ideal for those seeking peace and relaxation and wanting to enjoy nature. However, there are also larger campsites with extensive infrastructure, such as swimming pools, restaurants, and animation programs. These sites are particularly popular with families with children. A special feature in the Bernese Oberland is farm camping. Some farms offer pitches for motorhomes and tents. Here you can experience country life first-hand and buy regional products directly from the farm. Prices for a pitch vary depending on the season and facilities. In the high season (July/August), you should expect prices between CHF 35 and CHF 50 per night. In the low season (May/June and September/October), prices are often significantly lower, sometimes under CHF 30 per night. These prices are often quoted in Swiss Francs. Therefore, always consider the current exchange rate. The size of the pitches also varies. On smaller sites, the pitches are often a bit tighter, while larger sites offer more generous plots. Many pitches are equipped with electricity connections. Water connections and wastewater disposal are rather rare. The sanitary standard is generally good. Most campsites have clean and modern sanitary facilities with showers, toilets, and sinks. Wi-Fi is available at many sites, but the quality can vary. A reservation is recommended in the high season, especially if you want a specific pitch. Last-minute opportunities often exist, but you should be flexible and possibly make compromises. In the low season, a reservation is usually not necessary. Please note that wild camping is prohibited in the Bernese Oberland. You should therefore always use an official campsite.

To ensure your camping holiday in the Bernese Oberland runs smoothly, we have compiled some practical information for you here. Tolls: As already mentioned, you need a vignette for Swiss motorways. The annual vignette costs CHF 40 and is available at gas stations, rest areas, and online. There are no route-based tolls. Gas stations: The network of gas stations is well-developed. Diesel prices are slightly higher in Switzerland than in Germany. Expect to pay about CHF 1.80 to CHF 2.00 per liter of diesel. Opening hours are usually from 7 am to 10 pm. At motorway gas stations, prices are often higher and opening hours longer. Shopping: There are numerous supermarkets in the Bernese Oberland, including Coop, Migros, and Lidl. Opening hours are usually from 8 am to 7 pm, often shorter on Saturdays. Most supermarkets are closed on Sundays. However, in tourist centers, there are often smaller shops that are also open on Sundays. Gas supply: German gas cylinders cannot be exchanged in Switzerland. You will need either an adapter or a Swiss gas cylinder. Adapters are available in camping specialty stores. Disposal: Many campsites have disposal stations for chemical toilets and greywater. Disposal facilities are also often available at motorway rest areas. Mobile network: Network coverage is generally good. Roaming charges may apply, so check with your mobile provider in advance. Medical care: Medical care is excellent. There are hospitals and pharmacies in larger towns. Pharmacies are usually open from Monday to Friday, and only on Saturday mornings. However, there is an emergency service available around the clock. Rules: The usual camping rules apply in the Bernese Oberland. Wild camping is prohibited. There are no environmental zones. Respect the environment and leave your pitch clean. Drinking water: Tap water is generally of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. However, there are also numerous fountains with fresh spring water that are also suitable for drinking.

The Bernese Oberland has many facets that are not in every travel guide. Here are some insider tips to make your camping holiday something special. Low season advantages: The months of May/June and September/October are ideal for a visit to the Bernese Oberland. The weather is often still mild, the campsites are emptier, and prices are lower. In addition, you experience nature in its most beautiful glory, with blooming meadows in spring and golden forests in autumn. Lesser-known places and beaches: Away from the tourist crowds, there are many charming villages and idyllic bathing spots. For example, visit the village of Iseltwald on Lake Brienz, known for its picturesque church and the filming location of the Korean series "Crash Landing on You". Or relax on the shores of Lake Brienz near Oberried, where you have a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains. Local markets and direct sales: At the weekly markets in Interlaken and Thun, you can buy regional products such as cheese, sausage, bread, and vegetables. Many farms also offer direct sales. For example, visit the Wenger family's farm shop in Sigriswil, where you can get homemade cheese specialties and fresh milk. Local festivals and events: Numerous festivals and events take place in the Bernese Oberland in summer. The Unspunnen Festival in Interlaken, a traditional Swiss festival with yodeling, flag throwing, and stone tossing, is particularly popular. The Greenfield Festival in Interlaken, one of Switzerland's largest rock festivals, is also worth a visit. Culinary tips: Be sure to try the Berner Platte, a hearty dish with various types of meat and sauerkraut. The region's cheese specialties are also a must, such as Bernese Hobelkäse and Emmentaler. In the mountain restaurants, you can enjoy Älplermagronen, a traditional dish with pasta, cheese, potatoes, and bacon. Restaurants/bars for locals: In Interlaken, locals like to visit the Hangar 37 restaurant, known for its burgers and rustic atmosphere. In Thun, the Dampfschiff restaurant is a popular meeting point, located directly on Lake Thun with a beautiful view. Day trips: An excursion to the Aare Gorge near Meiringen, an impressive gorge created by thousands of years of erosion, is worthwhile. The driving time is about 1 hour from Interlaken. Admission costs CHF 10 per person.