Alps of Bern
Panoramic and scenic pictures from the Alps of Bern.
About the Alps of Bern (Bernese Oberland)
- Population: around 100'000
- Language: German (Highest Alemannic German)
- Major Cities: Thun, Spiez, Interlaken, Brienz
Location
The Bernese Oberland (Or Bernese Highlands) is located in the south of the Canton of Berne on the north side of the Alps. The central city is Interlaken, that, as the name suggest, is situated "between the lakes". The region can be reached from Berne and Brig in about 30 minutes, from Lucerne in 90 and Montreux in 120 minutes.
Landscape
The landscape is dominated by the 4000 meter high mountain peaks with eternal snow, the glaciers, the valleys as well as Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. The main river is the Aare which originates in the Grimsel area and leaves the Oberland in direction of Berne.
Points of interest
A must is the ride to the Jungfraujoch. With 3454 meter above sea level, this is the most elevated train station in Europe. The region features multiple mountain railways and Gondolas that take you to breathtaking viewpoints. The Schilthorn (with the rotating Restaurant known from the James Bond movies) and the Brienzer Rothorn are just two of many. Worth a visit are as well the Beatus-Caves (Beatushoelen) and the Giessbach-Falls.
History
around 400 BC
Settlement of the Celtic Helvetians.
after 58 BC
Roman Province
after 400
Immigration of the German Alamanni tribe
after 500
Part of the Frankish Realm, then part of the Holy Roman Empire.
1130
Creation of the monastery Interlaken.
1257
The monastery Interlaken becomes a protectorate of Berne
1328
Berne acquires the City of Thun
1353
Berne joins the Swiss Confederation.
1648
Independence of the Swiss Confederation from the Holy Roman Empire.
1798
The troops of Napoleon occupy the region. Creation of the Canton Oberland.
1803
The Oberland joins the Canton of Berne
1913
Opening of the old Loetschberg-Tunnel
2007
Opening of the Loetschberg Base-Tunnel
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