Bernese Oberland or Valais???
 

I am taking 5 days to drive across Switzerland in September and I am stuck on whether to go throught the Bernese Oberland (through Interlaken) or through the Valais Alps region. Our purpose for seeing Switzerland is to enjoy some hiking and the amazing Alp scenery. I have heard wonderful things about Lautterbrunnen and Gimmelwld in the Bernese region but I have heard the same about Verbier and Zermatt. Any advice?

I think your choice comes down to personal prefrence.
My favorite hike of them all is from the First gondola station to the top of the Faulhorn. The view of the Eiger, Schreckhorn, Finsteraarhorn, the Mönch and the Jungfrau and all the others is a classic.
There are some others in that region too.

Around Zermatt there are quite a few beautiful places to go also.

I don't think there is a clear choice.
I have spent whole weeks in Lauterbrunnen and have plans to return.
But, Zermatt is the gateway to some spectacular places, too.

My suggestion is go for 3 nights in the Grindelwald area and 2 nights in Zermatt. When you go to Zermatt, take the Grimsel Pass route. It is spectacular.

Hey Tyler: You can't go wrong with either. The Valais (IMO) is a little more rugged and a little less touristy than the BO. If you really want an adventure, try hiking the Europaweg route from Grachen to Zermatt. Takes 2 days, you spend one night at the Europaweghutte (very nice and modern). Lots of incredible views as you stay high above the valley all the way. You could even start at Saas Fee and hike all the way to Zermatt. I vote for the Valais, because the mountains are higher and it seems less crowded.

Thank you both for your advice.