12 Best Hotels in Berner Oberland, Switzerland

On the hill above Wengen (a bit of a hike from the town center, but that may be a virtue), this friendly family-run lodging offers the kind of views that made Wengen world-famous—a vista of mountain majesty with the nearby buildings nearly hidden by trees. Happily, the southern-exposure guest rooms come with balconies to take in the beauty. Pampering is close at hand: sink into a couch in the lounge, relax with a massage or visit to the sauna area, or enjoy a dip in the indoor pool or the bio-pond (complete with fish and lily pads). The highly rated restaurant lets in lots of light through its wide windows, and the bar is very cozy. Rooms are spacious and mostly modern—some have elegant brass beds and more traditional, rustic style.

As you wind your way into Grindelwald, you can't help but notice this large pink structure perched precariously above the road; regular guest rooms aren't grand, but there are great views of the Eiger and surrounding peaks from almost everywhere—and every room boasts both a balcony and air-conditioning, rare for the region. Suites and common areas are tastefully designed. The staff radiates genuine warmth and absolute professionalism; the owner takes groups of guests curling, sledding, or on visits to organic farms. The bright and glossy restaurant has a fresh and creative menu. For total relaxation, there's an outdoor hot tub, plus an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. The hotel also caters to kids with a games room and special children's menu in the restaurant.

With a front-row perch directly across from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, it's no surprise that most rooms at this welcoming family-run hotel flaunt balconies with peak views. Inside, all is comfortably charming: the adorable bar has a big fireplace hood, regular guest rooms come with elegant pine wainscoting, and suites feature exposed timber beams and lovely fabrics. Guest rooms and suites face either the mountains or the forest; alpine-style family suites have a separate living room and sleep up to three kids (along with two adults). In addition, the hotel has room to spare for an indoor pool with staggering views of the snowcapped mountains, not to mention a sauna and hot tub to warm up after a tough day on the slopes, along with a small fitness room if your outdoor adventures weren't enough. If you want to enjoy the high life—in more ways than one—head here.

With windows looking out onto the village church and Eiger’s iconic north face, this chic chalet hotel offers a warm welcome. A peaceful oasis on the edge of town, Hotel Fiescherblick emphasizes sustainability with its carbon-neutral heating system and purified mountain water. Rooms are outfitted in modern Scandinavian style with touches of pine green and rocky mountain gray. Some rooms feature hidden-in-the-wall bunk beds for guests traveling with children. The breakfast buffet includes homemade pastries and jams and locally produced cheeses and meats, and the highly acclaimed restaurant offers three- to seven-course tasting menus with wine pairings.

The oldest hotel in town, the Hotel Interlaken has been hosting overnight guests since 1323, but now it's thoroughly up-to-date, with comfortable guest rooms filled with sleek and eye-catching Alpine-chic furnishings and a highly regarded restaurant. For the budget-minded who want to enjoy the same location and breakfast, there are rooms of a simpler nature on the fifth floor. The hotel first began as a hospital, then as a cloister, and by the early 15th century as a tavern. Today, the in-house Restaurant Taverne highlights Swiss cuisine with a modern twist along with a well-chosen selection of Swiss wines. It's a short walk to the Interlaken Ost train station, making excursions a snap. 

Across from the Staubbach Falls, this excellent lodging with astounding views opens directly onto Lauterbrunnen's main street, which is handily lined with shops and cafés. The friendly owners have turned this local landmark into a characterful hotel, with charming guest rooms that shimmer with teak and pine. To maximize their view of the falls, most people ask for a south-facing room. The fact that this side also faces the main road (which has its share of roaring buses) means you should also consider the three other directions of the compass.

To extend your stay at Thun Castle (literally), opt for a hotel room in the castle’s former prison wing, where guest rooms—most with views of the lake and the mountains beyond—are surprisingly modern, except for the lovely Tower Room that features frescoes from 1567. Comfortable, bright rooms have wood floors, desks, and minibars; large bathrooms all include showers, while the Panorama Room also has a freestanding soaking tub off of the bedroom. The spa, which must be booked in advance, includes a sauna, steam bath, and whirlpool. The highly rated restaurant serves up Alpine cuisine paired with regional wines, or try a coffee and cake or aperitif in the charming castle courtyard.

Restoration has taken this 1865 grande dame firmly into the 21st century, with glitzy touches such as the burled-wood entryway, a vast belle epoque lobby that spirals off into innumerable bars and tea salons, and a sprawling spa with an elegant 1940s-style indoor pool, outdoor saltwater pool with lovely views, and substantial gym. Guest rooms are gorgeous, with smart fabrics, waxed wood floors, and marble columns. Nearly all take in the obligatory view over the meadow to the Alps, with the snowy peak of the Jungfrau crowning the far distance. You won't lack for food options, either: La Terrasse serves modern Swiss dishes, Sapori has a vast selection of pizzas, and the Victoria Bar offers finger food and cocktails plus a lively terrace.

Housed in a 350-year-old chalet, this bed-and-breakfast is charming yet modern, and boasts both an extremely helpful host and a delicious breakfast. Its guest rooms are outfitted with pale-wood furniture and discreet carpeting. The quads featuring double beds and a set of bunk beds are especially suitable for families. Some bathrooms have tubs as well as showers. Its cozy lounge, complete with big sofas and a fireplace, is ideal for rehashing the events of the day. In addition to breakfast, evening meals are served.

This family-run chalet just below the center of town has bright interiors and good views; be sure to dine in (or visit the restaurant for dinner if you're not a hotel guest), as the local, seasonal cuisine is some of the best in town. Guest rooms, while simple, are done up with modern furnishings and accented by watercolors painted by the owner's mother; front rooms have balconies, so be sure to ask for a view when booking. There's also a comfortable separate chalet, perfect for families, next to the hotel. The nearby playground is a winner for young children.

Families often settle in for a week or two at this hotel high above the lakefront, their evenings spent by the immense stone fireplace, in the panoramic winter garden, or on the spectacular terrace. The grounds of this 1910 lodge are beautifully manicured, the atmosphere both familial and formal. Guest rooms are quirkily and individually decorated by themes—cheese, forest, flower meadow, and straw hut, to name a few. Children love these hideaways, and families with small ones appreciate that they can dine together by the fire, apart from other guests. Those with lots of luggage will want to call ahead to be picked up from the train station.

This modern apartment-hotel, ideally situated at the foot of the Oltschibachfall waterfall, only 500 meters (1640 feet) from the Hasliberg ski resort and a short walk to the train station, offers cozy apartments with large balconies in a contemporary Alpine style. The resort comprises six buildings with apartments ranging from two to four rooms, which sleep from four to eight people. All apartments include kitchens with ovens, stoves, and sinks; some also have dishwashers. If you'd rather not cook, the Bistro, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, specializes in burgers (meat and veggie) and fondue. You’ll find a small onsite sauna, too, though you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance. The hotel also caters to children with an inviting playroom and games room inside, and a playground outside. There's often a minimum stay required, from three to seven nights, depending on the season.