The Ultimate Guide to the Berner Oberland Pass [2025]

How to use the Berner Oberland

After purchasing your Berner Oberland Pass, you will receive a digital copy of the Pass via email. You can print out the pass and carry a paper copy or save the PDF you receive by email to your mobile phone.

You simply show your Pass to the ticket inspector onboard each train, bus or boat when requested.

If you are enjoying a mountain excursion by cable car or funicular that is fully covered by the Berner Oberland Pass, in most cases you can scan the QR code on your pass at the turnstile of the cable car station. 

If there is no QR code scanner at the turnstile, just present your Berner Oberland Pass at the ticket counter and the attendant will let you board.

Berner Oberland Pass vs Swiss Travel Pass – what’s the difference?

Available for travel in both 1st and 2nd class, both passes cover all public transport in the Bernese Oberland. The main difference is that the Berner Oberland Pass offers greater discounts on mountain excursions in the region. Some examples include:

Read our detailed guide to the Swiss Travel Pass

Berner Oberland Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass?

Both passes are valid for use in the Jungfrau Region and for boat trips on Lakes Thun and Brienz but there are a number of differences between the two.

The Jungfrau Travel Pass only covers trains between Interlaken and Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg.  It does not include public buses in the region and is only available for travel in 2nd class.

The Jungfrau Travel Pass includes free travel on mountain railways to Grindelwald First, Schynige Platte, Harder Kulm, Mannlichen, Eiger Glacier (Eiger Express) and the Jungfrau train to Kleine Scheidegg.

The Berner Oberland Pass covers a much wider area – from Lucerne to Bern and from Interlaken as far south as Domodossola. Travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express and the GoldenPass Express (to Saanen) is also covered. 

It includes travel on over 20 mountain railways, cable cars and funiculars, and offers discounted admission to numerous attractions.

Both passes are valid all year round.

Read our complete guide to the Jungfrau Travel Pass

Complete list of mountain railways fully included with the Berner Oberland Pass

🇨🇭 Note that not all mountain railways operate for the entire year.

Highlights in the Bernese Oberland fully included by the Berner Oberland Regional Pass

Below you’ll find further details of just some of the excursions included in the Berner Oberland Pass including the savings you can make as a pass-holder. (*Indicates prices are ex Interlaken travelling in 2nd class.)

Brienz Rothorn Bahn

This 125-year-old steam-powered mountain railway not only harks back to an earlier time as it climbs from the town of Brienz to 2,351-metre high Brienzer Rothorn mountain, but also offers up what are often considered the best panoramic views in the entire Berner Oberland region through its large picture windows. 

As part of the landscape for so long, the train is all but ignored by the animal species that call the mountain home, including ibex and chamois goat, which can regularly be found feeding close to the tracks.

Operating: 7 June to 26 October, 2025

Regular ticket price: CHF 113.20* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 113.20 – Buy Now

🇨🇭 Read more about Brienz Rothorn Bahn

Schilthorn Piz Gloria

Schilthorn mountain sits above the village of Mürren and offers stunning views over what is known as the Swiss Skyline. Visitors can choose from two ways to reach Mürren from the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

The first option involves a cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp and then a train ride to Mürren.  The second route starts in Stechelberg (a bus connection from Lauterbrunnen is available) where the world’s steepest cable car – opening 14 December, 2024 – commences it’s ascent to Mürren.

From Mürren, all passengers travel by cable car via Birg to Schilthorn.  The section from Birg to Schilthorn will be closed from mid-October 2024 until mid-March 2025 when a brand new cableway will open.

The entire trip to the Schilthorn on either route is fully covered with the Berner Oberland Pass.

You’ll want to make the journey to the peak not only because of the spectacular scenery that can be observed from its 2,970-metre height, but also because Piz Gloria played such a central role in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, where it doubled as the lair for Bond’s enemy, Blofeld.

Operates: Year round except for annual maintenance (see closure dates here)

Regular ticket price: CHF 132.80* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 132.80 – Buy Now

🇨🇭 Read more about visiting Schilthorn

Niesen Bahn

Another mountain railway that is not to be missed, and free with the Berner Oberland Regional Pass, is the funicular railway that runs up the side of the pyramid-shaped Mount Niesen. 

Its lower station at Mülenen is easily accessible by bus or train, while the single-carriage funicular runs on a track with gradients up to 68%. 

At the summit, Niesendörfli, lying 2,362 metres above sea level, you’ll find plenty to keep the whole family entertained, whether you’d prefer the many hiking trails, information path, or Berghaus restaurant.

Operates: 26 April to 9 November, 2025

Regular ticket price: CHF 101* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 101 – Buy Now

Stockhorn

Running from Erlenbach in the Simmental to the summit of Stockhorn mountain, the Stockhorn railway provides the easiest means of capturing the mesmerising panoramic views that take in more than 200 peaks, including Mount Titlis, and can extend as far as the Alsace and Black Forest. 

The summit is just a few metres away from the upper station, and boasts a glass floor from where visitors can not only look out, but also down!

Regular ticket price: CHF 96.80 | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 96.80 – Buy Now

Männlichen 

This delightful alpine peak can be reached by cable car from either Wengen or Grindelwald. 

From Wengen, the spacious gondolas not only incorporate floor to ceiling windows all the way round but also an external viewing platform that rests on the top of the gondola and is accessed via an internal staircase. 

The balcony sits on the top of the gondola and is accessed via an internal staircase. It’s referred to as the Royal Ride and there’s a small surcharge to travel on the open air viewing platform.

The ride from Wengen to Männlichen takes around seven minutes and there are departures every 20 minutes.

You’ll understand why the external platform is so popular when you see your first glimpses of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. 

If you’re visiting Männlichen from Grindelwald, you’ll travel by cable car from Grindelwald Terminal via Holenstein with the journey taking around 25 minutes. Cable cars run continuously throughout the day

Then, when you reach the upper station at 2,222 metres, there’s the chance to follow the Royal Walk, which leads to the mountain’s summit, a further 150 metres away.

Children will enjoy the adventure playground – one of the best in the region – which features a giant wooden cow that they can climb on.  There’s also a cafe/restaurant serving delicious meals and snacks, and plenty of spots to take in the breathtaking views.

Numerous hiking trails commence at Männlichen including one of our favourites, the Panorama Trail to Eiger Glacier.

During the winter months, Männlichen is still accessible and is a popular ski resort.

Operates: 7 December 2024 to 6 April 2025 and from 25 May to mid-October 2025. Winter season starts early December, 2025.

Regular ticket price: CHF 88* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 88 – Buy Now

🇨🇭Read more: How to visit Männlichen

Oeschinensee 

The incredible blue hues of Oeschinen Lake, part of the UNESCO-listed Jungfrau-Aletsch site, can be admired by taking the Kandersteg-Oeschinen cable car. 

With a depth of up to 56 metres, the lake is home to Arctic char, as well as lake and rainbow trout, with ice fishing and ice skating popular activities during the months of December to May when the lake’s surface is frozen over. 

Rowing boats can be hired for pleasure journeys across the lake, and there’s also a summer toboggan-run suitable for all ages.

Operates: Year round except for annual maintenance (see closure dates here)

Regular ticket price: CHF 86* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 86 – Buy Now

🇨🇭 Read more about visiting Lake Oeschinen

Cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

GoldenPass Line Premium Panoramic Trains

Luzern-Interlaken Express

Travelling between Interlaken and Lucerne (or vice versa) aboard the Luzern-Interlaken Express train is a highlight of any trip to Switzerland. This train forms one leg of the popular GoldenPass Line.

It offers passengers panoramic windows from which to enjoy the sights along the route including the Brünig Pass, waterfalls, alpine scenery and five lakes. 

Along the journey of just under two hours, you’ll be mesmerised by stunning vistas at every turn.

As unlimited trips are included in the Berner Oberland Pass you can either visit Lucerne on the Luzern-Interlaken Express as a day trip from the Jungfrau Region, or travel this route on the day you arrive in or depart the region.

Regular ticket price: CHF 68* | Cost with pass: FREE | You save: CHF 68 – Buy Now

🇨🇭Read our complete guide to the Luzern-Interlaken Express

Activities and excursions discounted with the Berner Oberland Pass

Pass holders also receive discounts from almost 40 additional partners.  Discounts include:

Schynige Platte

The only rack and pinion railway of its kind anywhere in Switzerland, let alone Berner Oberland, the Wilderswil-Schynige Platte railway uses original locomotives and carriages from the late 1800s. 

Taking around 50 minutes to complete the seven-kilometre route, the journey offers views of some of the most-important mountains in the Alps, including the Eiger and Jungfrau. 

The railway allows visitors to travel in style, stay the night in the mountain hotel (click here to check prices), admire Switzerland’s only alpine garden, or enjoy a coffee at Breitlauenen middle station.

Berner Oberland Pass holders get a 50% discount off the ticket price.

Operates: 14 June to 26 October, 2025

🇨🇭 Read more about Schynige Platte

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Connecting the peaks of the Jungfrau and Mönch, Jungfraujoch is itself almost 3,500-metres above sea level. The mountain railway that leads towards Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station, took 16 years to complete because of the difficult terrain. 

Now running for more than a century, the journey by train takes two hours and 15 minutes from Interlaken and is one of Switzerland’s most popular day trips.

With the opening of the Eiger Express cable car in December 2020, holders of the Berner Oberland Pass now have the option to travel either the entire journey by train, or part of the way by cable car (between Grindelwald and Eiger Glacier).

Pass-holders travel free to either Grindelwald or Wengen and receive a 25% discount off the remaining journey to Jungfraujoch.

Whilst the journey to the Top of Europe is a highlight in itself, at the summit there are plenty of activities, shops and restaurants to keep you entertained.

Operates: All year round

Our tip: Allow at least six hours for your excursion

Harder Kulm 

Interlaken’s own mountain, Mt. Harder, makes a great half-day excursion.  The Harder bahn (funicular) station is a five minute walk from the Interlaken Ost railway station and in just ten minutes you reach the summit.

The highlight of any visit is the panoramic view of the surrounding Alps and lakes Thun and Brienz from the Two Lakes Bridge.

A restaurant, walking trails and children’s playground can also be found at Harder Kulm.

Holders of the Berner Oberland Pass receive 50% off the ticket price.

Operates: 5 April to 30 November, 2025.

🇨🇭Read more about visiting Harder Kulm

First (Mount Schwarzhorn)

Rising to a height of 2,166 metres, First is one of the smaller summits on Mount Schwarzhorn.

However, don’t let this put you off, since it is also the site of the upper cable car station that starts in Grindelwald and also stops at the intermediate stations of Bort and Schreckfeld. The six-seat gondolas make the full-length journey in 25 minutes.

What’s more, First is making a name for itself as a destination for the adventurous, with the First Flyer zipline, mountain carts, scooter rides and Cliff Walk by Tissot just some of the activities available. (Most activities incur additional costs.)

A 50% discount on the price of the First cableway applies to Berner Oberland Pass holders.

Operates: Year-round except 27 October until 28 November, 2025

🇨🇭Read more about visiting Grindelwald First

Blausee

The Blausee, or Blue Lake, has even more startling colours than the Oeschinensee. 

Located in the Blausee National Park, after admiring the beautiful colours of the lake, you can enjoy a glass-bottom boat trip, let the kids run riot in the children’s playground, or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in the hotel, overlooking the lake. 

The lake can be reached by bus from either Frutigen or Kandersteg.

Berner Oberland Pass holders are entitled to 50% discount off the admission fee.

Open: Year round

What other bonuses apply to the Regional Pass Berner Oberland?

Some of the other great bonus offers that apply to the Berner Oberland Pass include 25% off admission to Ballenberg Swiss Open Air Museum, 30% off admission to Aare Gorge in Meiringen, 50% off Lauberhorn Crazy Golf in Wengen and 20% discount off admission to Trauffer World of Experiences. 

Outdoor adventure specialists, OUTDOOR, also offer 10% off activities including bungy jumping, canyoning, the Grindelwald Canyon Swing, rafting and jet boat rides. Guided trips on the via Ferrata at Mürren are also discounted by 10%.

Passholders also benefit from reduced admission fees to St. Beatus Caves, the Sigriswil Panorama Bridge and Adventure Park Adelboden.

Air-Glaciers in both Lauterbrunnen and Gstaad-Saanenland also offer a 10% discount off scenic helicopter flights.

Pass-holders also receive reduced admission fees to Thun, Spiez and Oberhofen Castles.

Berner Oberland Pass podcasts

Listen to our podcast episodes about the Berner Oberland Pass below.

Berner Oberland Pass live Q&A session

Watch a recording of our live Q&A session about the Berner Oberland Pass with Pass Manager, Jana Amacher, below.

FAQs about the Berner Oberland Pass

Are seat reservations required with the Bernese Oberland Rail Pass?

No, seat reservations are not required with the Berner Oberland Pass. They are, however, recommended if you plan to travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Express (compulsory in Prestige Class) and the Brienz Rothorn Bahn.

Who can buy the Bernese Oberland Regional Pass?

The Berner Oberland Pass is available to anyone who wishes to travel within the Bernese Oberland.

Is the Berner Oberland Pass transferable?

No, only the person named on the Berner Oberland Pass can use it. Ownership cannot be transferred to another person.

Do I have to nominate a start date when I purchase my Berner Oberland Pass?

Yes, when you purchase your pass, you are required to nominate the date that you will start using your pass.

Does the Berner Oberland Pass have to be used on consecutive days?

Yes, the Berner Oberland Pass is a consecutive-day pass.

Where do I buy discounted tickets for travel in conjunction with my Berner Oberland Pass?

Tickets for mountain railways and attractions that offer holders of the Berner Oberland Pass a discount, can be purchased at the ticket office of the railway/attraction. Please present your valid Berner Oberland Pass in order to receive the discounted rate.

Is Jungfrau free with Berner Oberland Pass? Does Berner Oberland Pass include Jungfraujoch?

The excursion to Jungfraujoch Top of Europe is discounted for holders of a Berner Oberland Pass but it is not free.  Pass holders who wish to travel to Jungfraujoch receive 25% discount from Grindelwald or Wengen to Jungfraujoch.

Can I buy a Berner Oberland Pass at Zurich airport?

The Berner Oberland Pass can be purchased at Zurich and Geneva airport stations and at many tourist offices and railway stations in the Bernese Oberland.  Tickets purchased at stations do not include a QR code therefore you must carry the paper copy of your pass every time you travel.

The most convenient way to purchase your Berner Oberland Pass is online to ensure you receive a QR code – buy yours here.

Does Berner Oberland Pass cover Grindelwald First?

The Berner Oberland Pass entitles holders to a 50% travel from Grindelwald to Mt. First by cable way.  Activities at First, such as the First Flyer, First Glider, mountain carts and Trotti bikes are not discounted with the Berner Oberland Pass.

Does Berner Oberland Pass cover Schilthorn?

Holders of a Berner Oberland Pass can travel for free to the Schilthorn summit.

Does Berner Oberland Pass cover Eiger Express?

Travel on the Eiger Express is not covered by the Berner Oberland Pass however passholders receive a 50% reduction.

Does Bernese Oberland Pass cover Lucerne?

The Berner Oberland Pass covers travel between Interlaken Ost and Lucerne (and vice versa) aboard the Luzern-Interlaken Express train. Public transportation within Lucerne is not included.

How to add Berner Oberland Pass to SBB app?

It is not possible – or necessary – to add the Berner Oberland Pass to the SBB Mobile app.  Instead, you can either show the QR code of your pass (if you purchased your pass online) or present the paper copy of your pass when requested.