Planning a trip to Switzerland and wondering if the Oberland Pass is worth it? You’re in the right place. This regional travel pass is a favorite among travelers who want unlimited train, bus, and boat rides across the Bernese Oberland home to iconic peaks, turquoise lakes, and fairy-tale villages. If you’re also curious about where to stay in Switzerland, the Oberland region offers some of the best bases, from Interlaken for adventure, to Grindelwald for mountain charm, or Lauterbrunnen for a picture-perfect valley experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: where the pass is valid, how much it costs, top attractions it covers, smart itineraries, comparisons with other Swiss passes, and insider tips to maximize your savings.
What Is the Oberland Pass?
The Oberland Pass (officially called the Regional Pass Berner Oberland) is a flexible rail pass that gives you:
- Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats within the Bernese Oberland region.
- Free or discounted rides on mountain cable cars, gondolas, and funiculars.
- Validity for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 10 consecutive days (choose what fits your itinerary).
Where Can You Use the Oberland Pass?
The pass covers an impressive network. Here’s a breakdown:
Trains
- Luzern–Interlaken Express
- GoldenPass Express (Interlaken to Montreux)
- Bern to Interlaken route
- Domodossola (Italy) to Bernese Oberland connections
Buses
- Regional buses around Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Simmental Valley
Boats
- Unlimited cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
Mountain Railways & Cable Cars
- Harder Kulm funicular
- Brienz Rothorn Bahn (steam train)
- Niesen Bahn funicular
- Schynige Platte cogwheel railway
- Stockhorn cable car
- Niederhorn gondola
- Männlichen Royal Ride gondola
- Eiger Express (discounted)
- Schilthorn – Piz Gloria (discounted)
Free / Discounted Attractions
- Oeschinensee (Lake Oeschinen) cable car
- Blausee (Blue Lake) entry
- St. Beatus Caves
- Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum
- Castles: Spiez, Thun, Oberhofen
Top Destinations with the Oberland Pass
Interlaken: The Hub of Adventure
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is the perfect base. Use your pass for lake cruises, a funicular ride to Harder Kulm, or quick trains to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.
Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen
- Grindelwald: Famous for the Cliff Walk at First, mountain carts, scooters, and ziplines.
- Lauterbrunnen Valley: Known as the valley of 72 waterfalls, with access to Mürren and Wengen.
Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe
The pass gives a discounted fare to the Jungfraujoch via the Eiger Express. You’ll still save a chunk compared to paying full price.
Schilthorn – Piz Gloria
Fans of James Bond (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service) will love this. The pass covers part of the journey and discounts the rest.
Lakes & Hidden Gems
- Oeschinensee (one of Switzerland’s most beautiful alpine lakes).
- Blausee, a small turquoise gem surrounded by forest.
- Aare Gorge, a stunning walkway through carved limestone cliffs.
- Ballenberg Museum, showcasing traditional Swiss houses and crafts.
Oberland Pass Prices (2025)
Here’s what you can expect:
| Duration | Adult Price (CHF) | Child (6–15) | Youth (16–25) | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Days | ~240 | 30 | Discounted | 30 |
| 4 Days | ~288 | 30 | Discounted | 30 |
| 6 Days | ~336 | 30 | Discounted | 30 |
| 8 Days | ~384 | 30 | Discounted | 30 |
| 10 Days | ~432 | 30 | Discounted | 30 |
Oberland Pass vs Other Swiss Passes
| Pass | Best For | Coverage | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oberland Pass | Travelers staying mainly in the Bernese Oberland (Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, lakes) | Unlimited local trains, buses, boats, mountain lifts (many free, some discounted) | 240–432 CHF |
| Swiss Travel Pass | Nationwide explorers | Entire Switzerland, including free museums | 244–389 CHF (3–8 days) |
| Jungfrau Travel Pass | Visitors focused on Jungfrau Region only | Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren, up to Jungfraujoch discount | 230–340 CHF |
| Swiss Half Fare Card | Light travelers | 50% discount on all public transport | 120 CHF/month |
| GA Travelcard | Residents/long-stayers | Unlimited nationwide travel | Monthly/annual subscription |
Sample Itinerary with the Oberland Pass
3-Day Plan
- Day 1: Lake Thun cruise → Spiez Castle → Harder Kulm sunset
- Day 2: Grindelwald First (Cliff Walk, ziplines) → Lauterbrunnen waterfalls → Wengen
- Day 3: Brienz Rothorn steam train → Ballenberg Museum → Jetboat on Lake Brienz
5-Day Plan
- Add Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and Oeschinensee
Insider Tips to Maximize Your Oberland Pass
- Start early in the morning: Mountain lifts are less crowded.
- Pair with Swiss Half Fare Card if you’re traveling elsewhere in Switzerland before/after.
- Check weather forecasts: Use sunny days for mountain peaks and cloudy ones for museums/caves.
- Use it for “hidden gems” like Blausee and Ballenberg for extra value.
- Bring snacks: Alpine restaurants are pricey, and picnics by lakes are unbeatable.
Final Verdict:
For travelers spending most of their time in the Bernese Oberland including destinations like Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren the Oberland Pass offers excellent value and convenience. Not only does it save you money on popular mountain excursions such as Schynige Platte, Rothorn Bahn, and scenic lake cruises, but it also removes the hassle of buying separate tickets every day.
The pass makes exploring both the famous highlights and hidden gems like Blausee, Oeschinensee, and Ballenberg Museum effortless. If your Switzerland itinerary focuses on this region, the Oberland Pass is more than worth it, helping you unlock the magic of the Alps in a flexible, cost-effective, and stress-free way. And if you’re visiting during the colder months, knowing about the weather in Switzerland in February is important it’s typically snowy in the Bernese Oberland, making the pass especially useful for winter train rides, cozy lake cruises, and scenic mountain trips.
FAQs About the Oberland Pass
Does the Oberland Pass cover Jungfraujoch?
Not fully. It gives a discount on the Eiger Express + Jungfraujoch journey.
Can I use the Oberland Pass in Lucerne or Zermatt?
No, it’s only valid in the Bernese Oberland region.
Where can I buy it?
Online, at Swiss rail stations (Interlaken, Bern, Zurich, etc.), or from authorized resellers.
Is it worth it?
If you plan to do 2–3 mountain excursions + a few boat cruises, you’ll save more than the pass cost.
