UnTours in the Swiss Oberland
Scenic train rides, historic cities and mountain viewsSettle into nature's paradise where peaks touch the sky
In the Swiss Oberland, nature is on a grand scale. Towering cliffs rise above emerald valleys, glaciers sparkle in the high-altitude sun, and waterfalls tumble down rugged mountainsides. Here, the Alps aren’t just a backdrop—they shape daily life, from the sound of cowbells echoing through meadows to the sight of paragliders soaring above turquoise lakes.
This is a place where tradition and adventure go hand in hand. In villages perched on sunny terraces, wooden chalets adorned with bright geraniums stand as they have for centuries, while lively mountain towns hum with hikers, climbers, and travelers eager to explore. Take a historic cogwheel train to the Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” or hike past glacial streams to breathtaking viewpoints where the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau dominate the horizon. Whether you’re savoring fondue in a cozy mountain hut, crossing a swaying footbridge above a deep gorge, or simply gazing at the ever-changing light on the peaks, the Swiss Oberland invites you to slow down, look up, and take it all in.
What's included
- One week (or more) in a private Swiss apartment or chalet, often with spectacular views of the lakes and mountains.
- Suggestions for booking your international flight from the U.S. to Zurich, or we can purchase tickets on your behalf (See UnTours' air policies)
- Transfer assistance for most arrivals at the Zurich airport, with detailed instructions that allow you to reach your village with ease.
- An 8 or 15-day Swiss Rail Pass valid on trains, buses, lake ships; free entry to over 400 museums in Switzerland.
- An orientation session by our superb on-site staff with current information on local events, tours, and activities to help you create your dream Switzerland travel itinerary.
- Our own guide App for the area full of the best restaurants, sightseeing, and other suggestions researched by UnTours staff.
- A stash of groceries upon your arrival, so you don’t need to shop right away.
- Pre-trip planning itinerary advice for your tour of Switzerland from our staff, available by phone or email right up until you leave.
- Ongoing support with our local UnTours representative. Help available when you need it.
Arrival Day in Swiss Oberland
Settle into your Swiss Oberland home and soak in the breathtaking surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, you may meet your local UnGuide today or the following morning. They’ll offer tips, maps, and personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your visit to Switzerland. Unpack, take a leisurely stroll through your village, and perhaps enjoy a warm welcome at a local café. The next few days will be filled with stunning landscapes, seamless travel, and authentic Swiss experiences—perfect for crafting your ideal Swiss Oberland itinerary at your own pace.
Uncovering the past: A private museum tour
Visit Switzerland and discover how its spectacular landscapes have drawn travelers for centuries. But how did the Alps become one of the world’s most famous destinations? Step into the past on an exclusive private tour of the Museum of Tourism, located in the charming old town of Unterseen, near Interlaken. This thoughtfully curated museum tells the fascinating 250-year story of Alpine tourism, from early explorers and pioneering mountaineers to the golden age of grand hotels and scenic railway journeys.
Led by the museum’s manager, this behind-the-scenes experience brings Swiss history to life. Explore beautifully preserved artifacts, vintage travel posters, and interactive displays that reveal how the Swiss Alps captured the imagination of travelers long before Instagram. This makes an ideal day trip addition to any Swiss itinerary, offering insight into the country’s rich cultural traditions—from yodeling and Alphorn music to flag throwing, Swiss wrestling, and the striking beauty of traditional costumes. With three floors of history to explore, this is more than just a museum—it’s a time capsule of Swiss heritage and the evolution of travel itself.
Find Your Voice: A Yodeling Workshop with Urs
It’s time to immerse yourself in one of Switzerland’s most beloved traditions: yodeling. And who better to guide you than Urs, your UnGuide and a true Swiss legend? Urs isn’t just a local expert—he’s a passionate yodeler with deep roots in Swiss culture.
Originally used by Alpine herders to communicate across vast valleys, yodeling has evolved into a cherished form of music. During this hands-on workshop, Urs will introduce you to its unique rhythms and techniques, helping you find your own voice in this age-old tradition. Whether you’re a natural or just having fun trying, the experience is sure to bring smiles and laughter.
As your session winds down, you’ll continue the Swiss experience with a visit to a nearby bakery. Here, you’ll sample local treats—perhaps a warm Nusstorte (Swiss nut tart) or a flaky Gipfeli—offering a delicious way to round out your day.
Freedom to roam: Exploring with your Swiss travel pass
Your UnTour includes one of the best offerings in the global tourism industry: the Swiss Rail Pass. This legendary pass grants you unlimited access to Switzerland’s world-class public transportation network, making it easy to hop from mountain peaks to vibrant cities—all with one simple ticket. It’s the perfect way to visit Switzerland and explore at your own pace.
Imagine gliding across the waters of Lake Thun or Lake Brienz on a scenic boat cruise, winding through alpine meadows by train, or taking a quick bus ride to explore a charming village. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day trip or crafting a multi-day itinerary, the Swiss Travel Pass takes the hassle out of travel, allowing you to focus on the journey itself.
With so much within easy reach, you might choose to explore nearby towns like Meiringen, Interlaken, and Brienz, where stunning lakes and waterfalls steal the show. Or venture to cultural hubs like Bern, Basel, and Zürich, where history, art, and lively café culture await. For breathtaking landscapes, take the train to Luzern, Geneva, or Lausanne, each offering a stunning mix of lakes, mountains, and Swiss charm. You can even design your own Tour of the Lakes or Tour of Swiss Cities, depending on your interests. No matter where your curiosity leads you, the journey is always smooth, scenic, and stress-free.
To the heights: Switzerland’s spectacular mountain views
Switzerland’s mountain peaks are legendary, and thanks to your Swiss Travel Pass, reaching them is effortless. In addition to unlimited train, bus, and boat travel, your pass grants you up to 50% off cable cars, cogwheel trains, and funiculars—your ticket to the country’s most awe-inspiring vistas.
Consider ascending to the Schilthorn, where the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant offers 360-degree views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Or ride the world-famous Jungfraujoch railway, climbing to the Top of Europe, where snow-capped peaks stretch endlessly in every direction. Looking for a challenge? The trails of Mount Pilatus and Titlis combine thrilling hikes with rewarding panoramas. Wherever you go, the journey itself is part of the adventure—whether you’re floating above emerald valleys in a gondola or inching up steep mountain tracks on a historic cogwheel train.
Switzerland’s peaks are more than just scenic—they’re an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and take it all in.
Departure: A Fond Farewell
Perhaps one last morning stroll through the village, a final pastry from the local bakery, or simply a moment to take in the mountain air before you go. As your time in the Swiss Heartland comes to an end, your UnGuide will be available to see you off and ensure your transition to your next destination is seamless. The Swiss Heartland will stay with you long after you leave.
Available Accommodations
The comfortable, well-appointed apartments and chalets in the beautiful Swiss Oberland are a great place to unpack and unwind as you get ready to uncover Switzerland and the people who call it home. You get much more than just a room or a Swiss holiday rental.
-
Bluemli
Beautiful 1-bedroom apartment with lake views in Spiez
-
Chalet Gudrun
First floor apartment in Frutigen, ideal for families
-
Chalet Selg
Cozy ground floor apartment in Frutigen, ideal for family with a small child
-
Chalet Suter
Traditional and comfortable 2nd floor apartment in Kandersteg
-
Monnard
Spacious and well-equipped apartment in Hilterfingen on Lake Thun
Location
Villages of the Swiss Oberland
The Swiss Oberland is a region of breathtaking peaks, shimmering lakes, and charming villages that blend tradition with stunning natural beauty.
Frutigen sits in a peaceful valley, known for its alpine pastures and an unexpected tropical greenhouse warmed by natural thermal waters. Kandersteg is a true mountain retreat, where wooden chalets and wildflower meadows lead to the striking blue waters of Oeschinensee. Thun, with its medieval castle and lively lakefront, offers a perfect mix of history and lakeside charm. Spiez, nestled among vineyards on Lake Thun, invites travelers to slow down and soak in the serene beauty of its castle-dotted shores.
Each village has its own character, but all share the magic of the Alps—where nature and tradition shape daily life.
Reviews
Here's what our guests have to say
Bob Gebhardt
We were thrilled with the balcony especially."
Michael Kavanagh
Such a wonderful place to keep us happy for 2 weeks. Marvelously equipped with anything one could want! Even an amazing array of spices!! We were enchanted with the wonderful accommodations in Kandersteg! We hope to go back!
Nancy Lang
This was a wonderful apartment. It had everything we needed and more. It was comfortable, clean and utterly charming--just fabulous!
Carson & Lisa Mettel
Perfectly suited to our party of seven. Our hosts were very friendly but had limited English capability. They apartment was wonderfully clean and well prepared.
R. Chamberlin
Lovely apartment, kitchen was very well equipped with amazing selection of spices!
Anne Johnson
Our host was most kind, picking us up from the station to supplying us with groceries and some lovely roses. They couldn’t have been nicer.
Billie Houghton
The apartment was fantastic. The well-equipped kitchen was delightful and made it so easy for us to fix meals there. The host had provided very nice amenities. Kandersteg is a wonderful village and the apartment was close to everything.
Elliott & Susan Vorce
Phenomenal apartment! 'A-1' in all respects - the best apartment we've stayed in during 12 UnTours. Squeaky clean, super supplies - a dream in every respect. We'll be back!
G. Gutsche
Extremely convenient to the COOP and the train station. The elevator was an unexpected plus. The kitchen, while small, was the best equipped kitchen that we have encountered in our various Idyll trips. This was particularly important as we ate all breakfasts and most of our dinners in the apartment.
Jen Honig
Awesome! Huge living room, cozy, comforters, microwave, great his/her sinks in bathroom, sunny...perfect location - 2 minutes from train.
R. A. Ray
Apartment is excellent. We would have liked it to be more Swiss & maybe not so modern city hi-rise, but it was ok.
Charles Vogt
Great trip. Urs was a great host and communicated well. We loved staying in Kandersteg at the Sutter chalet. Very gracious hosts. We had been to Switzerland before but were happy to stay in a different area.
Also in Swiss Oberland
See these nearby UnTours
-
Switzerland Swiss Oberland 1-2 peopleChalet Selg: Cozy ground floor apartment in Frutigen, ideal for family with a small child
-
Switzerland Swiss Oberland 1-2 peopleBluemli: Beautiful 1-bedroom apartment with lake views in Spiez
-
Switzerland Swiss Oberland 1-4 peopleMonnard: Spacious and well-equipped apartment in Hilterfingen on Lake Thun
100% of our profits are invested into the UnTours Foundation. Learn more about how we put your travel dollars to work! »
The money you pay for your accommodation benefit the local economy where you will be staying.
Program Director
I greatly enjoy the diversity of my responsibilities at Untours, the company's values, and the opportunity to connect with people from other cultures.





















