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Bernese Oberland This is the real jewel of Switzerland. The main access point is Interlaken, and a favourite mini hike is up the Harder Kulm, giving great views of Lake Brienz
From Interlaken, you take a train into the real heart of the area, Grindelwald, where you are surrounded by the three peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. A youth hostel there gives a wonderful view of the peaks. I caught the bus to Grosse Scheidegg (2000m) and walked back to Grindelwald, the first hour or two are great as you walk through less developed meadows, all still in bloom, having to avoid several herds of cows.
All the time, the impressive Eiger and Wetterhorn mountains tower over you.
Half was up the Eiger, at 2000m, Kleine Scheidegg is a break point for the Jungfraujoch train. I got off the train and walked over into the Lauterbraunnen valley from here.
Lauterbrunnen is the most amazingly picturesque valley, completely 'U' shaped with dramatic vertical walls, these photos were taken from Wengen looking into the valley.
Descending into the valley on the train, this was the inspiration for Rivendell in JRR Tolkein's books.
Further west from Lauterbrunnen, Kanderstag is another little village at the end of a valley, with Lake Oeschinen which you can swim in.
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