Berner Oberland: Swiss Half Fare & STS Holder 1st Class Pass

Traveling through Switzerland’s Canton Bern and the surrounding regions is a dream come true for many. With the Berner Oberland Pass, we get to experience this stunning landscape in style — riding first-class trains, boats, and cable cars across Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Brig, all within a flexible 3 to 10-day window. Whether you’re planning a quick escape or a longer adventure, this pass offers a convenient way to see the highlights with minimal hassle.

What we particularly love about this pass is its all-inclusive nature — unlimited travel on scenic routes, plus discounts on iconic mountain excursions like Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn. And the fact that it’s available for Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card holders makes it accessible for many travelers.

One thing to keep in mind is that some mountain excursions may have supplement fees, so it’s worth planning ahead if you want to visit certain peaks. But overall, this pass offers excellent value for those eager to explore Switzerland’s famous vistas at a relaxed pace. This experience suits travelers who enjoy flexible itineraries, scenic rides, and a touch of luxury — perfect for those who want to combine comfort with adventure.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Travel 3-10 days across Bernese Oberland with unlimited 1st class transport.
• Scenic Routes: Includes over 25 cable cars and boats, offering spectacular views of lakes and mountains.
• Discounts: Save at around 40 attractions, with 10-100% discounts on popular activities and sites.
• Convenience: Skip lines, travel smoothly, and enjoy digital tickets sent within 72 hours.
• Value for Money: Especially beneficial if you plan multiple excursions or longer stays.
• Limited Extras: Some mountain excursions require additional fees or reservations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Swiss Landscape: What’s Included

The Berner Oberland Pass grants us unrestricted first-class access to trains, buses, and boats within a broad swath of Switzerland’s most picturesque regions. From the vibrant city of Bern to the lively town of Interlaken, and on to the dramatic peaks near Brig, it’s a ticket to effortless exploration.

The pass also features over 25 mountain cable cars and railways, including famous destinations like Harder Kulm, Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and Brienzer Rothorn. These rides are the backbone of Swiss travel — offering jaw-dropping views and access to some of the highest peaks in Europe. For boat lovers, the steamboats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are included, giving you a relaxing way to take in the alpine scenery.

Plus, discounts at around 40 attractions add extra value — from museums to outdoor activities. For instance, a trip to Jungfraujoch typically involves a hefty ticket price, but with this pass, you get a significant discount, making it more accessible.

The recent inclusion of the Brig-Domodossola train line in 2024 expands your options further, connecting Swiss scenery with Italian regions, which adds a layer of adventure to your itinerary.

What to Expect from the Experience

Expect a seamless experience with digital tickets sent within 72 hours of booking, allowing you to skip long lines and head straight for your train or cable car. The first-class privileges mean wider, more comfortable seats, and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere — perfect for enjoying the journey rather than just reaching your destination.

The validity period is flexible, ranging from 3 to 10 days, so whether you’re here for a long weekend or a week-long trip, you can tailor your itinerary. The pass covers travel from April through December, aligning well with the most scenic months of the year.

A typical day might involve catching a cable car up to Harder Kulm for panoramic views of Interlaken, then cruising on a boat across Lake Thun, followed by a scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn. These excursions, while sometimes requiring additional fees, are made more affordable with the pass, allowing you to experience Switzerland’s crown jewels without breaking the bank.

Traveling in first class allows for more spacious, comfortable rides, which is especially appreciated on longer routes like the train to Jungfraujoch — a journey that can take over two hours but offers stunning vistas along the way.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

Many travelers report that the stunning views and smooth logistics make this pass a worthwhile investment. One reviewer, Chan Kok, mentioned traveling from Lucerne to the Jungfrau region and Montreux via Golden Pass Express with ease, emphasizing that they would buy this pass again. This highlights how well the pass supports multi-region, scenic travel.

However, some travelers note that if your main goal is to maximize discounts, the SBB Half-Fare Card might offer better savings depending on your specific routes. As one reviewer pointed out, you need to plan your trips carefully to make sure you’re taking advantage of the discounts and routes that justify the cost.

The scenic boat rides on Lake Thun and Brienz are especially popular for their relaxed pace and picturesque views, providing a gentle break from more strenuous mountain excursions. Travelers love the ease of combining different modes of transport — from trains to boats to cable cars — creating a relaxing, varied Swiss adventure.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Bern serves as a charming starting point, with its medieval old town and vibrant markets. From there, you can hop on a train to Interlaken, the adventure hub nestled between two lakes and surrounded by towering mountains. This town makes an excellent base for day trips up to Harder Kulm or over to Lauterbrunnen and Mürren.

The mountain cable cars included are among the highlights — ascending to Harder Kulm offers sweeping views of Interlaken and the peaks beyond. The boat rides on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are peaceful ways to enjoy the scenery, with charming villages along the shoreline.

The Jungfraujoch trip is a must-do, taking you to the “Top of Europe” at over 3,400 meters. The journey involves a scenic train ride through mountain tunnels and lush valleys, culminating at a complex station with views that will stay with you forever. Likewise, the Schilthorn cable car takes you to a rotating restaurant with panoramic vistas, made famous by a James Bond movie.

While some routes like Jungfraujoch may involve additional fees or reservations, the pass significantly reduces overall costs. One reviewer noted that planning ahead is key to get the most value, especially for popular excursions.

More Great Tours Nearby

How the Pass Enhances Your Travel Experience

Traveling in first class elevates your journey — wider seats, quieter cabins, and more space make the long train rides more comfortable. The digital tickets are convenient, freeing you from waiting in lines and allowing more time for sightseeing.

The discounts at attractions double the value, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple sites or take several cable car rides. The scenic routes stitched together through this pass truly showcase Switzerland’s legendary landscapes — from shimmering lakes to towering summits.

One of the biggest delights is how stress-free the experience is. No need to worry about buying tickets at each stop; you simply show your digital pass and enjoy the ride. Plus, the flexibility to choose 3 to 10 days means you can tailor your trip without feeling locked into a rigid schedule.

Who Will Love This Pass?

This pass is perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic journeys and flexible itineraries. If you’re someone who wants to hop between lakes, mountains, and charming towns without fussing over tickets, you’ll find this especially valuable.

It’s also a great fit for those who plan to visit multiple attractions or excursions, as the discounts can really add up. However, if your main focus is just a single trip to Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn, it’s worth comparing the overall costs against other passes or tickets.

Travelers who appreciate first-class comfort will be pleased with the spacious cabins and peaceful atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. And for those who want to combine boat rides, cable cars, and train journeys into one seamless adventure, this pass provides a wonderful way to do so.

Final Thoughts

The Berner Oberland First Class Pass holds real value for anyone eager to explore Switzerland’s iconic landscapes in style. The combination of unlimited travel, scenic routes, and attractive discounts makes it ideal for longer stays or multiple excursions, especially if you’re keen to maximize comfort and convenience.

While some excursions might require additional fees, the overall cost is often well justified by the ease of travel and breathtaking experiences. The ability to skip lines, travel comfortably, and mix diverse modes of transport allows you to focus on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about logistics.

This pass is best suited for adventurers, scenery lovers, and those who appreciate a touch of luxury — it offers a balanced mix of value, flexibility, and authentic Swiss charm. If you’re planning to explore the Jungfrau region, Lake Thun, or the surrounding towns, it’s an investment that can truly elevate your Swiss holiday.

FAQ

Can I use this pass for travel within Bern and Interlaken?
Yes, the pass covers all public transport within Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken, Saanen, and Brig, including trains, buses, and boats, in first class.

Are there any extra costs for mountain excursions?
Some routes like Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn may require additional fees or reservations, but the pass offers discounts which help reduce the overall expense.

How long before my trip should I purchase the pass?
The earliest you can buy the Swiss All-in-One Travel Pass is 180 days before your travel date, giving you plenty of time to plan ahead.

Does the pass include boat rides?
Yes, the pass includes steamboats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, offering scenic, relaxing ways to see the lakes.

Is the ticket digital or physical?
Your tickets are sent digitally within 72 hours after purchase. You need to show the digital ticket to the train manager — no paper needed.

Can children travel with this pass?
Children aged 6-15 require a child pass costing CHF 30 with a valid adult pass.

Is traveling with a dog allowed?
Yes, dogs travel for free but require a CHF 30 supplement. Make sure to bring a suitable carrier or leash.

This comprehensive pass offers a great way to see Switzerland’s highlights comfortably and affordably — perfect for those who want scenic beauty without the fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: