Rick Steves' Favorite Spot In The Swiss Alps Has 'Drop-Dead' Views Accessed By A Quick Hike

Switzerland is a country that sits at the top of many travelers' bucket lists for good reason. If you're a foodie, you'll love sampling local delicacies like gooey fondue. If art, culture, and nightlife inspire you, then you'll adore visiting iconic cities like Zurich and Bern. History buff? There's no shortage of fascinating museums and medieval castles to explore. No matter your travel style, no visit to Switzerland would be complete without experiencing some of the nation's gorgeous natural scenery. America's favorite European travel expert, Rick Steves, has the perfect recommendation for where you should go to do just that.

Rick Steves spends several months out of each year in Europe. He has published multiple bestselling guidebooks, hosted popular travel-themed television shows, and takes thousands of travelers on group tours each year. It's safe to say he knows a thing or two about European travel. When it comes to exploring the Swiss Alps, he recommends the Bernese Oberland region (also called Berner Oberland) and a favorite hike through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, where the views will take your breath away.

In an article posted on his website, Steves wrote that the Swiss Alps are a "high point for most travelers. With majestic snow-capped summits, waterfall-laced cliffs, and picturesque lakes, they have hiker-friendly amenities — well-marked trails, restful mountain huts, and a system of lifts and trains that let you effortlessly ascend to dramatic mountaintops." Berner Oberland, which is located in Southwest Switzerland, is his destination of choice.

Berner Oberland is full of majestic mountains, pristine glaciers, and sparkling alpine lakes. Picturesque villages with lovely hotels and restaurants are accessible by cable car, and the cliffs surrounding the verdant valleys are dotted with cascading waterfalls. The landscape looks like something out of a fairytale.

You can reach Berner Oberland from most of Europe via the extensive railway system that connects countries, cities, and towns across the continent. Train travel is a budget and eco-friendly method of transportation enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. If you're flying from overseas, Zurich International Airport is probably going to be the best airport for you. From there, you can take a scenic train ride or rent a car and drive. The average cost for car rental in Zurich is about $50 per day. The Berner Oberland Pass is a great option if you plan to travel for multiple days in a row. You can choose day passes (between three and 10 days with prices ranging from $273 to $495. The pass also allows you to travel on buses and boats. The best time to visit the Bernese Oberland region is from June through September if you plan on doing any hiking. You'll find lovely accommodations, including mountain hotels in Gimmelwald, Mürren, and Lauterbrunnen, with rates starting around $200 per night.

When exploring the Bernese Oberland region, you'll have a variety of beautiful hikes to choose from. There are options for all experience levels, from challenging mountain climbs with steep inclines to leisurely strolls through flower-covered meadows. The three most notable mountains surrounding the Lauterbrunnen Valley include Eiger, Mönch, and Jungrau.

"A good, easy hike, with drop-dead views of these three peaks (in good weather) is between Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg, two spots along the high ridge that separates the Lauterbrunnen Valley from the Grindelwald Valley," Steves wrote on his website. The hike he's referring to is known as the Panorama Trail. It's 2.9 miles each way and takes just over an hour to complete. Since there's only a 173-foot elevation gain, most people find it relatively easy.

Steves also suggests taking the cable car to the top of the Schilthorn. From the 9,744 elevation, you can enjoy panoramic views. There's a restaurant called Piz Gloria, which is surrounded by windows and rotates slowly 360 degrees so that you don't miss out on seeing any of the 200 mountain peaks that surround the Schilthorn. On a clear day, you may even be able to see France and Germany in the distance. Piz Gloria was used as a filming location for the 1969 James Bond film, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." There is a small museum filled with memorabilia and a gift shop in addition to the restaurant. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, don't skip the Thrill Walk, which takes you along a cliff edge.