Where to photograph the Bernese Oberland? Grindelwald, the Eiger and Lauterbrunnen

Updated July 29, 2026

The Bernese Oberland is home to some of the most recognizable landscapes in the Swiss Alps: the north face of the Eiger above Grindelwald, the Eiger–Mönch–Jungfrau trio from Kleine Scheidegg, the vertical valley of Lauterbrunnen, the car-free villages of Wengen and Mürren, and Lake Oeschinen at the foot of the Blüemlisalp.

This density doesn't mean everything can be photographed from a single spot. Grindelwald requires capturing the relationship between the village and the imposing mountain face. Bachalpsee relies on reflections, the relief of the Schreckhorn, and the gentle lines of alpine pastures. Kleine Scheidegg combines trains, snow, and high mountains. Lauterbrunnen demands a vertical composition capable of separating cliffs, waterfalls, and the village. From Wengen or Mürren, the valley becomes a deep landscape. At Oeschinensee, the turquoise water, forests, and the cirque of the Blüemlisalp create a more lacustrine image.

This guide helps you choose the right area for the season, light, and desired image type. It complements the two other guides in the Swiss Alps cluster: Zermatt, the Matterhorn, and Gornergrat, and Valais beyond Zermatt. All three articles are linked to our pillar page on the most beautiful photo spots in the Swiss Alps and the parent page of photo destinations in the Alps.

Key Information in 30 Seconds

• Best area for the Eiger: Grindelwald for the north face above the village; Kleine Scheidegg and Eigergletscher for close-ups.
• Best reflection: Bachalpsee when the wind is low, with the reliefs of the Schreckhorn and Wetterhörner.
• Best panorama of the Eiger–Mönch–Jungfrau trio: Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen, or the Mürren side depending on the desired orientation.
• Best area for waterfalls: Lauterbrunnen valley, especially in spring, after snowmelt or under diffuse light.
• Best lake landscape: Oeschinensee above Kandersteg, with the Blüemlisalp in the background.
• Priority focal lengths: 24–70 mm for contextualized landscapes; 70–200 mm for isolating cliffs, trains, waterfalls, and villages.

Table of Contents

• Why photograph the Bernese Oberland?
• Which area to choose?
• Transportation, lifts, and schedules
• Grindelwald and the Eiger North Face
• First, Bachalpsee, and Faulhorn
• Kleine Scheidegg, Eigergletscher, and mountain trains
• Wengen and Männlichen
• Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach Falls
• Mürren, Winteregg, and views of the Jungfrau
• Oeschinensee and Blüemlisalp massif
• Which season to choose?
• Compositions, focal lengths, and settings
• Photographing mountain trains
• Three photo itineraries
• Recommended equipment
• Safety, trails, and drones
• Bernese Oberland photo prints
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why photograph the Bernese Oberland?

The Bernese Oberland brings together three families of landscapes rarely seen so close together. The first is dominated by large rock and glacier faces: Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Schreckhorn, or Blüemlisalp. The second relies on inhabited valleys, with villages, chalets, trains, and meadows that give scale to the mountains. The third combines water and verticality: Bachalpsee, Oeschinensee, torrents, and the waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen.

This variety allows for producing several series without repeating the same motif. An image of Grindelwald can contrast the village lights with the Eiger. At Kleine Scheidegg, the red train introduces a line of color in the snow. From Wengen, the Lauterbrunnen valley becomes a plunging composition. From Mürren, the Jungfrau and the peaks of the opposite slope close the horizon. At Oeschinensee, the image is built around the color of the lake and the succession of forest–cliff–glacier.

The main challenge, therefore, is not finding a subject, but simplifying it. The landscapes are rich in roads, cables, installations, buildings, peaks, and visitors. The telephoto lens plays a major role: it allows selecting a part of the scenery and building a clear hierarchy. The wide-angle remains useful at the edge of a lake or in a steep valley, but it should not become the automatic setting.

Which area to choose for a photo trip?

Transportation, lifts, and schedules: preparing for the light

The Bernese Oberland can be efficiently explored by train, but the best lighting doesn't always coincide with the first and last transport options. Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Kandersteg are accessible by rail. Wengen and Mürren are car-free villages. Kleine Scheidegg is served by the cogwheel train from Grindelwald or Wengen. First, Männlichen, and Oeschinensee require a lift followed by a more or less long walk.

Before each outing, compare four pieces of information:

1. the time of sunrise or sunset at the exact viewpoint;
2. the schedules of the first and last transport;
3. the status of lifts and trails;
4. the actual walking time with equipment and altitude.

For a sunrise at Bachalpsee, the ordinary operating hours of the First gondola may be too late. You then need to consider an overnight stay at altitude, a suitable walking approach, or a date with a special offer. At Kleine Scheidegg, staying overnight provides access to light conditions that day visitors don't see. At Oeschinensee, the gondola schedules and any booking rules must be checked for the exact date.

Grindelwald and the Eiger North Face

Grindelwald is the most direct area for photographing the Eiger in an inhabited landscape. The north face rises almost directly above the village, providing immediate verticality to the scene. Chalets, roads, meadows, and forest edges provide scale, but can also fragment the image.

Photographing the village under the Eiger

Look for a slightly elevated point that allows you to separate the lines of buildings. At 35 or 50 mm, keep a few chalets and a road line without including the entire town. At 70–200 mm, the planes get closer, and the Eiger appears to weigh more heavily on the village.

During blue hour, warm lights structure the bottom of the image. The right window occurs when the snow and sky still retain a blue tone, but the lights are already visible. A few minutes later, the buildings become a multitude of orange dots, and the face gets lost in the darkness.

After a snowfall, photograph early before roads, paths, and trickles cut up the surfaces. Snow simplifies slopes and highlights the curve of a road or the repetition of chalets. However, it requires controlled exposure: protect the brightest areas without making the whole gray.

Terraces and paths above Grindelwald

The paths above the village allow you to incorporate more meadows and isolated chalets. Use a trail, a fence, or a forest edge as an entry line. The wide-angle only works if this foreground has a real shape. Otherwise, an intermediate focal length gives more weight to the Eiger.

First, Bachalpsee, and Faulhorn: reflections and alpine pastures

The Grindelwald-First area has a completely different character. Large rock faces are still present, but the alpine pastures, the curves of the terrain, and the lakes give a more open feel. Bachalpsee can be reached by a maintained path from the First top station in less than an hour according to official information.

Capturing the reflection of Bachalpsee

Wind is the main variable. Perfectly calm water allows for a clear reflection, but a slight ripple can produce a less expected image. First observe the two basins and the wind direction before setting up the tripod. A change of a few meters may be enough to find a more stable area.

Avoid automatically placing the waterline in the center. Complete symmetry works when the sky and reflection have a strong structure. In other cases, give more space to the foreground, grasses, or mountains. A dark stone or a shoreline curve can create depth without becoming overwhelming.

The polarizing filter should be used with caution. It can reveal shallow bottoms or reduce parasitic reflections, but it can also weaken the main reflection. Rotate the filter while precisely observing the effect on the water and sky.

To delve deeper into these choices, consult our guide on alpine reflections and lake compositions.

Faulhorn and high-altitude hiking

The Faulhorn and the route to Schynige Platte allow for working with more expansive landscapes. Successions of ridges and views towards the great peaks require a clear hierarchy. Reduce the amount of sky when it is uniform and use a telephoto lens to isolate a light or an overlapping of reliefs.

This hike is long and should not be added to an already busy day. Check the direction of the route, the last train or gondola, and then allow a margin for photo stops. In autumn, the colors of the alpine pastures are interesting, but facilities may operate on a reduced schedule.

Kleine Scheidegg, Eigergletscher, and mountain trains

Kleine Scheidegg is located between the Eiger and the Lauberhorn. Two cogwheel lines meet there, and the Jungfrau train continues towards Eigergletscher and then Jungfraujoch. For photography, this area combines three very strong elements: the Eiger–Mönch–Jungfrau trio, the railway geometry, and variations in snow or alpine pasture.

Photographing the Jungfrau train

The red train is an immediate focal point. Look for a track curve or a diagonal that leads the eye towards the Eiger and Mönch. A perfectly sharp train won't save a composition where poles cut across peaks and tracks abruptly leave the frame.

The 70–200 mm is often the best option. It brings the train closer to the cliffs, removes buildings, and makes the lines more graphic. To freeze motion, start around 1/500 s and adjust according to the actual speed. A slower speed can produce slight motion blur, but it requires a very stable fixed point.

Kleine Scheidegg and panorama of the three peaks

With a wide-angle lens, the risk is to produce a panorama without a point of focus. Use a path, a discreet building, a slope, or a snowline to organize the foreground. With a telephoto lens, work on the relationship between two peaks rather than the complete trio. Clouds can simplify the scene by temporarily hiding part of the massif.

The area is particularly interesting after a disturbance. Clearings illuminate glaciers and couloirs in a very localized manner. Keep the framing for several minutes and wait for the light to move. A coherent series is often stronger than a succession of improvised compositions.

Eigergletscher and Eiger Trail

From Eigergletscher, the Eiger North Face appears closer and more mineral. The Eiger Trail descends towards Alpiglen below the wall. Vertical framing can follow the couloirs and rocky lines. With a telephoto lens, details become almost abstract.

The trail remains a mountain route. Access by transport does not exempt you from checking its condition, snowfields, and the weather. Do not leave the path to get closer to a wall or an unstable area.

Wengen and Männlichen: photographing the valley from above

Wengen is located on a terrace above Lauterbrunnen. The village, accessible by train, offers sweeping views of the valley and towards the Jungfrau. It allows you to photograph verticality without staying at the foot of the cliffs.

Wengen: village and valley depth

Look for a point where the chalets in the foreground do not merge with those in the valley. A fence or a meadow can provide a natural entrance. With a 70–200 mm lens, planes get closer and Lauterbrunnen appears enclosed between the cliffs. With a 24–70 mm lens, retain more relief and sky when clouds contribute to the image.

Mist and low clouds are particularly interesting. They mask part of the cliffs and separate the planes. Expose to preserve the bright areas around the clouds, then accept that some forests remain dark.

Männlichen: panorama of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau

Männlichen offers a very wide panorama of the trio and the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The Royal Walk allows you to reach a higher point in a short walk, while the route towards Kleine Scheidegg keeps the peaks in alignment for a large part of the journey.

In such a vast panorama, the foreground is essential. Look for a path curve, a grassy ridge, a strip of snow, or a distant silhouette. Don't automatically photograph from the most obvious platform: a few minutes' walk can provide a cleaner line and reduce the presence of facilities.

The official Wengen guide also lists several viewpoints, particularly towards the valley. Use these indications as a scouting basis, then adapt the framing to the conditions rather than reproducing a precise image.

Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach Falls

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is characterized by almost vertical cliffs and numerous waterfalls. The Staubbach Falls drop very close to the village and are the most recognizable subject. However, their height and delicacy require precise composition: placed alone on the cliff, they can seem small despite their dimensions.

Combining village, waterfall and valley floor

The bell tower and chalets give scale to the waterfall. Choose a point where these elements do not overlap. The village line can occupy the bottom of the frame, while the Staubbach closes one side and the peaks or valley remain visible in the center.

A 24–70 mm lens allows you to retain the context. A 70–200 mm lens isolates the waterfall and brings the village closer to the cliff. Vertical framing enhances the fall but may exclude the relief of the valley floor. Therefore, alternate formats according to your intention rather than seeking a single image.

What light for waterfalls?

Diffuse light facilitates the preservation of details in the water and the cliff. Under direct sunlight, the waterfall can disappear in bright areas. After rain or during thaw, the flow increases, but the path and nearby areas can become slippery.

To give motion to the water, start between 1/10 s and 1 second depending on the distance and flow rate. Too long an exposure transforms the waterfall into a white, textureless band. Use a tripod when passage allows without blocking the path, then control the highlights.

In spring, green meadows and snow still present on the peaks produce a strong contrast. In autumn, trees bring warm hues, but the flow may be lower. Winter simplifies the village and cliffs, with potentially more delicate conditions around the paths.

Mürren, Winteregg and views towards the Jungfrau

Mürren occupies a terrace on the opposite slope to Wengen. The car-free village and the connection from Grütschalp open up continuous views towards the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The atmosphere is different from Lauterbrunnen: the valley is no longer a vertical corridor, but an area seen from above.

Winteregg and the railway line

Between Grütschalp, Winteregg, and Mürren, the small train crosses forests and meadows. Use it as a secondary element, with the peaks in the background. The telephoto lens brings the train and mountains closer; a high speed ensures sharpness. Trees can form a natural frame, provided they don't completely obscure the panorama.

Chalets of Mürren and inhabited landscape

In the village, avoid photographing every facade. Choose a chalet, a balcony line, or a street that allows you to introduce the panorama. During blue hour, the lights remain more discreet than in Grindelwald and the atmosphere can be very calm. The tripod must be set up without disturbing residents or travelers.

In autumn, meadows and forest edges offer softer colors. In winter, snow-covered roofs simplify shapes. Clouds clinging to the Jungfrau can become the main subject rather than an obstacle.

Towards Gimmelwald and the Schilthorn

The areas beyond Mürren open up other relationships with the walls and secondary valleys. Don't turn the day into a race for lifts: the same viewpoint can change significantly with the clouds. Choose an area and wait for the light rather than multiplying transport options.

Oeschinensee and Blüemlisalp Massif

Lake Oeschinen is located above Kandersteg, in the western part of the Bernese Oberland. It belongs to the Jungfrau-Aletsch site and is situated in a vast cirque dominated by the Blüemlisalp massif. Its turquoise color, forests, and cliffs create a very different image from the valleys of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.

Choosing between shoreline, elevation, and telephoto lens

From the lakeside, a wide-angle lens can integrate the water and the walls, but the foreground must be chosen carefully. Beaches, facilities, or groups of visitors can quickly make the image cluttered. Move away from crowded areas while staying on authorized paths.

Higher vantage points offer a better reading of the lake's shape. An intermediate focal length or a telephoto lens allows reducing the sky's prominence and bringing the Blüemlisalp closer. Look for a clearing, a chalet, or a trail line to add depth.

Light and lake color

The color of the water depends on the light, the sky, and the viewing angle. High sun can intensify the turquoise but also create harsh contrasts. Morning often offers a calmer atmosphere and a better chance of obtaining even water surfaces. After a disturbance, clouds and bright clearings add more depth to the cliffs.

A polarizing filter can reveal certain nuances, but it should not make the water artificially dark. Control its effect on the entire frame, especially with a wide-angle lens. In autumn, the blue of the lake and the warm hues of the vegetation are already complementary: excessive saturation quickly degrades the naturalness of the image.

Access and safety

The gondola allows you to gain altitude from Kandersteg, and then several routes lead to the lake and viewpoints. Timetables, any reservations, and trail conditions must be checked on the official website. Some high-altitude sections may be exposed or closed depending on conditions.

Respect local instructions, barriers, and temporarily prohibited areas. The slopes overlooking the lake should not be used as simple off-trail photo platforms.

Which season to choose in the Bernese Oberland?

Spring

Spring is particularly interesting in Lauterbrunnen: the waterfalls benefit from melting snow and the meadows regain their color while the peaks remain snow-covered. However, high-altitude trails may be closed or still covered in snow.

Summer

Summer makes access to First, Faulhorn, Männlichen, and Oeschinensee easier. Midday light becomes harsh and sites are very busy. Prefer early morning departures, late afternoons, and days with structured cloud cover.

Autumn

Autumn brings color to the alpine pastures and forests, particularly around First, Mürren, and Oeschinensee. Days shorten and lift schedules change. Check each facility before choosing a sunset outing.

Winter

Winter is particularly suitable for Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen, and Mürren. The snow simplifies the terrain and highlights trains, chalets, and ski runs. Ski area rules, open trails, and avalanche risk must be integrated into the preparation.

Mist, rain, and post-disturbance outings

A uniform blue sky is not necessarily the best condition. Mist separates planes in Wengen, clouds give scale to the Eiger, and diffuse light facilitates the waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen. After rain, watch out for slippery paths and rapid changes in visibility.

To prepare for low light conditions, consult our guides on mountain sunrise photography and mountain blue hour photography.

Compositions, focal lengths, and camera settings

24–70 mm: telling the region's story

This range covers most situations: village under the Eiger, Lauterbrunnen Valley, lake, train in its environment, and panorama from Männlichen. Between 35 and 70 mm, proportions remain natural and peaks retain sufficient presence.

70–200 mm: simplifying dense landscapes

The telephoto lens is probably the most useful lens in the Bernese Oberland. It brings the train closer to the peaks, isolates the Staubbach Falls, tightens the valley from Wengen, and allows selecting specific light on the Eiger. It also avoids including facilities unrelated to the subject.

16–35 mm: only with a real foreground

The ultra-wide angle works by Bachalpsee or Oeschinensee, in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and when a strong line occupies the foreground. Without this element, the peaks become small and the scene loses its power.

Starting settings

• Landscape on tripod: ISO 100, f/8 to f/11, shutter speed according to light.
• Moving train: approximately 1/500 s as a base, then adapted to speed and focal length.
• Waterfall: from 1/10 s to 1 second depending on flow rate and desired effect.
• Blue hour: low ISO, tripod, and control of village lighting.
• Handheld telephoto: shutter speed faster than the inverse of the focal length, more so in case of wind.
• Reflection: intermediate focus, control of wind and polarizing filter.

To structure large landscapes, use our guide on mountain photo composition: depth, lines, and foregrounds. For technical precision, consult mountain photo settings and the histogram, then the guide to obtaining a perfectly sharp mountain photo.

Photographing mountain trains

Trains are not just a means of transport in the Bernese Oberland. They structure the landscape, provide scale, and add an identifiable color. Three approaches are possible:

• train in the landscape: small train, dominant peaks, and tracks as a guiding line;
• train as main subject: telephoto lens, tight framing, and mountain used as context;
• photography from the train: high speed, lens close to the window, and anticipating obstacles.

From a train car, wear dark clothing and place the lens hood close to the window without touching it. Reflections will decrease and vibrations will remain limited. Prepare the exposure before the landscape opens up, as trees, poles, and tunnels quickly interrupt the framing.

Outside, stay in authorized areas. Never cross the tracks and do not set up on a railway embankment. A slightly less perfect curve does not justify a dangerous or prohibited position.

Three photo itineraries in the Bernese Oberland

Itinerary 1 — Grindelwald, First, and Kleine Scheidegg in three days

• Day 1: Scouting Grindelwald, telephoto on the Eiger, then blue hour above the village.
• Day 2: First and Bachalpsee, returning through the alpine pastures depending on the schedule.
• Day 3: Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfrau train, and the Eigergletscher area.

This program is the best first approach. It combines village, reflection, train, and high mountains without multiplying valley changes.

Itinerary 2 — Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren in Two Days

• Day 1: Staubbach and the village in the morning or in diffused light, then ascent to Wengen for high-altitude views.
• Day 2: Grütschalp, Winteregg, and Mürren, focusing on the train, chalets, and panorama.

This itinerary is ideal for changeable weather. Clouds and mist can enhance the valley's depth instead of ruining the outing.

Itinerary 3 — Kandersteg and Oeschinensee

• Arrive early in Kandersteg and ascend according to the earliest available schedule.
• Scout the lake from its immediate surroundings, then proceed to an authorized higher vantage point.
• Work with a 24–70mm lens for the context and a 70–200mm lens for the cliffs and the Blüemlisalp.
• Return with ample time before the last transport and depending on the trail conditions.

Oeschinensee deserves a full day. Combining it with Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen on the same day significantly reduces the chances of waiting for the right light.

What equipment to bring?

• 24–70 mm: main lens for villages, valleys, lakes, and panoramas.
• 70–200 mm: essential for the Eiger, trains, waterfalls, and layered landscapes.
• Wide-angle: useful by lakeshores and in the valley, but not mandatory.
• Stable tripod: for blue hour, reflections, waterfalls, and precise framing.
• Polarizing filter: use with care on lakes and foliage.
• Spare batteries: necessary in winter and during long waits.
• Rain protection and cloth: for changeable weather, waterfalls, snow, and condensation.
• Suitable footwear: lifts do not eliminate slippery trails or high altitudes.
• Offline map and power bank: useful for itineraries involving multiple transfers.

The best compromise remains a camera body, a 24–70mm, and a 70–200mm lens. A lighter bag increases the ability to walk, wait, and quickly change viewpoints.

Safety, respect for the environment, and drone regulations

The presence of trains and lifts gives an impression of accessibility, but several points are at high altitude. Fog, snow, and wind can quickly reduce visibility. Check trail conditions, operating information, and the weather before each outing.

Stay on authorized paths around lakes, waterfalls, and slopes. Do not cross barriers to get a clearer angle. In Lauterbrunnen, wet areas can be slippery. In Oeschinensee, some slopes and trail sections are exposed. At First and Eigergletscher, snow may persist late into the season.

Respect villages and private property. Wengen, Mürren, and Grindelwald are inhabited places, not mere backdrops. Avoid tripods in front of entrances, intrusive shots, and wandering into private meadows.

Drones in the Bernese Oberland

Restrictions may depend on airfields, helipads, protected areas, reserves, and local rules. The official map should be consulted before each flight, as areas can change. General open category rules do not supersede geographical restrictions.

In busy valleys, near trains, lifts, villages, and waterfalls, a flight may be inappropriate even if no simple prohibition appears. Also consider wildlife, noise, and the presence of many visitors.

FAQ — Photographing the Bernese Oberland

What is the best area to photograph the Eiger?

Grindelwald shows the north face of the Eiger above the village. Kleine Scheidegg and Eigergletscher allow you to get closer and integrate trains, snow, and large rock faces.

Where can I get a good reflection in the Bernese Oberland?

Bachalpsee is the reference area when the wind is low. Oeschinensee offers a different composition, based on the color of the lake, the forest, and the Blüemlisalp massif.

Where to photograph the Lauterbrunnen valley?

The valley floor is suitable for vertical compositions with waterfalls and cliffs. Wengen and Mürren provide more depth and allow for layering the village, valley, and peaks.

Which season to choose in the Bernese Oberland?

Spring highlights the Lauterbrunnen waterfalls, summer facilitates access to high-altitude areas, autumn colors the alpine pastures and forests, and winter showcases Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen, and Mürren under snow.

Which focal lengths to bring to the Bernese Oberland?

The 24–70mm covers villages, valleys, lakes, and panoramas. The 70–200mm is particularly useful for the Eiger, trains, waterfalls, and layered landscapes.

What should be checked before a photo outing?

Check trail conditions, train and lift schedules, operating information, and the weather. The presence of infrastructure does not eliminate altitude, wind, fog, or local restrictions.

Bernese Oberland Photo Prints

The Bernese Oberland offers several decorative styles. Grindelwald beneath the Eiger combines village and high mountains in a winter atmosphere. The Jungfrau train provides a graphic line and strong color. Lauterbrunnen is suitable for vertical and bright compositions. Oeschinensee combines the blue of the lake, the forest, and the Blüemlisalp massif.

The artworks are available as photo prints on matte Dibond aluminium, printed on demand. Each photograph remains attributed to its true author.

• Discover mountain photo prints in Switzerland
• See Grindelwald under the Eiger at blue hour
• See the Jungfrau train facing the Eiger and the Mönch
• See Lauterbrunnen and the Staubbach waterfall
• See Lake Oeschinen and the Blüemlisalp massif in autumn

To continue planning, find the guide to Zermatt and the Matterhorn, that of Valais beyond Zermatt, and the pillar page Photographing the Swiss Alps.