No trip to Switzerland is complete without a visit to the Swiss Alps! Grindelwald and the Bernese Alps are a beautiful region to explore if you are interested in hiking, biking or just being surrounded by the mountains. There are many tourist accommodations and it is an easy trip by train.
Only 30 minutes from Erlach, Bern is the capital of Switzerland and one of the most charming Swiss cities. The Aare River runs through the city and if you are feeling adventurous, take a swim! The water is clean and many people float down the river from one end to the other in the summer. The symbol of Bern is a bear and a great activity is to visit the “Bärengraben”, a free public zoo for a few lucky bears next to the river!
A beautiful city on Switzerland’s largest lake (entirely in Switzerland), Neuchâtel is a lovely city in the French-speaking part of the country. Only 15 minutes from Erlach, a castle over 1,000 years old overlooks the city with beautiful views of the lake and the Alps. Lake Neuchâtel has many public beaches and you can even take a boat across the lake.
Part of the Jura Mountains, the Chasseral is one of the highest points in the mountain range. A regional icon, you can see the mountain from Erlach and there is often snow on top during the winter. The Chasseral has many hiking and mountain biking trails. It is also a great place to try fondue at the local restaurant at the summit!
Don't forget to take a stroll around the old center of Erlach during your visit! There are several shops and restaurants lining the road and if you follow the cobblestones up the steep hill, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the lake and even the Alps. The village is colorful, old and charming and we cannot wait to share our new home with you over the weekend :)