BERNESE ALPS

also called Bernese Oberland, German Berner Alpen, or Berner Oberland, French Alpes Bernoises, segment of the Central Alps lying north of the Upper Rhne River and south of the Brienzer and Thunersee (lakes) in Bern and Valais cantons of southwestern Switzerland. The mountains extend east-northeastward from the bend of the Rhne near Martigny-Ville to Grimsel Pass and Haslital (valley of the upper Aare River). Many peaks rise to more than 12,000 ft (3,660 m); Finsteraarhorn (14,022 ft), Jungfrau, and Aletschhorn are among the highest. Of the numerous glaciers in the range, the Aletsch is one of the longest in the Alps. The Bernese Alps are crossed by the Ltschen, Gemmi, and Pillon passes and the Ltschberg (railway) Tunnel. The magnificent Alpine scenery has helped establish the nearby resorts of Interlaken, Grindelwald, Mrren, Wenger, Kandersteg, Leukerbad, and Gstaad. Mountain climbing has long been a popular activity in the region.