The ever-popular Bernese Oberland Region is where to find the essence of outdoor life in Switzerland. You can also find the best daylong hike in the country: from Grindelwald First to Schynige Platte. The route takes you along a ridge with the huge Brienzersee lake in the valley to the north; on the southern side there's an undulating skyline of Alpine peaks above 10,000 feet, headed by the nearby giants of Jungfrau, Mvnch, and Eiger. The trail is well defined and leads you past a gorgeous Alpine lake, the Bachalpsee—an ideal spot for a picnic. This idyllic lake is usually ringed by Swiss cows wearing engraved and embroidered cowbells; the lazy grazing of the placid beasts sends a tinkling melody rippling across the clear mountain air.