10 Things to Do in Interlaken

Interlaken sits on a strip of land between two lakes, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau rising directly behind it, and that geography does most of the marketing for you. Most visitors pass through on their way to somewhere else in the Bernese Oberland. That's a mistake here's what to actually do once you're here.

1. Ride the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch

The single most-booked excursion from Interlaken, and for good reason. The train climbs to 3,454 meters, Europe's highest railway station, with a stop at Eismeer where glacier ice presses against the windows before you reach the observatory and views over the Aletsch Glacier. Budget a full day for this one it's not a quick stop.

2. Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm

Ten minutes each way from Interlaken Ost, this is the easiest big payoff in town: a panoramic platform looking out over Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau trio. Go for sunset if you can time it the restaurant at the top has a castle-like feel, and there's often live alphorn music while you take in the view.

3. Ride a boat on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Both lakes are strikingly, almost artificially blue, and a boat ride is the easiest way to actually experience that rather than just view it from shore. Lake Brienz in particular is known for crystal-clear water visible from the panoramic train windows as you approach town.

4. Day-trip to Lauterbrunnen

A short train ride from Interlaken drops you into one of the most photographed valleys in Switzerland 72 waterfalls cascading down sheer cliff walls, the most famous being Staubbach Falls, visible right from the village. It's also the gateway to Mürren and Gimmelwald, two car-free alpine villages reachable by cable car.

5. Hike the First–Bachalpsee trail from Grindelwald

Take the gondola up to First, then walk roughly 6km to Bachalpsee, a partially frozen alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers and snow patches depending on season. It's a moderate hike 2 to 3 hours round trip with some steep sections, but manageable for anyone in reasonably good shape.

6. Explore Interlaken's own town center

Between excursions, Interlaken itself is a pleasant, walkable base with chocolate shops worth a browse and a relaxed pace that makes for a good afternoon after a big hiking day. It won't be the highlight of your trip, but it's a solid place to decompress.

7. Try an adrenaline activity

Interlaken markets itself hard as Switzerland's adventure capital, and it delivers: skydiving, paragliding, and canyoning are all readily bookable through local operators, often with mountain backdrops that make the activity itself feel secondary to the view.

8. Ride the Golden Pass Line toward Montreux

If you have a spare day, the Golden Pass Line runs from Interlaken through the Bernese Oberland toward Lake Geneva, with a worthwhile detour to Gruyères for chocolate and cheese factory visits along the way.

9. Visit Thun for a day away from the crowds

A short train ride from Interlaken, Thun is a historic lakeside town with a castle, a boat-accessible waterfront, and noticeably fewer tourists than the Jungfrau region proper. Good for a lower-key day if you need a break from big-ticket excursions.

10. Go winter hiking or sledging

If you're visiting outside peak summer, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau region turns into a genuinely good winter destination sledging and winter hiking passes are available, giving you the mountains without needing to be a skier. Getting around without a rental car Interlaken sits at the center of a rail and cable car network that covers essentially everything on this list Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Mürren, and the surrounding funiculars are all reachable by train, bus, or cable car, most of them covered by a Swiss Travel Pass. A car adds very little here and mostly gets in the way.

FAQ

How many days should I spend in Interlaken?

Three to four days lets you fit in Jungfraujoch, a Lauterbrunnen day trip, and at least one good hike without rushing. Do I need a car to see the area around Interlaken?

No. Trains, buses, and cable cars connect nearly every major sight, and a Swiss Travel Pass covers most of them. What's the best time of year to visit Interlaken?

Late May through August for green alpine trails and open cable cars; December through February if winter activities like sledging appeal more than hiking.