23 Best Day Trips from Interlaken Switzerland

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Nestled between crystal-clear lakes and majestic mountains, Interlaken is your gateway to adventure and the heart of Switzerland’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Exploring the wonders of Switzerland, especially when it comes to planning day trips from Interlaken, has become a cherished part of my travel experiences.

With years of navigating the balance between budget-friendly adventures and indulging in some of life’s finer moments while on the road, I’ve honed my skills in crafting memorable trips that don’t break the bank.

My passion for travel, combined with meticulous planning and a keen eye for deals, has allowed me to uncover hidden gems and create comprehensive guides that help fellow travelers experience the beauty of destinations like Interlaken.

Whether it’s uncovering the best local spots or navigating the must-visit attractions, my goal is to share insights that are both reliable and exciting, making your travel planning process as smooth and enjoyable as the trip itself.

Want to take a vacation to central Switzerland and explore the Swiss Alps, but you only have 4 days to make it happen?

Look no further! We have the perfect 4 day itinerary that will show you all the best day trips from Interlaken, Switzerland.

From visiting charming villages, taking a spin on Lake Brienz, or heading into Meiringen for some delicious meringues, we’ve got you covered!

Join us as we explore all that this gorgeous region has to offer!

SBT Highlights

• Discover Interlaken, the perfect base for exploring Switzerland’s natural wonders, including Lake Brienz, Giessbach Falls, and Trummelbach Falls.
• Learn from a seasoned traveler’s guide to planning memorable, budget-friendly day trips from Interlaken.
• Get insider tips on finding hidden gems and navigating must-visit attractions for an unforgettable Swiss adventure.

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Best Day Trips from Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken, Switzerland is a stunningly beautiful place that offers countless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. From the blue waters of Lake Brienz to the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day trip or an action-packed excursion, Interlaken has it all!

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best day trips from Interlaken. We’ll also provide tips on how to make the most out of your day trips and share insight into what makes Interlaken so special. So grab your bags and let’s hit the road!

Day Trips from Interlaken by Train

One of the best ways to explore the area surrounding Interlaken is by taking a train ride. There are numerous routes that offer breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and picturesque villages, making it an ideal way to get around. Most routes begin at the Interlaken Ost (Interlaken East) station. Although there is a second, smaller station (Interlaken West), there isn’t much parking there, and you’ll have to route through Interlaken Ost anyway.

1) Lauterbrunnen

In just 20 minutes by train from the Interlaken Ost station, you can be in the charming village of Lauterbrunnen. This is an ideal spot for nature lovers looking to explore the lush meadows and thundering waterfalls nestled within the valley. Pack a picnic lunch and spend your day hiking, biking, or just enjoying the stunning views.

Walking further up the valley (which is actually south), you will come upon Staubbachfall, or Staubbach Falls. This waterfall cascades down the sheer face of a 297-meter cliff.

Just a little further you’ll find Camping Jungfrau, but if you’re like me, you’re not here to camp. Camping Jungfrau actually has a great restaurant called Weidstubli, offering local dishes such as raclette and rosti.

2) Wengen

Continuing on from Lauterbrunnen on the train, you can head out of the valley and up into the mountains to the virtually car-free village of Wengen in just 12 minutes! Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountain peaks and lush green meadows. Because, Switzerland!

3) Kleine Scheidegg

From Wengen, you can board the world’s longest cog railway and continue up the mountain passes to Kleine Scheidegg. Here, at an altitude of 2,061 meters, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the Jungfrau region. Enjoy a meal or just soak up the panoramic views.

4) Jungfraujoch

Many people visit Kleine Scheidegg merely as a stopping point on their way to Jungfraujoch, called the Top of Europe. This is the highest railway station in Europe, at an altitude of 3,454 meters! The views from here are absolutely breathtaking and well worth the journey (if the weather cooperates with a clear day!).

The journey to Jungfraujoch will cost you though…in both time and money. Tickets to the Top of Europe are an additional cost to any train pass you may already have. In order to make the most of your trip, you will also need to dedicate one day of your visit to Jungfraujoch.

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5) Interlaken to Grindelwald – Can you do a day trip from Interlaken to Grindelwald?

Absolutely!

The train route from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald is a great start to any day in the region. With a couple stops along the way, the ride is about 35 minutes long. Once you’re in Grindelwald, there are a host of activities and attractions waiting for you (which we’ll explore in the “Cable Car & Other Mountain Railways” section).

Grindelwald itself is a charming mountain town that’s surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows. You can explore the streets, visit art galleries, or just walk from one end of town to the other in no time at all!

6) Schynige Platte

Called the Top of Swiss Tradition, Schynige Platte is a mountain plateau at an altitude of 1,967 meters. From here, you can enjoy incredible views of the Bernese Alps and take in the fresh Alpine air!

You may also catch a live alphorn (or alpenhorn) concert! And, don’t forget to check out the Swiss Flower & Panorama Hiking Trail, featuring the only Alpine garden in Switzerland!

The Schynige Platte Railway climbs from Wilderswil (which is between Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen) to the Schynige Platte Mountain Station at its summit. This cogwheel railway has more of a classic feel. Train cars from the 19th century with wooden benches will carry you up and back. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of time for this trip, as it takes about an hour each way!

More Places to Visit from Interlaken by Train

Along with all of the aforementioned day trips headed south from Interlaken Ost, you can also get to many other places via train from Interlaken.

7) Meiringen

Head east from Interlaken Ost on the Bernese Oberland Railway and you’ll be in Meiringen, Switzerland, in about 35 minutes. Home to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, this is a must-see for any fan of the famous detective!

My favorite thing in Meiringen, however, is meringue! Head to Frutal, and order one of their amazing meringue creations!

8) Aareschlucht

From Meiringen, take a small train for a 5-minute hop to the Aareschlucht Ost station. Another 5 minutes on foot (uphill all the way!) will get you to the east entrance of the Aare Gorge, or Aareschlucht.

This picturesque gorge is full of waterfalls, narrow passages, and sheer walls of rock that have been formed over thousands of years by the rushing waters of the Aare River. By starting at the east entrance, you will be going mostly downhill while navigating the walkways inside the gorge.

9) Interlaken to Montreux Day Trip

For another full day trip, this time to the west out of Interlaken Ost, you can take the Golden Pass Scenic Train to Montreux.

Montreux is known for its beautiful lakefront location on Lake Geneva, as well as its annual jazz festival. It’s also home to the Château de Chillon, one of the country’s most popular castles.

For this day trip, you’ll also need to switch languages. Montreux is in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, while all of the other locations in this article are in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

Day Trips from Interlaken by Cable Car & Other Mountain Railways

Trains are ubiquitous in Switzerland, but so are cable cars and other mountain railways. In fact, you can get to some pretty amazing places on these other forms of transportation.

10) Grindelwald-First Cable Car

Once you’ve gotten to Grindelwald village by train, stroll through town a little ways, and take the cable car up to First (pronounced “Feerst”) and explore this area’s mountain trails and grassy slopes, with stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

Way up at First, which is called the Top of Adventure, you’ll find several adventurous activities, for an additional fee. These include:

• First Flyer
• First Glider
• Mountain Cart
• Trottibike Scooter
• Mountainbike

You’ll also find the First Cliff Walk by Tissot, which is FREE! The First Cliff Walk is a walkway affixed to the sheer cliffs of First. You’ll also find a suspension bridge and a viewing platform as bonuses for this free adventure.

One of the most popular roundtrip hikes in the region begins and ends at First. One hour up and one hour back will route you to Lake Bachalpsee, a gorgeous Alpine lake with (what else?) stunning views!

11) Bort

The cable car between Grindelwald and First has two other possible stops: Bort and Schreckfeld. If you’re traveling with kids, Bort is a great destination. There is a fantastic alpine playground at Bort that kids will love. Parents will love the view…literally the best views from a playground!

12) Pfingstegg

One of my favorite cable car excursions is the one from Grindelwald to Pfingstegg. Why? Well, first of all, the cable car itself is the cutest ever, with flower boxes and curtains as decor. It’s also an amazingly steep cable car route, providing spectacular views of Grindelwald.

Then, when you’re up in Pfingstegg, there’s an alpine slide! Or toboggan, or Rodelbahn, or whatever you want to call it! It’s fun! Seriously, alpine slides are just the best things ever!

13) Eiger Express

Grindelwald also has a spacious transportation terminal with modern amenities, Grindelwald Terminal. From there, you can board the Eiger Express gondola, and (as we’ll get to next) gondolas to Mannlichen.

The Eiger Express is used by many to reduce the time it takes to get to Jungfraujoch. We enjoyed riding the Eiger Express in and of itself, for its amazing scenic views.

This modern tricable gondola will whisk you from Grindelwald Terminal to the Eiger Glacier station in 15 minutes!

14) Männlichen

The other aerial gondola departing from the modern Grindelwald Terminal goes up to Mannlichen. What’s in Mannlichen? A cow slide! Yes, seriously. There’s a fantastic playground on the Mannlichen plateau that includes a cow slide!

Besides the cow slide, you can take the Royal Walk, which culminates in magnificent views from a giant crown. Various other hikes, including family-friendly ones, set out from Mannlichen.

There’s even a small hotel (11 rooms) at Mannlichen, as well as a restaurant with various seating options for up to several hundred people.

In addition to the cable car from Grindelwald, Mannlichen is also accessible via cable car from Wengen. This cable car is extra special, because you have the option to ride on the top of the cable car. Yes, it’s true! Called the Royal Ride, pay a few extra Swiss francs, and you can get a unique perspective of the Alps from the rooftop balcony!

15) Mürren

High above the Lauterbrunnen valley on the other side is the small town of Murren. Also known as being virtually car-free, Murren is called the Top of Family.

Unless you’re hiking the entire way, it takes multiple forms of transportation to get to Murren. Once you’ve arrived in Lauterbrunnen, you will take a cable car up to Grutschalp. Upon exiting the station, you will practically walk right onto a small train that will take you through Winteregg and on to Murren in approximately 15 minutes.

Walk through Murren and enjoy the views, lack of cars, and Swiss ambiance!

16) Allmendhubel

It will take you less than 10 minutes to walk about 3/5 of the way through Murren…that is, if you don’t stop along the way, which you will! At around that 3/5 point, you will find the funicular to Allmendhubel.

This funicular will glide you up to the Flower Park playground, with yet again, some of the best playground views in the world! Grab an Alpine snack at the Panorama Restaurant, and when you’re ready for the next stop, take the funicular back down to Murren.

17) Schilthorn

Walk the remaining 2/5 of Murren (in about 5 minutes), and you will come to a cable car station with two options. Many people visit Murren to ascend even higher to the first option, Schilthorn.

What’s the draw (other than the view, of course)? This peak was made famous by the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The 360-degree view restaurant at the top was called Piz Gloria in the film, and the name stuck. An interactive exhibit, called Spy World, features info and artifacts from the film.

On your way up to Schilthorn, or back down to Murren, there is one stop at Birg. Here you can enjoy the Skyline Walk and the Thrill Walk for FREE!

18) Gimmelwald & Stechelberg

The other option at the Murren cable car station is to head down to Gimmelwald, a small village up in the mountains. There is a cute playground right by the cable car station though, so your kids might want to stop for a little before continuing on.

In order to return to the Lauterbrunnen valley floor, there is one more cable car to take from Gimmelwald to Stechelberg. This cable car begins with the ground visible several feet below. Very quickly, however, the ground drops off into a sheer cliff, and the Lauterbrunnen valley below and rock walls next to you are sights to behold! It’s quite the experience!

19) Giessbach Falls

Giessbach Falls is accessible by car, parking near the Grandhotel Giessbach, and a short hike up to the falls. But, if you want to make your visit worthy of a segment on The Amazing Race, take a boat from Interlaken Ost to Giessbach, then take the Giessbachbahn funicular up to the hotel, and then the short hike!

The Giessbach funicular is Europe’s oldest mountain cable railway (in use since 1879). It’s an old-fashioned funicular ride, running as a single track with passing loops.

The hike up to the falls isn’t too strenuous. Once you’re up at the falls, you can actually go behind it! You know…”the back side of water!” The views from the falls, to the hotel, and Lake Brienz beyond are some of the most stunning in Switzerland (and that’s saying a lot)! It’s a great spot to just linger for a bit and breathe it all in.

20) Harder Kulm

Right in Interlaken itself is Harder Kulm, called the Top of Interlaken. You can take a funicular up the steep incline to the summit, which is 1,322 meters above sea level. It takes about 10 minutes each way.

The view from the top of Harder Kulm is absolutely stunning. On one side, you’ll see Lake Thun and Interlaken’s amazing old town. On the other, you will be able to look out over Lake Brienz all the way up to the Alps, with the famous peaks, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

I recommend being at the summit during the full sunshine of day, or at sunset. It really is the classic panoramic view of all the beauty that Interlaken has to offer.

Day Trips from Interlaken by Bus

Bus service from Interlaken is also a great option for a day trip. You can visit the nearby towns of Thun and Brienz, or even head up into the mountains.

21) Trummelbach Falls

Accessible by bus from either Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg, Trummelbach Falls is not to miss! Visit these ten thundering glacier waterfalls, and marvel at what’s been carved out of solid rock over the years.

There is a diagonal elevator that whisks you to the level between waterfalls 6 and 7. From there, you can take stairs up to Falls #10 and then walk your way all the way down from 10 to 1.

Note that you will get wet in some places during your visit to Trummelbach Falls, so bring a rain jacket or poncho!

Day Trips from Interlaken by Boat

Interlaken is named as such because it is located between two beautiful lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. So, why not take a boat ride, and get out on the water?

22) Lake Brienz

From Interlaken Ost, you can take a historic paddle steamer boat across the deep blue waters, all the way to Brienz, which is an approximate one-hour journey. Along the way, you can disembark at places like Iseltwald and Giessbach.

In Brienz, you will find a beautiful little lakeside town with some great restaurants, as well as woodcarving shops that feature the famous Swiss artistry. You can then take the boat or train back to Interlaken Ost from Brienz. If you have time to extend your visit, take the train further on to Meiringen and Aareschlucht.

23) Lake Thun

In addition to Lake Brienz, another great day trip on the water is taking a boat along Lake Thun. Some places to disembark are Beatenbucht (visit the St. Beatus caves, or take the funicular to Beatenberg, then the aerial cableway up to Niederhorn), Spiez (visit Spiez Castle and the Castle Church), and Thun (visit Thun Castle).

How to Do All of These Day Trips from Interlaken

There is only one travel pass that allows you to do all these day trips from Interlaken for a reasonable price. The Berner Oberland Pass.

With the Berner Oberland Pass, you can choose 3, 4, 6, 8, or 10 days. You can also choose 1st class or 2nd class. Personally, I feel there’s not much incentive to pay extra for 1st class. You will be just fine with 2nd class. We were!

We chose the 4-day pass. You’ll see just below, in the “Interlaken Itinerary Options” section, all the things we accomplished in those 4 days!

Now, a 4-day, full fare, 2nd class, pass for adults was 270 CHF (Swiss Francs) when we purchased it. Children (ages 6 – 15.99, so not quite 16) are an additional 30 CHF. So, our family of 4, with 2 adults and 2 children, paid a total of 600 CHF for our 4-day passes.

600 CHF is nothing to sneeze at. It’s for sure a semi-budget travel splurge. But, get this! If we were to purchase a ticket for each and every thing we did using the pass, it would have cost us well over 1,000 CHF!

There are other passes available, such as the Swiss Travel Pass or the Jungfrau Travel Pass, but if you’re focused on experiencing day trips from Interlaken, the best way is to buy the Berner Oberland Pass. Besides saving a bunch of money, you’ll save so much time not having to buy train tickets left and right.

🚞🚠 Buy Your Berner-Oberland Pass Here! 🚠🚞

How many days in Interlaken is enough?

Interlaken is a great place to stay for 4 days or longer. We chose a full 4 days, and were able to do most of the day trips we wanted. But, if you’d like to get away more quickly, there are also plenty of activities that can be done in as few as 2 days.

The advantage of having 4+ days is that it allows you to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Interlaken itself. That is, the charming old town, the two beautiful lakes, and all of the wonderful mountain views.

So, if you’re looking for a home base in Switzerland and don’t want to leave anything out, I’d recommend staying 4 days or more in Interlaken, and take advantage of the great day trip options. You won’t regret it! I already can’t wait for our next trip!

Semi-Budget Travel Savings & Splurge!

Traveling to Switzerland and experiencing all of these amazing day trips is definitely a semi-budget travel splurge, BUT the Berner-Oberland Pass provides a HUGE savings!

Interlaken Itinerary Options

We packed it in to these four days! We probably could’ve done more; we could’ve done less. See what you think, and start planning your Interlaken itinerary!

Day 1 Interlaken Itinerary

• boat trip on Lake Brienz – start at Interlaken Ost – exit at Giessbach
• Giessbach funicular
• short hike up to Giessbach Falls
• funicular back down to boat
• back on boat to Brienz
• train from Brienz to Meiringen
• lunch in Meiringen
• dessert in Meiringen at Frutal – for what else, meringues!
• Sherlock Holmes statue in Meiringen
• train from Meiringen to Aareschlucht Ost (east)
• short hike to Aareschlucht
• walk through Aareschlucht – exit out at west entrance
• short walk to Aareschlucht West train station – lovely playground on the way
• train back into Interlaken

Day 2 Interlaken Itinerary

• train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald
• short walk through Grindelwald to First (Feerst) cable car station
• First = Top of Adventure
• exit at Bort station for fantastic alpine playground
• continue on from Bort, through Schreckfeld station, to First
• experience the First Cliff Walk (FREE)
• many paid activities at First as well
• popular hike to Lake Bachalpsee
• cable car back down to Grindelwald
• short walk to Pfingstegg cable car
• Pfingsteggbahn (cable car)
• rodelbahn (toboggan – alpine slide) at Pfingstegg
• cable car back down to Grindelwald
• lunch in Grindelwald
• cable car to Mannlichen (Mannlichenbahn)
• playground with cow slide
• cable car down to Wengen (ride on top of cable car for 5 EUR extra)
• train from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen
• dinner in Lauterbrunnen (Camping Jungfrau has a great restaurant with Swiss specialties at affordable prices)
• train from Lauterbrunnen back to Interlaken Ost
• funicular up to Harder Kulm (Top of Interlaken) (steep!)
• sunset from Harder Kulm
• funicular back down to Interlaken

Day 3 Interlaken Itinerary

• train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen
• cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp
• train from Grutschalp to Murren (Top of Family)
• walk through Murren – enjoy the scenery
• funicular to Allmendhubel
• Flower Park playground at Allmendhubel
• grab an alpine snack at the Panorama Restaurant
• funicular back to Murren
• lunch in Murren
• cable car from Murren to Gimmelwald
• cute playground right by cable car station at Gimmelwald
• cable car from Gimmelwald to Stechelberg
• bus from Stechelberg to Trummelbach Falls
• visit Trummelbach Falls
• bus from Trummelbach Falls to Lauterbrunnen
• train from Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost

Day 4 Interlaken Itinerary

• train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald
• Eiger Express tri-cable car from Grindelwald to Eiger Glacier station
• from there, can continue on to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) (we didn’t)
• take train to Kleine Scheidegg
• snack at Kleine Scheidegg
• train to Lauterbrunnen
• train to Wilderswil
• lunch in Wilderswil
• train to Schynige Platte (Top of Swiss Tradition)
• alphorn players
• Swiss Flower & Panorama Trail (30 minutes)
• train to Wilderswil
• train to Interlaken Ost

Where to Stay in Interlaken

📍 Best Budget Spot – Camping at Manor Farm – The most affordable way to stay is to reserve an actual camp site. Other, but more expensive, options include renting the on-site “mobile homes.” This location is literally right on the shore of Lake Thun, and the setting is beautiful.

📍 Best Mid-Range Lodging – Hotel Bernerhof – Located right in the heart of Interlaken, Hotel Bernerhof is just steps from the Interlaken West train station, and has rooms for up to 4 people! Rates also include a breakfast buffet.

📍 Best Luxury Hotel – Victoria Jungfrau Hotel – Known far and wide, the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is the epitome of luxury in Interlaken. Prices definitely reflect the history and opulence of the property, but who knows? Maybe this is your big semi-budget travel splurge?

Semi-Budget Travel Booking Resource!

If you’d like even more options, take a look at this map! It combines hotels and vacation rentals all in one place. Super convenient!

It’ll even help you find experiences and restaurants, too! Just use the drop-down menu, and check it out!

(NOTE: On mobile, you might need to turn your phone sideways to see the drop-down menu.)

SBT Summary: Day Trips from Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning destination for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Switzerland. With its two beautiful lakes, incredible mountain views and numerous activities, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Whether you have 4 days or just 2, Interlaken offers plenty of exciting day trips that will make your trip unforgettable.

Interlaken is literally one of the best places to use as an ideal base camp for day trips galore! From Lake Brienz and Giessbach Falls, to the First Cliff Walk, Pfingsteggbahn toboggan ride, and Trummelbach Falls, there’s something for everyone!

So what are you waiting for? Buy your Berner-Oberland Pass, and explore Interlaken!

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