Itineraries for Your Trip to Interlaken
1 Day in Interlaken for First Timers
Sitting in the middle of Switzerland’s serious peaks and lakes in the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a top destination for lovers of the great outdoors. Adventure-seekers and view-hunters can sate their appetites here in as little as a day, but planning ahead and booking trips or tickets in advance is essential. The town is the tourist capital of the Bernese Alps, and so activities often sell out, and lines regularly form for popular trips like the Harder funicular. Here are my tips to get more out of your one action-packed day in Interlaken.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Harder Kulm mountain for views over Interlaken to the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger peaks.
Alpine weather is unpredictable; if you visit in summer, pack warm hoodies and sunglasses.
Morning is the best time to appreciate Interlaken’s mountain scenery before the afternoon clouds roll in. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you can make your way to Beatenberg for a paragliding experience that takes in the soaring sights of Lake Thun and the Jungfrau. Other active options include kayaking past historic Ringgenberg Castle on nearby Lake Brienz or a bike ride out of Interlaken along the banks of the River Aare.
Harder Kulm is a popular trip, so book your funicular tickets in advance to save time. Then, enjoy the 10-minute ride up the mountain for a restaurant lunch with a view. After soaking up the sights, ride back down and spend time getting to know the town of Interlaken. Scavenger hunts, downloaded to a cellphone, are great for seeing sites such as Kursaal Gardens that you might otherwise miss.
For winter evening action in this Swiss adventure capital, head out for nighttime sledding. The sled track is just outside Interlaken, but there are trips with transport included for ease, and these often finish with fondue dinners. If there's no snow when you visit, you can get your Swiss cheese in another way. Check out fondue cooking classes or sunset cruises on nearby Lake Thun, including local cheese and wine.
