Itineraries for Your Trip to Interlaken
3 Days in Interlaken for First Timers
A top Swiss Alps destination for mountain, sports, and nature lovers, Interlaken has so many things to do that it can seem overwhelming trying to plan out a trip. I’ve been there: Before my first weekend trip to Interlaken, I was mulling over the Harder Kulm or Rugen hikes, reading all the guidebooks, scrolling through photos, and puzzling over the best place to stay.
This is one place in Switzerland where it really pays to do your research ahead of time to maximize all the fun things to do in this alpine town and nearby. Read on to learn how to get the most out of your three days in Interlaken.
If you only have time for one thing, catch the earliest train possible to the Jungfraujoch to see the famous trio—the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—ahead of the crowds.
Download a good weather app in advance; Swiss Meteo is known for being more accurate than most.
The best way to beat any Interlaken crowds is by prebooking transport tickets, and starting as early as possible. When the Harderbahn gondola opens around 9am, head up Harder Kulm to gaze over Interlaken, hike trails, and enjoy an early lunch at the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a trip to Seilpark Interlaken where treetop ziplines, bridges, and swings offer several hours of fun. Or, get your bearings instead, following a self-guided Interlaken scavenger hunt. You can find places for dinner in town, or feast on a classically Swiss meal of melted cheese while enjoying raclette on a raft.
Dedicate Day 2 to UNESCO–listed Jungfraujoch, keeping in mind “the journey is the destination.” After an early train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald, choose between two routes: the faster Eigergletscher-Jungfraujoch, or the slower [Kleine Scheidegg[(https://www.viator.com/Bern-attractions/Kleine-Scheidegg/d23275-a13231)-Jungfraujoch via cogwheel train.
Plan for around two hours at Jungfraujoch–The Top of Europe, exploring the Ice Palace, Alpine Sensation exhibit, and admiring views from the Sphinx Observatory and Glacier Plateau. Return to Kleine Scheidegg for lunch, hike for two hours to Männlichen, then ride the gondola to Wengen. Finally, catch the train to Interlaken Ost via Lauterbrunnen. Alternatively, leave the logistics to the professionals, and book a guided excursion for the day.
Make your last day in Interlaken all about the thrills. Grab a quick breakfast and head to the pretty village of Beatenberg. Then, take to the skies over Lake Thun (Thunersee), enjoying views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau during a tandem paragliding flight.
After lunch, head to the water. One option is canyoning in the Saxeten Gorge, which is a great place to escape your comfort zone, jumping through rapids and rappelling. More water-based options abound, from kayaking or rafting on Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) to cruising around Lake Thun. Finally, crack open one of Interlaken’s Rugenbraü beers to toast the end of your trip.
