Before you go

Your trip to Interlaken.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Interlaken – Berna Destination Interlaken and the Jungfrau about 56 km from Berna

How to get there

Aeroporto de Zurique (ZRH) Zurique · 130 km
Interlaken Ost 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Interlaken has two stations: Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost, where trains to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen start. From Bern it’s about 50 minutes by train; from Zurich just over two hours. The most used airport is Zurich (ZRH), about 130 km away. Confirm before booking.

How many days

Two days are enough for the Höhematte, Harder Kulm and a boat trip on one of the lakes. With three or four days you can add the Schynige Platte, Brienz with the Giessbachfälle and the Ballenberg, plus day trips to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.

When to go

From June to September boats run more frequently and the mountain trains are open. Spring, April to May, and autumn, September to October, are less crowded. In winter, December to February, the town serves as a base for skiing, with short days and reduced boat schedules.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The center is walkable between the two stations, and trains, boats and buses serve the surroundings. Guests often receive a visitor card with local transport included; check the conditions at your accommodation.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Interlaken

Morning
Höhematte and Höheweg
Walk from Interlaken West to Interlaken Ost along the Höheweg, stopping at the Höhematte to look at the Jungfrau and the paragliders that land on the lawn.
Afternoon
Boat on the Brienzersee
Board at Interlaken Ost and get off at Giessbachfälle; the funicular goes up to the hotel and the trail passes behind one of the falls.
Late afternoon
Harder Kulm
Take the funicular near Interlaken Ost up to Harder Kulm, at 1,322 m, to see the town between the two lakes.
Evening
Dinner in Interlaken
Dine in the center, near the Höheweg. Keep in mind that kitchens close early.

2 days in Interlaken

Day 1

Morning
Centre and Höhematte
Start with the Höheweg and the Höhematte and cross the Aare to Unterseen, the old part of town.
Afternoon
Thunersee and St. Beatus-Höhlen
Take the boat from Interlaken West to the St. Beatus-Höhlen stop and explore the cave.
Late afternoon
Harder Kulm
Return by bus and go up to Harder Kulm.
Evening
Dinner at the Harder
Dine at the Harder Kulm restaurant or go down to eat in town.

Day 2

Morning
Schynige Platte
Take the train to Wilderswil and ride the rack railway up to the Schynige Platte, at 1,967 m, with the alpine garden next to the station.
Afternoon
Brienz
Get off and continue by train or boat to Brienz, a village of woodcarvers.
Late afternoon
Giessbachfälle
From Brienz pier, take the boat to Giessbach and ride the funicular up to the waterfalls.
Evening
Return by boat
Return to Interlaken by boat or train and have dinner near Interlaken Ost.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost: which station to use?

It depends on your destination. Trains to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Wilderswil depart from Interlaken Ost, where Brienzersee boats also call. Thunersee boats leave near Interlaken West. Many trains from Bern and Zurich stop at both stations.

Is Interlaken walkable?

Yes. The two stations are about 2 km apart, linked by the Höheweg and the Höhematte. The Harder Kulm funicular departs a few minutes' walk from Interlaken Ost.

Is Interlaken a good base for the Jungfrau region?

Yes. Trains to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen leave from there in under 40 minutes, and boats sail both lakes. If you prefer to stay closer to the mountains, choose Grindelwald, Wengen or Mürren.

Which lake to choose for a boat trip?

The Brienzersee is smaller and stops at Iseltwald, the Giessbachfälle and Brienz. The Thunersee is larger and goes to the St. Beatus-Höhlen, Spiez and Thun. If you have time, it's worth doing both.

What to do in Interlaken on a rainy day?

The St. Beatus-Höhlen are covered, and the Ballenberg has houses you can visit inside. Boats operate in rain, and museums in Brienz and the surrounding area are an option.

Back to Interlaken