Itinerary Planner: Interlaken

-Hour Layover Highlights

For a very short stay, concentrate on panoramic views and a taste of the town.

Arrive at Interlaken Ost and head to Harder Kulm for stunning views of the lakes and mountains, including Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Your Brief Day

Morning: Ascend Harder Kulm (2-3 hours).
Afternoon: Walk Höheweg, enjoy a casual lunch, browse shops.
Evening: Traditional Swiss dinner, Aare River stroll.

Extended Stays

More time opens doors to exploration of the region.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A weekend allows for a major mountain excursion and local exploration.

Your Weekend Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, Harder Kulm for sunset, explore Interlaken West.
Day 2: Full day at Jungfraujoch – "Top of Europe" excursion.
Day 3: Scenic boat cruise on Lake Brienz to Giessbach Falls, depart.
Find and book specific activities on GetYourGuide.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience 7 Days

A week allows for a deep dive into the region's mountains, lakes, and culture.

Your Week in Detail

Day 1: Arrival, Harder Kulm, Interlaken overview.
Day 2: Jungfraujoch immersion.
Day 3: Lauterbrunnen Valley & car-free villages.

Week Itinerary Continued

Continue your deep dive into the Bernese Oberland and surrounding regions.

More Daily Plans

Day 4: Grindelwald First adventure.
Day 5: Lakes & castles day (Thun).
Day 6: Adventure activity or caves.
Day 7: Bern city & departure.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

With two weeks, combine the comprehensive Interlaken itinerary with extensions to other iconic Swiss regions.

Beyond Interlaken

Week 1: Follow the one-week comprehensive plan.
Week 2: Extensions to Lucerne (2-3 days).
Week 2: Zermatt (2-3 days) for the Matterhorn.
Week 2: Montreux/Lake Geneva Region (2-2.5 hours by train).

Longer Journeys

For those with more time, consider integrating additional regions and scenic routes into your trip.

Italian-speaking Ticino

Travel south to Ticino (e.g., Lugano or Locarno) for 2-3 days. This region offers a different cultural and climatic experience with palm trees and a Mediterranean feel.

Swiss Pass Value

A Swiss Travel Pass for extended stays often simplifies transport and reduces costs on mountain excursions. It is a simple tool for wider exploration.

Scenic Train Routes

Incorporate iconic scenic trains like the GoldenPass Express for visually stunning journeys. These routes offer rich landscape views.

Pass for Wider Exploration

A Swiss Travel Pass simplifies transport and reduces costs for multiple day trips and mountain excursions, making it a good choice for extensive travel.

Tailored Experiences

Align your Interlaken itinerary with your specific passions.

Historical and Heritage Focus

Explore the rich past and preserved heritage of the region.

Heritage Discovery

Visit the Tourism Museum of the Jungfrau Region.
Explore Thun Castle and Bern's medieval Old Town.
Visit the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum near Brienz.
Walk around the Interlaken Monastery & Castle ruins.

Food and Culinary Experiences

Delight your palate with Swiss culinary traditions.

Taste of Switzerland

Dine at traditional Swiss restaurants trying fondue, raclette, and Rösti.
Visit a local supermarket for cheeses, chocolates, and picnic supplies.
Seek out bakeries for fresh pastries.
Consider a farm visit in the Emmental region for cheese production.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Seek thrills and natural beauty in the Interlaken area.

Adrenaline and Nature

Try paragliding or skydiving over Interlaken.
Go rafting or canyoning on local rivers.
Enjoy extensive hiking in the Jungfrau region.
Visit Grindelwald First for adventure activities.

For bookings, explore options on GetYourGuide.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Plan a trip that delights all ages.

Fun for Everyone

Visit Harder Kulm (easy funicular, playground).
Jungfraujoch (Ice Palace, Snow Fun Park).
Summer toboggan run at Oeschinensee.
Enjoy relaxing lake cruises.

Photography Emphasis

Capture stunning visuals at these prime locations.

Scenic Shots

Sunrise or sunset at Harder Kulm for golden hour views.
Bachalpsee for reflections of the mountains.
Lauterbrunnen Valley for dramatic waterfalls and cliffs.
Jungfraujoch for glacier landscapes and panoramic views.

More Photo Opportunities

Additional locations for captivating photography.

Diverse Landscapes

Schynige Platte for alpine flowers and close-up mountain views.
Lakeshores of Thun and Brienz for water reflections and charming villages.
Chillon Castle for historic architecture by the lake.
Lavaux vineyards for terraced beauty.

Customize Your Journey

Tailor your Interlaken itinerary to align with your specific interests, whether that's history, food, adventure, family fun, or photography.

Budgeting Your Journey

Adjust your travel approach to suit your financial plan.

Backpacker's Guide

Maximize your savings while exploring Interlaken.

Economical Choices

Accommodation: Stay at hostels (Balmer's, Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof) or campgrounds.
Food: Cook your own meals from supermarkets. Pack picnic lunches.
Transport: Utilize a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card. Use free local bus pass.
Activities: Focus on free activities like hiking and town walks.

Choose one major paid excursion with a pass discount.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Balance comfort and exploration with your budget.

Value and Comfort

Accommodation: Stay in 3-4 star hotels or comfortable guesthouses.
Food: Mix dining in mid-range restaurants and some self-catering.
Transport: Use a Swiss Travel Pass or Regional Pass for value.
Activities: Include 1-2 major paid excursions per day (Jungfraujoch, Harder Kulm, lake cruise).

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium travel and exclusive experiences.

Exclusive Comfort

Accommodation: Stay at 5-star hotels (Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage).
Food: Fine dining at acclaimed restaurants.
Transport: First-class train tickets, private transfers, helicopter tours.

High-End Activities

Engage in multiple high-cost excursions.
Include skydiving or private guided tours.
Enjoy exclusive spa treatments.

Seasonal Specialties

Each season presents distinct experiences in Interlaken.

Season Highlights

Summer (June-August): Prime for all outdoor activities (hiking, water sports, paragliding, mountain biking).
Winter (December-March): Focus on skiing and snowboarding in the Jungfrau ski region.
Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October): Fewer crowds and often lower prices. Good for lower trail hiking.
Jungfraujoch transforms into a true winter wonderland with snow activities.

Weather Awareness

Mountain conditions can significantly differ from Interlaken itself.

Planning for Conditions

Always check the weather forecast for the specific mountain.
View live webcams to gauge conditions at higher elevations.
A clear day is important for enjoying the panoramic views.
Be aware of potential maintenance closures during shoulder seasons for mountain transport.

Check Mountain Weather

Before heading to higher elevations, always check the weather forecast and live webcams. Conditions can differ significantly from Interlaken, and clear views are useful for enjoyment.

Itinerary Planner