Nearby Destinations: Interlaken

Lauterbrunnen Valley

This iconic U-shaped valley, celebrated for its 72 waterfalls, makes a rewarding day trip.

Access from Interlaken Ost by a 15-20 minute train journey.

Activities Here

Wander through Lauterbrunnen village.
See Trümmelbach Falls and Staubbach Falls.
Ascend to Mürren or Wengen for views and hikes.
Easy travel by direct train from Interlaken Ost.

Explore More

Beyond the immediate area, discover additional towns and landscapes.

Grindelwald

A bustling alpine village at the foot of the Eiger North Face, a hub for mountain activities.

Adventures Here

Take the cable car to Grindelwald First.
Experience the Cliff Walk and Mountain Cart.
Try the First Glider and Trottibike Scooter.

Thun

A charming medieval town on Lake Thun's western end, with a castle and picturesque old town.

Experiences Here

Wander through Thun Castle.
Stroll the lake promenade.
Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Thun.

Tour Choices

Independent Travel

Freedom to choose your schedule and pace.
Often more economical.
Self-planning and navigation for you to handle.
No guide; rely on self-research.

Organized Tour

Fixed itinerary and schedule.
Can be more expensive, includes guide and transport.
All logistics (transport, timing) are managed for you.
Includes a guide providing information.

Time Needed

Half-Day Trips:Harder Kulm, St. Beatus Caves, Lake Cruise.
Full-Day Trips:Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Grindelwald First.

Travel Pass Advantage

Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass if you plan multiple day trips. This often includes boat trips and discounts on mountain railways, making exploration simple and cost-effective. Find day trips and tours on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

The Interlaken region presents numerous natural escapes beyond the immediate town.

Jungfrau Region

This area, with Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren, serves as the heart of alpine exploration. An extensive network of hiking trails, cable cars, and viewpoints awaits.

Oeschinensee Lake

Near Kandersteg, discover a breathtaking alpine lake with incredibly turquoise waters. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, it suits hiking, boating, and enjoying serene mountain beauty.

Bachalpsee

Accessible by cable car from Grindelwald, then a relatively easy, scenic hike. This mountain lake is known for its reflections of the Schreckhorn peak. Postcard-perfect views are here.

Lake Cruises

A calming way to experience the region's natural beauty. Cruises on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz offer varied perspectives.

Cruise Highlights

Different views of lakeshores.
See historic castles (Thun) and cascading waterfalls (Brienz).
Hop off at various stops for exploration.

Kandersteg's Offerings

Kandersteg is a gateway to Oeschinensee Lake and the serene Gasterntal valley.

Kandersteg Highlights

Ascend to Oeschinensee by cable car.
Enjoy hiking, boating, and a summer toboggan run.
Accessible by train from Interlaken Ost.

Other Nearby Towns

Brienz:Picturesque lakeside village, known for woodcarving.

Bern:Switzerland's capital, an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Embrace Nature's Beauty

The region's vast network of trails presents endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
Each village in the Jungfrau region offers unique views of surrounding peaks and valleys.
The serene mountain beauty of Oeschinensee Lake provides a tranquil retreat.
Lake cruises on Thun or Brienz offer relaxing ways to see the landscape.
Find more nature-focused excursions at GetYourGuide.

Cultural Excursions

Expand your cultural insight into Switzerland by venturing to nearby historical sites and traditional areas.

Bern Old Town

An UNESCO World Heritage site, Bern's medieval old town is a treasure trove of history and architecture.

Cultural Highlights

Stroll through arcaded walkways.
See the Zytglogge clock tower and its elaborate show.
Visit the Federal Palace.

Thun Castle & Old Town

Explore the well-preserved medieval castle and the charming old town of Thun, positioned at the Aare River's outflow from Lake Thun.

Historical Insights

Tour the historic Thun Castle.
Wander through the charming old town.
The castle museum offers regional history.

Ballenberg Open-Air Museum

Near Brienz, this expansive museum exhibits traditional Swiss farmhouses and buildings from various regions.

Life in Rural Switzerland

See carefully relocated and preserved buildings.
Gain insight into rural Swiss life and crafts.
Explore architecture across different historical periods.

Brienz Village

A picturesque lakeside village on Lake Brienz, renowned for its woodcarving tradition.

Brienz Attractions

Visit local woodcarving shops.
Take the historic Brienz Rothorn Bahn.
Visit the nearby Giessbach Falls.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Interlaken serves as a starting or connecting point for longer regional explorations. Here are some ideas:

Classic Swiss Route

Begin in Zürich, then travel to Lucerne, move to Interlaken (Jungfrau Region), and finish in Geneva or Zermatt. This route presents a broad overview of Swiss landscapes and cultures.

Alpine Focus

Combine Interlaken with Zermatt for a concentrated alpine experience. This path concentrates on dramatic mountain scenery and high-altitude activities.

Scenic Train Journeys

Include iconic scenic trains like the GoldenPass Express (connecting Montreux to Interlaken and Lucerne) into your itinerary for visually rich travel.

Pass for Wider Exploration

Considering a Swiss Travel Pass supports economical and simple exploration of the wider region. It often covers boat trips and discounts on mountain railways.

Nearby Destinations