Ultimate Three-Day Itinerary in Interlaken: Nature, Culture and Scenic Bliss

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Advisor - Phelipe Cardoso
Curated By

Phelipe Cardoso

  • Nature Escapes

  • Active Travel

  • City Travel

  • Luxury Travel

  • Switzerland

  • Sightseeing

  • Entertainment

  • Local Culture

This picture depicts a picturesque Swiss town with traditional buildings, a clear turquoise river, mountains in the background and red flowers in the foreground.
Curator’s statement

Welcome to Interlaken, the heart of the Swiss Alps. This three-day itinerary is crafted to help you explore the best of this region, from serene lake cruises and historic funicular rides to high-altitude excursions and local culinary delights. The itinerary is designed to help first-time visitors navigate Interlaken’s highlights with ease, ensuring a fulfilling and memorable stay.

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Where to stay

Day 1: Explore Interlaken

A panoramic view of a snowy mountainous landscape with buildings and people, suggests a high-altitude tourist or research station.

Morning: Begin your day in Höhematte Park, a sprawling 14-hectare green space in the heart of Interlaken. This park offers stunning views of the famous Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger peaks. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists to watch paragliders gracefully descend against the backdrop of the Alps.

Afterward, ascend to Heimwehfluh via a vintage funicular dating from 1906. At the summit, not only can you indulge in panoramic views, but you can also engage with interactive attractions such as a historic model railway display and a thrilling mountain toboggan run those winds down the hillside.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Café de Paris, known for its cozy ambiance and authentic Swiss dishes.

Following lunch, take a stroll down Höheweg, Interlaken’s main boulevard lined with luxury watch shops, chocolate boutiques and local crafts. A visit to the Touristik-Museum der Jungfrau-Region provides insights into the area’s rich history of alpine tourism with exhibits dating back to the early 19th century.

Evening: Dine at Restaurant Stadthaus, a venue renowned for its traditional Swiss cuisine, including fondue and raclette—a must-try here.

If time and energy permit, end your day with a picturesque boat cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, offering tranquil waters and sunset views framed by the mountains.

Day 2: Journey to Jungfrau

A yellow and green train numbered 122 is stopped at a snowy mountain station with rugged peaks in the background.

Morning: Depart early for the Jungfraujoch — the "Top of Europe." This high-altitude venture includes a scenic train ride that passes through the Eiger and Mönch mountains before reaching the highest railway station in Europe.

At Jungfraujoch, explore the Ice Palace with its intricate ice sculptures and visit the Sphinx Observatory for awe-inspiring views of the sprawling Aletsch Glacier.

Afternoon: Return to Kleine Scheidegg for a mountaintop lunch while enjoying the dramatic vista of the surrounding peaks. Post-lunch, either hike or catch a train to the quaint village of Wengen, a charming car-free zone known for its traditional chalets and relaxing pace.

Evening: Head back to Interlaken. For dinner, explore Restaurant Laterne, which offers a variety of Swiss dishes in a rustic setting. Local events, such as folk music performances or cultural shows, often occur in the evening, providing a perfect cultural cap to the day.

Day 3: Adventure and Relaxation

Two yellow cable cars are suspended against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains under a clear blue sky.

Morning: Kick off your final day with a choice of thrilling activities! Paragliding from Beatenberg offers a serene aerial view of Interlaken and its lakes. Alternatively, skydiving provides a high-adrenaline perspective of the Swiss Alps, or canyoning in the Saxeten ravine offers a mix of swimming, sliding and jumping amid stunning geological formations.

Afternoon: After a morning of adventure, unwind at Bödelibad, Interlaken’s public pool complex, which boasts both indoor and outdoor pools and offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.

Another more serene option is to visit the St. Beatus Caves, a network of caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites and impressive waterfalls, offering a cool respite on a hot day.

Evening: You should conclude your trip with a dinner at Lake Lounge in Iseltwald, situated right on the banks of Lake Brienz. This restaurant is my personal favorite for its local fish specialties and offers a tranquil spot to enjoy your final sunset in the region. Following dinner, a leisurely stroll along the lake allows for time to reflect on the experiences of the past days.

Need to know

Interlaken is well connected and accessible via various modes of transportation, making it easy to reach from major Swiss cities and neighboring countries.

By air

  • Zurich Airport (ZRH): This is the largest international airport in Switzerland and is about 2 hours away by train. Frequent trains connect Zurich Airport with Interlaken, typically requiring one change at Bern.

  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Also a viable option, Geneva Airport is about 3 hours from Interlaken by train, with changes usually at Bern or Lausanne.

  • Bern Airport (BRN): A smaller airport closer to Interlaken, mainly serving European destinations. From Bern, it's about an hour’s train ride to Interlaken.

By train

  • From within Switzerland: Interlaken is served by two major train stations: Interlaken Ost (East) and Interlaken West. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) offers direct and connecting services from major cities like Bern, Basel, Geneva, and Zurich. The scenic train routes provide stunning views of the Swiss landscape.

  • From neighboring countries: Interlaken can also be reached by international train services from cities like Paris, Milan and Frankfurt. The journey involves transfers, typically in Basel or Zurich.

By car

  • If you prefer to drive, Interlaken is well-connected by Swiss motorways. From Zurich, the drive takes about 2 hours via the A1 and A6 motorways. From Geneva, it’s approximately 2.5 hours on the A1 and A6. Driving in Switzerland requires a motorway vignette, which you can purchase at gas stations and border entries.

By private transfer

  • For convenience, you might consider booking a private transfer, especially if traveling with lots of luggage or in a group.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Switzerland. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Understanding the Weather in the Maldives: The Best Times to Visit.