Interlaken sits between two lakes with the Jungfrau massif rising directly behind it, making it one of Switzerland’s most naturally dramatic bases. This three-day itinerary starts with a relaxed introduction to the town, pushes into serious mountain territory on day two with a trip to Jungfraujoch, and closes with adrenaline and waterfalls on day three. Adventure sports sit alongside quieter lakeside moments throughout, giving the trip a good mix of pace. Whether you’re chasing alpine views or just want a few days surrounded by mountains, this plan covers Interlaken’s best without overpacking the schedule.
Day 1
Arrive and Check Into Your Hotel
Interlaken works well as a base precisely because it’s small and easy to settle into quickly. Most hotels sit within walking distance of the train station, so arrival day rarely eats up much time. Take the afternoon slow, since jet lag or a long train journey often catches up with travelers on day one. Unpack, grab a coffee, and get oriented before diving into sightseeing. The town’s central location between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz means you’ll have easy access to both lakes for the rest of your stay.
Explore Höhematte Park
This large open meadow sits right in the center of town, framed by unobstructed views of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch peaks. It’s one of the best free viewpoints in Interlaken, requiring no hike or cable car to enjoy. Paragliders regularly land here too, so don’t be surprised if you see a colorful canopy drifting down onto the grass mid-afternoon. The park makes a good spot for a picnic or simply sitting and taking in the mountain backdrop. Photographers should aim for late afternoon light, when the peaks catch a warmer glow.
Visit the Town Center and Shop for Souvenirs
Interlaken’s compact town center holds a good mix of Swiss souvenir shops, chocolate stores, and outdoor gear outfitters. Watch shops sit alongside stores selling cowbells and cuckoo clocks, giving the strip a distinctly touristy but still charming feel. It’s a good place to pick up gifts before heading deeper into the mountains over the following two days. Prices here run a bit higher than in larger cities, so compare a few shops before committing to a purchase. Give yourself an hour or so to wander without a fixed agenda.
Take a Sunset Stroll Along the Aare River
The Aare River cuts through Interlaken with a striking turquoise color, fed by glacial meltwater from the surrounding peaks. A walking path follows much of its length, offering an easy, flat stroll to close out the first day. Sunset light on the water and surrounding mountains makes this one of the more photogenic moments of a day spent mostly getting oriented. Locals often swim in the river during warmer months, though the current runs stronger than it looks. This calm evening walk sets a good rhythm before the more demanding mountain day ahead.
Day 2
Take a Day Trip to Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch, nicknamed the Top of Europe, sits at over 3,400 meters and ranks among the most famous train journeys in Switzerland. The route climbs through tunnels carved directly into the mountain, with a stop partway up offering views out through windows cut into the rock face. Book tickets well ahead, since this trip draws heavy crowds and seats fill fast during peak season. Dress warmly regardless of the weather in town, since temperatures at the summit stay cold even in summer. This full-day excursion anchors the entire Interlaken trip for most visitors.
Enjoy Alpine Views and the Ice Palace
At the summit, a network of tunnels leads to viewing platforms overlooking the Aletsch Glacier, the largest ice stream in the Alps. The Ice Palace, carved directly into the glacier itself, holds ice sculptures that shift slightly year to year as the ice moves. Snow activities run outside during summer months too, giving visitors a chance to experience snow even in July. Altitude affects some visitors here, so take it slow and stay hydrated throughout your time at the top. Budget at least three hours at the summit to see everything without rushing.
Return and Relax with a Lakeside Dinner
Coming back down from Jungfraujoch takes a few hours, so plan your return train with enough buffer for dinner afterward. Lake Thun sits just west of Interlaken, its shoreline dotted with restaurants offering water views alongside the meal. A relaxed dinner here works well after a physically demanding day at altitude. Several restaurants specialize in fresh lake fish, a nice contrast to the heartier mountain food from earlier. Take your time here, since day two covers significant ground and deserves a proper wind-down.
Try Swiss Fondue at a Local Restaurant
No Interlaken trip feels complete without a proper fondue dinner, and day two’s evening slot works well for it. Restaurants throughout town serve variations built around Gruyère and Emmental, often paired with cured meats and pickles on the side. Reserve a table ahead if you’re visiting during peak season, since fondue restaurants fill up fast on weekend evenings. The communal, slow style of eating fondue makes for a relaxed close to a busy mountain day. Pair it with a glass of local white wine, the traditional accompaniment.
Day 3
Go Paragliding Over Interlaken
Interlaken ranks among Europe’s top paragliding destinations, and Höhematte Park serves as the main landing zone for flights launching from the surrounding hills. Tandem flights require no experience, with a certified pilot handling takeoff and landing while you take in the view. Flights typically last twenty to thirty minutes, drifting over the town, the lakes, and the mountains beyond. Book through a licensed operator rather than an informal setup, given the obvious safety considerations. Morning flights tend to offer the calmest wind conditions, so book early if this tops your list.
Take a Scenic Boat Ride on Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz holds a striking turquoise color, even more vivid than nearby Lake Thun thanks to glacial sediment in the water. Boats depart regularly from Interlaken, connecting several small lakeside villages along the way. The ride offers a much calmer pace than the previous day’s mountain excursion, letting you simply sit back and take in the scenery. Several boats include onboard dining, making it easy to combine the cruise with lunch. This stop pairs naturally with the day’s later visit to Giessbach Falls, reachable directly by boat.
Visit Giessbach Falls and the Historic Funicular
Giessbach Falls tumbles down a forested hillside directly beside Lake Brienz, one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the region. A funicular railway, operating since 1879, carries visitors up the steep slope to a viewing point near a grand historic hotel. The ride itself feels like a small piece of living history, with the original wooden cars still in service. From the top, trails wind closer to the falls for those wanting a better look at the cascading water. This stop makes a fitting, scenic close to the adventure-heavy final day.
Depart with Memories of Alpine Adventure
Wrap up the trip back in Interlaken, whether that means a final coffee by the river or last-minute souvenir shopping before departure. Three days here moves fast, covering everything from paragliding to glacier views to quiet lakeside walks. Give yourself buffer time before any onward train or flight, since mountain excursions can run behind schedule depending on weather. Interlaken tends to leave a strong impression precisely because it packs so much variety into a small area. Most visitors leave already planning a return trip to see the parts they missed.
Interlaken Travel Essentials
- Best time to visit: Visit between June and September for the clearest mountain views and full access to Jungfraujoch and hiking trails.
- Where to stay: Book a hotel near the town center or along the Aare River for easy access to both the train station and Höhematte Park.
- Where to eat: Try Swiss fondue or raclette at a local restaurant, and look for fresh perch or trout from the surrounding lakes.
- Getting around: Interlaken’s town center is easily walkable, with trains and boats handling excursions to Jungfraujoch, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz.
- Budget tip: Book Jungfraujoch tickets online in advance, since prices often run lower than purchasing on the day of travel.
- Packing tip: Bring layers regardless of season, since temperatures at higher elevations stay significantly colder than in town.