BEST INTERLAKEN DAY TRIPS, SWITZERLAND
Each year, I spend days and weeks in the region of Interlaken – and I never get enough. Since most of us have a limited time in Interlaken, it is essential to plan your trip wisely and choose the best Interlaken day trip in advance.
Interlaken is located in the Berner Oberland Region (Bernese Highlands/Bernese Oberland) in Central Switzerland. While Interlaken itself is a cute town, it is the whole region of Interlaken that is beyond stunning. You would miss out if you don’t do excursions from Interlaken.
Also, known as the Adventure Capital of Switzerland, there are many outdoor activities for adrenaline junkies – but even if you are not into crazy outdoor sports, there is tons to do and see and you can enjoy some amazing day tours either way.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it here.
TIPS FOR DAY TRIPS FROM INTERLAKEN
If you want to make Interlaken your base (which by the way would be an excellent base), you will find some tips on where to stay so you can easily get around and more.
Where to Stay
Interlaken has some great hostels and hostels. Don’t expect any bargain (not even for hostels), but to be honest: Staying in the region of Interlaken is worth the money.
LUXURY: VICTORIA JUNGFRAU GRAND HOTEL & SPA – The most luxurious hotel in Interlaken is the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. I have not stayed there myself, so I can only repeat what I heard: This hotel is amazing. If you are looking for a fancy place in Interlaken, this is probably the best pick.
➡️ Book your stay at Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa here
MID-RANGE: HOTEL DU NORD – For your stay in Interlaken, I recommend this hotel – Hotel du Nord – which is centrally located and is quite nice. It is one of my favorite accommodations for your 5-day Swiss itinerary.
➡️ Book your stay at Hotel du Nord here
BUDGET: BACKPACKERS VILLA SONNENHOF – If you are on a budget, I recommend staying in Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof next to the Höhenmatte. It is not the cheapest hostel but definitely worth the money and one of my all-time favorite hostels.
➡️ Book your stay at Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof here
Check out my Interlaken accommodation guide for more tips on where to stay.
How to Get Around
For the best day trips from Interlaken mentioned here, you have several options for getting around.
Public transportation, car, or guided tours.
🚊 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation in Switzerland, and in the regions of Interlaken/Jungfrau, is exceptionally great. Reliable, punctual, clean, and perfect.
Interlaken Visitor Card
If you stay overnight at an official accommodation in Interlaken, you will get an Interlaken Visitor Card. With that guest card, you can use some of the public transportation in Interlaken and outside of Interlaken.
HOWEVER, to be honest, this guest card is pretty useless in my opinion as it doesn’t take you to many places. For example, you can’t even visit Thun with it and have to pay on top. So, in most cases, you will need an extra bus/train ticket. It will only get you to places very close by, like the St.Beatus Caves.
Swiss Travel Pass
I suggest getting a Swiss Travel Pass.
I love it for several reasons: Unlimited travel by train (on some premium panorama trains you have to pay a reservation fee), bus, and boat. Free admission to more than 500 museums and 3 mountain excursions: Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos.
None of them is in the region of Interlaken but you get a 50% discount on most other mountain excursions.
A Swiss Travel Pass always saves me money (despite the high price), because I take full advantage of it.
➡️ Check out prices for a Swiss Travel Pass here
🚘 CAR
Driving around the two lakes (Lake Brienz and Lake Thun) is fun. The scenery is stunning. I mean really stunning. Driving along Lake Thun always leaves me speechless.
But parking in Interlaken and the small villages at the shores of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz can be tricky. There sometimes is just not enough parking.
There is parking at many attractions like Oeschinensee, but free parking at popular places is very rare.
Check out my post on driving tips for Switzerland.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR RENTAL CAR IN SWITZERLAND
EPIC INTERLAKEN DAY TOURS
So, without further ado, let´s talk about my favorite Interlaken day trips – and they might become your favorites, too!
From Interlaken to Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch is a saddle in the Bernese Alps that connects the two impressive mountains, Jungfrau and Mönch, also known as the Top of Europe. Jungfraujoch is the most popular tourist spot in the Interlaken/Jungfrau Region.
Getting up Jungfraujoch is a bucket list activity for many. Understandably because there is snow throughout the year. And it is the highest train station in Europe – standing at almost 3,500 meters (11,000 feet +) above sea level.
- Free train/bus ride to Grindelwald or Wengen station with the Swiss Travel Pass
- 25% discount on the ride up to Jungfraujoch with the Swiss Travel Pass
Besides fantastic views of the surrounding mountain peaks, you can also admire the almighty Aletsch Glacier – the longest glacier in the Alps.
In addition, you can enjoy winter sports (we are talking about winter sports in the summer), see the Ice Palace, or visit the Lindt Museum (yes, a tiny museum about chocolate at almost 3,500 meters).
Hiking up is impossible – getting up is quite expensive, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have visited the Jungfraujoch several times and always had a blast. However, if you are on a tight budget, I will list cheaper and still amazing mountain excursions for you below. It is also quite touristy.
Find out more about the costs of a day trip to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken. Click here for more info.
P.S: If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, you get a discount on your Jungfraujoch experience.
HOW TO GET THERE FROM INTERLAKEN
ℹ️ CAR: You cannot drive up all the way to Jungfraujoch. Get to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. Park your car there, and then you have to take the train to Kleine Scheidegg (at 2061 meters above sea level). There you take the Jungfraujoch railway. Some fit people hike up to Kleine Scheidegg and then take the Jungfraujoch railway.
ℹ️ BUS/TRAIN: Get to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald from Interlaken by train. From Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, you have to take a train to Kleine Scheidegg (at 2061 meters above sea level), change trains, and take the Jungfraujoch railway.
ℹ️ TOURS: Tours from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch are quite popular.
Read more: Fun things to do in Interlaken
From Interlaken to Grindelwald-First & Bachalpsee
Grindelwald is a cute village close to Interlaken. Since it is so small, there is not that much to do and see, so it will not take long to stroll the village center. Thus, I highly recommend to head to Grindelwald First and hike to Bachalpsee afterwards.
- Free train ride to Grindelwald with the Swiss Travel Pass
- 50% discount on the gondola ride with the Swiss Travel Pass
At the top, try First Flyer and First Glider (extra fee) and walk on the First Cliff Walk Suspension Bridge (free). After all, Grindelwald First is known as the Top of Adventures, so the many adventure activities are not a surprise!
At the top of the mountain, it is time to hike to one of the prettiest lakes in the country: Bachalpsee. It is an easy hike and getting to one of Switzerland´s most beautiful lakes is soooo worth it! Hiking there takes about an hour (one way) – it is an uphill hike on the way to the lake (this is why I love the hike back more as it is mostly downhill) but one of the easiest scenic hikes.
Grindelwald First & Bachalpsee make a perfect Interlaken day tour and I should say, I have done the same day trip at least 3 times so far. This will take a full day from Interlaken!
HOW TO GET THERE FROM INTERLAKEN
ℹ️ BY CAR: Get to Grindelwald and park your car there. From there, walk to Firstbahn Station (it is a few minutes walk away) and take the cable car to First. Then you will need to hike from First to Bachalpsee and then get back to the cable car station (about a 6km easy hike in total).
ℹ️ BY BUS/TRAIN: Get to Grindelwald station, and walk to Firstbahn Station (it just takes a few minutes to walk). Then take the cable car to First. Then you will need to hike from First to Bachalpsee and then get back to the cable car station (about a 6km easy hike in total).
From Interlaken to Niesen
Day trips in Interlaken are not only about mountains and beautiful nature- but they do play an important role. One mountain trip to take is a visit to Niesen Mountain. It is one of my favorite mountains in the region.
Why? This is an excellent question, and the answer is easy. The Niesen Mountain looks like a pyramid. I have a thing for weirdly shaped mountains. And which mountain can claim to be a pyramid and a mountain as well? Exactly, normally you are either a pyramid or a mountain but not both.
- 50% discount on the funicular ride with the Swiss Travel Pass
- Free train/bus ride to Mühlenen train station with the Swiss Travel Pass
Kids will enjoy their time in the Niesen Village, and the braver adults can do some paragliding up there.
I took the funicular to get back down as well, but in hindsight, I would probably just hike down the next time I am on Mount Niesen (saves money and I love to be active – to a certain extent).
HOW TO GET THERE FROM INTERLAKEN
ℹ️ BY CAR: Get to Mühlenen train station and park at the parking space (high-ish parking fees). The funicular station is just close to the train station. Get up by funicular all the way. You can also hike up/down and use the funicular one-way only or for some parts (which also will help you save money).
ℹ️ BY BUS/TRAIN: Take the train to Mühlenen. The valley station of the funicular is only a few meters from the train station Mühlenen. Get up by funicular all the way. You can also hike up/down and use the funicular one-way only or for some parts (which also will save you money).
From Interlaken to Brienz & Brienzer Rothorn & Ballenberg
Interlaken is located between two lakes. One of the lakes is Lake Brienz. But that lake is not your regular local lake. We are talking about an impressive lake. A stunning lake. A drop-dead gorgeous lake. My favorite lake. Lake Brienz.
While there are many great places with spectacular views of this unique lake, this day trip option from Interlaken gives you some best ones.
- Free boat ride on Lake Brienz with the Swiss Travel Pass
- 50% discount on the ride up to Brienzer Rothorn with the Swiss Travel Pass
- Free entry to the Ballenberg Museum with a Swiss Travel Pass
- The Brienzer Rothorn Funicular does not operate from the end of October until June
Getting up Brienzer Rothorn via a very old steam locomotive – with great views of Lake Brienz – is an amazing experience. It might be quite busy on sunny days (as are most mountain peaks), but it is worth the time, money, and everything else that comes with it.
You can buy a return ticket or a single ticket and then hike up or down. Of course, you can also just hike. But I recommend getting up via the Steam loc at least. This is my all-time favorite cable car/funicular/cogwheel etc. ride ever.
➡️ Check out my more detailed post on that trip.
Unlike on other mountain peaks, there is not that much to do up on Brienzer Rothorn. Up there, you can hike (including some challenging hikes) or enjoy the most stunning view of Lake Brienz.
So I recommend combining it with another activity on that day. After strolling the small village of Brienz, which has many wood statues along the shores of Lake Brienz, visit Ballenberg Museum which is the biggest open-air museum in Switzerland and is close to Brienz.
The sheer size of this museum blew my mind – and though I visited on my own, I believe it is also the perfect place to visit with children.
HOW TO GET THERE FROM INTERLAKEN
There are several ways to get to and then get up via Brienzer Rothorn.
ℹ️ BY CAR: You can get to Brienz by car. Park your car there, and then go to the Brienzer Rothorn station (a short walk). From there, you can either hike up or take the steam locomotives.
ℹ️ BY BUS/TRAIN: Get to Brienz station and then go to the Brienzer Rothorn station. From there, you can either hike up or take the steam locomotives.
ℹ️ BY BOAT: You can also combine your trip with a boat tour of Lake Brienz. Start at Interlaken Ost boat station and then get off at Brienz boat station. Just behind the boat station is the Brienzer Rothorn station. From there, you can either hike up and take the steam locomotives
ℹ️ TO BALLENBERG: There is a direct connection to Ballenberg from Brienz.
From Interlaken to Schilthorn
A trip to Schilthorn is actually a great day trip from Interlaken for anyone appreciating good mountain views, including views of the incredible Swiss Skyline, a bit of (007) action on a mountain peak, and hikes.
- Free train/gondola ride to Lauterbrunnen and then Grütschalp and Mürren with the Swiss Travel Pass
- 50% discount on the ride up from Mürren to Schilthorn with the Swiss Travel Pass
Schilthorn was a movie location for one of the 007 movies (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service). If you visit now, you will have the chance to see some settings and play with some 007 requisites.
But also,it is about have great views of the Swiss Skyline (a spectacular panorama that consists of looking at the three mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) and you walking the “Thrill Walk” (a pathway along the rock massif).
This view is one of my all-time favorites – especially on a sunny and clear day.
By the way: To get up to Schilthorn you have to change cable cars several times. My tip: Hike from Grütschalp to Mürren. This is a straightforward but spectacular hiking path – on a clear day, you will surely not regret it. Check out my guide on hiking tips for Switzerland.
For a trip to Schilthorn, you will start in Lauterbrunnen. This beautiful Swiss village should also be on your bucket list (more on that later).
➡️ Check out my Schilthorn post for more info on this fantastic day trip.
HOW TO GET THERE FROM INTERLAKEN
ℹ️ BY CAR: Get to Lauterbrunnen by car. There are (paid) parking spaces, but on sunny days, get there quite early to secure a spot. The cable car station to Schilthorn is very close to the parking space/train station in Lauterbrunnen. Then you either hike up or get up via cable cars (or do a mix).
ℹ️ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Get from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen by train. The cable car station to Schilthorn is very close to the train station in Lauterbrunnen. There you either hike up or get up via cable cars (or do a mix).
From Interlaken to Mount Rigi and Lucerne
If you are heading to Lucerne and prefer spending some time in the city itself, I suggest a few hours on Mount Rigi and afterward some time in Lucerne.
- Free train ride to Lucerne from Interlaken with the Swiss Travel Pass
- Free boat ride on Lake Lucerne with the Swiss Travel Pass
- Free funicular ride up to Mount Rigi with the Swiss Travel Pass
Mount Rigi, the Queen of Mountains, is a great trip and worth it. I cannot even recall how often I have been on top of Mount Rigi – the views are great, but also because the funicular ride is included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
You can also include it with spending a few hours in gorgeous Lucerne as well.
I recommend strolling pretty Lake Lucerne, walking Chapel Bridge, discovering Lucerne’s old town, and having dinner in one of the numerous restaurants that come with a river view before heading back to Interlaken.
HOW TO GET THERE FROM INTERLAKEN
ℹ️ BY CAR: The drive from Interlaken to Lucerne is scenic (via the Brünig Pass). In Lucerne, parking is…tricky. It is also quite busy. From Lucerne, you will have to get to Vitznau station later (for the Mount Rigi trip). Another gorgeous, and shortish, scenic drive. There is a car park (not free), so you can get the funicular to get up Mount Rigi (or hike up).
ℹ️ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: The train ride from Interlaken to Zurich can be very scenic if you take the Luzern-Interlaken Express. It takes longer but takes it at least one way. The train station in Lucerne is close to the main attractions. Later, either hop on a boat or train to get to Vitznau Station. There, you will find the Mount Rigi funicular station.
From Interlaken to Schynige Platte
Schynige Platte is a small mountain ridge and a viewpoint in the Bernese Highlands and belongs to the Schwarzhorn group. There are at least two reasons why I love the Schynige Platte.
- Free train ride to Wilderswil from Interlaken with the Swiss Travel Pass
- 50% discount on the funicular ride with a Swiss Travel Pass
First, if you get out of the cable car, you have breathtaking views of Eigner, Jungfrau, and Mönch – also known as the Swiss Skyline, which I mentioned earlier. For a dramatic change of scenery, hike 15-30 minutes uphill, and you will overlook Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
To enjoy the north views hiking is essential, but believe me, it is worth it! You can use the path through the Alpine Garden, which is lovely too.
Schynige Plate is a great day trip from Interlaken – no question about that! It is the perfect place for some of the most diverse panoramic views in the region, and especially great if you just have a couple of hours.
HOW TO GET THERE FROM INTERLAKEN
ℹ️ BY CAR: It is just a very short drive from Interlaken to Wilderswil. There is a car park (paid). In Wilderswil you can either hike up or take the funicular to Schynigge Platte.
ℹ️ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: From Interlaken Ost Station, hop on a train and go to Wilderswil. From there, you can get up via a funicular to Schynige Platte. Alternatively, you can hike up. You can use your Interlaken Visitor Pass to get to Wilderswil station.
From Interlaken to Bern
Bern is probably one of the prettiest capitals in the world and it is really big compared to Interlaken, which makes it an interesting place if you are looking for a change of scenery.
- Free train ride to Bern from Interlaken with the Swiss Travel Pass
The Old Town of Bern is quite big and charming – and the whole old town is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. Plan in two hours or three and get wonderfully lost in the old town.
For the best views of Bern, visit the Rosengarten. Say hi to Albert Einstein’s statue up there (it is just a 5-10-minute hike). I never miss a chance to enjoy relaxing here for an hour or so, before continuing my Bern trip.
And do not forget to also greet the bears. Yes, bears live in Bern next to the Aare River but do not worry, the area is fenced off, so you stay at a safe distance. Find out more about Bern here.
HOW TO GET THERE FROM INTERLAKEN
ℹ️ BY CAR: Take the drive up north. Finding parking in Bern is not impossible – and not fun either. In Bern, you can discover most (if not all) places on foot.
ℹ️ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: There are direct train connections from Interlaken Ost station to Bern. In Bern, you can discover most (if not all) places on foot.
From Interlaken to Lake Thun / Thun / Spiez
Okay, here is another tip for lake and town lovers. Lake Thun – is amazing. Whether you stroll along it or go on a Lake Thun boat cruise, and thus one of my favorite day trips from Interlaken.
- Free train ride to Thun from Interlaken with the Swiss Travel Pass
- Free boat ride on Lake Thun with the Swiss Travel Pass
- Free entry to Thun Castle with a Swiss Travel Pass
From Interlaken, do a boat tour to the other side. Thun is located on the southern shores and is probably the prettiest town on Lake Thun.
So hop off in Thun and explore different castles (like Schloss Schadau, Thun Castle) and the Old Town. Thun is so lovely I cannot even describe it.
If you enjoy nice long walks, head to Spiez – a very picturesque and pretty village with a Mediterranean feeling (or get there by bus, because 10 km might be a bit too long after all the walking in Thun).
I always feel I am in France, rather than in Switzerland when I am in Spiez. And while I love being in Switzerland, this unique French atmosphere is still a nice change.
HOW TO GET THERE FROM INTERLAKEN
ℹ️ BY CAR: You can easily drive to Spiez or Thun by car. Drive along the northern shores of Lake Thun for some of the best window views you can have.
ℹ️ BY BUS/TRAIN: From Interlaken, you can take the bus to Thun. The ride is along the shores of Lake Thun and absolutely stunning. From Thun to Spiez you can take a bus or a train. Alternatively, you can also take the boat from Interlaken West to Thun as well as to Spiez. You can easily drive to Spiez or Thun by car. Drive along the northern shores of Lake Thun for some of the best window views you can have.
From Interlaken to Giessbach Waterfalls and Lake Brienz
Here is another of my favorite day tours: a trip to the Giessbach Waterfalls. You can get there by car/public transportation, but the most scenic view is to arrive by boat from Brienz.
- Free boat ride on Lake Brienz with the Swiss Travel Pass
- There are no boat cruises on Lake Brienz in the winter months
It is an amazing activity – walking so close along the waterfalls and with views of Lake Brienz – what else can I (you) ask for? In the summer months, the Giessbach Grand Hotel is open. I suggest planning some time for some nice walks and a coffee with a view, too.
ℹ️ BY CAR: You can drive to Giessbach and leave your car at the paid car park. However, it is located on a mountain, and driving the narrow roads might stress some people.
ℹ️ BY BUS/BOAT: You can also take a train from Interlaken Ost to Brienz and then take the PostBus (yellow bus) in the direction of Axalp. Get off at “Abzweigung Giessbach” and then it is another 15-minute walk to the waterfall. However, it just operates in the warmer months. The most scenic way to get to the hotel is via boat. Take the boat from Interlaken Ost boat station and disembark at Giessbach Wasserfall. Then either hike up (10 minutes) or take the funicular (a couple of CHF).
From Interlaken to Zermatt
Zermatt is one of the most picturesque towns in Switzerland. The only thing is that getting there is time-consuming and thus is not one of the most perfect day trips from Interlaken, but if you do not mind train travel, consider visiting Zermatt from Interlaken.
- Free train ride to Zermatt from Interlaken with the Swiss Travel Pass
- 50% discount on mountain excursions like Gornergrat or Klein Matterhorn with the Swiss Travel Pass
- Free entry to the Matterhorn Museum with the Swiss Travel Pass
Once you are in this beautiful town, stroll the pretty old town center, and I definitely suggest getting up Klein Matterhorn (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) or Gornergrat Mountain for some fantastic views of Matterhorn Mountain.
Include some hiking in your Zermatt itinerary and visit the Gorger Gorge. Check out my Zermatt itinerary for more info.
In my opinion, two days in Zermatt is a good amount to spend, but if you are limited in time, you can also see quite a lot in one day of you start your day early.
HOW TO GET TO ZERMATT FROM INTERLAKEN
ℹ️ BY CAR: Since Zermatt is car-free, I suggest getting to Zermatt by train because, after the village of Taesch, you have to leave your car in the car park and hop on a train for the last part. So why not skip it altogether?
ℹ️ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: From Interlaken Ost take a train to Spiez. There change to the train to Visp. In Visp, you have to change trains one more train before you arrive in Zermatt. This train ride will take about 2-2,5 hours one way.
From Interlaken to Montreux
Another gorgeous lake in Switzerland is Lake Geneva (also known as Lac Leman). Montreux is a gorgeous town on the lake’s northern shores, and it makes one of the best day trips from Interlaken.
- Free train ride to Montreux from Interlaken with the Swiss Travel Pass
- Free boat ride on Lake Geneva with the Swiss Travel Pass
- Free entry to the Chateau de Chillion with the Swiss Travel Pass
Montreux is small but one of Switzerland’s prettiest places, and walking along the promenade from the town center to Château de Chillon is a little treat for your eyes and legs. I think, this promenade is the most beautiful in the country and I always fall with Montreux in love all over whenever I walk along it.
The castle is one of the most stunning ones in all of Switzerland – and a boat ride on Lake Geneva is a fun way to end your day in Geneva. I have a detailed post on Montreux, which you can check out here.
HOW TO GET TO MONTREUX FROM INTERLAKEN
ℹ️ BY CAR: You can also get to Montreux by car. It takes about 2-2,5 hours.
ℹ️ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take the train from Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen. From there, take the Golden Pass Line to Montreux – it is one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland. The train ride takes about 2,5 hours.
From Interlaken to Oeschinensee and Blausee
These two beautiful lakes are located in Kandersteg, close to Lake Thun. I suggest starting with Blausee first, which is inside a natural park.
- Free train ride to Kandersteg/bus ride to Blausee from Interlaken with the Swiss Travel Pass
- 50% discount on the gondola ride to Oeschinensee with a Swiss Travel Pass
To see this tiny yet stunning lake, you have to pay an entry fee and there is not that much to do around it. Honestly, you can walk around the lake or enjoy a short boat tour (included in the entrance fee), and have lunch in the restaurant. Check out my Blausee post.
A trip should not take more than one hour, though – afterward, head to the famous Oeschinensee.
You can just walk to the lake and relax – but there are many activities you can do in and around Lake Oeschinen. If you are a hiker, you can go on a hike (3-4 hours) to enjoy the best views of Lake Oeschinen.
Though I am not a good hiker, this is a hike I deeply, deeply loved – just for the views. It is worth it as you can see. Check out my detailed post on Lake Oeschinen.
HOW TO GET TO OESCHINENSEE
ℹ️ BY CAR: You have to get to Kandersteg and can leave your car at the paid car park. Then you have to take a gondola to get up – once at the mountain top, you have to walk to the lake which should take about 20 minutes.
ℹ️ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: You have to get to Kandersteg and then walk a few minutes to the gondola station. Take a gondola to get up – once at the mountain top, you have to walk to the lake which should take about 20 minutes.
From Interlaken to Gelmersee
One of my all-time favorite day trips was my trip to Gelmersee – an artificial lake surrounded by stunning scenery. This lake is a bit lesser known, yet a hike around the lake is spectacular.
- Free train/bus ride to Handegg station from Interlaken with the Swiss Travel Pass
- 50% discount on the Gelmerbahn funicular with the Swiss Travel Pass
The hike itself is not the easiest (moderate), but also not extremely difficult if you are a bit experienced and can keep your balance (yeah, there are some tiny and narrow paths), but it is worth it. I did the hike with my little dog and it became one of my favorites to this day.
While the Gelmer Funicular might be very busy, the lake isn’t because most people actually don’t hike around the lake.
Tip: If you enjoy the thrilling funicular hike, try to get a seat at the very front (especially if you take the ride down). Also, for more thrills, cross the Handeck Bridge (free of entry). The suspension bridge is 70 meters above the Handeck Gorge and offers a fantastic view of the Handeck Waterfall. Check out my guide for Gelmersee.
HOW TO GET TO GELMERSEE
ℹ️ BY CAR: Get to Bus stop Handegg/Gelmerbahn by car (limited free parking lots available), and then take the Gelmer Funicular – one of the steepest in Europe – to get to the stunning Gelmersee
ℹ️ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take the bus (yellow Postautos that are perfect for getting you around in the Swiss mountains) and get off at the bus stop Handegg/Gelmerbahn and then take the funicular to get to the stunning Gelmersee.
From Interlaken to Trift Bridge
If you enjoy suspension bridges, head to Trift Bridge.
The suspension bridge is 170 meters long and offers great views (if you dare to look around, I had my eyes closed for most of the time). Unlike many other attractions in the country, the cable car will not drop you off at the bridge. So, you have to do a 90-minute hike (or, in my case, a 120-minute hike) to get there.
To get back to the Trift cable car, you have to hike back the same route, so it is a bit of hiking (and ascent and descent) but doable for fit people.
At the bridge, you have views of the Trift Glacier and the lake – and are surrounded by the Swiss Alps. The hike itself is beautiful! It is an open hike, so you have amazing views of the Swiss Alps all the way.
You can skip the cable car completely and hike up and down. Also, there are several options to hike once you are at the Trift Bridge. You can hike to one of the mountain huts (only for experienced hikers). If you are not the fastest hiker (aka if you are like me), this makes a full-day trip from Interlaken.
The prices for the cable car are around 13 CHF (26 CHF return). If you want to use the cable car, you need – ideally – book in advance because slots do really fill up quickly on a sunny day. Check out times and book tickets here.
➡️ Check out my detailed post on how to see the Trift Bridge.
HOW TO GET THERE
ℹ️ BY CAR: Get to Nessental Station(Triftbahn) – there is free parking in the area. To make sure to get a good parking spot, try to be here before midday.
ℹ️ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: You can also take a bus (Postauto) to get to Nessental Station (Triftbahn), which stops just at the cable car station.
From Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen Valley
Last but not least, I have to mention Lauterbrunnen. Without question, Lauterbrunnen is one of the most popular places to visit near Interlaken, and there are many reasons for this.
You have many, many waterfalls – including the famous Staubbach Waterfall, which you can see in the image above, but also the Trümmerbach Waterfalls and many more. And though waterfalls are not my favorite natural Swiss spectacle (which would be mountains and lakes) it is truly a magical place for me.
But Lauterbrunnen is also known as one of the best places to visit for any adrenaline junkie. Don’t try base jump (though it is popular) because it is a deadly sport but do other outdoor sports like hiking, or paragliding instead.
Visiting Lauterbrunnen is surely a great idea, and you won’t regret visiting for a full day!
HOW TO GET THERE
➡️ BY CAR: It is just a 20-minute drive from Interlaken. The drive is scenic and there is (paid) parking in Lauterbrunnen.
➡️ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take the train from Interlaken Ost train station – it is just a 20-minute ride from there.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON FUN DAY TOURS FROM INTERLAKEN
The compact yet incredibly diverse Interlaken region is a treasure trove of experiences. I’ve handpicked my favorite destinations and day trips from Interlaken to ensure you make the most of your visit. However, if you’re hungry for more inspiration, check out my comprehensive Interlaken post.
With an abundance of captivating activities and sights, you could easily fill weeks or even months with delightful day trips around Interlaken. I have spent several months in total in Interlaken and I will probably never tire thanks to the many day excursions.
There is so much to do and see that you could spend weeks or months doing fun Interlaken day trips – hope, you have gotten inspired to explore the area.
Find out about the hidden gems of Switzerland here