BEST DAY TRIPS FROM INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND IN 2023

BEST INTERLAKEN DAY TRIPS, SWITZERLAND

If you are wondering about the best Interlaken day trips, this post is for you. Here you will find out about the top places to visit near Interlaken, Switzerland.

Interlaken is located in central Switzerland, the Berner Oberland Region (Bernese Highlands/Bernese Oberland) in Central Switzerland. While Interlaken itself is a cute town, the region of Interlaken is beyond stunning. You would miss out if you don’t do excursions from Interlaken.

Each year, I spend days and weeks in the region of Interlaken – and I never get enough. If you cannot stay in Interlaken for weeks or months, you will probably need to plan your trip wisely and choose the best Interlaken day trip according to your preferences.

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.

Day trips Interlaken, Arzo Travels
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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 in Interlaken

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 in this post, you have several options for getting around. 

Public transportation, car, or guided tours. Road-tripping Switzerland is so much fun, but I suggest buying a Swiss Travel Pass and getting around via public transportation. Sometimes, boats will play a big role in getting around, too.

🚊 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation in Switzerland and in the region 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 as it doesn’t take you to many places. For example, you can’t even visit Thun with it and have to pay 14CHF on top (one way). So, in most cases, you will need an extra bus/train ticket (expensive without a Swiss Travel Pass or a Half Fare ticket or if you travel with more than 2 people). It will get you to places very close by, like the St.Beatus Caves.

Swiss Travel Pass

I suggest getting a Swiss Travel Pass. The Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited travel by train (on some premium panorama trains you have to pay a reservation fee), bus, and boat.

You have free admission to more than 500 museums and 3 mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos. None of them is in the region of Interlaken but you get a 50% discount on most other mountain excursions. If you are discovering Interlaken, the Swiss Travel Pass should pay off quickly.

➡️ 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. If you drive along Lake Thun, you’ll find scenic roads along the northern shores.

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

Best Time For Day Trips

I have visited Interlaken in summer, fall, and winter and you can do these day tours throughout the year with a few exceptions. If any activity is not available at any season, I will let you know.

EPIC DAY TOURS FROM INTERLAKEN

So, without further ado, let´s talk about my favorite Interlaken day trips – and they might become your favorites, too! 

1 – From Interlaken to Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch is the most popular tourist spot in the Interlaken/Jungfrau Region.

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.

Getting up Jungfraujoch is a bucket list item for many. Understandably because there is snow throughout the year. And it holds the record for being 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

View from Eismeer Station on the way to Jungfraujoch
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Ice sculpure at Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch
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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 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. 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. Click on the link for Jungfraujoch Train Trip for Swiss Travel Pass Holders

HOW TO GET THERE FROM INTERLAKEN

ℹ️ CAR: You cannot drive up all the way to Jungfraujoch. Get to Lauterbrunnen or GrindelwaldPark 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 all the way 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

2 – 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, but you can also head to Grindelwald First and hike to Bachalpsee.

  • Free train ride to Grindelwald  with the Swiss Travel Pass
  • 50% discount on the gondola ride with the Swiss Travel Pass
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@shutterstock – Grindelwald First

If you are looking for something more adventurous, try FFirst Flyer and First Glider and walk on the First Cliff Walk suspension bridge. After all, Grindelwald First is known as the Top of Adventures, so the many adventure activities do not 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), and make sure to plan time at the lake.

Bachalpsee near Grindelwald one of the most photogenic spost in Interlaken
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Grindelwald First & Bachalpsee make a perfect Interlaken day tour that you will not forget so easily. 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).

3 – 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. Apparently, 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 one of them. 

  • 50% discount on the funicular ride with the Swiss Travel Pass
  • Free train/bus ride to Mühlenen train station with the Swiss Travel Pass

Best things to do around Lake Thun, Switzerland_
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Interlaken places to visit near Interlaken, Switzerland
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So, if you look at it, e.g. from Lake Thun, it looks great. Quite late, I found out, that you can actually get on top of Mount Niesen. Up at Mount Niesen (at 2362 meters), you will not only have amazing views of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz but also the Alps. Kids will enjoy their time in the Niesen Village, and the braver adults can do some paragliding up there.

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).

4 – 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 to have 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 Rothorn Funicular does not operate from the end of October until April

View from Brienzer Rothorn
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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 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, you could visit Ballenberg Museum which is the biggest open-air museum in Switzerland and is close to Brienz.

Ballenberg Museum in Interlaken
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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. 

5 – 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

Cable car to and from Birg Mountain in Lauterbrunnen
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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.

James Bond trail on Schilthorn mountain
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But also, have great views of the Swiss Skyline (a spectacular panorama that consists of looking at the three mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) and you can walk the “Thrill Walk” (a pathway along the rock massif).

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 and easy 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).

6 – 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

Best tours on Switzerland
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Mount Rigi, the Queen of Mountains, is a great trip and worth it especially because the mountain ride is included in the Swiss Travel Pass

Getting up Mount Rigi - a must-do activity in Lucerne
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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 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.

7 – 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 Schynige Platte is so popular. 

  • Free train ride to Wilderswill from Interlaken with the Swiss Travel Pass
  • 50% discount on the funicular ride with a Swiss Travel Pass

Best Places to see in Schweiz
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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, 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. 

8 – 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

Bern from Rosengarten with Arzo Travels
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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 minutes hike). And do not forget to say hi to 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.

9 – 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, you can do a boat tour to the other side. Thun is located on the southern shores and is probably the prettiest town on Lake Thun. 

Best things to see at Lake Thun, boat tour Lake Thun
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Thun, most beautiful town in Interlaken
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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, you could 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). 

Spiez best of Switzerland
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Spiez has a pretty castle, and a charming promenade – a perfect way to end your day (and take the boat back to Interlaken).

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. 

10 – 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

Best things to do around Lake Brienz, Interlaken Giessbach Waterfalls
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If you get out of the boat station (Giessbach), you can either get up to Grand Hotel Giessbach via the funicular or hike for 10 minutes. From there you have great views of the waterfalls. Keep hiking so you can even walk behind the waterfalls. 
Giessbach waterfall - with a view of Grandhotel Giessbach
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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 Grandhotel 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).

12 – 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
Best holiday places in Switzerland Zermatt
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@shutterstock

Once you are in this beautiful town, you can stroll the pretty old town center, and I definitely suggest getting up Klein Matterhorn (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) or Gornergrat for some fantastic views of the Matterhorn Mountain. Include some hiking in your Zermatt itinerary and visit the Gorger Gorge. Check out my Zermatt itinerary for more info.

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 a train to Vips. 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.

13 – 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

switzerland tourist attractions
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 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.

 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.

14 – 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 for Oeschinensee Swiss Travel Pass

Bucket list places in Switzerland Blausee
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To see this tiny yet stunning lake, you have to pay an entry fee

There is not that much to do, honestly, but you can walk around the lake or enjoy a short boat tour (without an extra fee, have lunch in the restaurant, or walk around the lake). Check out my Blausee post.

A trip should not take more than one hour, though – afterward, head to the famous Oeschinensee. 

Oeschinensee hike, Heuberg a top thing to do in Interlaken, Arzo Travels
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Oeschinensee is honestly more stunning than Blausee – here, you have a little bit of Canada in Switzerland. This is one of the top mountain lakes in all of Switzerland – if not the prettiest.

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. 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.

15 – 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

Gelmsersee in Switzerland
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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.

While the Gelmer Funicular might be very busy, the lake isn’t because most people actually don’t hike around the lake.

Interlaken best day trips in Bernese Oberland
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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.

15 – 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. 

Trift Bridge in Grimselwelt as a main place near Interlaken with Arzo Travels
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Arzo Travels at Trift Bridge
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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, this makes a full-day trip from Interlaken.

The prices for the cable car are around 11€ (22€ 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.

16 – 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.

Lauterbrunnen Staubbach waterfall a top activity in Interlaken with Arzo Travels
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If you visit Schilthorn, you will be in Lauterbrunnen already. However, spending one full day in Lauterbrunnen itself is also a great idea-

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 the Lütschine River offers many water sports activities like wild wald rafting.

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.

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, don’t hesitate to peruse 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 hope this selection has ignited your wanderlust and encouraged you to embark on an unforgettable journey, uncovering the countless wonders this region has to offer.

Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors, cultural enrichment, or simply breathtaking landscapes, Interlaken and its day trip options are sure to leave you awe-inspired and fulfilled.

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 hidden gems of Switzerland here.

Here are the best 50 things to do in Interlaken

Safe Travels, Arzo
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