Interlaken Day Trip: Where to Go & What to See (+Map & Itinerary)

This site contains affiliate links, which means that we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, for qualifying purchases. It supports the work that goes into keeping this content free. Thanks for reading! More info: Privacy Policy.

Planning an Interlaken day trip and wondering what to see? This guide covers the best places to visit in Interlaken in one day, plus several ready-to-use itinerary ideas.

You’ll learn how to choose between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, where exactly to go, and how to organize your time so you can make the most of your short visit. We’ve also included practical information about transportation, tickets and passes, where to stay, and more.

If you’re looking for a relaxed day with a lake cruise and Swiss mountain views, or prefer a more active sightseeing itinerary, you’ll find realistic suggestions to help you experience the best of Interlaken in a day. All tips are based on our personal experience and multiple visits to the region.

TIP: If you only have limited time in your Switzerland itinerary, and are looking for an easy way to see the highlights around Interlaken in one day, consider this popular tour from Zurich. It combines a visit to Interlaken with Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald in a day.

Good to know: This guide includes a detailed 1-day Interlaken itinerary based on one of our summer visits, plus several alternative itinerary ideas so you can adapt your plans to your interests, the season, and whether you decide to explore Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, or both.

We also include a map and practical tips to help you plan your Interlaken day trip.

What to Know Before You Visit Interlaken

The first thing to know when planning a day trip to Interlaken is that the town itself is quite small. You can walk through the center and see the main sights in about an hour. In reality, Interlaken is mostly a base for exploring the region — the town center is filled with hotels, souvenir shops, luxury watch stores, and restaurants, but there are very few actual attractions in town.

What makes Interlaken special is its location between two lakes – Lake Thun (Thunersee) and Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) – and its proximity to the mountains of the Jungfrau Region. This means there are countless sightseeing options – far more than most visitors expect.

If you only have one day in Interlaken, the biggest challenge isn’t finding things to do, but deciding what to prioritize. Between lake cruises, viewpoints, waterfalls, nearby villages, and adventurous activities like paragliding or kayaking, you could easily fill several days here, not even to mention the nearby mountain destinations.

This guide focuses on visiting Interlaken town and its two lakes. If you have extra time, consider adding a visit to Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe and Grindelwald-First, exploring places like Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren, or – a personal favorite – Schynige Platte.

Lake Brienz vs. Lake Thun

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when planning a day in Interlaken is which lake to explore: Lake Brienz or Lake Thun (Brienzersee or Thunersee). A boat cruise on at least one of them is one of the best things to do in Interlaken.

If you only have one day in Interlaken, it’s usually best to choose one lake and combine it with Harder Kulm and some time in town. But – in summer season – it’s also possible to visit both lakes in one day. In that case, get this day pass that includes both lakes, start early and limit yourself to one short stop on each lake.

Both lakes are beautiful, both offer hop-on hop-off boat connections, and both can easily fill half a day or more. Further below, you can read about our experience and recommended itineraries. And here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

	LAKE BRIENZ	LAKE THUN
OVERALL FEEL	Smaller, more compact	Larger, more varied
SCENERY	Turquoise water, dramatic mountain backdrop	Wide lake views with towns and castles
ATMOSPHERE	More nature-focused, quieter	More towns, cultural sights, and landmarks
HIGHLIGHTS	Giessbach Waterfalls, Iseltwald	Oberhofen Castle, Spiez, Thun, St. Beatus Caves
ROUND TRIP BY BOAT	2.5-3 hours (1h10 to Brienz)	4-4.5 hours (2h10 to Thun)
BOAT SEASON	Mid March – Mid October	Year-round, but limited in winter
BOAT DEPARTS FROM	Interlaken Ost (near the Harder Kulm funicular)	Interlaken West

Quick Overview of Suggested Interlaken 1-Day Itineraries

There are many ways to plan a day in Interlaken. To make it easier, below is a quick overview of the suggested one-day itineraries, with sample timings for reference. You’ll find detailed explanations and step-by-step guidance for each option further below in this guide.

You can follow any of these itineraries as they are or use them as inspiration to create your own perfect Interlaken day trip. To keep things simple, all suggested itineraries start and end in Interlaken town. Take a look and see which one suits your plans best.

Option 1: Harder Kulm + Lake Brienz Highlights (Giessbach & Iseltwald)

This is the exact itinerary we followed on one of our summer visits to Interlaken. It focuses on Lake Brienz but does not include a stop in Brienz town (see Option 2 below for that version). You’ll find the full step-by-step details and photos further below in this guide.

• 9.40 – 11 AM Harder Kulm.
• 11.07 AM – 12.09 PM Boat from Interlaken Ost to Giessbach (Lake Brienz)
• 12 – 1 PM Giessbach Waterfall and picnic lunch
• 1 – 2 PM Hike from Giessbach to Iseltwald
• Optional extra time in Iseltwald
• 3.17 PM Boat from Iseltwald to Interlaken (or take a boat to Brienz and return by train)
• Interlaken town and dinner

Option 2: Lake Brienz

This is a quick overview of a recommended full-day itinerary focusing on Lake Brienz attractions.

• 9.40 – 11 AM Harder Kulm
• 11.07 AM – 12.09 PM Boat from Interlaken to Giessbach
• 12.10 -1 PM Giessbach Waterfall
• 1.09 – 1.20 PM Boat from Giessbach to Brienz
• Visit Brienz
• 3.40 or 5.40 PM Boat from Brienz to Interlaken (or faster by train)
• Interlaken town

Option 3: Lake Brienz & Lake Thun

Here are some recommendations if you want to visit both lakes of Interlaken in a day:

• 9.07 – 10.09 AM Boat trip on Lake Brienz to Giessbach
• Quick visit to Giessbach Waterfall
• 10.51 – 11.53 AM – Boat back to Interlaken
• 12.10 PM – 1.30 PM Harder Kulm + afternoon boat on Lake Thun
• OR 12.10 – 12.30 PM Bus from Interlaken Ost to St. Beatus Caves and visit the caves + 2.43 – 4.20 PM boat from Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen to Thun
• Visit Thun
• Bus or train back to Interlaken
• It might also be possible to visit Harder Kulm in the evening (+-8PM)

Option 4: Lake Thun

Here are some day trip itinerary recommendations focusing on Lake Thun attractions:

• Morning: Harder Kulm
• Late morning: Bus from Interlaken to St. Beatus Caves (or to visit Niederhorn)
• Afternoon: Bus to Thun and visit town
• Early evening: Lake Thun Boat Cruise to Interlaken

OR

• Morning: Harder Kulm
• Late morning-afternoon: Lake Thun Boat Cruise with one or two stops
• Early evening: Visit Thun and back to Interlaken by bus or train

Interlaken Day Trip: Our Experience & One Day Itinerary

(OPTION 1)

On our first trip to Interlaken, we asked locals for recommendations for a day trip itinerary that would give us a good feel for the area without feeling rushed. The route below was suggested to us more than once, and it turned out to be an excellent choice.

Our Interlaken one day itinerary included Harder Kulm – Top of Interlaken, a boat trip on Lake Brienz, Giessbach Waterfalls, an easy lakeshore walk to the picturesque village of Iseltwald, and some time in Interlaken town itself. You’ll find step-by-step details for each part of the day below.

The scenery along Lake Brienz is spectacular, and the combination of viewpoints, waterfalls, and small lakeside villages makes the day varied but still easy to plan. If you’re looking for a nice way to spend a day in Interlaken in the summer season, this itinerary includes a bit of everything: a short visit to town, a lake cruise, charming villages, waterfalls, and panoramic views.

Further below, you’ll also find alternative itineraries (including year-round options), so you can choose the option that best fits your interests and the season.

Here’s the Interlaken day trip itinerary exactly as we did it on one of our summer visits (timing is for reference only and may vary depending on your pace and boat schedule):

Harder Kulm – Top of Interlaken

9.40 – 11 AM

If you’re planning a day in Interlaken in the warm season, Harder Kulm (also known as the Top of Interlaken) is the one viewpoint you shouldn’t miss, and you can visit either before or after exploring the lakes. It’s easy to reach, doesn’t require much time, and offers some of the best panoramic views in the area. We started our day with the funicular ride to Harder Kulm.

At 1,321 meters (4,334 ft), Harder Kulm overlooks Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the peaks of the Jungfrau Region. The highlight is the Two-Lakes Bridge, a viewing platform extending out over the hillside and a very popular photo spot (the cow sculpture adds a fun touch).

At the top, you’ll also find a panoramic restaurant with a large terrace, a small souvenir shop, and a playground. If you have extra time and want to do some hiking, the Harder Kulm Circular Route is a relatively easy one-hour loop. However, I’d only include it if you’re not rushing to fit in other sights on the same day.

Practical information: The Harder Kulm funicular departs from across the river near Interlaken Ost railway station. The ride takes about 10 minutes, with departures every 30 minutes. The funicular typically operates from mid-April until late November, daily from 9.10 AM. In peak season, it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.

You can also hike to Harder Kulm. The trail is about 4 km (2.5 miles), but it’s steep and takes around 2.5–3 hours one way. You could also take the funicular up and hike down, but that will take up a significant part of your day.

Good to know: Because it’s located in town and is easy to visit, Harder Kulm can get very busy, especially in summer. Sunset is very popular here too, but if you want fewer crowds, go early in the morning. We arrived around 10 AM on a weekday in August and it was already quite lively.

Boat Cruise on Lake Brienz

11.07 AM – 12.09 PM

Next on this itinerary is a scenic cruise on Lake Brienz. A boat trip here is an experience in itself, with striking turquoise water, mountain views in every direction, and charming lakeside villages along the shore.

The boat we took happened to be a historic paddle steamer. It’s slightly slower than the modern vessels, but that’s part of the charm. Some passengers were even dressed in Belle Époque-style clothing, which added to the atmosphere.

Below, you’ll find the stops along Lake Brienz that we included in our Interlaken one day itinerary.

Giessbach Waterfalls

12.10 – 1 PM

Following local recommendations, we took a boat from Interlaken to Giessbach and disembarked there. This part of the lake cruise takes about one hour and is very scenic. We arrived in Giessbach around noon.

Giessbach itself is not a village, but rather a lakeside stop best known for the Giessbach Waterfall and the historic Grandhotel Giessbach, a beautiful 19th-century hotel overlooking Lake Brienz. You can have lunch on the hotel’s panoramic terrace or picnic on the large lawn nearby. To save time, we brought a picnic with us.

Good to know: When you arrive by boat, you’re at lake level, well below the hotel and the waterfall. The easiest way up is the historic Giessbach funicular. This short but steep ride is an attraction in itself. Kids loved it. Plus, it saves a fairly demanding uphill walk and is also convenient if you’re short on time.

The main reason to visit here is the impressive Giessbach Waterfalls. The waterfall cascades down the mountainside in 14 stages before reaching the lake, creating one of the most beautiful waterfall settings in Switzerland.

My pictures don’t do it justice because the sun made it impossible to get a really good shot of all the waterfalls at once. But take my word for it – Giessbach Waterfalls are truly worth a visit.

Several walking paths allow you to view it from different angles, and you can even walk behind part of the waterfall. Prepare to get a bit wet – no big deal, just a refreshing splash of water on a warm summer day.

Good to know: Unless you plan to hike further in the area, 30–45 minutes is usually enough to visit the waterfalls and enjoy the views. Plan more time if you’d like to have lunch or explore the trails around the hotel.

After your visit, you have several options: continue by boat to Brienz, return to Interlaken, or stop at another lakeside village. We chose a different option and walked along the scenic lakeshore trail to Iseltwald, from where we later took a boat back to Interlaken.

Giessbach to Iseltwald – Lakeshore Trail

1 – 2 PM

There are several hiking paths connecting Giessbach and Iseltwald. The shortest, easiest, and most scenic option is the lakeshore trail (not the higher forest route). The walk takes about 45–60 minutes at a relaxed pace.

The lakeshore trail between Giessbach and Iseltwald is pleasant and easy, but it’s not comparable to the more dramatic hikes in the surrounding mountains. It’s nice to do if you have an extra hour and want to get a bit off the beaten path, but if you’re short on time, you won’t miss a major highlight by skipping it.

The first section is fairly uneventful, but about halfway through, the scenery improves considerably. The path follows the shoreline with turquoise Lake Brienz on one side and rocky cliffs on the other. As you get closer to Iseltwald, the views become more open and picturesque – see the pictures below.

Iseltwald

2 – 3 PM (or just a short stop, depending on the boat schedule)

Iseltwald is a small but very picturesque village on Lake Brienz. With its traditional wooden houses, small harbor, and mountain backdrop, it’s one of the prettiest spots along the lake.

In summer, and if the weather is warm enough, you can swim in the lake, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or simply relax by the water. There’s a small lakeside area where people sunbathe and access the water. Keep in mind that Lake Brienz is a mountain lake and even in summer, the water is cold. Swimming at the mountain lakes in Switzerland is really only doable with temperatures of at least 25°C and lots of sunshine…

We made this day trip to Interlaken at the beginning of August, but it wasn’t really swimming weather. Our kids took a quick dip in the water and quickly came out. But because of that quick swim, we missed our scheduled boat from Iseltwald back to Interlaken, which meant we ended up spending about an extra hour in the village (a lot longer than you actually need for a visit here).

That said, Iseltwald is not a bad place to linger. We found a lovely restaurant terrace near the harbor and enjoyed some drinks and ice cream while waiting for the next boat. By the time it arrived, we almost didn’t feel like leaving.

Good to know: In recent years, Iseltwald has become much more popular after the pier was featured in the Korean Netflix series Crash Landing on You. The small wooden jetty near the harbor is now a well-known photo spot, and on busy summer days, you may see a line of visitors waiting to take pictures there. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, it’s best to come earlier in the day or outside peak season.

Boat from Iseltwald to Interlaken

3.15 – 4 PM

From Iseltwald, take the boat back to Interlaken. The ride takes about 35–45 minutes, depending on the vessel and timetable. In summer, boats usually run hourly, but it’s always best to check the schedule in advance.

Alternatively, if you want to fill an entire day, you could also take a boat to Brienz, explore the town, and return to Interlaken by train. This final stretch of the cruise offers more beautiful views of Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains, making it a nice addition to your itinerary. You’ll find some ideas on what to see and do in Brienz further below.

While Giessbach, Iseltwald, or Brienz aren’t the biggest tourist hotspots, including them in your Swiss trip itinerary adds more variety and gives you a glimpse of a quieter side of Switzerland. The scenery is also very different from the busier areas around Interlaken and the main mountain resorts.

Interlaken

LATE AFTERNOON – EVENING

Interlaken town itself doesn’t have major attractions, but it’s a pleasant place to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening. You’ll find historic grand hotels, well-kept parks, flower-filled streets, souvenir shops, luxury watch stores, and plenty of restaurants and cafés. It’s a good place for dinner, a drink on a terrace, or a casual stroll after a busy day around the lakes.

If you didn’t visit Harder Kulm in the morning, you could go up for sunset instead. The late afternoon light over Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the surrounding peaks can be especially beautiful (just keep in mind it’s a popular time of day).

Alternatively, if you skip the hike to Iseltwald and only visit Giessbach Waterfalls, you can be back in Interlaken much earlier. In that case, you could still consider taking a short boat cruise on Lake Thun before dinner, especially in summer when boats run later.

We ended our day with a relaxed walk through town and a drink before heading back to our hotel in Wengen.

Below, you’ll find alternative sightseeing ideas and several ready-to-use one-day Interlaken itinerary suggestions to help you plan your visit.

Alternative Itinerary Ideas for a Day in Interlaken

As already mentioned, there are many ways to plan a day in Interlaken. Below are a few alternative itinerary ideas, depending on whether you prefer more lake time, fewer hikes, or want to combine both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun in one day.

Lake Brienz in a Day

Harder Kulm – Lake Brienz – Giessbach – Brienz – Interlaken (OPTION 2)

This itinerary is ideal if you want to spend a full day focusing on Lake Brienz.

Start your morning with Harder Kulm, then follow our detailed itinerary to Giessbach. After visiting the waterfalls, return to the pier and continue by boat to Brienz. This way, you’ll cruise the full length of Lake Brienz and experience more of its striking turquoise water and dramatic mountain scenery.

Brienz is a lovely lakeside town known for its traditional wooden chalets and long woodcarving heritage. You can stroll along the lakeside promenade, wander through Brunngasse (often called one of the prettiest streets in Switzerland), visit the Swiss Woodcarving Museum, or enjoy lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Just outside the center, in nearby Hofstetten, you’ll also find the interactive Trauffer Erlebniswelt dedicated to the famous wooden cows. If you want to spend a full day, Brienz is also the starting point for the Brienz Rothorn mountain railway. Just keep in mind that a visit here requires at least 3-4 hours and has to be booked in advance.

Good to know: From Brienz, the boat ride back to Interlaken takes about 1.5 hours. It’s a relaxing return journey and a great option if you prefer more time on a boat. Alternatively, you can return much faster by train (around 20 minutes) or by bus, which gives you more flexibility if you’re short on time or want to stay longer and come back in the evening.

Upon returning to Interlaken, spend some time in town and have dinner. If you prefer, you can also plan your visit to Harder Kulm for the evening instead of going there first thing in the morning.

Lake Brienz & Lake Thun in One Day

LAKE BRIENZ – GIESSBACH – HARDER KULM (INTERLAKEN) – ST BEATUS – LAKE THUN – THUN (OPTION 3)

If you want to see both lakes of Interlaken in one day, it’s definitely possible. It will be a full itinerary, but if you’re up for it, combining Lake Brienz and Lake Thun is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Interlaken area in a short time. This works best in summer, when boat schedules are frequent and connections are easier.

TIP: Start as early as possible and take the first boat in the morning (check boat/bus schedule in advance to make sure the connections work). To keep the day realistic and enjoyable, choose just one or two places to actually visit (Giessbach Falls, Harder Kulm, or St. Beatus Caves – the latter requires most time), and stay on the boat for the rest of the cruise. It’s possible to visit all of the above, but you’ll have to plan really well and it will be rushed.

Here’s what your day could look like:

Take the first Lake Brienz boat from Interlaken. You can stay on the boat to Brienz or hop off in Giessbach, quickly visit the waterfall, and catch the same boat on its way back to Interlaken.

In Interlaken, you could take the funicular up to Harder Kulm for panoramic views (or leave it for later). Alternatively, visit St. Beatus Caves by Lake Thun (take bus 21 to get there faster). After exploring the caves, take a boat from Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen to Thun and spend some time in the historic old town.

For the return journey, you can take the train or bus from Thun to Interlaken, which is faster and more flexible than trying to catch the last boat. If you are back in Interlaken before 8 PM, you might still be able to visit Harder Kulm in the evening.

TIP: This day pass covers all boat rides on both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, which can be good value if you plan to combine the two on the same day. To save time, consider having lunch on board, bringing a picnic, or grabbing a quick bite in town.

Lake Thun in a Day

LAKE THUN – ST BEATUS, CASTLES, OR NIEDERHORN – THUN (OPTION 4)

If you prefer to focus on Lake Thun, there’s enough here to fill a full day (or even several). Depending on your interests, you can combine a scenic lake cruise with historic castles, charming lakeside towns, cultural sights, underground caves and waterfalls, or even head up to a mountain viewpoint.

Like Lake Brienz, Lake Thun offers regular hop-on hop-off boat cruises, departing from Interlaken West (Lake Brienz boats leave from Interlaken Ost), and you can also access some of the landmarks by bus or train. Lake Thun is also a better option if you’re visiting Interlaken in the winter season.

The scenery here feels more diverse, with wide-open lake views, vineyards, castle-dotted shores, and lively lakeside towns. In summer, you’ll also find a popular swimming area near Neuhaus Golf- & Strandhotel, just outside Interlaken.

One of the biggest highlights of Lake Thun is its impressive collection of castles. Along the shores you’ll find Oberhofen Castle, Hünegg Castle, Thun Castle, Schadau Castle, and Spiez Castle. Exploring by boat makes it easy to hop off and visit one or two of them.

Another major attraction is the impressive St. Beatus Caves, located directly above the lake and very easy to combine with a cruise. Just nearby, you can also visit Niederhorn – a mountain peak offering panoramic views over Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps.

If you continue all the way to Thun, you could easily spend a few hours in the historic old town. With its elevated castle, wooden bridges, and riverside cafés, it’s really picturesque and worth a visit.

Good to know: Trains and buses run frequently between Thun and Interlaken, and both are much faster than cruising the entire lake. The lake and mountain views are also better when traveling from Thun toward Interlaken. So you could start with a bus (making a sightseeing stop along the way), continue to Thun, and return to Interlaken by boat. Below, you’ll find this and other Interlaken itineraries at a glance.

Map of Interlaken Area

To help you get a better idea of where all these places are located, I created this map indicating all the places in the Interlaken area mentioned in this article. Take a look below.

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

 

Where to Stay

Interlaken is a convenient base for exploring the Bernese Oberland. It has excellent public transportation connections and a wide range of accommodations, from grand historic hotels to more modern options.

Good to know: The city is spread out between the two lakes and has two stations – Interlaken Ost (Lake Brienz) and Interlaken West (Lake Thun). The east side is more convenient for boats on Lake Brienz, Harder Kulm, and trains to the Jungfrau Region, while west is better for Lake Thun. The area around West Station is also more lively, with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. You can walk between the two stations in about 25 minutes, or take a bus or a train.

Here are a few hotel recommendations, grouped by price level (Switzerland is not a low-cost destination, but Interlaken is a lot more affordable than most mountain resorts nearby):

• Luxury: Royal St. Georges Hotel – A historic centrally-located 4-star hotel with elegant rooms.
• Mid-range:
  • Essential by Dorint – A modern highly-rated hotel near Interlaken West station.
  • Hotel Interlaken – A good-value option within easy walking distance of Interlaken Ost station.
• Lower budget: Hotel Merkur – A simple, well-rated hotel right next to Interlaken West station.

TIP: Use the map below to compare hotels, apartments, and short-term rentals in Interlaken. Enter your travel dates and group size to see what’s available for your stay.

 

Practical Information for Visiting Interlaken

• Public Transport: Interlaken and the surrounding Bernese Oberland are very well connected by public transportation, so you can easily get around by boat, train, bus, and mountain railways without needing a car. Trains to the Jungfrau Region and boats to Lake Brienz depart from Interlaken Ost, while Lake Thun boats depart from Interlaken West. You can check the official boat timetables and ticket information on the BLS website. In summer, schedules are easier to combine into a full-day itinerary; in the low season, options are more limited, so always check timetables in advance.

• Planning tip: Boat departures are not as frequent as trains or buses. Always plan your day around boat times first, especially if you want to hike between stops or visit waterfalls and caves.

• Travel Passes & Regional Cards:
  • Swiss Travel Pass covers all public transport, including boat rides on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It also gives discounts on many other attractions. You can purchase it here.
  • Jungfrau Travel Pass (summer season) covers boat tickets for both lakes and the Harder Kulm funicular, as well as trains and gondolas in the nearby mountains (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, etc.).
  • Berner Oberland Regional Pass includes train, bus, and boats within the entire Bernese Oberland, plus more than 25 mountain railways and gondolas.
  • Regional guest cards (usually provided free by your accommodation) often include local bus transport and offer small discounts on boat cruises and certain attractions.

• Driving & Parking: If you’re arriving by car, keep in mind that parking in Interlaken is limited and can be expensive. There are several public parking garages near Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West stations. For a day trip, it’s usually easiest to park near the station closest to your first activity. We usually leave a car at the hotel and explore by public transport.

• Tickets: If you are not getting any of the travel passes (or attractions aren’t included), you can book the following tickets online in advance:
  • Harder Kulm Funicular.
  • Boat Day Pass for Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
  • St. Beatus Caves Entry.

• Traveling with kids: Children under 6 travel for free on most public transport. Holders of various Swiss rail passes may also qualify for additional discounts for kids between 6 and 16.

• When to visit: Interlaken is a year-round destination, and you can explore most places in any season. However, there’s significantly more to see and do between April and October, when boat cruises, mountain railways, and attractions operate on full schedules.

• Weather: Check the mountain forecast before visiting mountain destinations. On cloudy or rainy days, lake cruises and towns are still enjoyable, but views from higher elevations may be limited.

• Food & Drinks: Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike or rely on boat connections. You’ll find restaurants at most stops, but packing a picnic for lunch will save you lots of time.

READ ALSO: Swiss Travel Pass: Complete Guide

FAQ

READ ALSO: 10 Days in Switzerland – First-Timer’s Itinerary

So, this is our complete guide to planning a day in Interlaken. I hope it helps you decide what to see, how to structure your time, and how to make the most of your visit to this stunning part of Switzerland.

If you have any questions that aren’t covered above, feel free to leave a comment below — I’m always happy to help.

TIP: If you have one extra day in the Interlaken area in summer, consider visiting Schynige Platte. It’s a beautiful mountain destination with incredible views and fewer crowds than some of the better-known peaks, and it’s easy to reach from Interlaken.

More tips for your trip to Switzerland:

• Must see: Visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe and Mount Titlis
• But which one is better? Mt Titlis vs Jungfraujoch
• Grindelwald: Best Things to Do in Grindelwald-First
• Winter in this region: Jungfrau Region in Winter and Skiing in Wengen
• Skiing in other regions: Skiing in Switzerland on a Budget & Skiing in Engelberg
• Best cities: Things to Do in Geneva & Things to Do in Bern & Best Things to Do in Lucerne
• Zermatt area: Things to Do in Zermatt & One Day in Zermatt & Klein Matterhorn & Gornergrat
• Lucerne area: Best Day Trips from Lucerne & How to Visit Mt Pilatus from Lucerne & Pilatus Golden Round Trip

TIP: Did you find this guide helpful? Bookmark this post for later, share it with your friends, and save it to Pinterest to inspire your next trip.

Some of our favorite hikes in Switzerland:

• Matterhorn Glacier Trail (Zermatt)
• Hiking at Schynige Platte (near Interlaken)
• Oeschinen Lake & Hike (close to Interlaken)
• Four Lakes Hike in Engelberg (near Lucerne)
• Bachalpsee Lake (Grindelwald)
• Stoos Ridge Hike (close to Lucerne or Zurich)
• Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge Hike (near Zermatt)