Curator’s statement
In this meticulously crafted 3-day travel guide to Interlaken, Switzerland, I relive my journey through the Swiss Alps, constantly enamored with the mountainous terrain. Guided by curiosity, my genuine love for traversing Switzerland's peaks and valleys infuses the guide with an enthusiasm for Interlaken's myriad offerings. The town's unique blend of adventure and culture resonates with my personal preferences, making this guide a testament to my personal connection with the destination. Immerse yourself in this outlined itinerary, exploring the mountains, the lakes and the essence of Interlaken itself.
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Where to stay
Hotel Interlaken
Family-style hotel renovated and modernized to be able to continue the centuries old hospitality.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is an opulent Swiss landmark situated in the heart of Interlaken, offering unrivaled luxury, world-class spa facilities, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
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Boutique Hotel Bellevue Interlaken
A charming and elegant boutique hotel in Interlaken, offering stunning views of the Swiss Alps and personalized service.
The Hey Hotel
A trendy and contemporary hotel with a vibrant atmosphere, located in a central area of the city, providing a unique and stylish stay experience.
Hotel Chalet Swiss
A cozy and traditional chalet-style hotel nestled in the Swiss countryside, providing a rustic yet comfortable stay with easy access to outdoor activities.
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Day 1: Welcome to Interlaken!
Welcome to Interlaken! Start your day off with a hike up Harder Klum to take in the view from above. Grab a sandwich after at Barracuda Cafe & Bar, across the street from the famous Balmer's Hostel. Spend some time on the lake, SUP or kayaking Lake Brienz. I would recommend renting a paddleboard from Mountain Surf. Cap your day with a cocktail on the rooftop of Hotel Metropole and some fondue at Hirschen Hotel Restaurant.
Day 2: Lauterbrunnen
Take the train over to Lauterbrunnen for the day. Lauterbrunnen is famous for its majestic waterfalls pouring into the valley floor. Take the cable car up to Grutschalp and walk over to the town of Murren to soak in the view of the mountains.
Stop for a little lunch in Murren, then take the cable car up to Schilthorn to feel on top of the world. The view from the top is unparalleled. You might even recognize it from a famous adventure movie. Once you've taken it all, head back down to Murren and hike down to the town of Gimmelwald. This traffic-free village is picturesque and boasts a slow, peaceful lifestyle.
Take the gondola down to Stechelberg and end your day hiking to Trummelbach Falls. Walk through and experience the glacier run off, feeding into dramatic cascades inside the mountain. Return to Interlaken for a beer at Haarige Kuh Brauereri and dinner at Husi Bierhause, known for their mac and cheese.
Day 3: Grindelwald
Can't get enough of these mountain towns? Take the train over the Grindelwald for your final day in the Interlaken area. Take the gondola (or hike!) up to First. From there, explore the cliff walk overlooking the magical scenery. Hike up to Bachalpsee lake for views that look fake and enjoy a picnic lunch. Instead of hiking down, take a mountain cart or scooter and race your way down the mountain trails. Head back to Interlaken for a wine tasting at Rebbau Genossenschaft Spiez. Be sure to book the tour and tasting to brush up on your alpine wine making!
Day 4: Trummelbach Falls
If Trummelbach Falls is a favorite of yours, spend your last day exploring more glacial runoff that is pouring through mountainsides. Head over the Aare Gorge and hike around the area, passing through Reichenbach Falls and Aareschlucht. Head back to Interlaken a bit early to catch up on any more exploring. Take a hang gliding or paragliding ride through the mountains, taste Swiss chocolate and take a boat ride around Lake Thun.
If you're staying in Switzerland for a few more days, I would recommend heading up to Lucerne and Zurich to get a taste of some larger towns.
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Travel Advisor
Katherine Ferguson
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Switzerland. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Parker White’s guide, Best Hotels & Things to Do in Zermatt, Switzerland.