3 Days in Interlaken, Switzerland

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.

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.

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!

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.