Interlaken sits in one of the most scenic parts of Switzerland, between two lakes and surrounded by the peaks of the Bernese Alps. Because the railway network is excellent and distances are short, many of the region’s most famous landscapes can be reached in less than an hour. This makes Interlaken one of the easiest places in Switzerland to use as a base for day trips. Here are some of the most rewarding day trips from Interlaken, for first-time travelers.
Lauterbrunnen is one of the most dramatic valleys in the Alps. Sheer rock cliffs rise hundreds of meters on both sides, and waterfalls spill down the walls of the valley. The area is often called the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls,” which gives you an idea of how spectacular the scenery is.
Travel time from Interlaken: about 20 minutes by train.
What makes the visit special:
Travel tip: start early in the morning. Soft light makes the waterfalls glow and the valley is much quieter.
The train ride to Lauterbrunnen takes only about 20 minutes, yet the scenery changes dramatically. The valley is famous for its towering rock walls and waterfalls that pour down from high above the cliffs.
One of the first sights you notice is Staubbach Falls, a slender waterfall that drops almost 300 meters (984 ft) from the cliffs above the village. It is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Switzerland. One of the most photographed waterfalls in the world.
A short bus ride deeper into the valley brings you to Trümmelbach Falls, a remarkable series of glacier waterfalls rushing through tunnels carved inside the mountain. Up to 20,000 liters of water per second can roar through the gorge during peak snowmelt.
Flat walking paths run through meadows and traditional wooden chalets, making Lauterbrunnen one of the easiest scenic walks in the Alps. The town is pretty and perfect to explore on foot. One of the most beautiful day trips from Interlaken.
Grindelwald sits at the foot of the famous north face of the Eiger mountain. The village has been welcoming travelers for more than a century and remains one of the most beautiful mountain bases in Switzerland.
Travel time from Interlaken: about 35 minutes by train.
Highlights:
Travel tip: take the gondola up to First and walk to Bachalpsee. The small lake reflects the mountains and is one of the most photographed spots in the region.
Grindelwald sits beneath one of the most famous mountain faces in the Alps, the Eiger. The north face rises dramatically above the valley and has fascinated climbers and travelers for more than a century.
The train journey from Interlaken takes about 35 minutes and passes green valleys and small villages along the way.
One of the most popular excursions is the gondola ride to First Cliff Walk by Tissot, a metal walkway that clings to the side of the mountain with sweeping views across the valley.
A gentle hiking trail leads to Bachalpsee, a small alpine lake that reflects the surrounding peaks. On calm days the reflection of the mountains in the water creates one of the most photographed scenes in Switzerland.
Mürren sits high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley on a dramatic cliff edge. Cars are not allowed here, which gives the village a peaceful alpine atmosphere.
Travel time from Interlaken: about 1 hour using train and cable car.
Why it’s worth visiting:
Travel tip: combine Mürren with a visit to Lauterbrunnen on the same day.
Mürren sits on a cliff 1,650 meters above the Lauterbrunnen Valley and feels wonderfully peaceful. Cars are not allowed in the village, so visitors arrive by train and cable car.
The journey takes about one hour from Interlaken.
The views are extraordinary. The village faces the towering peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger.
Walking paths follow the cliff edge with wide views across the valley. Small cafés and wooden chalets give the village a relaxed mountain atmosphere.
Many travelers combine Mürren with Lauterbrunnen on the same day. One of the most beautiful daytrips in Europe.
Thun sits on the northern shore of Lake Thun, about 30 minutes from Interlaken. The town feels calmer than the busy resort center and has one of the prettiest old towns in the region.
Travel time from Interlaken: about 30 minutes by train.
What you’ll enjoy:
Travel tip: the promenade along the lake is perfect for an easy afternoon walk.
Thun lies on the northern shore of Lake Thun, about 30 minutes from Interlaken by train.
The town is built around the bright turquoise Aare River, which flows through the old town beneath historic wooden bridges decorated with flowers.
Above the town stands Thun Castle, a medieval landmark built around 1180 by the Dukes of Zähringen. From the hilltop you can see across the lake toward the snowy peaks of the Bernese Alps.
A lakeside promenade stretches along the water and makes an easy scenic walk. Remember your camera… This is one of those “must-do day trips from Interlaken”.
Oeschinensee lies high above the village of Kandersteg and is often considered one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Switzerland.
Travel time from Interlaken: about 1.5 hours.
What makes it memorable:
Travel tip: take the cable car up and walk the easy trail down to the lake for spectacular views along the way.
High above the village of Kandersteg lies a lake that almost looks unreal in its beauty.
Oeschinensee sits at 1,578 meters above sea level and is surrounded by steep mountain cliffs. The water has a deep turquoise color created by glacial minerals.
The trip takes about 1½ hours from Interlaken by train and cable car.
You can rent a small rowboat or walk along the easy trail that circles part of the lake. Several viewpoints above the lake reveal just how dramatic the setting really is. Definitely worth a visit.
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