Things to Do in Interlaken: 13 Best Activities & Complete Activity Guide

Interlaken is well connected by Switzerland's local transportation network, with direct trains from every major Swiss city. Most of these routes are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, which is worth considering in your cost planning if you are travelling between multiple Swiss cities.

Interlaken Ost vs Interlaken West: Which Station Should You Use?

Interlaken has two stations. The two stations are about 10 minutes apart on foot or a short bus ride, so a car is never necessary. So, knowing which one you need saves real time:

• Interlaken Ost: The gateway to the Jungfrau region, with trains to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Jungfraujoch
• Interlaken West: Closer to hotels, restaurants and the town centre

From soaring above the Alps to gliding across the glacial lakes, Interlaken features some of the best activities in Switzerland.

1. Visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

The centrepiece of any Interlaken itinerary is exploring the famous Jungfraujoch. Jungfraujoch is home to the highest railway station in Europe and can be reached from Interlaken Ost via a 2.5-hour railway journey through Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. 

At the summit, you can visit the Sphinx Observatory for panoramic Alpine views, explore the Ice Palace and enjoy views of the Aletsch Glacier from the snow-covered plateau. 

• Ticket fares: Tickets cost around CHF 227–261 (approx. ₹26,700–30,700) per adult for a round trip. Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a 25% discount.
• Best for: Snow, glaciers, panoramic views and first-time visitors

Tip: During the peak summer months of July and August, booking in advance is highly recommended.

2. Take the Funicular to Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm is Interlaken's local mountain and one of the easiest ways to enjoy panoramic views without spending a full day on a mountain excursion. A 10-minute funicular ride from near Interlaken Ost takes you to the viewpoint at 1,322 metres.

The Harder Kulm Two Lakes Bridge is the most photographed viewpoint in the entire Interlaken area. From here, travellers can see Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.

• Best for: Short trips, panoramic views and sunset
• Operational Season: The funicular typically operates from April to November
• Return funicular: CHF 44 (approx. ₹5,180), with a 50% discount available for Swiss Travel Pass holders.

3. Paragliding over Interlaken

Paragliding in Interlaken is one of the most popular things to do in Switzerland. It offers incredible aerial views of the Swiss Alps, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz. Tandem flights usually start from the hills above Interlaken, such as Beatenberg, and glide smoothly over the valley with views of the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

No previous experience is required, as a certified instructor handles the entire flight. The experience usually lasts around 20–40 minutes, depending on weather conditions, and even children can participate with certain operators.

• Best for: Adventure seekers and couples
• Prices: CHF 170–230 (approx. ₹20,000–27,100) per person
• Best months: May–September.

4. Visit Schilthorn and Piz Gloria

Made famous by a Bond film, the Schilthorn sits at 2,970 metres and can be reached via Lauterbrunnen and Mürren by a cable car. From the top, visitors can enjoy 360-degree views across more than 200 alpine peaks.

Here, travellers can also explore the famous Bond World exhibition, the world's first revolving restaurant (Piz Gloria), and the Birg Thrill Walk. Schilthorn is often less crowded than Jungfraujoch and significantly cheaper. The Birg Thrill Walk adds an adventurous element, while the summit offers views across more than 200 Alpine peaks.

• Best for: Mountain views, Bond fans and fewer crowds
• Return from Stechelberg: CHF 104–108 (approx. ₹12,250–₹12,700); 50% off with the Swiss Travel Pass
• Journey time: ~1.5 hours from Interlaken

5. Explore Grindelwald First and Walk the Cliff Walk

Grindelwald is one of the most popular mountain destinations in the Jungfrau region and is located around 30 minutes from Interlaken by train. From here, the first gondola takes visitors up to the top at 2,168 metres in around 25 minutes, offering spectacular Alpine views throughout the journey.

The main highlight is the famous First Cliff Walk by Tissot, a thrilling metal walkway offering panoramic views of the Eiger and surrounding peaks. Parts of the walkway even feature glass-floor sections for an extra adrenaline rush, and the attraction is free once you reach the summit.

Adventure lovers can also try:

• First Flyer – one of Switzerland’s most exciting alpine ziplines
• Mountain Carts – downhill rides on three-wheeled carts
• Trottibikes – scooter-style downhill biking experiences

Best for: Families, adventure seekers and photography

Gondola Return Ticket: CHF 55–65 (approx. ₹6,470–₹7,650); free for Jungfrau Travel Pass holders

Tip: All activities can be booked on-site or through the Jungfrau Railways app.

6. Visit Lauterbrunnen and the Valley of 72 Waterfalls

Lauterbrunnen is one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland and is located just 20 minutes from Interlaken by train. It is famous for its towering cliffs, green meadows, and dramatic waterfalls. The valley is home to 72 waterfalls, including the iconic Staubbach Falls. Another major highlight is Trümmelbach Falls, a series of powerful underground glacier waterfalls hidden inside the mountain. 

• Best for: Nature lovers, photography and easy sightseeing
• Trümmelbach Falls entry: Around CHF 14 (approx. ₹1,650)

Tip: Combine Lauterbrunnen with Mürren or Schilthorn for a full-day excursion.

7. Take a Boat Cruise on Lake Brienz

Lake Brienz is famous for its striking turquoise water, created by fresh glacial melt from the surrounding Alps. Located just minutes from Interlaken Ost, the lake is one of the most scenic places to visit in Switzerland in the Jungfrau region and is especially beautiful during summer.

One of the best experiences here is the scenic boat cruise from Interlaken to Brienz, which takes around 45 minutes and is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Along the route, boats stop near the stunning Giessbach Falls, where a historic funicular railway leads up to the iconic Grandhotel Giessbach overlooking the waterfalls.

During the summer, visitors can also enjoy:

• Kayaking
• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
• Swimming
• Lakeside picnics

Best for: Relaxing, families and scenic photography

Tip: Check the seasonal boat timetable before travelling.

8. Enjoy Cruising at Lake Thun

Lake Thun, located west of Interlaken, is larger and slightly warmer than Lake Brienz. The lake is popular for swimming, relaxing cruises, and scenic lakeside experiences, especially during the warmer months.

A Lake Thun boat cruise offers a slower way to explore the scenery around Interlaken. Cruises connect the town with lakeside destinations such as Spiez and Thun, where you can explore castles, historic centres and waterfront areas. Along the shoreline, visitors will also find several well-maintained public swimming areas known as “Badi”.

• Best for: Couples, families and relaxed sightseeing
• Tip: Combine a cruise with a stop in Spiez or Thun.

NOTE: Both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz cruises are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, making lake hopping one of the most scenic and budget-friendly experiences in the Interlaken region.

9. Go Bungee Jumping at Stockhorn

Interlaken is home to one of the best-known bungee jumping locations in Switzerland. For an adrenaline-filled experience, try bungee jumping at Stockhorn. The jump takes place above the Simmenfälle gorge, with a 134-meter drop.

• Best for: Experienced thrill-seekers and adventure lovers
• Price: CHF 149–180 (approx. ₹17,540–₹21,190) per jump

Tip: Check age, weight and weather requirements before booking.

10. Explore Interlaken Old Town and Unterseen

Take a break from mountain excursions by exploring Interlaken and nearby Unterseen on foot. Interlaken isn't only a summer base. Between mid-December and late February, the town centre hosts Ice Magic, a set of interconnected ice rinks with an on-site ice restaurant serving hot chocolate and cheese fondue. Unterseen has a quieter atmosphere, with traditional buildings, cobbled streets and a historic church.

• Best for: Walking, shopping, cafés and local atmosphere
• Tip: Allow 1–2 hours for a relaxed walk through both areas.

11. Relax at Höhematte Park

Höhematte Park is a large green space in central Interlaken with impressive views of the Jungfrau. It is an easy stop between excursions and a good place to relax, take photographs or enjoy the views. The park is also close to Höheweg, making it easy to combine with a walk through the town centre.

• Best for: Families, couples, photography and relaxing

Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for softer light over the mountains.

12. Visit St. Beatus Caves

Located above Lake Thun, the St. Beatus Caves offer a different experience from Interlaken's mountain excursions. The illuminated cave system extends into the Niederhorn massif and features underground passages, rock formations and streams. The surrounding area also offers views over Lake Thun.

• Best for: Families, nature lovers and a quieter excursion
• Time needed: Around 2–3 hours

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the cave paths can be damp and uneven.

13. Take the Train to Schynige Platte

Ride the historic Schynige Platte Railway from Wilderswil into the mountains for panoramic views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. At the top, you can explore hiking trails and the Alpine Garden, which showcases native Swiss mountain plants.

• Best for: Hiking, photography and Alpine scenery
• Getting there: Wilderswil is a short train ride from Interlaken

Tip: Check the seasonal railway timetable before planning your trip.

Planning a short trip to Interlaken is easy with the right mix of scenic experiences, mountain adventures and relaxed sightseeing. This 2–4 day itinerary covers the best of Interlaken and its surrounding highlights, while giving you flexibility to adjust your plans based on the season and pace of your trip.

• Day 1: Arrive, settle into Interlaken West, walk Höhematte and Höheweg, evening at Harder Kulm for sunset views
• Day 2: Full day at Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen
• Day 3: Lauterbrunnen Valley and Trümmelbach Falls in the morning, Schilthorn or Grindelwald First in the afternoon
• Day 4 (optional): Lake Brienz or Lake Thun cruise, with a stop in Spiez or Thun.

The best time to visit Interlaken is from May to October, when most mountain excursions, lake cruises and outdoor activities are available. The ideal month depends on the experiences you want to include in your Interlaken itinerary:

• May–June: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds and good conditions for hiking and sightseeing.
• July–August: Warmest months and best for lake cruises, paragliding and outdoor activities, but also the busiest period.
• September–October: Cooler weather, fewer tourists and beautiful autumn scenery, making it a good time for hiking and scenic excursions.
• December–March: Best for snowy mountain experiences and winter activities, although some summer attractions and outdoor activities may have limited operations.

For first-time visitors: June to September offers the best balance of weather, accessibility and things to do in Interlaken. For fewer crowds, consider May, June or September.

• Use Interlaken Ost for everything mountain-related. All Jungfrau region trains depart from the East station. The West station is better for town errands and the Lake Thun boats.
• Book mountain excursions in advance. Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and the First gondola all sell out on peak summer weekends. Booking online 48 hours ahead is the minimum; 2–4 weeks for July–August.
• Don't forget the Jungfraujoch seat reservation. It's mandatory from May to October and easy to miss if you're booking the train ticket alone.
• Accommodation spans every budget. Hostels like Balmers start around CHF 40 (approx. ₹4,710) per dorm bed; mid-range hotels from CHF 160 (approx. ₹18,830) a night; the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel starts around CHF 380 (approx. ₹44,730) a night.
• Weather window for your activities. Mountain excursions require clear skies. Check MeteoSwiss the evening before and be flexible enough to swap a mountain day for a lake day if clouds are low.
• Book adventure sports 2–3 days ahead in peak season. Paragliding, bungee, and rafting operators have limited daily capacity in summer.

From breathtaking mountain excursions and scenic lake cruises to paragliding, hiking, and thrilling outdoor sports, Interlaken offers some of the most unforgettable experiences in the Swiss Alps. Whether you are visiting for relaxation, adventure, or panoramic scenery, the town perfectly captures the beauty and excitement of the Jungfrau region. Travellers looking to experience the best things to do in Interlaken can also explore customised Switzerland adventure packages that combine mountain adventures, scenic train journeys, Alpine villages, and iconic Swiss attractions into one unforgettable trip.