Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland, is Switzerland’s undisputed adventure capital and the premier gateway to the Jungfrau region. With two days in Interlaken, you can effortlessly balance scenic alpine viewpoints and historic streets with world-class outdoor thrills like tandem paragliding and turquoise glacial lake cruises.
Quick Answer
The ideal 2 days in Interlaken dedicates Day 1 to strolling the Höheweg, exploring Old Town Unterseen and the 12th-century Schlosskirche, taking a Lake Brienz cruise, and catching a Harder Kulm sunset. Day 2 focuses on high-adrenaline sports—such as tandem paragliding, canyoning, or skydiving—combined with a scenic trip toward Lake Thun or the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Key Takeaways
- Base Setup: Interlaken has two primary train hubs: Interlaken West (best for town dining and Old Town) and Interlaken Ost (the launchpad for alpine trains, boats, and the Harder Kulm funicular).
- Free Local Transit: Overnight hotel and hostel guests receive a free Interlaken Guest Card covering local bus routes within Zone 700.
- Day 1 Focus: Cultural exploration along the Höheweg, cruise on Lake Brienz, and panoramic sunset dining atop Harder Kulm.
- Day 2 Focus: High-altitude adventure sports (paragliding, canyoning, or skydiving) paired with an excursion to Lake Thun or nearby alpine valleys.
- Weather Flexibility: Mountain weather shifts rapidly; always check live summit webcams before paying for mountain transport.
At a Glance
| Time Required | 48 hours (2 full days, 2 nights recommended) |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate (paved walking paths; optional strenuous hikes or extreme sports) |
| Tools Needed | Swiss Travel Pass or Guest Card, SBB Mobile App, layered alpine clothing, comfortable walking shoes |
| Estimated Cost | CHF 180–450+ per day (varies depending on adventure activities and dining choices) |
Day 1: Town Exploration, Alpine Lakes & Sunset Views
Start your first morning along the Höheweg, Interlaken’s signature 700-meter boulevard connecting Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. The promenade flanks the 35-acre Höhematte, an open park preserved from development that affords clear views of the snow-capped Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The open field doubles as the primary landing zone for tandem paragliders circling down from the mountains above.
From the Höheweg, cross the canal over to Unterseen, the older, quieter historic quarter of the town. Wander past traditional timbered chalets adorned with geranium-filled window boxes, and visit the historic Schlosskirche (Interlaken Monastery and Castle), an Augustinian monastery complex dating back to 1130 with a gothic cloister and bell tower.
Pro Tip: When checking into any registered accommodation in Interlaken, collect your physical or digital Interlaken Guest Card. It provides free unlimited rides on local STI bus networks (Zone 700) between Unterseen, Matten, and both train stations.
Head to the Interlaken Ost boat pier just behind the railway station for an afternoon cruise across the turquoise glacial waters of Lake Brienz. Operated by BLS Lake Cruises, historic paddle steamers and modern passenger boats run scenic routes stopping at the roaring Giessbach Falls and the artisan woodcarving village of Brienz.
Late in the afternoon, return to Interlaken Ost and walk five minutes to the base station of the Harder Kulm Funicular. The cable funicular ascends at a 64-degree incline through dense beech and pine forest, climbing 755 meters in just 10 minutes to reach Interlaken’s home mountain at 1,322 meters above sea level.
At the summit, step onto the cantilevered glass-bottomed Two Lakes Bridge. The platform hangs over the ridge, offering an uninterrupted view of Lake Thun to the west, Lake Brienz to the east, and the Jungfrau massif directly ahead. Enjoy dinner or a local Rugenbräu beer on the terrace of the panorama restaurant while the sun dips behind the Alps.
Day 1: Outdoor Activities in Interlaken
If you prefer active trail time over cruising on your first afternoon, the region offers several well-marked paths directly from town:
- Harder Kulm Summit Hike: A rigorous 4.1-kilometer trail ascending roughly 800 vertical meters through mountain switchbacks from Interlaken Ost. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours up and requires sturdy hiking footwear.
- Aare Riverside Trail: For an easy, flat stroll, follow the paved paths hugging the turquoise Aare River between the railway bridges of Interlaken Ost and West, passing fisherman’s weirs and quiet residential neighborhoods.
- Lake Brienz Shoreline Cycle: Rent a bike near Interlaken Ost and pedal east along the quiet northern bank toward Bönigen and Iseltwald, famous for its picturesque lakeside castle jetty.
Note: If you plan to hike up Harder Kulm, take the funicular down before the final evening departure (schedules vary seasonally between 8:00 PM and 9:40 PM) to avoid descending steep, unlit forest switchbacks in the dark.
Day 2: Scenic Beauty in Interlaken
On your second day, branch out to witness the dramatic geographic contrasts that make the Bernese Oberland famous. Take a short 20-minute bus or boat ride from Interlaken West along the northern shore of Lake Thun to explore the St. Beatus Caves (Beatushöhlen). Legend holds that Saint Beatus drove a dragon from these caves in the 6th century. Today, illuminated pathways lead one kilometer deep into the mountain past subterranean waterfalls, grottos, and prehistoric stalactites.
Alternatively, take advantage of Interlaken’s position as a railway springboard. Board the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) from Interlaken Ost for a 20-minute ride to Lauterbrunnen—the dramatic glacial valley that inspired Tolkien’s Rivendell, flanked by 72 waterfalls including the free-falling Staubbach Falls. From Lauterbrunnen, mountain cogwheel trains connect onwards to Wengen, Mürren, or the world-famous Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe railway terminal sitting at 3,454 meters.
Day 2: Adventure Activities in Interlaken
Interlaken earned its global reputation as an adrenaline hub because its unique geography allows for aviation, river, and alpine sports within minutes of town. Most commercial excursions run through certified operators such as Outdoor Switzerland, departing directly from central booking shops near the Höheweg.
| Activity | Duration | Price Range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Tandem Paragliding | 1.5–2 hours (15–20 min flight) | CHF 180–220 |
| Airplane / Helicopter Skydiving | 3–4 hours | CHF 420–495 |
| Canyoning (Saxeten / Chli Schliere) | 3.5–5 hours | CHF 135–195 |
| Lütschine River Rafting | 3.5–4 hours | CHF 130–150 |
| Stockhorn Gondola Bungee Jump | 4–5 hours | CHF 220–240 |
Tandem Paragliding: Vans transport pilots and passengers 20 minutes up the slopes of Beatenberg. After a brief safety briefing and a running launch, you soar 800 meters over Lake Thun before touching down in the center of town on the Höhematte.
Canyoning: Local guides lead beginner groups through the narrow, limestone gorges of Saxeten (featuring abseils and natural water flumes), while advanced thrill-seekers head to Chli Schliere for high jumps and rapid technical rappelling.
Stockhorn Bungee Jump: Located a 40-minute drive southwest in the Simmental valley, this jump suspends you inside a mountain cable car 134 meters above the mountain lake Stockensee for a pure freefall drop.
Lütschine River Rafting: Fed directly by glacial meltwater, the Lütschine river churns through Class III–IV rapids before terminating peacefully in the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.
Warning: Alpine adventure sports involve inherent risks and are heavily weather-dependent. Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers extreme outdoor activities like canyoning or paragliding, and verify that your tour operator holds the official Swiss “Safety in Adventures” certification.
“Between the roaring Class IV glacial rapids of the Lütschine and silent parachute landings on the Höhematte, Interlaken compresses more adrenaline into a single valley than anywhere else in Europe.”
Where to Eat in Interlaken
Interlaken’s culinary landscape blends traditional Bernese farmhouse staples with casual international brewpubs:
- Restaurant Taverne: Situated inside Hotel Interlaken, this upscale rustic dining room specializes in regional comfort fare, including authentic fondue blends, raclette, and Zurich-style sliced veal (Zürcher Geschnetzeltes) paired with crisp rösti.
- Husi Bierhaus: Located along Postgasse, this buzzing gastropub brews its own craft ales and cures its own meats. The menu features hearty Bavarian-style pork knuckles, gourmet burgers, artisan sausages, and an extensive list of Swiss craft beers.
- Bäckerei Michel: A heritage bakery in Unterseen perfect for early risers needing freshly baked croissants, Swiss nut tarts (Bündner Nusstorte), or quick sandwiches before boarding early mountain trains.
Where to Stay in Interlaken
Choosing where to stay depends largely on whether you prefer historic luxury, convenient transit access, or budget-friendly social hostels:
- Luxury: Hotel Interlaken offers 4-star comfort in a building dating to 1323, combining heritage woodwork with modern spa facilities near Interlaken Ost. For 5-star palace luxury, the iconic Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa sits directly along the Höheweg.
- Mid-Range & Boutique: Hotel Du Nord provides tranquil rooms and mountain views within walking distance of the Harder Kulm funicular, while Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel delivers vintage boutique charm near the train station.
- Budget & Hostels: Balmers Hostel in Matten is Switzerland’s oldest private hostel, offering lively dorms, private chalets, an outdoor beer garden, and an on-site adventure booking desk. Near Interlaken Ost station, the modern Interlaken Youth Hostel offers sleek, quiet bunk rooms and family suites.
Getting Around Interlaken
Interlaken’s compact town layout makes navigating simple, whether on foot, by bike, or via public transport:
- On Foot and by Bicycle: The distance between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost stations is only 1.6 kilometers (about a flat 20-minute walk). Bike rental stations are available at both railway depots.
- Public Rail & Bus: Local commuter buses connect Matten, Unterseen, and Bönigen with the train stations. Your hotel-issued Interlaken Guest Card provides free transport on bus routes within Zone 700.
- Swiss Travel System: If you are traveling through Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on SBB trains, postbuses, and BLS lake steamers on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, alongside steep discounts (25%–50%) on mountain funiculars and gondolas.
Tips for Making the Most of Your 2 Days in Interlaken
To maximize your 48 hours in the region, keep these practical guidelines in mind:
- Book High-Demand Activities in Advance: Paragliding pilots, canyoning guides, and Jungfraujoch seat reservations sell out days ahead during peak summer (July–August) and winter ski months.
- Consult Live Mountain Webcams: Before spending money on mountain tickets to Harder Kulm, Jungfraujoch, or Schilthorn, check the live panorama webcams broadcast at the stations or online. Sunny weather in town does not guarantee visibility above the clouds.
- Pack Technical Layers: Alpine temperatures swing dramatically. A pleasant 22°C (72°F) summer afternoon in town can drop to 2°C (35°F) with strong wind chills at mountain elevations. Always bring a windproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and sunglasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interlaken?
Interlaken is a scenic resort town situated in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss canton of Bern. Positioned in a valley basin between Lake Thun (Thunersee) and Lake Brienz (Brienzersee), it is Switzerland’s foremost center for outdoor adventure sports and the main transit hub connecting travelers to alpine peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
What can I do in Interlaken in 2 days?
In 48 hours, you can stroll the Höheweg promenade, visit the historic Schlosskirche and Unterseen Old Town, cruise Lake Brienz or Lake Thun, ride the funicular to Harder Kulm for panoramic views, experience tandem paragliding or river rafting, and take a half-day mountain excursion to the Lauterbrunnen Valley or Jungfraujoch.
What are the top outdoor activities in Interlaken?
Interlaken offers an extensive range of year-round outdoor sports, including tandem paragliding, canyoning in alpine gorges, skydiving over alpine peaks, white-water rafting on the Lütschine river, kayaking on Lake Brienz, bungee jumping at Stockhorn, hiking Harder Kulm, and winter skiing or snowboarding in the Jungfrau ski region.
What is the best time to visit Interlaken?
The best time to visit Interlaken depends on your activities. June through September brings warm weather, lush hiking trails, lake cruises, and prime paragliding conditions. For winter sports like skiing, sledding, and snowboarding, visit between December and March when the nearby alpine ski resorts of Grindelwald, Mürren, and Wengen are fully operating.
How do I get to Interlaken?
Interlaken is connected via Switzerland’s federal SBB rail network. Direct trains run regularly from Zurich Airport (approx. 2 hours 15 minutes), Geneva Airport (approx. 2 hours 45 minutes), and Bern (approx. 50 minutes). The town has two main train hubs: Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost.
Sources
- Interlaken Tourism Official Portal — Regional transit schedules, guest card conditions, and attractions data
- SBB CFF FFS (Swiss Federal Railways) — National rail connections, travel passes, and regional lines
- Jungfrau Railways Management — Harder Kulm funicular timetables and Jungfraujoch summit access
- BLS Navigation Lake Cruises — Timetables and ticket requirements for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun passenger boats
- Outdoor Switzerland — Certified adventure activity rates, flight operations, and safety requirements
