If you’re looking for the best winter day trips from Interlaken, the Jungfrau Region offers some of the most accessible and scenic alpine landscapes in Switzerland.

Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by the Bernese Alps, Interlaken is one of the most practical bases for exploring Switzerland in winter. Most destinations are reachable within one hour by train, bus or gondola — even during snowy conditions.

You don’t need a car, and you don’t need to ski to experience dramatic mountain scenery, frozen waterfalls or high-altitude viewpoints.

Below are the most rewarding winter day trips from Interlaken, selected for scenery, accessibility and overall atmosphere.

Lauterbrunnen – Winter Valley of Waterfalls

Travel time: ~20 minutes by train

Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland’s most iconic valleys. In winter, snow softens the cliffs and many waterfalls partially freeze, creating a quieter and more atmospheric setting than in summer.

Flat walking paths make it easy to explore without special equipment. On clear mornings, the valley feels almost suspended in time.

Why visit in winter

• Easy winter walking

• Frozen waterfalls

• Very short travel time

Mürren – Car-Free Alpine Village

Travel time: ~1 hour (train + cable car)

Mürren sits high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley with panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. With no cars and compact streets, it’s easy to explore even on a short winter visit.

Snow-covered chalets and open mountain views give it a classic alpine atmosphere.

Highlights

• Reliable winter access

• Walkable village

• High-alpine scenery without extreme effort

Grindelwald – Classic Alpine Setting

Travel time: ~35 minutes by train

Grindelwald remains lively throughout winter. The village sits directly beneath the Eiger North Face and offers a mix of winter walking routes, viewpoints and cozy cafés.

It’s a good option if you want mountain scenery with more infrastructure and activity.

First Cliff Walk & Bachalpsee Area

Travel time: ~1h15 (train + gondola)

The First Cliff Walk is a suspended walkway built along the rock face, offering open views across the valley. In winter, the surrounding snow-covered peaks make the setting especially dramatic.

From First, winter hiking routes lead toward Bachalpsee. Access depends on snow and trail conditions, so always check locally before planning the walk.

Why go

• Wide alpine views

• Unique cliff-side walkway

• Scenic winter hiking options

Oeschinensee – Frozen Alpine Lake

Travel time: ~1h15 (train to Kandersteg + gondola + winter walk)

Oeschinensee is one of the most spectacular alpine lakes near Interlaken. In winter, the lake often partially freezes, and the surrounding cliffs create a dramatic natural amphitheater.

The setting feels more remote than valley destinations and is especially striking on clear days.

Important: Check gondola operations and avalanche conditions before visiting.

Kleine Scheidegg – Beneath the Eiger

Travel time: ~1h15 by train

Kleine Scheidegg lies between Grindelwald and Wengen, directly below the Eiger North Face. The train journey itself is one of the most scenic in Switzerland.

Even without skiing, simply standing in this high-alpine environment is memorable.

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Travel time: ~2 hours by train

Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters. It offers glacier views, permanent snow and viewing platforms overlooking the Aletsch Glacier.

It is more expensive and more visited than other day trips, but it delivers a true high-altitude winter experience.

Niederhorn – Panorama Above Lake Thun

Travel time: ~45 minutes (train + funicular + gondola)

Less known internationally, Niederhorn is a local favorite. From the summit, you see Lake Thun below and the entire Jungfrau mountain range ahead.

On clear winter days, the contrast between lake and snow-covered peaks is impressive.

Brienz – Traditional Lakeside Village

Travel time: ~20 minutes by train

Brienz is known for its wooden chalets and lakeside location. In winter, tourism slows down, creating a calm and authentic atmosphere.

It’s ideal for a relaxed winter stroll along the lake.

Iseltwald – Quiet Stop on Lake Brienz

Travel time: ~25 minutes by bus

Iseltwald is small and residential, which makes it especially peaceful in winter. Snow along Lake Brienz creates a calm and photogenic setting.

Best suited as a short scenic stop rather than a full-day excursion.

Choosing the Right Winter Day Trip

Short & easy: Lauterbrunnen, Brienz, Iseltwald
High-alpine scenery: Mürren, Kleine Scheidegg, Oeschinensee
Iconic high-altitude experience: Jungfraujoch
Panoramic viewpoints: Niederhorn, First
Lively alpine village: Grindelwald

Most destinations are accessible year-round by public transport. Higher-altitude areas require checking weather and lift operations in advance.

Practical Winter Travel Tips

• Start early to maximize daylight

• Wear proper winter footwear

• Check webcams and lift status the same day

• Public transport runs reliably even during snowfall

FAQ – Winter Travel from Interlaken

Is Interlaken worth visiting in winter?
Yes. It offers a wide variety of accessible alpine landscapes without requiring a car or ski pass.

Do you need a car for winter day trips?
No. All destinations listed are reachable by public transport.

What is the easiest winter day trip from Interlaken?
Lauterbrunnen and Brienz are the quickest and simplest options.

Final Thoughts

Winter day trips from Interlaken combine accessibility, dramatic scenery and variety. From frozen waterfalls and quiet lakes to glacier viewpoints and panoramic summits, the Jungfrau Region offers something for nearly every traveler.

For those who want to experience Switzerland in winter beyond skiing, Interlaken remains one of the most practical and rewarding bases.

Optional Local Experience

If you’d rather explore with local guidance instead of planning everything yourself, Swiss Local Adventures offers small-group winter experiences based directly in Interlaken.

As a locally operated outdoor company in the Jungfrau Region, we focus on authentic, well-organised activities that combine scenery, atmosphere and regional culture.

Our winter experiences include:

• Night Sledding & Swiss Cheese Fondue

• Snowshoe Tours with Wine & Cheese Tastings

• Sunrise Snowshoe Experiences

• Private winter adventures on request

These activities are designed for travelers who want more than just sightseeing — combining alpine landscapes with local food, storytelling and a social atmosphere.

👉 Discover our winter activities here.