Best Day Trips from Interlaken (By Train, Car or Bus) — 2026 Guide

Discover the best day trips from Interlaken — from glacier valleys and hidden waterfalls to peaceful alpine trails and fondue shared in a mountain hut.

Interlaken might be Switzerland’s adventure capital, but its real charm often begins the moment you leave town. Surrounded by lakes, peaks, and traditional villages, it’s the perfect hub to explore the Bernese Oberland.

Whether you’re chasing mountain views, peaceful lakesides, or a taste of local life, this 2025 guide rounds up the top day trips from Interlaken — all easy to reach by train, bus, or car.

1. Lauterbrunnen Valley — “The Valley of 72 Waterfalls”

Travel time: 20 min by train (Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen)

Few places in the Alps feel as dramatic as Lauterbrunnen. Enclosed by vertical cliffs and roaring waterfalls, this glacier-carved valley is a photographer’s dream.

Walk to Staubbach Falls, explore the hidden Trümmelbach Falls deep inside the mountain, or ride up to Mürren — a quiet car-free village perched high above.

💡 Go early morning for softer light and fewer crowds.

Tip: Enjoy a local cheese platter and wine at a small mountain hut overlooking the valley.

2. Grindelwald — The Glacier Village

Travel time: 35 min by train (Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald)

Grindelwald has been welcoming mountain lovers for over a century — and for good reason. In winter, it’s all about skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding; in summer, hiking trails lead to turquoise lakes and hanging glaciers.

Don’t miss the Eiger Express gondola, linking the village directly to the Jungfrau region.

Try a fondue lunch with a view, or join a Snowshoe & Fondue Adventure for a quieter alpine escape.

3. Isenfluh & Sulwald — The Hidden Gem

Travel time: 25 min by car or PostBus

Just above Lauterbrunnen, Isenfluh feels like a secret spot forgotten by time. Take the tiny red cable car to Sulwald, wander through snow-covered forests, and enjoy the silence of untouched mountain life.

Perfect for Night Sledding & Swiss Cheese Fondue or a Snowshoe Tasting Tour — wine, cheese, and chocolate in the snow.

Best shot: Sunset light on the Eiger from Sulwald Ridge.

4. Niederhorn — Summit Views & Alpine Wildlife

Travel time: 40 min by car or 1 h by bus + gondola (Beatenbucht → Niederhorn)

For panoramic views across Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps, Niederhorn delivers every time.

In winter, it’s ideal for snowshoeing or night sledding; in summer, hikers can spot ibex, marmots, and golden eagles along the ridge.

Best for sunrise tours and photography.

Combine it with a guided snowshoe walk and breakfast at Berghaus Niederhorn.

5. Lake Brienz & Giessbach Falls

Travel time: 25 min by train or boat from Interlaken Ost

Lake Brienz glows with surreal turquoise water, backed by dark forests and cliffs. Take a vintage steamboat across the lake, stop at Giessbach, and ride the old funicular to the historic Grandhotel.

Fun fact: The area appeared in the Korean Netflix series “Crash Landing on You.”

Idea: Bring a picnic or local chocolate tasting by the lakeshore.

6. Schilthorn & Mürren — The 007 Mountain

Travel time: 1 h 30 min (train + cable cars)

Ride up to Piz Gloria (2,970 m), the famous James Bond filming location. From the revolving restaurant, you get a 360° view of the Alps — the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau right in front of you.

Tip: Visit mid-morning for clearer skies and fewer crowds.

💡 In summer: Hike the Northface Trail or stop for lunch in Mürren village.

7. Harder Kulm — Interlaken’s Home Mountain

Travel time: 10 min by funicular from Interlaken Ost

This is the easiest big view you’ll find near town. From the platform, Interlaken stretches below you, framed by Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Perfect for sunset drinks, or a quick hike before dinner.

Try mulled wine on the restaurant terrace in winter.

Best shot: The suspended platform hanging above the valley.

8. Beatenberg & St. Beatus Caves

Travel time: 25 min by bus or car

Beatenberg sits high above Lake Thun, offering peaceful trails and huge lake views. On your way, explore the St. Beatus Caves — a network of illuminated limestone caverns steeped in legend.

💡 Great rainy-day option for families.

Combine with lunch in a local mountain inn.

9. Kandersteg & Oeschinensee

Travel time: 1 h by train + gondola

Oeschinensee is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes — a UNESCO gem surrounded by towering cliffs.

In winter, the lake freezes into a silver mirror; in summer, you can hike, rent a rowboat, or relax on the terrace of a mountain hut.

Must-see: The blue ice reflections on the lake.

Idea: A guided snowshoe circuit with lunch at the hut.

10. Bern — The Swiss Capital

Travel time: 50 min by direct train

When you need a break from the mountains, Bern offers a perfect mix of history and charm. Wander under medieval arcades, visit the Zytglogge clock tower, or stroll along the Aare River.

Don’t miss: The Bear Park and the Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage).

Evening tip: Return to Interlaken for a wine tasting or cosy dinner.

Bonus Day Trips (Less Crowded)

Brienzer Rothorn: old steam train + breathtaking views.

Thun Old Town: castles, shops, lakeside cafés.

Sigriswil Suspension Bridge: scenic walk high above the lake.

Axalp & Lombachalp: peaceful snowshoe areas with wildlife.

When to Go

Season Best Experiences Avg Temp

Winter (Dec–Mar) Snowshoeing, sledding, frozen waterfalls –5 °C – 5 °C

Spring (Apr–Jun) Wildflowers, waterfalls, lake cruises 10 °C – 18 °C

Summer (Jul–Sep) Hiking, paragliding, swimming 18 °C – 26 °C

Autumn (Oct–Nov) Golden forests, fewer crowds 8 °C – 15 °C

Practical Tips

Swiss Travel Pass: Covers most trains, boats, and cable cars.

Weather: Check webcams before heading up.

Gear: Bring layers, water, and a camera — light changes fast.

Sustainability: Use reusable bottles and choose eco-certified activities.

Why Join a Local Tour

Independent travel is great, but going with a small local guide lets you:

• Discover off-trail places (Isenfluh, Niederhorn, Sulwald)

• Avoid planning stress — everything’s arranged

• Learn real Swiss stories and traditions

Swiss Local Adventures offers small-group, locally guided experiences around Interlaken for travelers who want to explore beyond the usual highlights.
You can discover all our experiences here.

Conclusion

Interlaken isn’t just a destination — it’s a gateway to the heart of Switzerland.
From glacier valleys to mountain sunsets, every route leads to a new story waiting to be lived.

Ready to explore the Alps the local way?
Discover our locally guided experiences around Interlaken and experience Switzerland beyond the postcard.

*Written by Pierre, your local guide at Swiss Local Adventures