Best Winter Activities in Interlaken & the Jungfrau Region (2025 Guide)

Winter in Interlaken feels straight out of a storybook — snow-covered forests, frozen waterfalls, and alpine huts serving warm cheese fondue.

Whether you’re after adrenaline or calm mountain beauty, this guide covers the best winter activities in Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region — from snowshoe tours and sledding runs to spa retreats and local experiences.

Set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken transforms every winter into a quiet, white paradise.

Surrounded by the legendary peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, it offers one of the most complete winter experiences in Switzerland — a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and local charm.

This updated 2025 guide highlights the most beautiful and authentic winter activities you can try — all easily accessible from Interlaken by train, bus, or car.

1. Snowshoeing – Discover the Quiet Side of Winter

Snowshoeing is one of the most peaceful and immersive ways to explore the Alps.

No noise, no crowds — just the soft sound of snow under your feet. It’s an easy activity that lets anyone wander through silent forests, open ridges, and frozen lakes.

Top snowshoeing areas:

Isenfluh → Sulwald: classic alpine scenery with breathtaking Jungfrau views.

Niederhorn Ridge: panoramic trails above Lake Thun, perfect at sunrise.

Axalp (Brienz): snowy plateaus overlooking turquoise Lake Brienz.

Local Experiences:

Snowshoe & Fondue Adventure: a half-day tour combining fresh powder hiking, a traditional fondue in a mountain hut, and a sled descent under the stars.

Snowshoe Tasting Tour: a scenic walk with local cheese, wine, and chocolate — ideal for couples or small groups.

💡 Best for: couples, photographers, or anyone seeking quiet alpine beauty.

2. Fondue in the Snow – A True Swiss Experience

Few things feel more Swiss than sharing a bubbling fondue surrounded by snow.

Interlaken’s mountain huts and panoramic restaurants serve it the traditional way — slow, social, and heartwarming.

Top spots to try it:

Isenfluh Mountain Hut – authentic and cosy, with stunning valley views.

Berghaus Niederhorn – fondue by candlelight after a snowshoe walk.

Grindelwald First – panoramic terrace overlooking the Eiger.

Pair it with a crisp local white wine from the Bernese Oberland — it brings out the flavour perfectly.

3. Sledding & Night Sledding Adventures

Sledding in the Jungfrau Region is pure joy — part sport, part childhood nostalgia.

The area boasts some of the longest and most scenic sled runs in Europe, with routes for all levels.

Top sled runs:

Faulhorn → Grindelwald (15 km): an epic alpine descent with glacier views.

Mürren → Lauterbrunnen: through forests and snow-covered chalets.

Niederhorn Night Sledding: glide down under the stars, then enjoy a warm fondue at the Berghaus.

Combine it: Join a Snowshoe + Sled Combo Tour with Swiss Local Adventures — full equipment, guide, and transport included.

4. Ski & Snowboard in the Jungfrau Ski Region

With more than 200 km of slopes, modern lifts, and unbeatable views, the Jungfrau Ski Region (Grindelwald–Wengen, Mürren–Schilthorn, First) is one of Switzerland’s best.

Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or just enjoying a drink on a sun terrace, you’ll always have glaciers and peaks around you.

💡 Tip: Buy your Jungfrau Ski Pass online to save and get free ski-bus access.

5. Visit Jungfraujoch – “Top of Europe”

No trip to the region is complete without seeing Jungfraujoch (3,454 m) — Europe’s highest train station.

Take the Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald for a fast and scenic ascent.

Once at the top, walk through the Ice Palace, stand on the Glacier Platform, and take in 360° views of snowfields stretching forever.

Plan 5–6 hours round trip.

Best shot: the view from the Sphinx Terrace.

6. Winter Hikes & Frozen Waterfalls

If you prefer walking to skiing, Interlaken has over 80 km of winter hiking trails, all maintained and marked.

One of the most magical spots is Lauterbrunnen Valley, where 72 waterfalls freeze into glittering ice curtains.

Other highlights:

Giessbach Falls Trail near Lake Brienz.

Beatenberg → Habkern ridge, often full of deer and ibex tracks.

Bring snow boots — some trails get icy after sunset.

7. Spa & Wellness with a View

After days in the cold, few things beat soaking in a hot outdoor pool with mountain views.

Top spas in and around Interlaken:

Victoria-Jungfrau Spa Resort – 5-star wellness with indoor and outdoor pools.

Beatus Wellness Hotel (Merligen): lakeside saunas and panoramic jacuzzis.

Bödeli Therme: accessible and family-friendly, with thermal pools and steam rooms.

Visit at sunset — the light over the lake is stunning.

8. Winter Events & Local Traditions

Winter here isn’t just nature — it’s also full of culture and festive charm.

Hardermannli Parade (Jan 2): a traditional masked procession through Interlaken.

Christmas Markets: in Interlaken and Brienz, filled with handmade crafts and mulled wine.

Ice Sculpture Festival (Grindelwald): artists carve masterpieces in the snow each winter.

Locals love these — it’s where you really feel the alpine community spirit.

9. Easy Winter Day Trips from Interlaken

If you have extra days, these nearby spots are worth exploring:

Lauterbrunnen & Mürren: frozen waterfalls and quiet streets.

Niederhorn Sunrise Tour: catch the first light over Lake Thun.

Isenfluh–Sulwald Loop: hidden trails and forest viewpoints.

All accessible by train, bus, or car — the beauty of Swiss public transport is how smoothly it connects even the most remote valleys.

Practical Winter Tips

Dress in layers: temperatures range between –5 °C and +5 °C.

Waterproof boots & gloves are essential.

Check webcams and forecasts before heading up.

Swiss Travel Pass: covers trains, boats, and buses in the region.

Stay safe: if you go off main trails, tell someone where you’re heading.

Why Choose Local Tours

Large tour groups often rush through — but the best of Swiss winter is slow, personal, and authentic.

That’s why Swiss Local Adventures focuses on small-group, eco-friendly tours that connect you with the landscape and its traditions.

What makes it special:

Small groups (max 8 people)

Local certified guides

Transport & equipment included

Real Swiss meals and wine

Signature Experiences:

Snowshoe & Fondue Adventure

Snowshoe Tasting Tour

Snowshoe + Sled Combo

Conclusion

From the quiet forests of Isenfluh to the glacier heights of Jungfraujoch, winter in Interlaken is an experience of contrasts — wild yet peaceful, cold yet warm at heart.

Whether you’re chasing adventure or stillness, this region delivers something unforgettable.

All it takes is a good pair of boots and an appetite for fondue.

Ready to experience Switzerland the local way?

Book your Night Sledding & Swiss Cheese Fondue Adventure or Snowshoe Tasting Tour today — and step into the real Swiss winter.