Interlaken is the transit hub of the Bernese Oberland. It sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, serving as the gateway to the Jungfrau region. Most travelers use it as a base to reach the high-altitude peaks, but the town itself offers immediate access to glacial lakes and world-class adventure sports. This 3 day Interlaken itinerary balances high-altitude sightseeing with valley floor exploration. You will prioritize the towering Jungfraujoch, the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, and the cliffside views of Lauterbrunnen. Pack layers, buy a transport pass, and prepare for steep inclines.
Day 1: Peaks and Panoramas
Your first day focuses on the highest accessible point in Europe. Start early to avoid the mid-day crowds and ensure clear weather at the summit.
Morning: The Top of Europe
Head to Interlaken Ost station. Take the Bernese Oberland Railway to Grindelwald Terminal. From here, board the Eiger Express tricable gondola. This is the fastest way to reach the Eiger Glacier station. Transfer to the cogwheel train for the final ascent through the mountain tunnel to Jungfraujoch.
At 3,454 meters, the air is thin. Visit the Sphinx Observatory for 360-degree views of the Aletsch Glacier. Walk through the Ice Palace, a series of tunnels carved directly into the glacier. The facility opens at 8:00 AM. Aim to be on the first train to maximize your time before the tour groups arrive.
Afternoon: Eiger Glacier to Kleine Scheidegg
Take the cogwheel train back down to the Eiger Glacier station. Instead of riding all the way down, get off and walk the Eiger Trail or the shorter Jungfrau Eiger Walk. It is a downhill path toward Kleine Scheidegg.
The path is well-marked and takes about 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll have the Eiger North Face directly above you. Once at Kleine Scheidegg, grab a quick lunch at the mountain restaurant. Afterward, take the train down toward Wengen. This car-free village offers a classic Swiss aesthetic and views into the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Evening: Harder Kulm Sunset
Return to Interlaken by late afternoon. Walk five minutes from Interlaken Ost to the Harder Kulm funicular station. The red cars depart every 30 minutes. The ride takes eight minutes to reach the "Top of Interlaken" at 1,322 meters.
Walk onto the Two Lakes Bridge. You will see Lake Thun on the right, Lake Brienz on the left, and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau straight ahead. The restaurant at the top serves traditional Swiss fondue and rosti. Catch the last funicular down after the sun sets behind the mountains.
Day 2: Waterfalls and Valleys
Day two of your 3 day Interlaken itinerary moves from the peaks to the valley floors and glacial lakes.
Morning: The Valley of 72 Waterfalls
Take the train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. The journey takes 20 minutes. Upon arrival, walk into the village toward Staubbach Falls. This 297-meter waterfall is visible from the station, but a steep path allows you to walk behind the water curtain.
Continue walking down the flat valley floor toward Stechelberg. This is a 90-minute walk through meadows flanked by 400-meter limestone cliffs. If you prefer not to walk, take the 141 bus. Stop at Trümmelbach Falls. These are ten glacial waterfalls located inside the mountain, made accessible by a tunnel lift. Note that Trümmelbach is only open from April to November.
Afternoon: Mürren and Gimmelwald
From the end of the Lauterbrunnen valley, take the Schilthorn cable car up to Mürren. This is another car-free village. Walk through the town to the Allmendhubel funicular for a quick ride to a flower trail with massive views over the valley.
For a more active afternoon, walk the downhill paved path from Mürren to Gimmelwald. It takes about 45 minutes. Gimmelwald is a tiny, rustic farming hamlet often cited as the most authentic village in the Alps. Visit the "Honesty Shop," a self-service store where you leave cash for local crafts and snacks. Take the cable car from Gimmelwald back down to Stechelberg, then the bus back to Lauterbrunnen.
Evening: Lake Brienz Boat Cruise
Return to Interlaken. Use your guest card or regional pass to board a BLS boat at the Interlaken Ost dock. Lake Brienz is known for its intense turquoise color caused by glacial particles.
A round-trip cruise takes about two hours. If you want a shorter trip, take the boat to Iseltwald. This is a quiet lakeside village famous for its pier. Walk the village loop, grab a drink at a lakeside terrace, and take the 103 bus back to Interlaken.
Day 3: Adventure and Old Town Charm
The final day of your 3 day Interlaken itinerary combines the town's adrenaline-fueled reputation with the historic architecture of neighboring Lake Thun.
Morning: Paragliding or Canyon Crossing
Interlaken is the paragliding capital of the world. Book an early morning flight. Most operators meet you in the center of town and drive you to Beatenberg. You will fly over the town and land in the Höhematte, the large park in the center of Interlaken.
If you prefer to stay grounded, visit the Interlaken Rope Park (Seilpark). It features nine courses of varying difficulty. It is located in a wooded area within walking distance of the Interlaken West station. It opens at 10:00 AM on weekends and early afternoon on weekdays depending on the season.
Afternoon: Thun and Spiez
Take the train from Interlaken West to Thun (30 minutes). Thun is a larger, more historic city than Interlaken. Walk through the Obere Hauptgasse, a unique street with split-level sidewalks.
Visit Thun Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. The towers provide views of the lake and the Aare river. On your way back to Interlaken, stop in Spiez. It is often called the most beautiful bay in Europe. Walk through the vineyards down to the castle and the church. The walk from the Spiez train station down to the water takes 15 minutes.
Evening: Unterseen and Höhematte
Spend your final evening in Unterseen, the oldest part of Interlaken. Cross the bridge near Interlaken West to find the Marktplatz. The architecture here is more traditional than the main tourist strip.
Dinner options are plentiful in the Stadthausplatz. Afterward, walk back toward the Höhematte park to watch the final paragliders land. Finish with a walk along the Aare river, following the canal that connects the two lakes.
Where to stay for this itinerary
Stay near Interlaken Ost station. This is the primary departure point for trains to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Lake Brienz. Staying here saves 20 minutes of transit time every morning. Look for hotels along the Höheweg for central access. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, Unterseen near Interlaken West offers more local charm and better access to Lake Thun.
Add a day if you have time
If you have a fourth day, visit Grindelwald-First. Take the cable car from Grindelwald to First and walk the Cliff Walk by Tissot, a metal walkway cantilevered over a 2,000-foot drop. Hike one hour to Bachalpsee, a classic alpine lake that reflects the Schreckhorn peak. On the way down, use the adventure activities: the First Flyer zipline or the Mountain Carts. It is the best spot for high-altitude thrills.