5-Day Interlaken Itinerary: The Ultimate Bernese Oberland Guide
Interlaken is the logistics hub of the Swiss Alps. Positioned between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it serves as the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. You don’t stay here for a quiet village vibe; you stay here for the train connections, the grocery stores, and the nightlife that mountain huts lack.
Five days is the ideal timeframe. It allows you to see the famous peaks, visit the lakes, and still have a buffer for the unpredictable Alpine weather. This 5 day Interlaken itinerary balances high-altitude sightseeing with local exploration and a deep dive into the Bernese Oberland.
Day 1: The Peaks of Lauterbrunnen and Mürren
Start with the classic Alpine landscape. Lauterbrunnen is the valley of 72 waterfalls, located 20 minutes from Interlaken by train.
Morning
Take the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. Walk through the village to Staubbach Falls. It’s a 300-meter drop visible from the station. After photos, head to the Schilthorn cable car station or take the funicular to Grütschalp. Hike from Grütschalp to Mürren. It’s a flat, 90-minute walk with constant views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Afternoon
Explore Mürren, a car-free village perched on a cliff edge. If the sky is clear, continue up to Birg to experience the Thrill Walk—a steel walkway pinned to the side of the rock face. Eat lunch at a bakery in Mürren rather than the mountain stations to save money. Head down to the valley floor via the cable car to Stechelberg, then take the bus back toward Lauterbrunnen, stopping at Trümmelbach Falls. These are ten glacial waterfalls inside the mountain, accessible by a tunnel lift.
Evening
Return to Interlaken. Walk the Höheweg, the main strip connecting Interlaken West and Ost. Watch paragliders land on the Höhematte park. For dinner, skip the tourist-trap fondue spots on the main road and head to the backstreets of Unterseen for more authentic Swiss kitchens.
Day 2: The Top of Europe (Jungfraujoch)
Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters. It is expensive, but it is the centerpiece of most Swiss trips.
Morning
Go early. Take the train from Interlaken Ost up to Grindelwald Terminal. Board the Eiger Express tricable gondola. It cuts the travel time to the top significantly. At the summit, 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.
Afternoon
On the way down, take the traditional cogwheel train toward Kleine Scheidegg. If you are there between June and October, hike the Eiger Trail from Eigergletscher station down to Alpiglen. You will walk directly under the infamous Eiger North Face. If you prefer a relaxed afternoon, stay on the train all the way down to Grindelwald village. Explore the "Glacier Village" and its high-end shops.
Evening
Grindelwald is busier than Lauterbrunnen. Have a drink at one of the terrace bars facing the Wetterhorn before taking the train back to Interlaken. Dinner should be quick—local supermarkets like Coop have excellent hot food counters if you’re looking to offset the cost of the Jungfraujoch ticket.
Day 3: Turquoise Lakes and Harder Kulm
Interlaken sits between two lakes. Today is about water and the best bird’s-eye view of the town.
Morning
Head to Lake Brienz. The water is a distinct turquoise due to glacial particles. Board the BLS steamship from the pier behind Interlaken Ost station. Cruise to Giessbach See. From the landing, take the oldest funicular in Europe up to the Grand Hotel Giessbach. Walk behind the Giessbach Falls, which tumble through 14 stages into the lake.
Afternoon
Take the boat or train back to Interlaken. Walk to the Harder Bahn funicular station near Interlaken Ost. In 10 minutes, you’ll be at Harder Kulm (1,322m). The Two Lakes Bridge platform offers the definitive view of Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz. It’s the best spot to understand the geography of the area.
Evening
Descend from Harder Kulm around sunset. Reward yourself with a meal in Interlaken’s "Old Town" (Unterseen). Cross the bridge over the Aare river and look for restaurants near the Stadthausplatz. The atmosphere here is quieter and more historic than the main strip.
Day 4: Hidden Gems and Local Culture
Most tourists leave Interlaken after the big peaks. On day four of your 5 day Interlaken itinerary, stay local and explore the spots the tour buses miss.
Morning
Visit the St. Beatus Caves on the shores of Lake Thun. According to legend, a dragon once lived here. You can explore roughly one kilometer of illuminated stalactite tunnels. Take the bus (Line 21) from Interlaken West; it’s a 15-minute ride. Afterward, walk down to the Beatenbucht pier and take the funicular up to Beatenberg for a high-altitude stroll without the Jungfraujoch crowds.
Afternoon
Head back to Interlaken and rent a bike or an e-bike. Ride along the Aare river toward Lake Thun. Your destination is Neuhaus. There is a nature reserve called Weissenau where you can explore the ruins of a medieval castle hidden in the woods. It’s a flat, easy ride. If it’s summer, this is where the locals go to swim.
Evening
Explore the woodworking heritage of the region. Visit the Jobin Woodcarving museum in nearby Brienz (20 minutes by train) if you want a deep dive, or simply browse the high-quality shops in Interlaken. For dinner, try "Rösti"—a Swiss potato pancake—at a traditional guesthouse like Des Alpes.
Day 5: The Kandersteg Escape
For your final day, head 45 minutes south of Interlaken to Kandersteg. This is a different valley with a completely different feel.
Morning
Take the train from Interlaken Ost to Spiez, then change for Kandersteg. Upon arrival, walk to the Oeschinensee gondola. Oeschinen Lake is often cited as the most beautiful lake in Switzerland. It’s an alpine lake surrounded by 3,000-meter cliffs. In summer, ride the Mountain Coaster (rodelt) at the top of the gondola.
Afternoon
Hike the loop trail around the lake (about 3 hours) or simply rent a rowboat. The water is freezing, but the scenery is unmatched. If you have energy left on the way back, stop in Spiez. It’s a lakeside town on Lake Thun dominated by a massive medieval castle and sprawling vineyards. Walk from the train station down to the harbor for a final view of the water.
Evening
Return to Interlaken for your final night. Pack your gear and have a celebratory drink at one of the town’s craft beer bars. Reflect on the 100+ kilometers of territory you’ve covered across the Bernese Oberland.
Where to stay for 5 days in Interlaken
Choosing the right base in Interlaken depends on your transport milk run.
Interlaken Ost (East) This is the logistical heart. If you plan on following this 5 day Interlaken itinerary strictly, stay here. All trains to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and the boats for Lake Brienz depart from Ost. It’s home to the largest Coop supermarket and is more functional than aesthetic.
Interlaken West This area is closer to the "town" feel. It’s convenient for Lake Thun cruises and has a higher density of restaurants and shops. It’s a 15-minute walk from Ost, or a 2-minute train ride. Stay here if you want to be closer to the evening dining scene.
Unterseen Technically its own municipality, Unterseen is just across the river from Interlaken West. It is the most charming part of the area, featuring traditional wooden chalets and a quiet cobblestone square. It’s the best choice for couples or travelers who want to avoid the "backpackery" vibe of central Interlaken.
Matten Located south of the Höheweg, Matten is quieter and offers more apartment-style rentals. It’s a great middle-ground if you want to be within walking distance of the train station but far enough away to avoid the crowds from the large hotels.
Logistics Tip: The Interlaken Guest Card
When you check into any official accommodation in Interlaken, you receive the Interlaken Guest Card. This gives you free travel on local buses and trains within the 101 zone (including Ringgenberg, Iseltwald, and Beatenbucht). It also provides small discounts on local funiculars like Harder Kulm. Use it to save on your daily "last mile" travel.