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Day trips from Interlaken

Real trips under ~3h each way, with distances, transport times, and insider tips for timing them right.

Interlaken is less a destination than a launchpad: the town sits between two lakes with the Jungfrau railways fanning out above it, and every classic Bernese Oberland sight is a day trip on rails and cables — no car needed for any of this. The catch is cost and sequencing: the Jungfraujoch run alone can eat CHF 270 and a full day, and in May–October a paid seat reservation is compulsory. Here is the honest version, with the numbers filled in.

Photo by Tucker Monticelli on Unsplash

The trips worth doing — with the details filled in

Hand-checked logistics for the Interlaken trips that actually reward a full day — trains, timings, and the honest verdicts.

Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe

Getting there: Fastest loop: train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald Terminal, then the Eiger Express tricable gondola to Eigergletscher and the railway through the mountain — about 1h35m each way. The classic cogwheel route via Kleine Scheidegg takes ~2h15. Best plan: ride one way up, the other way down (the ticket allows it).
Cost: Return from Interlaken Ost: CHF 261.20 in the 1 May–31 October high season, CHF 224.40 the rest of the year, plus the compulsory CHF 10 seat reservation in season — so budget ~CHF 271 per adult in summer. Swiss Travel Pass takes ~25% off the fare (roughly CHF 196 + reservation); the dated 'Good Morning' ticket saves ~20% if you take an early departure and leave the summit by mid-afternoon.
Booking: From early May to the end of October a seat reservation is compulsory in BOTH directions and costs CHF 10 per person on top of the fare — book ticket and reservation together on jungfrau.ch before you travel, and check the summit webcam the same morning: paying alpine prices to stand inside a cloud is the classic Interlaken mistake.

Go early (first departures beat both crowds and afternoon cloud build-up). Up top: the Sphinx observation deck at 3,571 m, the Aletsch Glacier view, the Ice Palace, and — genuinely — the highest-altitude Lindt shop in Europe. Budget 2-2.5 hours at the top; altitude is noticeable, so take stairs slowly.

Spectacular and shameless about charging for it. Worth it once, on a clear day, with a reservation. On a cloudy forecast, switch to Schilthorn or First and save around 150 francs.

Schilthorn / Piz Gloria via Lauterbrunnen + Mürren

Getting there: Train Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen (22 min, every ~20 min), then either the bus to Stechelberg and the world's steepest cable car (159% gradient, opened Dec 2024) up to Mürren, or the scenic Grütschalp funicular + ridge train. From Mürren the new Funifor cabins (running since March 2025) reach the 2,970 m summit via Birg in ~12 minutes.
Cost: Swiss Travel Pass covers everything to/from Mürren; the Mürren→Schilthorn leg is then CHF ~46 return. Without a pass expect roughly CHF 100-130 for the full loop from Interlaken.
On top: Piz Gloria revolving restaurant (the 1969 Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' was shot here), the Birg Thrill Walk glass skywalk one station down.

Do it as a loop: up via Stechelberg, back via Mürren village (walk the car-free main street), Grütschalp ridge train down to Lauterbrunnen, and leave 30 minutes for Staubbach Falls right in the village. Comfortable in 6-7 hours door to door.

The best value-for-view day in the region — half the price of Jungfraujoch, a proper village en route, and the engineering is now the newest in the Alps. If you only do one summit and the budget matters, do this one.

Grindelwald + First

Getting there: Train Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (~35 min), then the First gondola from the village center.
On the mountain: First Cliff Walk (free with the gondola), the ~1h each-way trail to Bachalpsee lake — the postcard shot with Schreckhorn mirrored in the water — plus paid toys: First Flyer zipline, mountain carts, trottibikes down.

Half-day friendly: gondola up by 9, Cliff Walk, Bachalpsee walk with a picnic, carts or trotti down to the village, then coffee in Grindelwald with the Eiger north face filling the sky.

The best summer half-day from Interlaken, and the one to pick with kids or mixed-energy groups — everyone self-selects their own adrenaline level.

Lakes Thun + Brienz by boat

Getting there: Boats leave from Interlaken West (Lake Thun) and Interlaken Ost (Lake Brienz) piers; both lakes are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and the Berner Oberland Pass.
Highlights: Lake Thun: Spiez castle + vineyards, Thun's old town. Lake Brienz: the turquoise water itself, Giessbach Falls (boat stop + historic funicular to the hotel), Brienz woodcarving village.

Pick ONE lake per day. Brienz for scenery (that unreal glacial turquoise), Thun for castles and town life. The Giessbach Falls stop makes the best short version: boat out, falls, lunch on the terrace, boat back.

The weather-proof-ish and budget option — and with a rail pass it's effectively free. Locals' pick for a recovery day between mountain days.

Lucerne — the city day

Getting there: The Luzern–Interlaken Express (GoldenPass line over the Brünig Pass) takes ~1h50 each way from Interlaken Ost — itself one of Switzerland's prettiest rides, past Lungern's improbably blue lake.

Chapel Bridge, the old town, the Lion Monument, and an hour on Lake Lucerne's waterfront. If mountains call even here, Rigi or Pilatus bolt on — but that turns it into a very long day.

The rainy-day ace: when the Oberland summits are socked in, Lucerne usually still works — and the train ride there is half the show.

Booking + logistics

Passes — do the math first

Swiss Travel Pass: free trains + boats region-wide, free to Mürren, 25% off Jungfraujoch and ~50% off many lifts. Berner Oberland Pass (seasonal): better if you're basing in Interlaken 3+ days and stacking lifts. Buying summit tickets à la carte is the most expensive way to do everything.

Weather rule

Book Jungfraujoch/Schilthorn the NIGHT BEFORE at the earliest, after checking the summit webcams and MeteoSwiss — mountain forecasts under 24h are the only ones worth trusting. Cloudy up top? Switch that day to a lake or Lucerne.

Reservations

Jungfraujoch requires a paid seat reservation (CHF 10, both directions) from 1 May to 31 October — book it with the ticket on jungfrau.ch. Schilthorn and First need none — they're the flexible fallbacks.

Timing

First mountain departures (~7-8am) beat tour groups by two hours and afternoon cloud by four. Trains from Interlaken Ost run so frequently that no leg here needs more planning than 'show up'.

Where to go next

Lucerne trip planner
The rainy-day escape in this guide, planned properly — the GoldenPass ride there is half the appeal.
Zermatt trip planner
Too far for a day trip from Interlaken (~3h30 each way), but the natural next base if the Alps have you.
Interlaken trip planner
Where to stay between excursions, and how many days the town itself justifies.
Switzerland travel guide
Rail-pass maths across the whole country — the calculation that decides whether these day trips cost CHF 271 or CHF 196.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jungfraujoch worth the price from Interlaken?

On a clear day, once — yes: the Sphinx deck at 3,571 m and the Aletsch Glacier are genuinely unmatched. A return from Interlaken Ost is CHF 261.20 in the 1 May–31 October season (CHF 224.40 outside it), plus a compulsory CHF 10 seat reservation in season — about CHF 271 all-in, or roughly CHF 196 + reservation with a Swiss Travel Pass. On a cloudy forecast it is emphatically not worth it — check the summit webcam the same morning and switch to Schilthorn (about half the price) if in doubt.

Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn — which day trip is better?

Jungfraujoch is higher, more famous and more expensive; Schilthorn (2,970 m) costs roughly half, includes the world's steepest cable car (opened Dec 2024), the Bond-film revolving restaurant, and routes through car-free Mürren. Pure spectacle: Jungfraujoch. Value, variety and fewer crowds: Schilthorn. With two clear days, do both — different valleys, no overlap.

Can I do these day trips from Interlaken without a car?

Yes — all of them, comfortably. Every trip here runs on trains, boats, buses and cable cars from Interlaken Ost/West stations; a car is actually a liability (mountain villages like Mürren and Wengen are car-free). This is the one region of Europe where public transport beats driving outright.

What should I do from Interlaken on a rainy or cloudy day?

Skip the summits — paying CHF 100-200 to stand in fog is the classic mistake. Take the Luzern–Interlaken Express (~1h50) for a city day, or do the Lake Brienz boat to Giessbach Falls, which works in drizzle. Save Jungfraujoch/Schilthorn for the clearest forecast of your stay and book only the night before.

Do I need reservations for Interlaken day trips?

Only one: Jungfraujoch requires a compulsory CHF 10 seat reservation from 1 May to 31 October, booked with the ticket at jungfrau.ch. Schilthorn, Grindelwald First, the lake boats and Lucerne trains are all turn-up-and-go — which is exactly why the smart plan books Jungfraujoch for the best-forecast day and keeps everything else flexible.

Facts checked 2026-07-24 — prices, booking windows and seasonal openings change; re-check the official source before you book.

Every reachable escape, at a glance

6 trips under ~3h each way from Interlaken — most doable between breakfast and a late dinner back in town.

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

35 km

2h by train

Ascend to the highest railway station in Europe for breathtaking views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. The journey itself, via Grindelwald or Wengen, is a scenic marvel through the Bernese Alps.

Highlights

•Sphinx Observatory viewing platform
•Glacier Garden (Gletscherspalten)
•Alpine Sensation exhibition
•Snow Fun Park (seasonal)

full-dayscenic viewsadventure seekers

Grindelwald

20 km

35 min by train

A charming alpine village nestled at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Grindelwald offers stunning mountain panoramas and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Highlights

•First Cliff Walk by Tissot
•Grindelwald-First gondola
•Hike to Bachalpsee
•Village exploration

full-dayfamilieshikersphotographers

Lauterbrunnen Valley

15 km

20 min by train

Famous for its 72 thundering waterfalls, including the Staubbach Falls, and dramatic cliff faces. This valley is a gateway to car-free mountain resorts like Wengen and Mürren.

Highlights

•Staubbach Falls
•Trümmelbach Falls (inside the mountain)
•Cable car to Grütschalp for Mürren access
•Valley floor walking trails

half-dayfull-daynature loversfamilies

Thun

30 km

30 min by train

A picturesque town situated on the shores of Lake Thun, dominated by its medieval castle. Explore the charming old town and enjoy the lakeside promenade.

Highlights

•Thun Castle (Schloss Thun)
•Old Town (Obere Hauptgasse)
•Schadau Park and Castle
•Boat trip on Lake Thun

half-dayfull-dayhistory buffscouples

Bern

55 km

1h by train

Switzerland's capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved medieval old town. Wander through its arcaded streets, visit the Zytglogge clock tower, and enjoy the Aare river.

Highlights

•Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
•Bern Cathedral (Münster)
•Bear Park (BärenPark)
•Federal Palace (Bundeshaus)

full-dayhistory buffsculture vulturescity explorers

Lake Brienz

10 km

15 min by train to Brienz, then boat

A stunning turquoise lake surrounded by mountains, offering opportunities for boat trips and visits to traditional Swiss villages. The Giessbach Falls cascade dramatically into the lake.

Highlights

•Giessbach Falls
•Boat trip on Lake Brienz
•Wood carving village of Brienz
•Iseltwald village

half-dayfull-daynature loversphotographers

More Interlaken planning

Full itinerary →Best time to visit Budget Packing list

Day trips elsewhere

Day trips for similar destinations

Zermatt →Reykjavik →São Miguel, Azores →Lucerne →Douro Valley →Queenstown →

Day trips from Interlaken

Real trips under ~3h each way, with distances, transport times, and insider tips for timing them right.

The trips worth doing — with the details filled in

Hand-checked logistics for the Interlaken trips that actually reward a full day — trains, timings, and the honest verdicts.

Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe

Getting there: Fastest loop: train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald Terminal, then the Eiger Express tricable gondola to Eigergletscher and the railway through the mountain — about 1h35m each way. The classic cogwheel route via Kleine Scheidegg takes ~2h15. Best plan: ride one way up, the other way down (the ticket allows it).
Cost: Return from Interlaken Ost: CHF 261.20 in the 1 May–31 October high season, CHF 224.40 the rest of the year, plus the compulsory CHF 10 seat reservation in season — so budget ~CHF 271 per adult in summer. Swiss Travel Pass takes ~25% off the fare (roughly CHF 196 + reservation); the dated 'Good Morning' ticket saves ~20% if you take an early departure and leave the summit by mid-afternoon.
Booking: From early May to the end of October a seat reservation is compulsory in BOTH directions and costs CHF 10 per person on top of the fare — book ticket and reservation together on jungfrau.ch before you travel, and check the summit webcam the same morning: paying alpine prices to stand inside a cloud is the classic Interlaken mistake.

Spectacular and shameless about charging for it. Worth it once, on a clear day, with a reservation. On a cloudy forecast, switch to Schilthorn or First and save around 150 francs.

Schilthorn / Piz Gloria via Lauterbrunnen + Mürren

Getting there: Train Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen (22 min, every ~20 min), then either the bus to Stechelberg and the world's steepest cable car (159% gradient, opened Dec 2024) up to Mürren, or the scenic Grütschalp funicular + ridge train. From Mürren the new Funifor cabins (running since March 2025) reach the 2,970 m summit via Birg in ~12 minutes.
Cost: Swiss Travel Pass covers everything to/from Mürren; the Mürren→Schilthorn leg is then CHF ~46 return. Without a pass expect roughly CHF 100-130 for the full loop from Interlaken.
On top: Piz Gloria revolving restaurant (the 1969 Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' was shot here), the Birg Thrill Walk glass skywalk one station down.

Grindelwald + First

Getting there: Train Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (~35 min), then the First gondola from the village center.
On the mountain: First Cliff Walk (free with the gondola), the ~1h each-way trail to Bachalpsee lake — the postcard shot with Schreckhorn mirrored in the water — plus paid toys: First Flyer zipline, mountain carts, trottibikes down.

Half-day friendly: gondola up by 9, Cliff Walk, Bachalpsee walk with a picnic, carts or trotti down to the village, then coffee in Grindelwald with the Eiger north face filling the sky.

The best summer half-day from Interlaken, and the one to pick with kids or mixed-energy groups — everyone self-selects their own adrenaline level.

Lakes Thun + Brienz by boat

Getting there: Boats leave from Interlaken West (Lake Thun) and Interlaken Ost (Lake Brienz) piers; both lakes are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and the Berner Oberland Pass.
Highlights: Lake Thun: Spiez castle + vineyards, Thun's old town. Lake Brienz: the turquoise water itself, Giessbach Falls (boat stop + historic funicular to the hotel), Brienz woodcarving village.

The weather-proof-ish and budget option — and with a rail pass it's effectively free. Locals' pick for a recovery day between mountain days.

Lucerne — the city day

Getting there: The Luzern–Interlaken Express (GoldenPass line over the Brünig Pass) takes ~1h50 each way from Interlaken Ost — itself one of Switzerland's prettiest rides, past Lungern's improbably blue lake.

Chapel Bridge, the old town, the Lion Monument, and an hour on Lake Lucerne's waterfront. If mountains call even here, Rigi or Pilatus bolt on — but that turns it into a very long day.

The rainy-day ace: when the Oberland summits are socked in, Lucerne usually still works — and the train ride there is half the show.

Booking + logistics

Passes — do the math first

Weather rule

Reservations

Timing

First mountain departures (~7-8am) beat tour groups by two hours and afternoon cloud by four. Trains from Interlaken Ost run so frequently that no leg here needs more planning than 'show up'.

Where to go next

Lucerne trip planner

The rainy-day escape in this guide, planned properly — the GoldenPass ride there is half the appeal.

Zermatt trip planner

Too far for a day trip from Interlaken (~3h30 each way), but the natural next base if the Alps have you.

Interlaken trip planner

Where to stay between excursions, and how many days the town itself justifies.

Switzerland travel guide

Rail-pass maths across the whole country — the calculation that decides whether these day trips cost CHF 271 or CHF 196.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jungfraujoch worth the price from Interlaken?

Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn — which day trip is better?

Can I do these day trips from Interlaken without a car?

What should I do from Interlaken on a rainy or cloudy day?

Do I need reservations for Interlaken day trips?

Facts checked 2026-07-24 — prices, booking windows and seasonal openings change; re-check the official source before you book.