Home › Itineraries › 3 Days

Alpine Adventure: Long Weekend in Interlaken

Mountains, Lakes, and Swiss Alpine Magic

Trip Overview

Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the dramatic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks as a backdrop, Interlaken offers the quintessential Swiss alpine experience. This three-day itinerary balances thrilling mountain excursions with serene lakeside moments and cultural discoveries. You'll ascend to Europe's highest railway station at Jungfraujoch, walk dramatic cliff paths with panoramic views, explore ancient caves, and discover charming waterfalls. The pace allows for both adventure and relaxation, with time to absorb the stunning scenery that has made this region world-famous. Each day combines outdoor activities with opportunities to experience Swiss culture, from historic monasteries to local wildlife. Whether you're seeking adrenaline or tranquility, this itinerary captures the essence of the Bernese Oberland.

Pace
Active
Daily Budget
$200-300 per day
Best Seasons
June to September for full access; December to March for winter sports
Ideal For
Adventure seekers, Nature lovers, Photography enthusiasts, First-time visitors to Switzerland, Couples

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Lakeside Exploration

Interlaken Town & Surroundings
Ease into the alpine atmosphere with a relaxed exploration of Interlaken's town center, parks, and the mystical St. Beatus Caves along Lake Thun's shoreline.
Morning
Town Orientation & Höhematte Park
Begin your Swiss adventure with a stroll through Höhematte Park, a vast green space in the heart of Interlaken offering unobstructed views of the Jungfrau massif. Watch paragliders land in this iconic meadow while getting your bearings. Continue to explore the charming streets, visit the Monastery and Interlaken Castle to understand the town's medieval origins, and stop by the Reformierte Schlosskirche, a beautiful historic church.
2-3 hours $5-10 (church donation)
Lunch
A traditional Swiss restaurant near the town center serving rösti and alpine specialties
Swiss Mid-range
Afternoon
St. Beatus-Höhlen, Swiss Caves
Take a short bus ride to these spectacular caves on Lake Thun's northern shore. Explore the illuminated underground world of stalactites and stalagmites, following walkways through chambers carved by water over millennia. The site includes the impressive St. Beatus Waterfall cascading outside the cave entrance. The museum explains the legend of St. Beatus who allegedly slayed a dragon here. The lakeside location offers beautiful views across the turquoise waters.
2-3 hours including travel $25-30
No advance booking needed; arrive before 4pm for full experience
Evening
Sunset at Brienzersee Lakewalk & Dinner
Walk along the Brienzersee Lakewalk to enjoy the evening light on Lake Brienz's famous turquoise waters, then dine at a lakeside restaurant with mountain views

Where to Stay Tonight

Interlaken town center (Mid-range hotel between the two lakes)

Central location provides easy access to both lakes and train stations for mountain excursions

Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass before arrival for significant savings on mountain railways and regional transport
Day 1 Budget: $220-280
2

Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe

Jungfraujoch & Lauterbrunnen Valley
Experience the crown jewel of the region with a journey to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters, followed by an afternoon exploring waterfalls.
Morning
Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory
Depart early for the spectacular train journey through Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch. At the summit, visit the Sphinx Observatory with its panoramic terrace offering 360-degree views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks. Explore the Ice Palace carved inside the glacier, walk through the Alpine Sensation exhibition, and experience the Snow Fun area. The thin air at this altitude adds to the sense of achievement. Clear mornings offer the best visibility, making early departure essential.
5-6 hours including travel $180-220 (with pass discounts $90-110)
Book tickets online in advance for slight discount; check weather forecast and go on clearest day
Lunch
Mountain restaurant at Jungfraujoch or Kleine Scheidegg with panoramic views
Swiss mountain cuisine Upscale
Afternoon
Staubbachfall & Lauterbrunnen Valley
Descend to the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley, often called the valley of 72 waterfalls. Visit Staubbachfall, the iconic 297-meter free-falling waterfall that inspired Goethe and inspired the design of the Reichenbach Falls in Sherlock Holmes stories. Walk behind the falls if conditions permit. The valley's dramatic cliff walls and cascading waters create an otherworldly atmosphere. Take time to explore the charming village of Lauterbrunnen before returning to Interlaken.
2-3 hours $10-15 (transport only)
Evening
Relaxed evening in Interlaken
Recover from the high-altitude adventure with a casual dinner at a cozy restaurant, perhaps trying fondue or raclette

Where to Stay Tonight

Interlaken town center (Same hotel as Day 1)

Maintaining the same base simplifies logistics and allows you to leave luggage securely

Start your Jungfraujoch journey before 8am to avoid crowds and catch the clearest morning views before afternoon clouds roll in
Day 2 Budget: $280-350
3

Cliff Walks & Alpine Wildlife

First Mountain & Interlaken
Experience thrilling cliff-edge walkways with spectacular views, encounter alpine animals, and enjoy final moments by the Aare River before departure.
Morning
First Cliff Walk
Take the cable car from Grindelwald to First mountain station. Experience the First Cliff Walk, a suspended walkway clinging to the cliff face with heart-stopping views of the Grindelwald valley and surrounding peaks. The 40-meter-long bridge and viewing platform extend out over the abyss, offering spectacular photo opportunities. The area also features hiking trails of varying difficulty, and in summer, activities like the First Flyer zip line and mountain cart are available for additional thrills.
4-5 hours including travel $60-80
Cable car operates from 8:30am; arrive early on weekends to avoid queues
Lunch
Mountain restaurant at First with terrace seating overlooking the peaks
Swiss alpine Mid-range
Afternoon
Alpine Wildlife Park Interlaken & Aare River
Visit the Alpine Wildlife Park Interlaken to see native species including ibex, marmots, and deer in natural enclosures. This peaceful park offers insight into the region's fauna and makes for a relaxing contrast to the morning's heights. Afterward, walk to the Aare Dam Viewpoint to watch the stunning turquoise Aare River flowing between the two lakes. If time and weather permit, locals swim in the river at Neuhaus Swimming Steps, though the glacier-fed water is bracingly cold.
2-3 hours $10-15
Evening
Farewell dinner & evening stroll
Enjoy a final Swiss meal at a restaurant near the Aare River, then take an evening walk through the illuminated town center, perhaps visiting the Yash Chopra Statue commemorating Bollywood's love affair with Interlaken

Where to Stay Tonight

Interlaken town center or depart (Same hotel or evening departure)

Convenient for morning departure connections to Zurich, Bern, or other destinations

If you have extra time, explore TOURISMUSEUM to understand the history of tourism in the region, or visit Kunsthaus Interlaken for local art exhibitions
Day 3 Budget: $180-240

Practical Information

Getting Around

Interlaken is exceptionally well-connected by Swiss public transport. The town has two main stations: Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. Trains and buses run with Swiss precision to all mountain destinations. Walking is pleasant within town. A Swiss Travel Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass provides unlimited transport and significant discounts on mountain railways. Local buses connect to caves and parks. Cable cars and cogwheel trains access mountain peaks. No car is needed; parking is expensive and unnecessary. Download the SBB Mobile app for real-time schedules and ticket purchases.

Book Ahead

Jungfraujoch train tickets (book 1-2 days ahead for discounts), First cable car tickets (weekends get busy), accommodation (book 2-3 months ahead for summer peak season)

Packing Essentials

Layered clothing for mountain weather, warm jacket even in summer, sunglasses and sunscreen (alpine sun is intense), comfortable hiking shoes, water bottle, camera with extra batteries, Swiss adapter plug, rain jacket

Total Budget

$680-870 for 3 days (excluding accommodation and international travel)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in a hostel or budget guesthouse ($40-60 per night), pack picnic lunches from supermarkets like Coop or Migros, choose one major mountain excursion instead of multiple cable cars, explore free attractions like Höhematte Park and lakeside walks extensively, visit Naturschutzgebiet Weissenau nature reserve for free wildlife viewing, and use regional passes strategically. Cook some meals if accommodation has kitchen facilities.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at a five-star hotel with spa and mountain views ($300-500 per night), book private guided mountain tours with local experts, take helicopter tours over the peaks, dine at Michelin-recommended restaurants, arrange private cable car times for photography, book the exclusive Thrill Walk at Birg with a guide, and consider a scenic helicopter transfer from Zurich airport directly to Interlaken. Add exclusive experiences like private paragliding or ice climbing with professional guides.

Family-Friendly

Base yourselves in family rooms or apartments with kitchens for flexibility. The Alpine Wildlife Park Interlaken is excellent for children, as are the caves at St. Beatus-Höhlen with their dragon legend. At Jungfraujoch, kids love the Ice Palace and snow play area. Consider the adventure activities at First including the mountain cart and trottibike scooters. Pack plenty of snacks, allow extra time for everything, and choose easier walking trails. The OUTDOOR - Interlaken Base offers family-friendly adventure activities with professional supervision.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Interlaken

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Interlaken

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Interlaken

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Interlaken

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Interlaken

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.