Things to Do in Interlaken in April

April Weather in Interlaken

14°C (58°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

81 mm (3.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak season for paragliding - thermal conditions are ideal with consistent valley winds between 11am-4pm and clearer skies than summer months
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to peak summer, with most hotels offering spring packages through April 30th
Snow activities still available on Jungfraujoch (3,454m/11,332ft) while valley hiking trails at lower elevations begin opening - you get both winter and spring activities
Tourist crowds are 50% lighter than June-August peak season, meaning shorter lift queues and better photo opportunities at viewpoints

Considerations

Weather unpredictability means you need flexible plans - mountain visibility can change from perfect to zero in 30 minutes due to spring cloud formations
Higher elevation hiking trails above 1,800m (5,905ft) remain snow-covered and inaccessible until mid-May, limiting backcountry options
Lake Thun and Lake Brienz water temperatures are only 8-10°C (46-50°F) - too cold for swimming or most water sports without wetsuits

Best Activities in April

Jungfraujoch Railway Excursions

April offers the best balance for the 'Top of Europe' experience - snow activities are still fully operational while spring weather provides clearer mountain views than winter months. The railway operates full schedules, and you'll encounter fewer tour groups than summer. Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory have optimal visibility conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for better carriage selection. Combination tickets including Grindelwald-First cable car typically cost CHF 180-220 for adults. Check weather forecasts and book for days with morning cloud clearing predictions. See current tour packages in the booking section below.

Tandem Paragliding Adventures

April is paragliding season's sweet spot in Interlaken. Thermal conditions are reliable, winds are consistent but not too strong, and you avoid the summer thermals that can be too intense for beginners. Launch sites at Beatenberg and Harder Kulm operate full schedules with the best safety margins of the year.

Booking Tip: Weather-dependent activity requiring 24-48 hour flexibility. Tandem flights typically cost CHF 160-200 for 15-20 minute flights. Morning slots (10am-1pm) have the most stable conditions. Book through certified operators with full insurance coverage.

Lake Cruise and Castle Tours

April marks the return of full lake cruise schedules on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz after winter restrictions. Spring light creates exceptional photography conditions for lakeside castles like Oberhofen and Spiez. Tourist boats run hourly rather than the limited winter schedule, and castle gardens begin blooming.

Booking Tip: Boat schedules extend to full day service starting April 15th. Castle combination tickets typically cost CHF 35-45. Afternoon cruises (2pm-5pm) offer the best light for mountain photography. Book day-of unless traveling on weekends.

Grindelwald-First Cliff Walk Experiences

The cliff walk and suspension bridges at First are accessible in April with spectacular snow-capped Eiger views. Cable cars run full schedules, and the contrast between snow-covered peaks and emerging spring valleys creates dramatic scenery. Adventure activities like the First Flyer operate on dry days.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets typically cost CHF 30-35 return. Combined tickets with multiple activities range CHF 60-80. Weather can change rapidly at 2,168m (7,113ft) elevation - check conditions at valley stations before ascending.

Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfall Hikes

April snowmelt creates peak flow conditions for Staubbach Falls and other valley waterfalls. Lower elevation trails (under 1,200m/3,937ft) are accessible while higher crowds haven't arrived. The 72-waterfall valley shows its full power, and mist creates rainbow effects in afternoon light.

Booking Tip: Valley floor trails are free and self-guided. Waterfall spray can be intense - waterproof layers essential. Best viewing times are 11am-3pm when sun reaches the valley floor. Guided geology tours typically cost CHF 25-35 per person.

Harder Kulm Sunset Viewing

April offers extended daylight hours with sunset around 7:45pm, perfect for the panoramic restaurant and viewing platform. Spring air clarity provides exceptional Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau visibility. The funicular operates until 9pm, allowing for dinner with views.

Booking Tip: Funicular tickets cost CHF 16-22 return. Restaurant reservations recommended for window seats during sunset hours. Last funicular down is 9:30pm. Temperatures drop 10-15°C (18-27°F) from valley floor - bring layers.

April Events & Festivals

Early April around Easter weekend

Easter Markets and Alpine Spring Festivals

Local villages around Interlaken host traditional Easter markets with handcrafted wooden toys, spring flowers, and regional specialties. Markets in Unterseen and Matten feature local artisans and seasonal foods like spring cheese varieties.

Mid to late April

Paragliding Season Opening Events

Flight schools and paragliding clubs host season opening demonstrations and beginner workshops. These events offer discounted tandem flights and equipment displays, particularly popular at Beatenberg launch sites.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - temperatures vary 10-15°C (18-27°F) between valley floor and cable car destinations, pack base layer, insulating layer, and shell jacket

Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support - trails can be muddy from snowmelt and spring rain, especially below 1,500m (4,921ft) elevation

Lightweight rain jacket and pants - afternoon showers occur 40% of days and last 15-30 minutes, but can be intense in mountain valleys

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV reflects off snow at higher elevations and spring sun is stronger than expected, especially 11am-3pm

Warm hat and gloves - temperatures above 2,000m (6,562ft) can drop to freezing even on sunny days, particularly early morning and evening

Quick-dry hiking pants rather than jeans - cotton stays wet longer in humid conditions and cool temperatures

Daypack with 20-25L capacity for layer management and weather protection during cable car and hiking excursions

Thermal underwear for high-altitude excursions - Jungfraujoch temperatures are typically -5 to -10°C (23-14°F) regardless of valley weather

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in Interlaken old town can be slippery when wet from frequent spring showers

Power bank and waterproof phone case - mountain weather changes require communication access and battery life decreases in cold temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Local weather pattern: Morning valley fog clears by 9-10am most days, revealing mountain views. Plan high-altitude activities for 10am-3pm window when visibility is best and thermals are stable for cable cars.

Money-saving strategy: Many hotels offer 'April Spring Packages' including breakfast and guest cards for free public transport. These packages end April 30th and save CHF 30-50 daily on transportation alone.

Crowd timing secret: Tourist buses arrive 10am-11am and depart by 4pm. Visit major viewpoints like Harder Kulm before 9:30am or after 5pm for better photo opportunities and shorter queues.

Local spring tradition: Restaurants start serving seasonal asparagus dishes and spring wines in mid-April. Try 'Berner Platte mit Spargel' - it's only available during spring asparagus season and showcases regional ingredients.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only indoor activities as backup - April weather changes quickly but clears fast. Many tourists miss perfect afternoon conditions because they committed to museums after seeing morning clouds.

Underestimating temperature differences between valley and mountains - visitors wear summer clothing for valley walks then freeze during cable car excursions to Jungfraujoch or First.

Rigid daily schedules - April weather requires flexibility. Smart travelers book weather-dependent activities like paragliding with 48-hour cancellation policies and keep indoor alternatives ready.