Things to Do in Interlaken in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
April Weather in Interlaken
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
58°F (14°C)
High Temp
39°F (4°C)
Low Temp
3.2 inches (81 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Clouds shove mercury down fifteen degrees. That's eight Celsius, gone in minutes. Morning sun lies. Stuff a fleece in your pack. Always. No debate.
Is April Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Snow crowns the Jungfrau and Eiger peaks for postcard-perfect views. Valley trails are snow-free for hiking. The contrast is April's signature. Snap early. Light hits the snow best before noon.
- + Hotel rates drop 30- 40% from ski season prices. The same rooms that require three-month bookings in February are available same-week in April. Book late. Save big.
- + Paragliding thermals are more stable than summer months. You get smoother 20-minute flights over the twin lakes. April air is calm. Pilots love it.
- + Wildflowers start blooming on the Schynige Platte meadows. The alpine garden opens with 600 species in bloom. Colors pop against lingering snow. Go early season.
Considerations
- − April showers hit most afternoons between 2-4pm. Mountain visibility drops to zero about 40% of days. Plan morning ascents. Afternoons can erase the view.
- − Half the mountain restaurants close for the seasonal transition. Your lunch options shrink to packed sandwiches or overpriced hotel buffets. Pack food. Avoid sticker shock.
- − The cog railway to Schynige Platte runs limited service through April 15. Only two departures daily instead of hourly. Check timetables. Miss the train, wait hours.
Best Activities in April
Top things to do during your visit
Jungfraujoch Railway Day Trips
April gives you the last chance to see the Sphinx Observatory surrounded by snow before summer melting begins. Morning departures before 8am typically beat the cloud buildup that obscures views by midday. The ice palace stays open year-round, but April temperatures keep the ice sculptures from the dripping you'll see in July. Arrive early. Stay sharp.
Booking Tip: Book 48 hours ahead for morning departures. The 7:05am train from Interlaken Ost has the best weather window. Licensed operators offer packages that include the expensive cog railway portion. Reserve fast. Seats fill.
Harder Kulm Sunset Viewing
The funicular runs until 9:15pm in April, giving you access to the Two Lakes Bridge viewpoint when the setting sun turns the snow peaks pink. April's longer days mean sunset photography happens at 8pm instead of winter's 5pm rush, and you'll share the platform with maybe twelve people instead of summer's hundred. Stay late. Shoot alone.
Booking Tip: Time your ascent for 90 minutes before sunset. The golden hour light on the Jungfrau massif is worth the timing. Current funicular schedules are in the booking section below. Plan ahead. Light fades fast.
Lake Thun Boat Cruises
April sees the passenger boats resume full schedule after winter maintenance. The 3-hour round trip to Spiez lets you see the vineyards awakening from winter dormancy, and the heated indoor salons mean you stay warm when mountain winds kick up. Morning cruises typically have mirror-calm water that photographers love. Board early. Glassy water rules.
Booking Tip: The 10:30am departure from Interlaken West gives you the calmest conditions. Swiss Travel Pass holders ride free. Others should book day-of at the dock kiosks. Travel Pass pays. Walk up and sail.
Interlaken Canyon Swing Jumps
The Grimsel Canyon swing operates through April with smaller groups than summer months. Water levels from snowmelt create the canyon's most dramatic conditions, and the 85-meter (278-foot) freefall feels more intense when you're wearing layers instead of summer t-shirts. Morning slots have the most stable weather. Dress warm. Scream louder.
Booking Tip: April bookings work day-of due to low demand, but 24-hour advance booking secures morning slots before afternoon weather moves in. Licensed operators provide all technical gear. Just bring sturdy shoes. Call ahead. Beat the clouds.
Alpine Cheese Dairy Tours
April marks the start of cheese production season when cows return from winter barns to mountain pastures. The Show Dairy in Gruyères demonstrates traditional techniques, and the 45-minute demonstration happens in English at 1pm daily. The aging cellars smell of developing Appenzeller and the temperature stays good for long aging. Come hungry. Cheese is king.
Booking Tip: Combine with the chocolate factory in Broc. Both run on the same rail line from Interlaken. Book the combined dairy-chocolate tour through operators listed in the booking section below. Double dip. Eat well.
Where to Stay in Interlaken in April
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for April travellers.
Public Holidays in April
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Näfelser Fahrt
Known in English as Näfels procession. A public holiday in these regions only: CH-GL.
Näfelser Fahrt
Known in English as Näfels procession. A public holiday in these regions only: CH-GL.
Karfreitag
Known in English as Good Friday. A public holiday in these regions only: CH-ZH, CH-BE, CH-LU, CH-UR, CH-SZ, CH-OW, CH-NW, CH-GL, CH-ZG, CH-FR, CH-SO, CH-BS, CH-BL, CH-SH, CH-AR, CH-AI, CH-SG, CH-GR, CH-AG, CH-TG, CH-VD, CH-NE, CH-GE, CH-JU.
Ostermontag
Known in English as Easter Monday. A public holiday in these regions only: CH-ZH, CH-BE, CH-GL, CH-FR, CH-BS, CH-BL, CH-SH, CH-AR, CH-AI, CH-SG, CH-GR, CH-AG, CH-TG, CH-TI, CH-VD, CH-GE, CH-JU.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Interlaken Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The Coop supermarket at Interlaken West station stocks local Berner Platte meats at half the price of tourist shops. Grab supplies before heading up the mountains. Shop smart. Eat local.
Ask for the 'April Wetter' discount at paragliding operators. Many offer 20% off when morning weather looks questionable but they need to fill slots anyway. Haggle politely. Fly cheap.
The Höhematte park in central Interlaken becomes a landing zone for paragliders around 4pm. Bring a picnic and watch 30 pilots land within 45 minutes. Free show. Pack snacks.
Hotel restaurants often close one night weekly in shoulder season. The Victoria-Jungfrau's Wednesday closure means their typically CHF 80 dinner buffet drops to half-price at the sister hotel across the street. Chase deals. Eat well.
Avoid These Mistakes
Booking mountain excursions for afternoon departure. April weather deteriorates after 2pm about 60% of days, morning has your best visibility window. Rise early. See more.
Assuming all cable cars run year-round. The Männlichen gondola closes April 8-22 for maintenance, stranding hikers who planned that route. Check closures. Reroute fast.
Wearing cotton t-shirts under winter jackets. The 70% humidity at altitude means cotton stays damp and cold all day, synthetic layers work better. Ditch cotton. Stay dry.
Planning restaurant meals on mountaintops. Half close between Easter and June 1, pack substantial snacks for full-day excursions. Bring food. Avoid hunger.
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