Things to Do in Interlaken in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Interlaken
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas market atmosphere from late November through December 23rd transforms Interlaken into a proper winter wonderland - mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and handcrafted gifts in Höhematte Park between the two stations. The wooden chalets typically open around 4pm when the lights come on, and it's genuinely magical rather than touristy.
- Skiing conditions are actually reliable by mid-December at Jungfrau ski region (1,800-2,970m / 5,905-9,744 ft elevation). Unlike early season November, you'll find proper snow coverage on most runs, and the lifts at Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn are fully operational. Day passes run CHF 60-75, which is reasonable for Swiss standards.
- Fewer crowds than January-February peak season means you can actually enjoy the Jungfraujoch without fighting through tour groups. The cogwheel train up to 3,454m (11,332 ft) still runs daily, and you'll get better photos without hundreds of people in every frame. Book tickets 3-4 days ahead online for CHF 10-15 savings.
- December hotel rates drop 20-30% compared to Christmas week and New Year's. If you avoid December 23-31, you're looking at CHF 120-180 for decent three-star hotels versus CHF 250+ during peak. The town is still festive, but your wallet won't hate you.
Considerations
- Daylight is brutally short - sunrise around 8:10am, sunset by 4:45pm. That gives you roughly 8.5 hours of usable light for mountain activities, and the good light for photography is gone by 4pm. Plan accordingly or you'll waste half your trip eating breakfast in the dark.
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable in early winter. You might get three days of brilliant sunshine followed by two days where clouds sit at 1,500m (4,921 ft) and you can't see anything from the mountain peaks. The Jungfraujoch webcam becomes your best friend - check it obsessively before committing CHF 200+ to the train ticket.
- Many hiking trails are closed or require proper winter equipment. The easy summer walks around Harder Kulm or along Lake Brienz aren't accessible without microspikes and winter boots. If you're not into skiing or snowboarding, your outdoor options are more limited than you'd expect for such a scenic place.
Best Activities in December
Jungfraujoch Railway Experience
The train journey to the Top of Europe at 3,454m (11,332 ft) is actually better in December than summer for one reason - visibility. Winter air tends to be clearer, and when you get a good weather day, the views of Aletsch Glacier are spectacular without summer haze. The Ice Palace and observation deck are fully operational. Morning trains (6:35am-8:35am departures) give you the best light and smaller crowds. Temperature up top sits around -15°C (5°F), so the indoor sections are welcome.
Grindelwald-First Winter Activities
First Cliff Walk and the mountain activities at 2,168m (7,113 ft) work brilliantly in December because the snow adds drama to an already impressive setting. The cliff walk itself is cleared and safe, and views down to Grindelwald village with snow coverage are properly stunning. The First Flyer zipline and Mountain Cart are closed for winter, but honestly, the gondola ride and cliff walk are the main attraction anyway. Less crowded than summer, and the mountain restaurant does excellent fondue.
Interlaken Area Skiing and Snowboarding
By mid-December, the ski areas around Interlaken have proper snow coverage and all lifts operational. Grindelwald-First offers 60km (37 miles) of runs suitable for intermediates, while Mürren-Schilthorn has quieter slopes and that famous Piz Gloria revolving restaurant from the James Bond film. Snow conditions in December are actually more reliable than early November, though not quite as deep as January-February. The variety means you can ski different areas on different days without repeating.
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing Routes
Prepared winter hiking trails around Interlaken offer proper Swiss mountain scenery without requiring ski skills. The Panorama Trail from Harder Kulm gives views over both lakes when weather cooperates, and several routes around Beatenberg and Axalp stay accessible through December. Snowshoeing is genuinely excellent in fresh powder - you can access areas closed to regular hikers and the silence in the forest is remarkable. Trails are marked with pink poles rather than summer yellow markers.
Scenic Train Journeys Through Winter Landscapes
The train routes around Interlaken transform in December with snow-covered peaks and frozen waterfalls. The Golden Pass line to Lucerne or Montreux offers panoramic windows and heated cars, perfect for when the weather turns. The Schynige Platte railway closes for winter, but the Brienzer Rothorn cogwheel operates on select December dates with spectacular winter views. These journeys work brilliantly on days when clouds are too low for mountain peaks but valleys are clear.
Thermal Spa and Wellness Experiences
After freezing on mountain peaks, the thermal spas around Interlaken make perfect sense. The outdoor heated pools at Victoria-Jungfrau spa and other facilities let you soak in 34°C (93°F) water while snowflakes fall - it's a properly Swiss experience. Sauna culture here is serious (and textile-free, worth noting), and the contrast between cold mountain air and hot water is genuinely therapeutic. December is ideal because you're not sacrificing sunny weather to be indoors.
December Events & Festivals
Interlaken Christmas Market
The Höhematte Park Christmas market runs from late November through December 23rd with around 40 wooden chalets selling crafts, food, and drinks. It's smaller than Zurich or Basel markets but more authentic - actual local artisans rather than mass-produced imports. The mulled wine (CHF 6-8) is properly spiced, and the raclette stands do melted cheese right. Lights come on around 4pm when it gets dark, and the setting between the two train stations with mountain views (when visible) is genuinely atmospheric.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
December 31st brings fireworks over both lakes and organized celebrations at various hotels and restaurants. The town gets busy with Swiss locals and tourists, and most restaurants require reservations weeks ahead. Fireworks launch from multiple points around midnight, visible from Höhematte Park. It's festive but expensive - expect to pay CHF 150-250 per person for organized dinner events. The atmosphere is more family-friendly than rowdy party scene.