Things to Do in Interlaken in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Interlaken
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
38°F (3°C)
High Temp
28°F (-1°C)
Low Temp
3.6 inches (91 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Near-freezing temperatures, pack warm layers
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Peak winter scenery. Jungfraujoch's ice palace and Aletsch Glacier sparkle under fresh snow. Postcard views hit you from every angle.
- + Christmas markets turn Interlaken into a twinkling wonderland. Mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drift through Höhematte Park's wooden stalls.
- + Hotel rates drop 30-40% from summer peaks. Victorian-era hotels along Höheweg promenade offer surprisingly affordable rooms.
- + Cable cars run with Swiss precision through snow-dusted forests. The 10-minute ride to Harder Kulm reveals frozen lakes Thun and Brienz glinting below.
Considerations
- − Daylight vanishes fast. By 4:30 PM you're navigating snowy streets in darkness. Outdoor activities shrink to morning hours.
- − Jungfraujoch closes for maintenance December 4-17, 2026. Europe's highest railway station stays off-limits during this window.
- − Weather flips on a dime. Crisp sunshine can morph into whiteout conditions within an hour on mountain excursions.
Year-Round Climate
How December compares to the rest of the year
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3°C | -2°C | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Feb | 5°C | -2°C | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Mar | 10°C | 0°C | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Apr | 14°C | 4°C | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| May | 18°C | 8°C | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Jun | 22°C | 12°C | 5.0 inches (127 mm) |
| Jul | 24°C | 13°C | 5.7 inches (145 mm) |
| Aug | 23°C | 13°C | 5.7 inches (145 mm) |
| Sep | 19°C | 10°C | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Oct | 14°C | 6°C | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Nov | 7°C | 1°C | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Dec | 3°C | -1°C | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Interlaken in December is a study in quiet contrasts. The air holds a sharp chill. It reddens cheeks and turns breath to silver clouds. The vast Höhematte meadow lies under crisp frost, its edges marked by snow-dusted firs. Roasting chestnuts and mulled wine scent the air from the Christmas market chalets. This warmth fights the icy stillness. By mid-afternoon, the low sun retreats behind the Jungfrau and Eiger. The valley sinks into a deep blue twilight. Then, Advent stars glow in every window. Interlaken turns inward. The roar of summer waterfalls is gone. You hear the crunch of snow and the distant clang of cow bells from high pastures. Tradition defines the month. From day one, the towering Christmas tree in Höhematte Park becomes a beacon. Its lights reflect on the frozen Aare River. Locals gather at market stalls. They hold ceramic mugs and look for hand-carved decorations and local honey. Anticipation builds until New Year's Eve. Then, the ancient pagan spectacle of the Harder Potschete erupts. Darkness falls on December 31st. Streets fill with the thunderous clang of cow bells and terrifying wooden masks. It is a visceral ritual to banish winter spirits. You might get a warming schnapps from a local's flask. December here is not a scenic backdrop. It is a participatory season. The quiet beauty of short days breaks for moments of profound, communal warmth.
Snowshoe Adventure in the Swiss Alps
otheroffers the profound silence of the winter wilderness above Interlaken. You will break a trail through untracked powder. The only sounds are the rhythmic swish of your snowshoes and the crack of a frozen branch. From a high point, the whole valley develops below. The twin lakes of Thun and Brienz look like slivers of polished steel between the mountains.
This trip trades groomed paths for the untouched heart of a Bernese Oberland winter. It grants solitude and a perspective you cannot get any other way.
Insider tip: Wear thin, moisture-wicking layers under your jacket. The steady uphill exertion builds warmth fast, despite the frigid air.
This month: The stable, cold conditions of December often provide a reliable base of dry, powdery snow good for snowshoeing.
Interlaken Valley Winter E-Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Castles
adventureredefines cold-weather travel. You will cover notable distances along frozen waterways and through sleeping villages. Feel the crisp wind on your face. You will glide past medieval castles like Schloss Oberhofen, their stone walls stark against the grey lake water. You will hear the hollow rush of the Aare River flowing between its icy banks.
The silent assist of the e-bike lets you experience the expansive winter landscape intimately. You will not face the fatigue of a conventional bicycle in the cold.
Insider tip: Pack a thermos of hot tea. Pause on a bench at the Neuhaus lakeside park to watch waterfowl on the partially frozen Lake Thun.
Best of Bernese Oberland Tour from Interlaken
guided_experienceis a complete winter canvas of the region. It moves from valley floors to soaring lookouts. You will see the sun illuminate the icy north face of the Eiger. You will hear the rumble of a mountain train cogging its way up to Kleine Scheidegg. Feel the altitude change in your ears as you ascend. The world falls away into a sea of white peaks.
This tour efficiently delivers the well-known vistas that define the Swiss Alps. It is curated for visitors with limited time who want the full scope of the landscape around Interlaken.
Insider tip: Secure a seat on the right side of the vehicle when traveling south from Interlaken. This gives you the most direct views of the Jungfrau massif.
This month: December's low sun angle creates long shadows and dramatic, golden light on the alpine faces, in the early afternoon.
Grindelwald -Kleine Scheidegg-Lauterbrunnen Small Group Day Trip
day_tripcondenses the high Alps into a single, winding journey. One moment you smell damp earth and pine inside a warm mountain train. The next, you step out at Kleine Scheidegg. Feel the bite of the thin air. See the Wetterhorn's frozen cliffs loom overhead. Then you descend into the profound depth of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Frozen waterfalls hang like crystal curtains from the sheer cliffs.
It connects the villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen with the alpine railway hub of Kleine Scheidegg. This loop from Interlaken has a multi-faceted winter mountain experience.
Insider tip: In Lauterbrunnen, walk the short distance from the station to the Staubbach Falls. In December, the waterfall is often a spectacular, partially frozen sculpture.
Scenic E Bike Tour Interlaken
adventureprovides a nimble, personal way to find the town's charms. You will pedal along the canal where steam rises from the water. Catch the scent of woodsmoke from a chimney in Unterseen's old town. Feel the smooth cobblestones under your tires as you coast past historic hotels. Their wrought-iron balconies are decorated with evergreen wreaths.
It offers independent exploration with effortless mobility. This is good for getting a layered sense of Interlaken's geography and atmosphere beyond the main streets.
Insider tip: Dismount and cross the footbridge to the tiny Aare River island near the Kursaal. You will get a quiet, scenic view of the river splitting around it.
This month: The route often includes the festive decorations of the Interlaken Christmas markets, adding a seasonal glow to the ride.
Discover Interlaken's most Photogenic Spots with a Local
otheris a curated visual hunt through the town's changing December light. Your guide will point you to where the morning sun backlights frost on spiderwebs in the Höheweg gardens. They will help you frame the distant Jungfrau through the arch of the old castle tower in Unterseen. They will show you the alley where afternoon glow turns the painted facades a deep, warm gold.
This experience reveals the compositional secrets of Interlaken's landscape. It ensures your photographs capture the specific mood and quality of winter light unique to the season.
Insider tip: Bring a small lens cloth in your pocket. Moving between the cold outdoor air and warm, humid interiors can cause lens fogging.
This month: The short days mean the prized 'golden hour' light occurs at a more convenient morning and afternoon time. You will not need an extremely early start.
Where to Stay in Interlaken in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
December 1-23
Interlaken Christmas Markets
Two markets transform the town. Höhematte Park's 40 wooden chalets sell hand-carved cuckoo clocks and local honey. Central Square hosts Santa's workshop where kids decorate cookies. The 30 m (98 ft) tall Christmas tree in Höhematte lights up December 1st with carol singing and free hot chocolate.
December 31
Harder Potschete
Swiss folklore roars December 31st when terrifying wooden masks parade through Interlaken. The 'Potschete' figures wear sheep skins and cow bells. They clang through streets at dusk to drive away winter spirits. Locals hand out schnapps to warm spectators. This pagan tradition predates Christianity here.
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
Locals ride the Harder Kulm funicular at sunset with picnic supplies. The restaurant shuts early in December but the viewpoint stays open. Bring cheese, bread, and a thermos of wine. Best free experience in town.
Skip the pricey Jungfraujoch trip December 4-17, 2026 during maintenance closure. Take the train to Grindelwald and the gondola to First instead. Similar alpine views for half the price and zero crowds.
Hotel restaurants often serve the most authentic fondue, not tourist spots on Höheweg. Ask about 'Käsefondue Stube'. Many properties hide traditional rooms where locals eat.
Free skating on Höhematte Park's temporary rink (December 15-January 15). Bring your own skates or rent for 5 CHF from the equipment hut. Locals show up after work around 5 PM when the lights switch on.
Avoid These Mistakes
Booking morning Jungfraujoch trips hoping for clear views backfires. December weather worsens through the day. Flexible afternoon tickets work better despite higher demand.
Wear sneakers with smooth soles and Interlaken's wet snow plus centuries-old cobblestones will dump you on your backside. Embarrassing. Pack tread instead.
Assume restaurants stay open late and you'll go hungry. Many close kitchens by 9 PM in December. Traditional spots in Unterseen where locals eat shut even earlier.
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