Things to Do in Interlaken in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Interlaken
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak winter sports season with excellent snow coverage across Jungfrau region - lifts run full schedules and snow quality is typically at its best from mid-January through February
- Fewer crowds than Christmas/New Year period but still full resort operations - you'll wait 5-10 minutes for popular lifts versus 20-30 minutes in late December, and restaurants actually have available tables
- Stunning visibility on clear days with crisp alpine air - February tends to have more stable weather systems than January, giving you better odds of those iconic Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau views that look like postcards
- Valentine's Day creates unique romantic packages and special mountain dining experiences - many mountain restaurants offer fondue evenings with reduced crowds compared to peak season
Considerations
- Daylight hours are still limited at 9-10 hours daily - sunrise around 7:30am, sunset by 5:45pm means you're racing against the clock for outdoor activities and paying full lift ticket prices for shorter ski days
- Temperature inversions can trap cold air in the valley while mountains are warmer - you might experience -5°C (23°F) in town but find it 5°C (41°F) warmer at 2,000m (6,562ft), which feels counterintuitive and affects packing decisions
- Accommodation prices remain elevated as this is proper high season - expect to pay 30-40% more than shoulder season rates, with minimum 3-7 night stays required at many properties
Best Activities in February
Jungfraujoch Railway Experience
February offers some of the clearest visibility of the year for this journey to 3,454m (11,332ft). The high-altitude sun is intense despite cold temperatures, and snow coverage makes the glacier plateau safely accessible. Morning departures between 8-9am typically encounter fewer crowds and better light for photography. The Sphinx Observatory viewing platform can hit -15°C (-5°F) with wind chill, but the views across the Aletsch Glacier are worth the cold. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead for Good Morning Ticket discounts that save you 25-30 CHF per person.
Grindelwald-First Skiing and Snowboarding
February snow conditions are typically excellent with base depths of 80-120cm (31-47 inches) at mid-mountain. The First area gets morning sun earlier than Mürren, making it ideal for 9am-12pm sessions when snow is still firm but not icy. Afternoon conditions from 1-4pm can get heavy as temperatures rise slightly, but the terrain park features are well-maintained. The area suits intermediates particularly well with long cruising runs and the Backseat Cinema viewing area at Bort provides a warm break spot. Lift tickets for First run 69-74 CHF for adults in February.
Harder Kulm Sunset Viewing
The funicular to Harder Kulm at 1,322m (4,337ft) runs until 5:15pm in February, perfectly timed for sunset around 5:45pm. You'll watch the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau turn pink and gold as alpenglow hits the peaks - this phenomenon is more dramatic in winter when air is driest. The viewing platform and restaurant are heated, but the outdoor panorama bridge drops to -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) with wind. The 10-minute funicular ride costs 32 CHF round-trip. Arrive by 4:45pm to secure good viewing spots before the handful of other sunset seekers.
Interlaken Town Winter Walking and Fondue Evenings
When weather closes in - which happens roughly 3-4 days per February week - the town itself offers solid backup plans. The Höhematte park between both train stations makes for atmospheric walks with mountain views when clouds lift, and the 35-acre meadow is often covered in pristine snow. February is prime fondue season, with restaurants serving the heartiest versions using Gruyère and Vacherin cheeses. Evenings from 6-9pm are when locals eat, and you'll find better service and atmosphere than tourist-focused lunch slots. Expect to pay 28-35 CHF per person for traditional cheese fondue.
Schilthorn Piz Gloria James Bond Experience
The revolving restaurant at 2,970m (9,744ft) offers 360-degree views over 200 peaks on clear days. February typically delivers 12-15 clear or partly clear days, and the Bond World exhibition inside provides entertainment when clouds roll in. The journey involves cable car changes at Stechelberg, Gimmelwald, and Mürren - budget 90 minutes total travel time from Interlaken. Morning visits 9-11am tend to have clearest conditions before afternoon clouds build. Wind can be fierce at the summit, with gusts hitting 60-80 km/h (37-50 mph) making the -8°C (18°F) feel significantly colder.
Lauterbrunnen Valley Frozen Waterfall Walks
The 72 waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen Valley partially freeze in February, creating spectacular ice formations. Staubbach Falls drops 297m (974ft) and develops ice columns you can walk behind when temperatures stay below -2°C (28°F) for several consecutive days. The valley floor walk from Lauterbrunnen village to Stechelberg covers 6km (3.7 miles) and takes 90 minutes at easy pace. Morning walks 10am-12pm offer best light as sun reaches the narrow valley floor. The microclimate here runs 2-4°C (4-7°F) colder than Interlaken due to cold air settling, so layer appropriately.
February Events & Festivals
Inferno Race Preparation Period
While the actual Inferno Race happens in late January, early February sees the ski slopes still set up with course markers from what is the world's largest amateur ski race from Schilthorn to Lauterbrunnen. You can ski sections of the 15.8km (9.8 mile) course and get a sense of the 2,170m (7,119ft) vertical drop that racers tackle. Local ski shops display race memorabilia and photos throughout February.
Fasnacht Carnival Preparations
Swiss Fasnacht carnival season begins late February or early March depending on the year. In 2026, you'll catch the tail end of February seeing costume shops open, parade float construction in village workshops, and locals practicing guggenmusik brass band music. It's not the main event, but gives you a window into this uniquely Swiss tradition that most tourists miss entirely.