Things to Do in Interlaken in February

February Weather in Interlaken

41°F (5°C) High Temp

27°F (-3°C) Low Temp

2.6 inches (66 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak winter sports season with perfect powder snow conditions and fully operational ski lifts at Jungfraujoch (3,454m/11,332ft) and Schilthorn (2,970m/9,744ft)
Dramatic Alpine scenery enhanced by snow cover - the Eiger North Face and Jungfrau massif are at their most photogenic with crystal-clear visibility on cold days
February is ideal for indoor thermal experiences like Beatenberg Spa (1,200m/3,937ft elevation) with outdoor pools at 36°C (97°F) contrasting the cold mountain air
Lower accommodation prices compared to peak summer season - hotel rates typically 30-40% less than July-August, with many properties offering extended-stay winter packages

Considerations

Limited hiking access - most mountain trails above 1,500m (4,921ft) are snow-covered and require specialized winter equipment or are completely inaccessible
Weather dependency for cable car operations - visibility issues and high winds can close lifts to Jungfraujoch with little notice, potentially disrupting planned excursions
Short daylight hours (8.5 hours) with sunrise at 7:45 AM and sunset at 5:30 PM, limiting outdoor photography and sightseeing windows

Best Activities in February

Jungfraujoch Railway Winter Expeditions

February offers the most reliable snow conditions at the 'Top of Europe' with temperatures around -15°C (5°F) creating stunning ice formations in the Ice Palace. The railway operates full winter schedules with heated carriages, and the Sphinx Observatory provides unobstructed Alpine panoramas on clear days - which occur 65% of February days due to high-pressure systems.

Booking Tip: Book 7-14 days ahead for better carriage selection and avoid weekend crowds. Combo tickets including Grindelwald-First cost CHF 180-220. Early morning departures (8:00-9:00 AM) offer best visibility and fewer crowds. Check current tour options in booking section below.

Winter Paragliding Tandem Flights

February's stable winter air currents and thermal conditions from snow reflection create ideal paragliding weather. Launch sites at Harder Kulm (1,322m/4,337ft) operate in temperatures around -5°C (23°F) with thermals reaching 2,000m (6,562ft). The contrast of snow-covered peaks and the turquoise lakes below creates unmatched aerial photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Weather-dependent activity requiring 24-48 hour advance booking with flexible cancellation. Tandem flights cost CHF 180-240 depending on flight duration. Morning flights (10:00 AM-12:00 PM) have most stable conditions. Licensed operators provide all winter equipment including heated suits.

Grindelwald Ice Climbing and Winter Hiking

February provides peak ice climbing conditions with frozen waterfalls reaching 30-40m (98-131ft) heights. The Grindelwald ice park features beginner-friendly climbing walls, while natural formations like Gletscherschlucht offer advanced routes. Winter hiking trails to Bachalpsee (2,265m/7,431ft) require snowshoes but reward with pristine Alpine lake views.

Booking Tip: Full-day guided ice climbing costs CHF 280-350 including equipment rental. Book 5-7 days ahead as February is peak ice season. Half-day snowshoe tours cost CHF 120-180. All technical equipment provided but bring insulated boots rated to -20°C (-4°F).

Lauterbrunnen Valley Winter Waterfalls Tour

February transforms Lauterbrunnen's 72 waterfalls into spectacular ice formations. Staubbach Falls (297m/974ft) creates natural ice sculptures, while the frozen Trümmelbach Falls can be explored via heated tunnels. The valley floor maintains walkable paths at 800m (2,625ft) elevation with temperatures around 0°C (32°F).

Booking Tip: Self-guided valley walks are free, but guided photography tours cost CHF 90-140. Trümmelbach Falls indoor sections operate year-round (CHF 12 adults). Postbus services run every 30 minutes connecting waterfall viewpoints. Crampons recommended for icy sections.

Lake Thun and Brienz Winter Cruises

February lake cruises operate on reduced schedules but offer unique winter perspectives with snow-capped mountain reflections. Lake temperatures around 4°C (39°F) create atmospheric mist effects during sunrise cruises. Heated cabin boats run 1-2 hour routes with onboard Swiss cuisine featuring winter specialties like älplermagronen.

Booking Tip: Weekend cruises operate more frequently than weekdays. Combined lake and mountain excursions cost CHF 45-75. Book indoor seating for comfort, though heated outdoor decks provide better photography opportunities. Sunset cruises (4:30-5:30 PM) offer dramatic lighting.

Harder Kulm Winter Sunset Viewing

February's early sunset at 5:30 PM perfectly aligns with the funicular's winter schedule. At 1,322m (4,337ft), the panoramic restaurant provides heated indoor viewing of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Clear February evenings (occurring 70% of days) offer alpenglow effects lasting 20-30 minutes after sunset.

Booking Tip: Funicular operates until 6:30 PM in February. Round-trip tickets cost CHF 32 adults. Restaurant reservations recommended for window tables during sunset hours (5:00-6:00 PM). Combined dinner packages range CHF 55-85. Check current dining options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Interlaken Ice Magic Festival

Annual ice sculpture competition featuring international artists creating installations throughout the town center. Interactive ice bars and illuminated sculptures operate from 6:00 PM-10:00 PM with mulled wine stands and traditional Swiss winter foods.

Late February

Jungfrau Ski Region Winter Sports Week

Regional celebration featuring ski competitions, winter hiking demonstrations, and equipment exhibitions. Local mountain guides offer free consultation sessions for planning winter activities, and gear rental companies provide 20% discounts during the event week.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with good ankle support for icy mountain paths and cable car platform walking

Layered clothing system: merino wool base layers, insulating fleece mid-layer, and waterproof shell jacket for temperature variations from 800m-3,500m elevation

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) and quality sunglasses - UV reflection off snow at altitude creates intense sun exposure despite cold temperatures

Thermal underwear and wool socks - essential for outdoor activities lasting more than 2 hours in sub-zero temperatures

Waterproof gloves with touchscreen fingertips for camera operation and phone use during outdoor photography sessions

Neck gaiter or balaclava for wind protection during cable car rides and exposed mountain viewpoints

Hand and foot warmers - small packets that provide 6-8 hours of heat for extended outdoor activities

Waterproof daypack with insulated water bottle - standard bottles freeze within 30 minutes at higher elevations

Lip balm with SPF and moisturizer - extremely dry mountain air at high altitude causes rapid skin dehydration

Crampons or microspikes for walking on icy valley paths and around train stations where ice accumulates

Insider Knowledge

Most cable cars and trains operate reduced schedules in February - first departures are typically 30-45 minutes later than summer schedules, so plan morning activities accordingly

Hotel breakfast timing extends until 10:00 AM during winter months to accommodate late sunrise - take advantage of this for fuel before outdoor activities

Free WiFi at all major cable car stations allows real-time weather checking before ascending - use this to avoid costly trips up mountains with poor visibility

Many restaurants in Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald close on Mondays during February - stock up on snacks and plan dining for Tuesday-Sunday

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops at elevation - it decreases 6.5°C (11.7°F) per 1,000m, so Jungfraujoch can be 25°C (45°F) colder than Interlaken town

Wearing cotton layers instead of synthetic or wool materials - cotton retains moisture and loses insulating properties when wet from snow or perspiration

Not checking cable car weather conditions before departure - services frequently suspend during high winds or low visibility, leaving tourists stranded or disappointed