Things to Do in Interlaken in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Interlaken
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Deep winter snow conditions at Jungfraujoch and surrounding peaks - January typically brings 150-200 cm (59-79 inches) of base depth, making it prime time for skiing and snowboarding when conditions cooperate
- Significantly fewer tourists than December holiday weeks - accommodation prices drop 25-35% after January 6th once school holidays end across Europe, and you'll actually get space on the Harder Kulm viewing platform
- Reliable frozen waterfalls for ice climbing season - the Staubbach Falls area and surrounding valleys reach peak ice formation mid-to-late January, with climbing schools running daily excursions in stable cold conditions
- Extended daylight compared to December - sunrise around 8:00am and sunset near 5:15pm by late January gives you nearly 9 hours of usable daylight, versus barely 8 hours in December
Considerations
- Genuinely cold temperatures that hover around freezing - that -3°C to 3°C (26°F to 37°F) range means you're dealing with persistent cold, and the 70% humidity makes it feel more penetrating than dry cold climates
- Variable weather can shut down mountain access without warning - fog, high winds, and heavy snow close cable cars and trains 3-4 days per month on average, and you won't know until morning-of whether Jungfraujoch is accessible
- Limited daylight hours constrain your schedule - with sunset at 5:15pm, you're essentially done with outdoor activities by 4:30pm, which feels restrictive if you're used to longer days
Best Activities in January
Jungfraujoch Railway Experience
January offers clearer atmospheric conditions than the foggier autumn months, though you're still gambling on visibility day-to-day. The Top of Europe station at 3,454 m (11,332 ft) sees temperatures around -15°C to -20°C (5°F to -4°F), but the Ice Palace and viewing platforms are spectacular when weather cooperates. Book morning departures - clouds tend to roll in after 1pm. The railway operates year-round but expect occasional closures during heavy snowfall.
Grindelwald-First Ski Area Access
January brings proper winter conditions to First's slopes at 2,168 m (7,113 ft), with consistent snow coverage and fewer weekend crowds than December holidays. The area works well for intermediate skiers, and the First Cliff Walk remains open in winter for non-skiers. Temperatures at altitude sit around -8°C to -5°C (18°F to 23°F), cold enough to maintain snow quality but not brutally uncomfortable.
Interlaken Town Winter Walking Routes
When mountain weather turns sour, the valley-level walks between Interlaken Ost and West stations offer surprisingly good conditions. The Höhematte park provides unobstructed Jungfrau views on clear days, and the lakeside paths along Thunersee stay accessible even during snowfall. Temperatures here are 3-5°C (5-9°F) warmer than mountain areas, making afternoon walks feasible around 1-3pm when things warm slightly.
Harder Kulm Funicular and Viewing Platform
The funicular runs year-round to 1,322 m (4,337 ft), delivering panoramic views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau without the Jungfraujoch price tag. January's lower tourist numbers mean you might have the viewing platform nearly to yourself on weekday mornings. The restaurant up top serves proper Swiss fondue in a heated space, making it a solid lunch option when you need to warm up.
Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfall Viewing
January transforms the valley's 72 waterfalls into partially frozen displays, particularly the 297 m (974 ft) Staubbach Falls which develops massive icicles along its face. The 20-minute train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen station costs CHF 7-9 each way and runs hourly. Valley floor temperatures match Interlaken, making this accessible even when higher elevations are socked in with clouds.
Schilthorn Piz Gloria Cable Car
The revolving restaurant at 2,970 m (9,744 ft) offers James Bond filming location bragging rights and genuinely impressive 360-degree views when weather allows. January sees fewer tourists than summer, meaning shorter wait times for the cable car from Stechelberg. That said, this route closes more frequently than Jungfraujoch during storms due to exposed cable sections.
January Events & Festivals
World Snow Festival (Grindelwald)
International snow sculpture teams spend roughly 10 days carving massive works from snow blocks in Grindelwald village. The finished sculptures remain on display through late January and into February, creating an outdoor gallery you can walk through freely. It's worth timing your visit to catch the sculptures at their peak before warmer temperatures affect detail work.