Things to Do in Interlaken in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Interlaken
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime skiing and snowboarding season - 150-200 cm (59-79 inches) of fresh powder at Jungfraujoch and Kleine Scheidegg, with lift operations running 8:30am-4:30pm daily
- Dramatic winter scenery with the Eiger North Face covered in snow - photography conditions are exceptional on clear mornings between 9-11am before afternoon clouds roll in
- Authentic Swiss winter experience - locals celebrate Vogel Gryff festival mid-January, and traditional fondue restaurants serve seasonal game dishes unavailable in summer
- Lower accommodation rates except New Year week - hotel prices drop 30-40% after January 7th compared to peak summer season
Considerations
- Mountain weather is unpredictable - cloud cover blocks Alpine views 60% of January days, and sudden temperature drops to -15°C (5°F) can occur without warning
- Limited hiking options - most trails above 1,200 m (3,937 ft) are snow-covered and require winter gear, restricting casual walkers to valley floor paths
- Short daylight hours - sunrise at 8:10am, sunset at 5:15pm gives only 9 hours of usable outdoor time for activities
Best Activities in January
Jungfraujoch Winter Railway Journey
January offers the most dramatic Alpine scenery with deep snow coverage and crisp air providing 50+ km (31+ mile) visibility on clear days. The 'Top of Europe' experience includes ice palace visits and glacier viewing from 3,454 m (11,332 ft). Morning departures (8:30-10am) have better weather odds than afternoon trips.
Grindelwald-First Skiing and Snow Activities
Perfect powder conditions in January with 6-8 hours of daily skiing. The First Cliff Walk offers stunning winter panoramas when weather permits, and the area features beginner-friendly slopes plus advanced runs. Snow reliability is 95% in January at elevations above 1,500 m (4,921 ft).
Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Winter Boat Cruises
January's crisp air creates mirror-like lake reflections and exceptional mountain photography conditions. Heated cabin cruises operate 2-3 times daily, offering unique perspectives of snow-capped peaks. The contrast between unfrozen lakes and surrounding winter landscape is spectacular.
Harder Kulm Winter Panorama Experience
The funicular operates year-round and January's clear cold air provides the sharpest Alpine views. At 1,322 m (4,337 ft), the viewing platform offers 360-degree panoramas of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Evening rides during clear weather showcase spectacular sunset colors on snow-covered peaks.
Lauterbrunnen Valley Winter Hiking
Valley floor trails remain accessible in winter, offering close-up views of frozen waterfalls including Staubbach Falls transformed into ice formations. The 5 km (3.1 mile) valley walk takes 2-3 hours with dramatic cliff walls and snow-covered meadows. Temperature stays warmer than higher elevations.
Traditional Swiss Winter Dining Experiences
January is peak season for authentic Alpine cuisine - restaurants serve seasonal specialties like raclette, fondue bourguignonne, and wild game unavailable in summer. Many establishments offer cozy fireside dining with views of snow-covered landscapes. Locals gather for extended winter meals during the season's social peak.
January Events & Festivals
Vogel Gryff Festival
Basel's traditional winter festival features costumed figures dancing on Rhine River rafts, but Interlaken locals celebrate with smaller gatherings and traditional foods. Regional restaurants offer special menus during this period, and you'll see traditional Swiss winter customs in local establishments.
World Snow Festival Preparations
While the main festival occurs in nearby Grindelwald in late January, preparation activities begin mid-month. Visitors can observe international ice sculptors practicing and creating preliminary works, offering behind-the-scenes access to world-class snow artistry.