Things to Do in Interlaken in March

March Weather in Interlaken

10°C (50°F) High Temp

1°C (33°F) Low Temp

74 mm (2.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than peak summer rates while weather becomes pleasant for hiking
Cable cars and mountain railways resume full schedules after winter maintenance - Jungfraujoch reopens daily service mid-March after limited winter operations
Spring skiing conditions at Kleine Scheidegg with warmer temperatures and longer daylight - lift tickets drop to CHF 45-55 vs CHF 65+ in February
Fewer crowds at major attractions - Harder Kulm and Schilthorn have 60% fewer visitors than summer months while offering clear mountain views

Considerations

Unpredictable weather transitions - can shift from sunny 12°C (54°F) to snow flurries within hours, requiring flexible daily planning
Limited lake activities - Brienzersee and Thunersee water temperatures still around 6°C (43°F), making swimming impossible and boat schedules reduced
Some high-altitude hiking trails remain closed - paths above 2,000m (6,562 ft) often have snow patches and unstable conditions until late March

Best Activities in March

Jungfraujoch Railway Excursions

March offers ideal conditions for Europe's highest railway station at 3,454m (11,332 ft). Clear spring weather provides spectacular Aletsch Glacier views without summer haze. Temperatures at the top hover around -10°C (14°F) - cold but manageable with proper clothing. Morning departures (8-9am) offer best visibility before afternoon clouds.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for CHF 185-220 return tickets. Choose combination tickets including Grindelwald-First for better value. Weather can change rapidly - check conditions morning of departure. See current tour packages in booking section below.

Interlaken Valley Cycling Tours

March temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) create perfect cycling weather along the 28 km (17.4 mile) route between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Snow-capped peaks provide stunning backdrops while valley paths remain clear. Afternoon timing works best as morning frost clears by 10am.

Booking Tip: E-bike rentals typically cost CHF 45-65 per day. Book guided valley tours 5-7 days ahead for CHF 85-120 including bike rental. Route difficulty increases significantly above 800m (2,625 ft) due to potential snow. Current cycling tour options available in booking widget below.

Harder Kulm Panoramic Viewing

The funicular to Interlaken's 1,322m (4,337 ft) local mountain runs full schedule starting mid-March. Spring's clear air offers exceptional 360-degree views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Restaurant reopens with limited menu. Sunset timing around 7pm creates golden hour photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Funicular tickets cost CHF 28-32 return for adults. No advance booking needed except weekends. Last departure typically 9:30pm. Bring warm layers as temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) from valley floor. Check current availability through booking section.

Grindelwald First Adventure Activities

March marks reopening of cliff walks and ziplines after winter closure. First Flyer zipline and cliff walk operate weather permitting, typically 4-5 days per week. Spring snow creates dramatic alpine scenery at 2,168m (7,113 ft). Adventure activities require stable weather - perfect for March's improving conditions.

Booking Tip: Combined cable car and adventure tickets range CHF 65-85. Book 3-5 days ahead as activities close for high winds. Morning slots (9-11am) have most reliable weather. Minimum age restrictions apply for some activities. See current adventure packages in booking section.

Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfall Hiking

Spring snowmelt creates spectacular waterfall conditions throughout the valley's 72 cascades. Staubbach Falls reaches peak flow while valley floor trails remain accessible. March offers comfortable hiking temperatures of 5-10°C (41-50°F) with dramatically reduced summer crowds. Lower altitude paths ideal for variable weather.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking costs only transport - local trains CHF 8-15 each way. Guided waterfall tours typically CHF 45-75 for 3-4 hour excursions. Book guided tours 7-14 days ahead for guaranteed small groups. Trail conditions above 1,200m (3,937 ft) remain unpredictable. Current hiking tour options in booking widget.

Traditional Swiss Cooking Experiences

March celebrates end-of-winter with traditional Alpine cooking classes featuring seasonal ingredients. Local cooking schools offer fondue, raclette, and spring vegetable preparation. Indoor activities perfect for March's variable weather days. Classes typically include market visits and 3-course meal preparation.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking classes cost CHF 120-180 per person including meals. Book 10-14 days ahead as class sizes limited to 8-12 participants. Most popular classes focus on cheese-based dishes perfect for cool March weather. Find current culinary experiences through booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Fasnacht Spring Festival

Traditional Swiss carnival celebration with parades through Interlaken's main streets featuring local costumes and music. Local guilds organize evening festivities in town squares. Street food stalls serve seasonal specialties including fresh pretzels and mulled wine.

Mid March

Spring Skiing Championships at Kleine Scheidegg

Regional amateur skiing competitions take advantage of spring snow conditions. Spectators can watch races while enjoying mountain restaurant terraces. Traditional Alpine music performances accompany weekend events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - base layer, fleece, and waterproof shell for temperature swings from 1°C to 12°C (33°F to 54°F)

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support for wet trails and occasional snow patches above 1,000m (3,281 ft)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV reflects strongly off remaining snow at altitude, reaching index 8+

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - March averages 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Warm hat and gloves for mountain excursions - temperatures drop to -10°C (14°F) at Jungfraujoch even on mild valley days

Moisture-wicking base layers in merino wool or synthetic blend - avoid cotton which stays wet in 70% humidity

Portable umbrella for town walking - Interlaken's streets offer limited covered areas during sudden downpours

Insulated water bottle to prevent freezing during high-altitude excursions above 2,000m (6,562 ft)

Quick-dry pants suitable for both town exploration and light hiking on valley trails

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for potentially wet cobblestone streets in old town areas

Insider Knowledge

Local trains run reduced Sunday schedules in March - plan mountain excursions for weekdays when possible and always check current timetables at stations

Mountain weather can change dramatically within 2 hours - locals check MeteoSwiss app every morning and carry backup indoor plans for afternoon activities

Swiss hotel rates drop significantly mid-week in March - book Monday-Thursday stays for 25-35% savings compared to weekends

Many mountain restaurants operate limited menus until Easter - call ahead or pack snacks for full-day excursions above 1,500m (4,921 ft)

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming cable cars run full schedules - some high-altitude lifts still operate reduced March timetables with last departures as early as 4:30pm

Packing only for valley weather - temperature differences of 15-20°C (27-36°F) between Interlaken town and mountain peaks catch visitors unprepared

Booking lake activities expecting warm weather - Brienzersee and Thunersee remain too cold for water sports, with most boat tours still on winter schedules