Things to Do in Interlaken in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Interlaken
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Significantly fewer tourists than summer months - you'll actually have space at Harder Kulm viewpoint and won't wait 45 minutes for the Jungfraujoch train. Accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to peak season, with mid-range hotels around CHF 120-180 instead of CHF 200+
- Fresh snowfall starts accumulating at higher elevations (above 2,500m/8,200ft) by mid-November, meaning ski season preview conditions without the Christmas crowds. Grindelwald and Mürren typically open select runs by late November, and you can sometimes catch that magical transition period where lower valleys show autumn colors while peaks are snow-covered
- Locals are more relaxed and available - restaurants aren't slammed, guides have more availability, and you'll actually get to chat with shop owners. The town feels like it belongs to the people who live here rather than being overrun. Worth noting that many locals use November to catch their breath before winter season kicks in
- Indoor activities like the Jungfrau Panorama experience, Swiss chocolate workshops, and thermal baths at nearby Beatenberg are actually more appealing when it's cold and damp outside. The cozy factor is real - fondue tastes better when you're genuinely cold, and après-ski culture starts ramping up even before full ski season
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable and can wreck outdoor plans - you might get brilliant sunshine one day and complete cloud cover the next. Mountain visibility averages only 60-70% in November, meaning that expensive Jungfraujoch ticket (CHF 240 round-trip) could get you nothing but fog. Rain at valley level (568m/1,863ft) often means sleet or snow higher up, making hiking trails slippery or closed entirely
- Many seasonal mountain restaurants, cable cars, and hiking routes close for maintenance between late October and mid-December. The Schilthorn revolving restaurant typically closes for about 3 weeks in November, and popular hiking trails like Harder Kulm to Hohematte are often muddy and technically closed (though locals still walk them). Always check current operating schedules - don't assume summer infrastructure is running
- Daylight is limited to roughly 9 hours (sunrise around 7:30am, sunset around 5pm), which compresses your sightseeing window significantly. That morning excursion to Lauterbrunnen Valley needs to start early if you want decent light for photos, and by 4pm you're already losing visibility. The short days combined with variable weather means you need flexible planning and realistic expectations about what you'll accomplish
Best Activities in November
Jungfraujoch Railway Journey
November offers the sweet spot for this iconic mountain railway - fewer tourists mean you can actually get window seats and won't spend 30 minutes queuing at the Sphinx Observatory. The fresh snow at 3,454m (11,332ft) creates dramatic alpine scenery, though visibility is the gamble you're taking. Check the live webcam before committing your CHF 240. Go early (first train at 6:35am from Interlaken Ost) when cloud cover tends to be lighter. The Ice Palace and exhibitions inside are weather-proof, so even if visibility is poor, you're not completely out of luck. Temperature at the top averages -10°C (14°F) in November, so this is genuinely alpine conditions.
Interlaken Paragliding
Actually decent in November if you get lucky with weather - the cold air creates stable conditions, and you'll have the skies mostly to yourself. Flights happen from Beatenberg (1,200m/3,937ft) down to Interlaken, offering views of Lakes Thun and Brienz with snow-capped peaks behind. That said, cancellation rates run about 40% in November due to wind, cloud cover, or precipitation. Operators typically decide 2-4 hours before your slot whether conditions work. Temperature at launch sites around 4-6°C (39-43°F), so you'll need layers under the provided flight suit.
Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfall Photography
November's increased rainfall makes the 72 waterfalls in this valley absolutely spectacular - Staubbach Falls (297m/974ft drop) has significantly more volume than summer months. The bare trees and occasional snow dusting create stark, dramatic compositions that summer's greenery doesn't offer. Trümmelbach Falls (the interior glacier waterfalls) stay open until late November and are particularly impressive with autumn meltwater. The narrow valley creates interesting light conditions with low November sun angles. Dress for wet conditions - the spray from waterfalls combined with rain means waterproof everything.
Grindelwald First Cable Car and Cliff Walk
The First Cliff Walk stays open through November (weather permitting) and offers dramatic alpine views without the summer crowds. At 2,168m (7,113ft), you're high enough for snow accumulation by mid-November, creating that proper alpine atmosphere. The cliff walk itself is a 40-minute loop on metal walkways bolted to the rock face - genuinely thrilling and completely weather-exposed. The First Flyer zipline and Mountain Cart typically close by early November, but the cliff walk and hiking routes remain accessible. Visibility is the critical factor - check webcams before going up.
Lake Brienz and Thun Boat Cruises
November boat schedules are reduced but still operating, and you'll have the heated indoor salons almost to yourself. The lakes don't freeze, and the surrounding mountains start showing snow coverage by mid-November, creating striking contrasts. The 2-hour Lake Brienz cruise to Giessbach Falls is particularly atmospheric in November - the falls are powerful from autumn rains, and the Belle Époque hotel above creates a moody, off-season vibe. Temperature on the water around 5-8°C (41-46°F), but indoor seating is heated. The low sun angle in November creates interesting reflections on calm days.
Thermal Baths and Wellness Experiences
The outdoor thermal pools at Beatenberg (30 minutes from Interlaken) are genuinely perfect in November - soaking in 34°C (93°F) water while snow falls around you is exactly the alpine experience you're hoping for. The facility sits at 1,200m (3,937ft) with views across to the Jungfrau massif. November's cold, damp weather makes this feel essential rather than indulgent. The indoor-outdoor setup means you can move between saunas, steam rooms, and outdoor pools without freezing. Many hotels in Interlaken have added wellness facilities in recent years, making this a solid bad-weather backup plan.
November Events & Festivals
Unspunnen Festival Preparations
While the major Unspunnen festival happens in summer years, November sees local wrestling clubs and alpine tradition groups holding practice sessions and smaller competitions in preparation. These are genuinely local affairs - not tourist events - but if you're interested in Swiss wrestling (Schwingen) or alphorn culture, asking at the tourist office about November practice sessions can get you access to watch. The wrestling takes place in sawdust rings, and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming to respectful observers.
St. Martin's Day Celebrations
November 11th brings traditional St. Martin's Day observances in the Bernese Oberland region. Interlaken and surrounding villages hold lantern processions after dark (around 6pm given November sunset times), and some restaurants offer special goose dinners following the St. Martin's tradition. This is more low-key than summer festivals but gives you a glimpse of local culture when tourism is quiet. The lantern walks are family-oriented and free to join.