Things to Do in Interlaken in September

September Weather in Interlaken

19°C (66°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

94 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak hiking season with crystal-clear mountain views - morning fog lifts by 9am revealing Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger in stunning detail, with visibility extending 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on most days
Perfect cable car weather with minimal closures - only 2-3% of September days see weather-related shutdowns compared to 25% in winter months, making it ideal for Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn visits
Comfortable outdoor dining temperatures - lakeside restaurants stay open until 9pm with average evening temps of 15°C (59°F), perfect for fondue terraces and wine tastings
Lower accommodation rates after peak summer - hotel prices drop 20-30% from August levels while weather remains excellent, with September bookings averaging CHF 150-220 per night versus CHF 280+ in July

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers - September averages 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon downpours that can last 45-90 minutes, disrupting outdoor activities and creating slippery hiking trails
Shorter daylight hours - sunset moves from 8:15pm to 7:15pm during September, limiting evening outdoor activities and requiring earlier starts for major hikes
Variable morning temperatures - can start at 5°C (41°F) and reach 20°C (68°F) by afternoon, requiring multiple clothing layers and making packing decisions challenging

Best Activities in September

Jungfraujoch Railway Excursions

September offers the best conditions for Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 m (11,332 ft). Clear weather provides 85% success rate for panoramic Alpine views versus 60% in summer months. Morning trains at 8:30am beat afternoon clouds that roll in after 2pm. The Aletsch Glacier viewing platform is most photogenic in September's crisp air.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead for preferred morning departure times. Tickets range CHF 200-240 depending on departure point. Book combination tickets including Grindelwald First for 15% savings. Early morning slots (8:30-9:30am) offer best weather windows.

Lake Brienz and Lake Thun Boat Tours

September's calm waters and clear skies create perfect conditions for scenic lake cruises. Water temperature holds at comfortable 18°C (64°F) from summer warmth. Autumn colors begin appearing on shoreline forests, creating stunning photography opportunities. Afternoon tours at 2-4pm avoid morning mist.

Booking Tip: Day passes for both lakes cost CHF 45-65 with Swiss Travel Pass discounts available. Book vintage steamboat tours 5-7 days ahead for weekend departures. Evening dinner cruises operate until September 25th with advance reservations required.

Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfall Hikes

Peak water flow from summer glacier melt continues through September while crowds thin out significantly. Staubbach Falls reaches maximum volume, and all 72 waterfalls are accessible without winter ice closures. Morning hikes between 9-11am offer best lighting for photography before afternoon rain possibilities.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking costs nothing beyond transport. Guided waterfall tours range CHF 35-55 per person. Download offline maps as mobile coverage varies in the valley. Allow 4-6 hours for complete valley exploration including Trümmelbach Falls (CHF 11 entry).

Paragliding from Beatenberg

September provides optimal thermal conditions with stable afternoon winds and clear visibility. Lower humidity than summer months creates perfect lift conditions for tandem flights. Mountain thermals peak between 11am-3pm, offering smooth 15-20 minute flights with landing precision on Interlaken's fields.

Booking Tip: Tandem flights cost CHF 165-195 including transport and photos. Book 3-5 days ahead as weather-dependent cancellations are common. Morning slots (10-11am) have 90% success rate versus 70% for afternoon flights. Weight limits apply (max 100kg/220lbs).

Grindelwald First Cliff Walk Adventures

September's stable weather ensures consistent cable car operations to First at 2,168 m (7,113 ft). The cliff walk, mountain cart, and zip lines operate in ideal conditions with minimal wind disruption. First snow typically doesn't arrive until October, keeping all adventure activities open through September.

Booking Tip: Combined activity passes range CHF 45-75 depending on inclusions. Cable car operates 8:30am-5pm with last ascent at 4:30pm. Book cliff walk time slots during peak weekend periods. Mountain cart requires minimum age 8 and closes during wet conditions.

Swiss Chocolate and Cheese Tasting Tours

September's cooler temperatures are perfect for visiting local dairies and chocolate workshops without summer heat affecting product quality. Alp cheese production peaks as cows return from high pastures, offering freshest tastings. Indoor cultural activities provide excellent backup plans for rainy afternoon periods.

Booking Tip: Half-day tasting tours cost CHF 65-95 including transportation and samples. Book through local tourism offices for authentic experiences. Many workshops offer morning sessions (9-11am) perfect for rainy day alternatives. Group discounts available for 4+ people.

September Events & Festivals

Mid to Late September

Alpabzug (Cattle Drive)

Traditional autumn celebration where decorated cows descend from high Alpine pastures. Local farmers dress in traditional costumes and flower-crowned cattle parade through villages. Includes folk music, traditional food stalls, and authentic Swiss cultural immersion unavailable to summer visitors.

Early September

Jungfrau Marathon

One of the world's most scenic marathons running from Interlaken through Lauterbrunnen Valley. Even non-runners enjoy the festival atmosphere, food vendors, and cultural performances. Street closures affect some tourist routes but create authentic local celebration experience.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for wet conditions - trails become slippery during September's 10 rainy days, especially on limestone paths above 800 m (2,625 ft)

Packable down jacket for morning temperatures starting at 10°C (50°F) - essential for early cable car rides and high-altitude excursions above 2,000 m (6,562 ft)

High SPF sunscreen (50+) despite cooler temperatures - UV reflection off lakes and snow at altitude creates intense exposure with UV index reaching 8

Quick-dry clothing layers - humidity at 70% combined with temperature swings of 10°C (18°F) daily requires moisture-wicking fabrics over cotton

Compact umbrella or rain poncho - afternoon showers arrive suddenly and last 45-90 minutes, often catching tourists unprepared on exposed lake paths

Warm hat and light gloves for high-altitude excursions - Jungfraujoch temperatures hover near freezing even on warm valley days

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - cobblestone streets in old town become slippery when wet, and most attractions require 1-2 km (0.6-1.2 miles) walking

Portable phone charger - cold temperatures drain batteries 40% faster, crucial for navigation and emergency contact in mountain areas

Cash in Swiss Francs - many mountain restaurants and small vendors don't accept cards, typical meal costs CHF 18-35

Insect repellent for lakeside evening activities - September's warm days and cool nights create perfect mosquito conditions around Lake Brienz and Lake Thun

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on Interlaken's Höheweg street for 5-minute walks to both train stations - avoid Unterseen area which adds 15-20 minutes to every journey and lacks evening restaurant options

Purchase Swiss Travel Pass before arrival - domestic sales include 25% tourist markup, and September's excellent weather maximizes value with unlimited cable car access

Time restaurant reservations for 6:30-7pm - Swiss dining culture means 8pm bookings often face rushed service as kitchens prepare to close by 9pm

Download SBB Mobile app with offline maps - mountain areas have spotty 4G coverage and Swiss public transport requires precise timing, especially for connecting cable cars and boats

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather changes - tourists wearing shorts at valley level (15°C/59°F) arrive at Jungfraujoch facing -5°C (23°F) temperatures without proper layers

Booking afternoon mountain excursions - clouds typically roll in after 2pm, blocking views that were crystal clear during morning hours, wasting CHF 200+ ticket costs

Relying on credit cards exclusively - mountain huts, local dairies, and traditional restaurants operate cash-only, leaving visitors unable to purchase food or souvenirs