Interlaken

The headline excursion from Interlaken: a series of cogwheel trains climbs from Interlaken Ost through Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, then tunnels inside the Eiger to emerge at 3,454 m. At the top you'll find the Sphinx observatory, a carved ice palace, views of the 23 km Aletsch Glacier, and year-round snow. It is expensive (CHF 204 round trip in 2026) and clouds frequently obscure the views — build a flexible day into your schedule. Morning departures generally have the clearest skies before afternoon cloud builds.

A 10-minute funicular ride from central Interlaken climbs to 1,322 m for a sweeping panorama of both lakes, the town spread between them, and the Jungfrau massif framing the backdrop. Far cheaper than the Jungfraujoch (CHF 36 return), and the Two Lakes Bridge walkway extends over the cliff edge for a dramatic vantage. Sunset here is one of the most accessible and rewarding views in the region — the on-site restaurant serves food and drinks.

Twenty minutes by train from Interlaken, the Lauterbrunnen valley is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe. Sheer cliffs rise 300 m on both sides with 72 waterfalls cascading from the rim — including the 297 m free-falling Staubbach Falls that drops beside the village. The valley is the base for car-free Wengen and Mürren above, and the trailhead for Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain. Arrive before 10 am to beat tour groups.

A classic chalet village beneath the infamous North Face of the Eiger, 40 minutes from Interlaken Ost by train. The First gondola climbs to 2,168 m where the First Cliff Walk — a series of steel walkways bolted to the cliff face — delivers vertiginous views. A canyon swing, zip line, and mountain cart add adrenaline. The village itself is photogenic and has better food options than many mountain resorts. Grindelwald is also the lower trailhead for reaching the Jungfraujoch via the Eiger Express.

A cable car from Stechelberg (via Gimmelwald and Mürren) climbs to 2,970 m and the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant made famous by the 1969 Bond film. At the top: 360-degree views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, a Bond World museum, and the Thrill Walk along the cliff — a catwalk with glass-bottom sections above a sheer drop. Cheaper than the Jungfraujoch at roughly CHF 100 return from Mürren, with a different perspective on the Jungfrau massif.

Perched on a cliff terrace 800 m above the Lauterbrunnen valley floor with no road access, Mürren is reachable only by cable car and cog railway. At 1,638 m, it faces the Jungfrau trio directly — some of the most spectacular mountain views in Switzerland from a living village. Quieter and less commercialised than Grindelwald, and a perfect base for hiking in summer or skiing the Schilthorn runs in winter.

Interlaken's eastern lake is arguably the more dramatic of the two — deeper turquoise than Lake Thun and ringed by steep forested slopes. Historic paddle steamers run from Interlaken Ost to Brienz village and the Giessbach Falls, where Switzerland's oldest funicular (1879) ascends to the grand Giessbach Hotel. The small town of Brienz is also known for woodcarving and the Ballenberg open-air museum of traditional Swiss life.

A 35-hectare protected green meadow in the centre of Interlaken between the main street Höheweg and the Aare river, with the Jungfrau framed at the far end on clear days. This is where tandem paragliders land after flights from Beatenberg above — watching them drift in overhead is a free spectacle. The meadow is protected by law and cannot be developed, which is why Interlaken has kept its unusual open-town character.

A riverside forest walk on the edge of Interlaken along the turquoise Aare river — free, quiet, and overlooked by most visitors. The Aare flows between both lakes through Interlaken with a noticeable current; the water is clean, cold, and drinkable. In summer, locals swim in designated sections. A pleasant contrast to the busy tourist strip on Höheweg.