Ultimate Interlaken Travel Guide | Best Itineraries & Things to Do
Interlaken is the beating heart of the Swiss Alps, where lakes meet mountains and adrenaline meets serenity. Whether you're staying for a night or a week, we’ve collected all the best routes and local secrets into one mega-guide to help you plan the perfect trip, straight from Balmers Hostel.
Este ultimate travel guide to Interlaken covers everything you need: top itineraries, the best things to do in Interlaken, seasonal activities, and off-the-beaten-path adventures in the Bernese Oberland region.
Explore breathtaking alpine landscapes, thrilling outdoor adventures, and charming Swiss villages with our curated list of detailed blog posts and insider tips, all designed to help you plan the perfect Interlaken vacation.
All the blog posts below are written with our guests in mind. Mix and match to build your adventure!
Table of contents
1. When's the best time to visit Interlaken?
2. How Many Days Should You Spend in Interlaken?
3. Best Interlaken Itineraries & Day Trips
- Day Trips in Interlaken
- Spend 2 or 3 Days in Interlaken: Best Itineraries for Hiking, Adventure & Local Culture
- Day Trips from Interlaken: Top Excursions and Destinations
1. When's the best time to visit Interlaken?
Wondering when to go to Interlaken? Our season-by-season guide to Interlaken helps you choose the best time to visit, taking into account weather, activities, crowds, and local events. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or just soaking up the views, this post breaks down what each season offers so that you can make the most of your Swiss adventure.
- Read the full guide and discover the perfect time to explore Interlaken.
Interlaken is a year-round playground for outdoor lovers. In spring, enjoy hiking blooming trails, paragliding, and serene boat cruises on the lakes. Summer brings lively festivals, thrilling watersports, and relaxing moments by the lakeside under sunny skies. Fall paints the region in golden hues—perfect for scenic hikes, harvest festivals, and cozy evenings with local food and wine. When winter arrives, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland with skiing, festive events, and warm spots to unwind. Whether it’s a spring hike or a winter ski trip, Interlaken’s seasonal adventures offer something unforgettable every time you visit.
- Spring in Interlaken & Activities and Tips: Discover the top activities and insider tips to make the most of springtime in Interlaken!
- The best things to do in Interlaken during the Summer: Paragliding, kayaking, music nights at the hostel garden, summer in Interlaken is unmatched. See our guide to the best things to do in Interlaken during Summer and plan your sunny days right.
- Cinco razones principales para visitar Interlaken en otoño: Explore the top 5 reasons why autumn is the perfect time to visit Interlaken—colors, adventures, and cozy vibes await!
- Interlaken en invierno: el itinerario definitivo de 3 días: Plan your perfect snowy getaway with our ultimate 3-day winter itinerary in Interlaken—packed with adventure, culture, and cozy moments!
2. How Many Days Should You Spend in Interlaken?
Interlaken is a versatile destination that caters to travelers of all types. For a quick taste, a 1-2 day visit allows you to explore the town, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, and soak in the stunning views from Harder Kulm. To truly experience Interlaken’s outdoor adventures, like hiking, paragliding, or visiting nearby waterfalls, plan for at least 3 to 4 days. This gives you enough time to enjoy adrenaline activities, relax by the lakes, and discover the charming villages surrounding the Bernese Oberland. Whether short or extended, your stay in Interlaken promises unforgettable Swiss Alpine memories.
3. Best Interlaken Itineraries & Day Trips
Day Trips in Interlaken
Only here for a short time? These day trips hit all the highlights from turquoise lakes and waterfalls to mountaintop viewpoints. Hike the Harder Kulm, discover Lauterbrunnen, cruise Lake Thun, or go paragliding all within a day!
- What to Do in One Day in Interlaken: The Perfect Itinerary: Short on time but big on adventure? Discover how to make the most of one day in Interlaken with our perfect itinerary, packed with scenic views, adrenaline, and local charm.
- Best things to do in Interlaken: Discover the best things to do in Interlaken, from thrilling adventures to peaceful lakeside spots, perfect for every traveler.
- Top 10 Best Instagram Spots in Interlaken: Phone or Camera Ready? This photo-friendly checklist brings you to the most scenic spots in and around Interlaken—from cliffside lookouts to secret lakes and hostel corners worth capturing.
- Must-Visit Places in the Jungfrau Region: Explore iconic mountain peaks, scenic villages, and natural wonders in the Jungfrau area near Interlaken.
Spend 2 or 3 Days in Interlaken: Best Itineraries for Hiking, Adventure & Local Culture
Discover the best things to do in Interlaken during a 2 or 3-day trip with our two unique itineraries. Explore stunning hiking trails and adrenaline sports like paragliding and canyoning, and immerse yourself in authentic Swiss culture. Stay 2 nights at Balmers Hostel, the top hostel in Interlaken for solo travelers and groups seeking adventure and social vibes. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, scenic views, or cultural experiences, our Interlaken travel guide helps you plan the perfect short trip to the Bernese Oberland.
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- 2 nights at Balmers Hostel: What to expect from your stay at Balmers Hostel.
- 3 days in Interlaken – 2 unique itineraries: Make the most of 3 days in Interlaken with our perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. Ready for your Swiss escape?
- 2-day trip in Mürren, Switzerland: Explore Mürren in 2 days with epic hikes, stunning views, and unforgettable alpine adventures.
- 2 nights at Balmers Hostel: What to expect from your stay at Balmers Hostel.
From high-adrenaline thrills to scenic escapes, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
Day Trips from Interlaken: Top Excursions, Alpine Villages & Panoramic Views
Broaden your travel horizons with easy day trips from Interlaken to some of the most stunning locations in the Bernese Oberland. Explore charming alpine villages known for their traditional Swiss culture and breathtaking scenery, including our top picks like Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Wengen. Don’t miss panoramic viewpoints offering unforgettable vistas of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Whether you’re seeking peaceful nature walks or thrilling mountain adventures, these day trips from Interlaken provide the perfect escape. Plus, discover our top 5 destinations in Bern for a rich cultural and scenic experience beyond Interlaken.
- Day trips from Interlaken: Discover unforgettable day trips from Interlaken, hiking, culture, and stunning Swiss views await!
- Descubra Berna: nuestro Top 5: Uncover Bern’s best-kept secrets! Our Top 5 picks will make you fall in love with this vibrant Swiss city.
- The best alpine villages around Interlaken: Discover alpine villages near Interlaken, stunning views, adventure, and authentic Swiss charm await!
- Los lugares más bellos de Suiza fuera de lo común: Looking for something less touristy? Discover our favorite hidden gems in Switzerland, ideal for those who want to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- Extend Your Trip: Eurotrip from Interlaken: Use Interlaken as your base to explore nearby European cities by train, including Milan, Como, and other exciting destinations.
Ready to Build Your Interlaken Adventure?
Use Balmers Hostel as your home base and pick the routes that speak to you, whether you’re chasing waterfalls, conquering peaks, or just soaking up the alpine sun.
Have questions or want personalized advice? Our team is here to help make your Swiss getaway unforgettable.
Safe travels and see you soon!
