Interlaken in 7 days

Switzerland's adventure capital. Two turquoise lakes, the Jungfrau peaks, and adrenaline in every direction. Best time to visit: June-September. Average daily budget: $150 to $350 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: Interlaken West & East, The two halves of town with stations, hotels and the central Höhematte park.

Morning: Take the train to Jungfraujoch. The 'Top of Europe', the highest railway station on the continent.

Afternoon: Explore Interlaken West & East, The two halves of town with stations, hotels and the central Höhematte park.

Evening: Paraglide over the valley. Soar above Interlaken with the lakes and peaks all around.

Eat: Swiss cheese fondue and raclette in a mountain chalet

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Höhematte, The huge open meadow in the centre where paragliders land with peak views.

Morning: Visit Lauterbrunnen valley. Staubbach Falls and cliffs that inspired Tolkien's Rivendell.

Afternoon: Explore Höhematte, The huge open meadow in the centre where paragliders land with peak views.

Evening: Ride to Grindelwald-First. Cliff walks, the First Flyer zipline and trails beneath the Eiger.

Eat: Älplermagronen, the alpine macaroni with apple sauce

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: Lauterbrunnen, The famous valley of waterfalls and cliffs, a short train ride away.

Morning: Cruise Lake Brienz or Thun. Turquoise water, lakeside castles and storybook villages.

Afternoon: Explore Lauterbrunnen, The famous valley of waterfalls and cliffs, a short train ride away.

Evening: Hike Schynige Platte to First. A classic alpine ridge walk with panoramic views.

Eat: Rösti topped with cheese, egg or speck

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Grindelwald, An alpine resort village beneath the Eiger, gateway to First and the Jungfrau.

Morning: The car-free clifftop village of Mürren, with views straight onto the Jungfrau.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Grindelwald, An alpine resort village beneath the Eiger, gateway to First and the Jungfrau.

Evening: Lake Brienz's Iseltwald, a tiny lakeside hamlet with photogenic jetties.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Lake fish from Brienz or Thun, freshly grilled

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Wilderswil, A quiet village at the foot of the Schynige Platte railway.

Morning: The Harder Kulm funicular for sunset views over both lakes.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Wilderswil, A quiet village at the foot of the Schynige Platte railway.

Evening: The lesser-known Saxeten valley for quiet meadow hikes.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Swiss cheese fondue and raclette in a mountain chalet

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Interlaken West & East, The two halves of town with stations, hotels and the central Höhematte park.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Interlaken West & East, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Interlaken West & East, The two halves of town with stations, hotels and the central Höhematte park.

Evening: Dinner at Älplermagronen, the alpine macaroni with apple sauce, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Interlaken West & East.

Eat: Älplermagronen, the alpine macaroni with apple sauce

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: Höhematte, The huge open meadow in the centre where paragliders land with peak views.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Höhematte, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Höhematte, The huge open meadow in the centre where paragliders land with peak views.

Evening: Dinner at Rösti topped with cheese, egg or speck, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Höhematte.

Eat: Rösti topped with cheese, egg or speck

Hidden gems

The car-free clifftop village of Mürren, with views straight onto the Jungfrau.
Lake Brienz's Iseltwald, a tiny lakeside hamlet with photogenic jetties.
The Harder Kulm funicular for sunset views over both lakes.
The lesser-known Saxeten valley for quiet meadow hikes.

Getting around

Interlaken is compact and walkable between its two stations, but the real magic is the famous Swiss mountain railways, cable cars and lake boats. The Jungfrau and Bernese Oberland regions are superbly connected, and travel passes like the Swiss Travel Pass or regional Jungfrau passes can save money on the frequent but pricey trips. Trains run on time, so plan connections precisely. A car is unnecessary and often less convenient than the rail network.

Safety

Interlaken is extremely safe, with the main risks tied to its adventure activities, paragliding, canyoning, skydiving and hiking, so always use reputable operators and respect mountain weather. High-altitude excursions like Jungfraujoch can cause mild altitude effects, so take it easy up top. Alpine weather changes fast, so carry layers and check forecasts. Costs are very high, so budget carefully. Solo travellers, including women, feel completely comfortable here.

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