How to Spend 2 Days in Interlaken

Two days in Interlaken gives you time to explore the lakeside town, enjoy outdoor activities, and take a day trip to the Swiss Alps. In order to maximize your time, look for tours that include hotel pickup and lunch for the best value and be sure to book ahead, especially in peak season. Here’s how to spend two days in Interlaken.

Day 1: Interlaken and the Lakes

Morning: The 4,337-foot (1,322-meter) mountain of Harder Kulm sits just north of Interlaken and affords views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains. Book tickets for the cable car in advance to save time and then return to explore Interlaken on a walking tour, which typically cover Höhematte park, Interlaken Castle, and the Museum of Tourism.

Afternoon: Explore the lakefront villages, waterfalls, and viewpoints of Interlaken on a tour of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Explore the countryside on an e-bike tour, devise your own itinerary with a hop-on hop-off boat pass, or visit lakeside attractions such as Neuhaus beach, Shadau Castle, and the St. Beatus Caves on a boat tour.

Night: Spend the evening hopping between bars, pubs, and live music venues, and then head to a nightclubs to dance until the early hours. A bar crawl is the best way to meet like-minded travelers to share drinks with and to

Day 2: Visit the Top of Europe

Morning: Nicknamed the Top of Europe, the 11,332-foot (3,454-meter) mountain summit of Jungfrau is home to Europe’s highest train station. Trains depart from Interlaken and advance booking is essential, especially in high season. For a hassle-free experience, visit as part of a tour, which tend to stop at Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass.

Afternoon: Views from Jungfrau stretch over the Aletsch Glacier, and the Mönch and Eiger mountains. At the top, highlights include multiple viewpoints, the highest of which is the Sphinx Observation Deck; an Ice Palace and Snow Fun Park; and several shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to send a postcard from the highest post box in Europe.

Night: Back in Interlaken, celebrate your final evening with a traditional Swiss dinner. Cheese fondue, raclette, and rosti (potato fritters) are among the most popular dishes, and desserts often feature decadent Swiss chocolate.