Holidays in Interlaken
Bernese Oberland , Switzerland
Summer holidays in Interlaken - the adventure capital of Switzerland and gateway to the Jungfrau region
- Panoramic views from Harder Kulm
- Schynige Platte alpine gardens
- Switzerland’s adventure capital
Interlaken/Wilderswil Guest Card included
Free use of local buses in Wilderswil, Interlaken and surrounding villages, plus free or discounted entry to some local attractions.
Swiss Half Fare Card included
Up to half price off various modes of transport, plus free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Swiss Family Card.
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Walking in Interlaken
Interlaken at a glance
- German
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), London City (LCY), London Luton (LTN), Birmingham Int. (BHX), Manchester Int. (MAN), Bristol (BRS), Edinburgh (EDI)
- London St Pancras (QQS)
Travel included to Interlaken
Depart on: any day except Tuesday
Arrive into: Zurich, Geneva or Basel airport, or Interlaken Ost station
Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes - 3 hours
Included in your walking holiday to Interlaken
- Free Interlaken Guest Card with unlimited use of local buses and trains
- Half price rail, bus and boat travel with the Swiss Half Fare Card (worth over £100 per person)
- Swiss Family Card Included - free travel for children under 16 on mainline trains/buses/boats in Switzerland when accompanied by a parent
- On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Experts based in Interlaken
- Access to Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks and useful information on holiday
- Flights or rail from the UK, transfers and accommodation
Walking in Interlaken
Walks and hikes
- Walking Trails:
- 500km
- Terrain:
- Diverse terrain from flat valley floors and lakeside walks to towering 4000m peaks of the Jungfrau
Variety is the order of the day when it comes to walking in Interlaken and the Bernese Highlands. Easy waterside paths circuit Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. There are hill climbs – up Kleiner Rugen, perhaps, or to the hair-raising glass viewing platform at Harder Kulm (take the funicular one or both ways, depending on how lively you’re feeling). Worthwhile day trips include Grindelwald, where you can wander through meadows to the distant chimes of cowbells or the alpine botanical garden of the Schynige Platte near Wilderswil.
Our favourite self-guided walks in Interlaken



Our accommodations in Interlaken
Discover Interlaken
- Take a leisurely lunchtime cruise on Lake Thun or Brienz
- Admire the far-reaching views from Harder Kulm
- Get adventurous with a thrilling paraglide or some canyoning in Switzerland's adventure capital
Interlaken makes adventure easy and is a great base for a summer holiday. Sprawled out between the turquoise lakes of Thun and Brienz, this town launches you into the great outdoors in an array of memorable ways – from mountain hikes to sunset cruises. But for all the adventure on its doorstep, Interlaken is a relaxed home base. Sip a kafi crème at a sun-trap café or stroll downriver to the timber buildings of the old quarter. Interlaken is also the start of some of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe, all easily voyaged thanks to the expansive and reliable train network.
Rafting, canyoning, kayaking, stand-up paddling, pedaloes zip lines, via Ferrata – you name it, and Interlaken has probably got it. Interlaken is also one of the top places in Switzerland for paragliding; watching adventurous souls land in Hohematte Park is practically a tradition here (popcorn optional). A lake cruise is a must - boats with panoramic picture windows glide between towns, passing vineyards and fairy-tale castles en route. Sail on Lake Brienz or glide across Lake Thun.
Interlaken might have an adventurous spirit, but it remains a laid-back base. Picnic by the chilly waters of the River Aare, where only the daring dip their toes, before meandering on to Unterseen. This is the oldest neighbourhood in Interlaken, with a cobbled town square and houses laden with flowers. Restaurants gather here too, including chalet inns with röstis and rieslings on the menu.
For a deeper dive into local cuisine, go for a tour and tasting at the Rugenbräu Brewery, which has been making alpine ales in the Bernese Oberland for decades. Or book a workshop at the Funky Chocolate Club to learn exactly what it takes to become a master chocolatier.
From scenic boat cruises on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz to the magical Trümmelbach Falls and the panoramic views at Harder Kulm, there’s something for all the family to enjoy. Interlaken’s warm, welcoming atmosphere, family-friendly restaurants, and easy access to nature make it the ideal base for creating unforgettable family memories.
Thrill-seekers can dive into watersports, race down the Rodelbahn (alpine slide), or take on the challenges of the High Ropes Park. Meanwhile, younger children will love pedalo rides, exploring mountain play areas, or simply wandering through the region’s charming, picture-perfect villages.
Encourage your young explorers to put their detective skills to the test on interactive trails and treasure hunts around the region. Follow the Foxtrail in the historic town of Thun, solve challenging puzzles in the open-air museum of Ballenberg, or enjoy a riddle-solving treasure hunt in Bönigen with stunning views over Lake Brienz.
For a relaxed outing, take the ferry from Interlaken to Spiez Bay and challenge the kids to a round of mini golf. With 18 holes and spectacular lake views, it’s the perfect spot for some lighthearted competition and family fun in the great outdoors.
Trains sweep through the countryside around Interlaken, journeying up some of the highest mountains in the region. It’s easy to connect to the Jungfrau Railway, which chugs up to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe. Even in summer, the sure-footed can walk on the vast snowy glacier. Some of the most beautiful walks start from the village stations here – Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren included. Elsewhere, the Brienz Rothorn Railway quite literally heats things up, serving passengers sausages cooked in the steam train’s engine.
Mürren is a chocolate-box village, well worthy of exploring - head up the Schilthorn for a brunch in the revolving restaurant, visit the spy museum, or try the exciting Thrill Walk at Birg.
Interlaken and the surrounding Jungfrau region has a fantastic network of trains, boats, mountain railways and lifts that make getting around the area really easy.
Trains and mountain railways
Trains sweep through the countryside around Interlaken, journeying up some of the highest mountains in the region. It’s easy to connect to the Jungfrau Railway, which chugs up to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe. Even in summer, the sure-footed can walk on the vast snowy glacier. Some of the most beautiful walks start from the village stations here – Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren included. Elsewhere, the Brienz Rothorn Railway quite literally heats things up, serving passengers sausages cooked in the steam train’s engine.
Mountain trains run from Interlaken up to the Harder Kulm for an impressive view of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and there's the Brienzer Rothorn steam train which chugs its way from Brienz (at the opposite side of Lake Brienz to Interlaken) high into the mountains. From Wilderswil, you can catch the historic cog railway to the Schynige Platte where there's great views, plenty of walking opportunities and an Alpine Garden with over 800 species of Alpine Flora.
Further into the Jungfrau Region, mountains trains run from Grindelwald up the Kleine Scheidegg side of the valley, linking the village to Kleine Scheidegg, Eiger Gletscher, and Wengen. You can even take the train all the way up to the Jungfraujoch - the highest railway station in Europe. Alternatively, head to Lauterbrunnen and taken the funicular up towards Mürren, a pretty traffic-free village that's only accessible by lift and is the gateway to the lifts up to the Schilthorn.
Routes and timetables are available locally. The best way to enjoy the trains is to pre-book a travel pass - see the Cards & Passes tab for more information (supplements may apply locally for some routes).
Boats
Taking to the water is one of the must-do's when visiting Interlaken, and boat trips are available on both of the two lakes thanks to a fleet of 14 boats, including two paddle steamers. On Lake Brienz, the nostalgic Lötschberg paddle steamer links all the little places around the lake, including Brienz - at the far end, and the Giessbach Waterfalls. A lake cruise is the perfect way to discover more of Lake Thun, from pretty villages like Spiez, fairytale castles and the larger city of Thun. Gourmet cruises are also bookable locally.
Lifts
In addition to the boats and mountain trains, cable cars and gondolas open up lots of walking possibilities, fun activities and stunning viewpoints, including:
In Grindelwald:
- Grindelwald First
- Männlichen
- Eiger Express
- Pfingstegg
In Wengen:
- Männlichen
In Mürren:
- Stechelberg
- Schilthorn
Buses
There is a network of local buses helping you to explore the area surrounding Interlaken and the two lakes - Thun and Brienz. Buses within zones one and three are included with your Interlaken Guest Card that you receive from your hotel. Journeys outside this area require an additional ticket. Routes and timetables are available locally.
Cards & passes
The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable cars, boats, and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace.
The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets. This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to under 16 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.
Subject to change.
The free Interlaken Guest Card is provided by your hotel upon arrival and gives you:
- Free use of public transport in the permitted zones
- Discounts or free entry to various local attractions and activities
Subject to change.
Jungfrau Travel Pass
Enjoy three to eight consecutive days of travel on trains, cable cars, gondolas, and boats within the Jungfrau region including free travel on:
- Interlaken - Harder Kulm
- Wilderswil - Schynige Platte
- Trains between Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Brienz and Interlaken Ost
- Grindelwald - First
- Grindelwald - Männlichen
- Wengen - Männlichen
- Grindelwald - Kleine Scheidegg
- Wengen - Kleine Scheidegg
- Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher
- Lauterbrunnen - Grütschalp - Winteregg - Mürren
- Passes from 3 days validity onward include boats on Lakes Thun & Lake Brienz and trains between Interlaken Ost, Interlaken West, and Brienz allowing for round trips by boat and train on Lake Brienz.
A supplement applies for going up from Eigergletscher to the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe (discounted rate of CHF63/75 (low season/high season)).
Please note that Family Cards are not valid with the Jungfrau Travel Pass and children must have the Jungfrau Junior Travel Card.
Pass inclusions are subject to change. Pre-book prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount. Please note that we act at all times as selling agent for the suppliers of travel passes.
The Bernese Oberland Pass is another great option and includes:
- Free travel on Männlichen gondola (Grindelwald Terminus - Männlichen and Wengen - Männlichen)
- Free travel on the Grindelwald - Pfingstegg cable car
- Free travel Lauterbrunnen - Stechelberg/Gimmelwald - Mürren
- Free travel Lauterbrunnen - Grütschalp/Winteregg - Mürren
- Free travel Stechelberg - Mürren
- Free travel Mürren - Schilthorn
- Free travel on the Brienzer Rothornbahn
- Free travel on the Montreux-Oberland-Bahn all the way to Montreux (seat reservations are strongly recommended - these are not included)
- Free travel on Oeschinen, Sünnbuel and Allmenalp lifts in Kandersteg
- boat trips on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
- discounts at various partner locations
- and much more throughout the Bernese Oberland region...
Discounted travel on the following routes:
- Wilderswil - Schynige Platte (50% off)
- Interlaken - Harder Kulm (50% off)
- Grindelwald - First (50% off)
- Wengen - Kleine Scheidegg (25% off)*
- Grindelwald - Kleine Scheidegg (25% off)*
- Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminus - Eigergletscher (25% off)*
- Eigergletscher - Jungfraujoch (25% off)*
* These routes are offered at 50 percent discount with your included Swiss Half Fare Card, so we always advise carrying both with you when travelling around so you can enjoy maximum discounts available to you.
Pass inclusions are subject to change. Pre-book prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount. Please note that we act at all times as selling agent for the suppliers of travel passes.
The Swiss Travel Pass is a huge pass, covering the trains, buses and boats across the full area of Switzerland so is best suited if you want to travel far and wide, or are booking a multi-centre holiday. It doesn't include most mountain excursions or cable-cars but discounts are available locally.
Swiss Travel Pass
Available for 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days, the Swiss Travel Pass includes:
- Unlimited travel by mainline train, bus and boat
- Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply)
- Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities
- Free admission to more than 500 museums
- Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos (all located around Lake Lucerne)
- Up to 50% discount on many other mountain excursions and cable cars/gondolas
You can purchase either 2nd or 1st class depending on preference.
Pass inclusions are subject to change. Pre-book prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount. Please note that we act at all times as selling agent for the suppliers of travel passes.
Travel to Interlaken
Travel by air
Flights depart any day expect Tuesdays between 17 May - 25 Oct 25 & 16 May - 24 Oct 26.
Fly from:
- London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh.
Fly into:
- Geneva, Zurich or Basel airport
Transfer time:
- From Geneva: 3hours by rail. Your journey will have one change of trains.
- From Zurich: approx. 2 hours 20 minutes by rail. There are some direct trains from Zurich Airport to Interlaken.
- From Basel: approx. 2 hours 35 minutes by rail. There are frequent direct trains from Basel train station. From the airport to the train station is a local bus.
On arrival into Interlaken Ost station, there will be a hotel shuttle or taxi to take you to your hotel.
Travel by train
We offer holidays by train to Interlaken, departing daily except on Tuesday. The journey takes around 14 hours from London St. Pancras and you'll be able to enjoy the change of scenery out of the train window as you journey through France and into the Alps of Switzerland.
See below for train journey details.
The provisional outbound timings are:
-
London St. Pancras
-
Gare du Nord
Change
-
Paris Gare du Lyon
Change
-
Basel
Change (Onward Travel by Train)
Onward travel from Basel: the transfer from Basel to Interlaken will be by train. The journey will take around two hours. There are some direct trains from Basel to Interlaken. If you're not on a direct train your journey will have one change of trains.
On arrival into Interlaken Ost station, there will be a hotel shuttle or taxi to take you to your hotel.
For your return journey, you will travel back to Basel on Saturday morning by train. The journey takes around two hours. There are some direct trains from Interlaken to Basel. If you're not on a direct train your journey will have one change of trains.
The provisional inbound timings from Basel are:
-
Basel
(Travel to Basel by Train)
-
Gare du Lyon
Change
-
Gare du Nord
Change
-
London St. Pancras
Things to do in Interlaken











