Interlaken Switzerland Itinerary: Alpine Peaks to Lakeside Cities
This 7-day itinerary takes you through the stunning landscapes of Interlaken and the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with day trips to Grindelwald and Wengen, before concluding in the historic city of Lucerne. Travel between destinations is primarily by train, offering scenic views throughout your journey.
- 1Interlaken
- 2Lauterbrunnen
- 3Lucerne
Day 1: Arrive in Interlaken
Arrive in Interlaken via Zurich Airport (ZRH), connecting to Interlaken Ost railway station. Spend your first day settling in and exploring the heart of this Swiss town. Bern Airport (BRN) and Geneva Airport (GVA) are alternative arrival options.
Highlights
- Stroll through Höhematte, a large open meadow offering classic Jungfrau views and frequent paraglider landings.
- Visit the Touristik-Museum der Jungfrau-Region to learn about local history, tourism, and mountain culture.
- Wander through the quieter streets of Unterseen Old Town, known for its historic arcades and painted facades.
Day 2: Panoramic Views and Lakeside Charm
Dedicate today to experiencing Interlaken's breathtaking panoramic views and exploring the serene shores of its surrounding lakes.
Highlights
- Ascend to Harder Kulm, a popular panoramic lookout above Interlaken, for unforgettable views over both lakes and peaks.
- Discover Schloss Oberhofen, a historic 12th-century castle above Lake Thun with museum rooms and broad views.
- Explore Schloss Thun, an iconic castle on Lake Thun featuring turrets, grand halls, and a regional history museum.
Day 3: Day Trip to Grindelwald: Alpine Adventures
Take a scenic train journey from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald, with tickets starting from €13. Spend the day exploring this charming alpine village and its dramatic surroundings before returning to Interlaken by train, with the last departure around 23:57.
Highlights
- For planning, the earliest outbound departure is 00:28 and the latest return departure is 23:57.
- Experience the thrill of First, a celebrated mountain summit area with a cliff walk, lake, and extensive hiking network.
- Explore the dramatic Gletscherschlucht Grindelwald, a glacier gorge with walkways through steep rock walls.
Day 4: Relocate to Lauterbrunnen: Valley of Waterfalls
Relocate from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen by train, with tickets starting from €9. Settle into your new base in the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, known for its dramatic waterfalls and sheer cliffs.
Highlights
- Marvel at Staubbachfall, an iconic 297-meter waterfall inside the valley, long celebrated in art and literature.
- Witness the powerful Trümmelbach Falls, a glacier waterfall viewed through mountain tunnels and galleries.
- Gain insight into local heritage at the Talmuseum Lauterbrunnen, showcasing valley culture and mountaineering history.
Day 5: Day Trip to Wengen: Car-Free Mountain Village
Embark on a day trip to the car-free mountain village of Wengen by train, with tickets starting from €4. Enjoy alpine views and a scenic walk before returning to Lauterbrunnen by train, with the last departure around 23:40.
Highlights
- For planning, the earliest outbound departure is 00:06 and the latest return departure is 23:40.
- Ride the Wengernalpbahn, a historic mountain railway climbing steeply to Wengen.
- Hike the Royal Walk Männlichen, a panoramic ridge walk offering exceptional close-up views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Day 6: Relocate to Lucerne: Historic Lakeside City
Travel by train from Lauterbrunnen to Lucerne, with tickets starting from €36. After arriving and checking into your accommodation, enjoy an evening stroll through Lucerne's historic centre.
Highlights
- Walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge, a 14th-century covered wooden bridge adorned with interior paintings.
- Admire the historic Water Tower, an octagonal medieval landmark beside Chapel Bridge.
- Explore Weinmarkt, a preserved old town square lined with frescoed historic buildings and fountains.
Day 7: Depart from Lucerne
Spend your morning enjoying Lucerne before departing from Luzern Bhf. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the recommended international airport for your onward journey. Alternatively, consider EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) or Geneva Airport (GVA).
Highlights
- Visit the moving Lion Monument, a rock-cut sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards killed in 1792.
- Explore the Swiss Museum of Transport, Lucerne’s top family-friendly museum with trains, planes, and cars.
- Enjoy a final stroll along the Rathausquai, a car-free riverside promenade with shops and historic facades.
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