3 days in Interlaken itinerary: Where to Go and What to Do?

September 7, 2026

If you dream of a place where opening your window reveals majestic snow-capped mountains and stepping onto the street brings you face-to-face with lakes as turquoise as jade, then Interlaken is the answer.

Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is more than just a transit hub; it is the gateway to the most spectacular experiences in the Bernese Oberland region. It serves as an ideal starting point for nature lovers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and explorers eager to discover the breathtaking Jungfrau area. Let Living Nomads join you on a three-day adventure to fully experience this paradise!

Day 1: Arriving in Paradise and Taking in Panoramic Views of Interlaken

On your first day, take the time to settle into the town’s charming, unhurried pace. There is no need to rush—every street corner here is a natural photo studio.

Morning: Conquer the “Roof” of Interlaken – Harder Kulm

Beatus Caves ticket near Interlaken

For the first morning, I recommend heading straight to the summit of Harder Kulm to get a comprehensive view of the area’s landscape before diving into its specific nooks and crannies.

Getting to the top is incredibly easy. The funicular station is located right near the main Interlaken Ost station; a quick 10-minute ride whisks you up to an altitude of 1,322 meters. Once there, the ultimate photo spot is undoubtedly the “Two-Lakes Bridge”—a glass viewing platform that extends out into mid-air.

From this vantage point, the distinctive, layered topography of the Swiss landscape unfolds clearly before your eyes. Look to the left and you’ll see Lake Brienz; glance to the right and there’s Lake Thun, with the town center of Interlaken nestled right between these two massive bodies of water. Cast your gaze a little further, and you’ll come face-to-face with the “power trio” of the Alps: the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Starting your trip with such a spectacular visual treat is truly worth it!

Harder Kulm Peak, Interlaken, Switzerland

Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus and Boat

A quick tip: Take the earliest train to beat the crowds and enjoy the tranquility. A round-trip ticket costs around 35–40 CHF, but if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass, you could get a discount of up to 50% or even travel for free, depending on the pass type.

Afternoon: Cruise on Lake Brienz and Visit Iseltwald Village

After descending the mountain and having a light lunch, walk to the pier just behind Interlaken Ost station to board a cruise on Lake Brienz. The water here boasts an almost surreal blue hue, thanks to minerals from melting glacial ice.

A must-visit stop is the village of Iseltwald, famous for the wooden pier featured in the drama *Crash Landing on You*. You can disembark, stroll through the village, and snap a souvenir photo at the pier (please note there is a small fee to access the pier for photos).

brienz rothorn railway switzerland — Brienz Rothorn Railway, Switzerland

Lake Brienz Boat Cruise in Interlaken

If time permits, continue your journey to the Giessbach Falls. The roar of the waterfall amidst the ancient forest and the historic architecture of the Grand Hotel Giessbach will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.

Evening: Stroll Along Hoheweg and Enjoy Fondue

Swiss Alps Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz Full Day Tour from Milan

Back in town, spend the evening strolling along Hoheweg Avenue. This is the main street connecting the East and West stations, lined with high-end watch boutiques, souvenir shops, and artisanal chocolate stores. Don’t forget to stop by Höhematte Park to watch paragliders descending from the sky onto the lush green lawn.

Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken Day Tour with Transport

Wrap up your first day with a traditional Swiss cheese fondue feast. Dipping a piece of crispy bread into a pot of hot, aromatic cheese amidst the crisp Alpine air is a truly heartwarming experience.

Day 2: Journey to Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe

This is undoubtedly the highlight of the entire itinerary. Jungfraujoch is more than just a mountain peak; it is a sightseeing and entertainment complex situated at an altitude of 3,454 meters—home to Europe’s highest railway station.

Morning: Experience the High-Speed Eiger Express Cable Car

Take the train from Interlaken Ost station to Grindelwald Terminal. From there, board the Eiger Express—one of the world’s most modern cable car systems. In just 15 minutes, you will “fly” past the sheer cliffs of the Eiger peak to reach the Eigergletscher station, before transferring to a cogwheel train for the final ascent to Jungfraujoch.

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe – The highest station in Europe.

Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Roundtrip Ticket

The view from the cable car cabin is truly breathtaking: lush green valleys gradually give way to a landscape of pristine white snow and ice. The trip is quite pricey (around 210–245 CHF for a round trip), but believe me—it is worth every penny!

Afternoon: Explore the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory

Upon arriving at the “Top of Europe,” a host of spectacular experiences atop the snowy peak awaits you. The highlight of the exploration is the Ice Palace, a complex of tunnels carved directly into the heart of the glacier. The freezing atmosphere, combined with ice sculptures lining the passageways, creates a truly mystical ambiance.

Next, head up to the Sphinx Observatory. From this vantage point, you get a magnificent, sweeping view of the Aletsch Glacier—the longest glacier in the Alps. For thrill-seekers, the Snow Fun Park (usually open in summer) is the perfect spot to try skiing or snow tubing down the slopes.

On your way back, to make the most of your time and enjoy more scenery, choose the route through the Lauterbrunnen Valley instead of retracing your original path. Known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls,” this area offers stunning sights; simply stopping in the center of Lauterbrunnen village allows you to admire the Staubbach Falls. Plunging nearly 300 meters down a sheer cliff face, the waterfall sends up a white spray that envelops the charming wooden houses below, creating a truly cinematic scene.

Evening: Relaxing in Lauterbrunnen Before Returning to Interlaken

Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken Day Tour with Transport

After a long day in the mountains, sipping a hot cocoa at a cozy café in Lauterbrunnen while watching the sunset over the valley is a wonderful way to end the day. Afterward, it takes just a 20-minute train ride to return to Interlaken for some rest.

Day 3: Grindelwald First – The Pinnacle of Adventure and Historic Lake Thun

The final day of your 72-hour itinerary offers a perfect blend of thrills and pure relaxation.

Morning: Challenge Yourself at Grindelwald First

A view of Grindelwald — Grindelwald town

From Interlaken Ost station, take the train to Grindelwald, then enjoy a short walk to the cable car station to head up to the summit of First. This location truly lives up to its reputation as the “Top of Adventure,” featuring a host of heart-pounding activities. The first “must-try” experience is the First Cliff Walk—a narrow path clinging to the cliffside that extends out into mid-air via a section of transparent glass flooring.

Tourists on the lookout platform, First Cliff Walk by Tissot, Grindelwald, Switzerland

Grindelwald Mt. First Day Tour with Transport

Thrill-seekers should confidently opt for the First Flyer zipline or simulate the sensation of soaring with the First Glider. Next, renting a non-motorized Mountain Cart for a high-speed descent from Schreckfeld station to Bort—navigating winding curves along the way—is an incredibly exhilarating experience. Conversely, those who prefer a more leisurely pace can spend an hour or two hiking to Lake Bachalpsee. The lake’s still waters perfectly reflect the peak of Mount Wetterhorn, guaranteeing surreal and stunning photographs.

Afternoon: Romance by Lake Thun and Spiez Castle

Interlaken and Grindelwald Day Trip with Bus Transportation

After the action-packed hours in Grindelwald, return to Interlaken and head to the Interlaken West station to catch a boat to Lake Thun. Unlike the rugged, wild beauty of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun exudes an aristocratic charm, with castles casting their reflections upon the water.

A recommended stop is the town of Spiez. It boasts one of Europe’s most beautiful bays, featuring the historic Spiez Castle and sprawling vineyards. You can visit the castle, learn about the history of the Bernese region, or simply sit by the lakeshore and soak up the last rays of the day.

Evening: Last-Minute Shopping and Bidding Farewell to Interlaken

Back in Interlaken, spend your final moments buying fresh chocolate gifts at Schuh or the Funky Chocolate Club. If your budget allows, an authentic Swiss watch would make the most valuable souvenir of the trip.

Key Tips for Your 72-Hour Itinerary

To ensure a smooth trip, here are some hard-earned tips for you:

Travel Pass: If you’re staying in Interlaken for three days and plan to visit Jungfraujoch, consider getting the Jungfrau Travel Pass. It covers most local transport and saves you a significant amount compared to buying individual tickets.

Weather: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Always check the live webcams on the Jungfrau or Grindelwald First websites before heading up. Don’t forget to dress in layers—the “onion” method—since temperatures at the summit are always low, even in the middle of summer.

Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Day Tour with Transport

Advance Booking: During peak season, activities at Grindelwald First or seats on the Jungfraujoch train can sell out quickly. Book your vouchers via Klook in advance to secure your spot and save time waiting in line!

Interlaken is more than just a dot on the Swiss map; it is a place that stirs the emotions of any nature lover. With this detailed 72-hour itinerary, we hope you’ll capture the most brilliant and memorable moments in the heart of Switzerland.

Wishing you a journey filled with joy, a chance to fully experience the breathtaking scenery, and the opportunity to capture stunning photos and videos!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in Interlaken and Switzerland you can refer to

Are you looking for more Switzerland travel guide and top things to do in Switzerland: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Interlaken Lauterbrunnen blog — Visit the beautiful town of Interlaken & dreamy Lauterbrunnen valley? And here.