Pramod 
Interlaken, Switzerland is a top summer vacation spot for those seeking adventure and scenic beauty. Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Interlaken boasts stunning views of the mountains, pristine lakes, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for some gorgeous photo opportunities, Interlaken in summer has something for everyone. With excellent public transportation connections, it’s easy to get around and visit all the must-see sights and attractions.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through a 3-day itinerary in Interlaken, giving you the best experience of Interlaken, Switzerland in summer. From panoramic viewing platforms to charming mountain villages, from famous railway stations to stunning alpine lakes, this itinerary has it all.
Which is the best time to visit Interlaken?
We visited Interlaken, Switzerland in the summer, during the first week of September. The weather was pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 23°C, and the region wasn’t too crowded.
The best time to visit Interlaken in the summer is from September to November, as well as March to May. During these seasons, the weather is mild, accommodation rates are cheaper, and there are fewer tourists, making it a more peaceful experience.
How to travel to Interlaken?
We traveled to Interlaken, Switzerland by train from Zürich. There are many intercity trains from Zürich to Interlaken with a change in Bern. The travel time from Zürich to Interlaken in summer is approximately 2 hours, depending on the train schedule.
You can also reach Interlaken via Lucerne, though the journey takes a bit longer, offering a scenic route along the way.
If you are traveling from Zürich airport and wondering how to get to Interlaken, Swiss trains are available directly from the airport.
Alternatively, you can rent a car from Zürich and drive 120 km to Interlaken, which takes about 90-120 minutes.
Where to stay in Interlaken?
There are many options for accommodation in Interlaken. We booked an apartment with Hotel Toscana near Interlaken West train station. The apartment is convenient for travel, affordable, and surrounded by restaurants, making it a perfect place to stay during your 3-day Interlaken itinerary. If you’re booking at the hotel, you may even get discounts for train tickets at the reception.
Which are the places you must visit in Interlaken region?
Day 1: Start with a Visit to Harder Kulm and Lauterbrunnen Valley
Begin your adventure by visiting the Harder Kulm, a panoramic viewing platform offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. You can reach the platform by taking the funicular or by hiking up the trail. From Interlaken West, take bus number 8 to Harder Kulm stop and take the funicular up to the viewing platform.
Next, head to Lauterbrunnen, renowned for its 72 waterfalls and stunning valley. Take a leisurely stroll, go for a swim in one of the many crystal-clear pools, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Take the train from Interlaken West to Lauterbrunnen station, then walk or take a local bus to explore the different waterfalls and attractions in the valley.
In the evening, visit the charming mountain village of Mürren, a car-free village offering a unique blend of traditional Swiss architecture and modern amenities. Take the cogwheel railway from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren.
Day 2: Visit the Famous Jungfraujoch Railway Station
On Day 2, take the opportunity to visit the famous Jungfraujoch railway station, located high in the Swiss Alps. The views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers are simply breathtaking.
You can find more information on the official website: https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/jungfraujoch-top-of-europe/.
How to travel to Jungfraujoch?
From Interlaken, there are two scenic routes to reach Jungfraujoch. One is by cable car, and the other is by scenic train. We took the cable car on the way to Jungfraujoch, and the scenic train on the return trip.
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Interlaken Ost - Grindlewald Terminal - Eiger Glacier - Jungfraujoch
Every 30 minutes, a train from Interlaken Ost to Grindlewald Terminal departs, taking about 30 minutes. From here, the Eiger Express cable car takes 20 minutes to reach Eiger Glacier, and then the Jungfraubahn takes you to Jungfraujoch in another 30 minutes.
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Interlaken Ost - Lauterbrunnen - Kleine Scheidegg - Jungfraujoch
A train departs every 30 minutes from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. You will change trains at Kleine Scheidegg to reach Jungfraujoch via Jungfraubahn.
Later, head to Lake Blausee for a relaxing afternoon. Surrounded by lush forests and meadows, Lake Blausee is the perfect place to go for a swim, have a picnic, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Day 3: Explore Lake Brienz and Iseltwald
On your final day in Interlaken, visit Lake Brienz and Iseltwald, two stunning alpine lakes located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Both lakes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and are popular for their crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery.
In Lake Brienz, take a relaxing boat tour or go for a swim in the refreshing waters. In Iseltwald, explore the charming village, relax on the beach, or enjoy a scenic walk along the lake. Take the train from Interlaken West to Brienz and explore the town or take a boat tour.
With excellent public transportation connections, it’s easy to get around and see all the sights without a car.
All of these destinations are easily accessible by public transportation, making it easy to see everything Interlaken has to offer, even without a car. Additionally, there are several options for purchasing train tickets, including the Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland.
Conclusion:
Interlaken is the perfect summer destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and Switzerland’s scenic beauty. Whether you’re interested in hiking, exploring mountain villages, or simply relaxing by crystal-clear lakes, Interlaken in summer offers endless possibilities. With its stunning views of the Swiss Alps and serene natural surroundings, it’s a great place to spend a relaxing and rejuvenating summer vacation. Pack your bags, grab your cameras, and head to Interlaken for a trip you’ll never forget!
