Switzerland is a country of captivating landscapes, cozy towns, and exhilarating outdoor adventures, and two destinations that stand out for their unique beauty and charm are Interlaken and Grindelwald. Nestled between alpine peaks and sparkling lakes, these twin jewels in the heart of the Bernese Oberland region offer some of the best experiences Switzerland has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, or thrilling activities, Interlaken and Grindelwald will make your Swiss getaway unforgettable.
I. Interlaken: Gateway to the Swiss Alps
Interlaken, as its name suggests, lies between two lakes—Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. With its postcard-perfect scenery and access to mountain peaks, Interlaken is the ideal hub for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Top Experiences in Interlaken:
A. Unterseen Old Town
Explore the charming streets of Unterseen, a small village near Interlaken, known for its traditional Swiss architecture. Visit the Stadtkirche, a beautiful church with origins from the Middle Ages, and enjoy a quiet stroll among historic buildings and quaint cafes.
B. Lake Brienz and Lake Thun Cruises
A boat cruise on either of these lakes is a must-do. Lake Brienz boasts turquoise waters that feel almost surreal, while Lake Thun’s charm lies in the medieval castles dotting its shores. Both cruises offer a relaxing way to take in the stunning alpine landscape. You can buy a day pass for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun Boat Cruises and enjoy a full day soaking in the magnificent scenery of beautiful lakes. But remember lake Brienz is closed in winters for cruises and the pass is only worth when you can access both the lakes, otherwise you can buy separate ticket for Lake Thun on-site. Here is your recommended link- Interlaken: Boat Day Pass on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Alternatively, if you’re there in winters and cannot simply miss Lake Brienz then you can also do a private informative Jet-ride tour of Lake Brienz in winters to soak in scenic views with a spin. Don’t forget to book in advance because the tours are not operational every day, so tickets are not available when you visit on-site. Here is your recommended tour- Interlaken: Winter Jetboat Ride on Lake Brienz.
C. Harder Kulm
For panoramic views of Interlaken, Harder Kulm is unbeatable. A short funicular ride takes you up to the viewing platform, where you’ll be treated to views over Interlaken and the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch peaks. It’s especially beautiful at sunset. To avoid long queues, waiting and rush, it’s better to book tickets online, here is your link- Interlaken: Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm.
D. Paragliding Adventure
Interlaken is one of the best places in the world to experience paragliding. Imagine soaring over glistening lakes and lush valleys with the iconic peaks as a backdrop. There are several operators in the town who offer tandem flights but it’s better to book online because schedule and timings can be bit tight or already sold out in advance. Here is your recommended tour- Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding Flight with Pilot.
E. Schynige Platte Railway
Take a scenic train ride up the Schynige Platte to experience Swiss landscapes in their full glory. This train ride through wildflower meadows and rugged mountains offers unparalleled views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, making it a popular excursion.
II. Grindelwald: A Cozy Alpine Escape
Just a short distance from Interlaken, Grindelwald feels like stepping into a fairytale. Encircled by the dramatic peaks of the Eiger and Wetterhorn, this village is the perfect place to experience alpine culture and thrilling outdoor activities.
Top Things to Do in Grindelwald:
A. Eiger Trail
The Eiger Trail is a renowned hiking path that lets you walk along the foot of the north face of the Eiger, one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountains. This hike offers both breathtaking views and a sense of thrill, making it a favourite for adventurers.
B. Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
One of the most famous excursions in Switzerland, Jungfraujoch is an experience like no other. From Grindelwald, hop on the train to reach this snowy wonderland, which sits at 3,454 meters above sea level. The viewing platform offers a 360° panorama of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks. The prices are really steep though but it is definitely once in a lifetime experience. A tip for free- there is also ropeway/cable car also available for the same route which is faster than the train but pre booking is recommended. To avoid long queues, waiting and rush, it’s better to book tickets online, here is your link- Jungfraujoch: Roundtrip to the Top of Europe by Train.
If you’re interested, you can also book a guided tour (skip the line) to Jungfraujoch and the Top of Europe, here is your recommended tour- From Interlaken: Guided Tour to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.
C. Grindelwald Mount First – The Adventure Playground
Known as a paradise for adrenaline junkies, Grindelwald Mount First has plenty of activities to get your heart racing. Take the First Cliff Walk, try the First Flyer zip line, or go on the Trottibike scooters down the mountain. You’ve to take a Gondola ride/Cable Car from Grindelwald to reach Mount First. To avoid long queues, waiting and rush, it’s better to book tickets online, here is your link- Grindelwald Gondola Ride to Mount First.
D. Bachalpsee Hike
From Grindelwald First, an easy hike brings you to Bachalpsee, a serene alpine lake with a mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding peaks. It’s an incredible spot for photography and a peaceful retreat away from the bustling tourist areas.
E. Glacier Gorge
Venture into the mystical Glacier Gorge, a dramatic canyon with turquoise-colored water and stunning rock formations. The gorge is accessible through a series of walkways, allowing visitors to marvel at the natural beauty of the glacier-fed river below. The entry fee is only 19 CHF.
Recommended Tours and Adventure
I. River Rafting – Paddle through class II-III rapids of Simme, a scenic river in the idyllic Simmental, on a rafting adventure from Interlaken. Navigate the small to mid-sized rapids with a guide, and unwind with a drink. Here is your recommended tour- From Interlaken: River Rafting Adventure on Simme River.
II. Beatenberg: St. Beatus Caves– Discover the Beatus Caves, one of the largest cave systems in Switzerland and visit the Beatus Caves Museum and learn about the system’s geology. If you’ve an extra day, then it is one of the most beautiful experiences. You can either reach there by your own car and just buy entry ticket which costs around 21 Euros, here you can buy online- Beatenberg: Beatus Caves Entry Ticket with Museum.
Alternatively, if you do not have private/rented car, then you can also take a private tour from Interlaken and discover the legendary St. Beatus Caves on a hosted tour from Interlaken, here is your recommended tour- Interlaken: St. Beatus Caves Tour with Hotel Pickup.
III. Ski Experience for Beginners- Your Switzerland trip is incomplete without Ski experience in Switzerland. You can hit the gentle ski slopes of Grindelwald in Switzerland, and master the basics of skiing with a beginner-friendly ski experience from Interlaken, here is your recommended tour with trainer, ski and boot rental included- From Interlaken: Afternoon Ski Experience for Beginners.
Tips for Visiting Interlaken and Grindelwald
A. Guest Card- All the hotels in Interlaken and Grindelwald provide a guest city card which gives access to free public transport and various discount in all the above attractions. So, dont forget to ask your hotel for such guest card and you can also have them before checking into the hotel by online checkins so you can benefit from free transport to the hotel.
B. Best Time to Visit: For hiking and outdoor activities, the summer months from June to September are ideal. However, winter (December to February) offers incredible skiing and snowboarding experiences. For sightseeing, all the months have their own beauty.
C. Getting Around: Both towns are connected by the efficient Swiss train and bus system, making travel seamless. Consider getting a Swiss Travel or Eurail Pass, which provides unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats along with many discount vouchers on various attractions.
If you’re short of time in your Swiss Trip then you can also take private day tours from Zurich or Lucerne to Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald, and experience the heaven of Switzerland with hosted tour in one day, here are your recommended tours- Zurich: Grindelwald, Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen Day Trip and From Lucerne: Day Trip to Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen.
D. Where to Stay: Both the places have beautiful hotels mostly costing high end but Interlaken is more budget friendly comparatively than Grindelwald.
E. Dining: Enjoy Swiss delicacies like fondue, raclette, and rösti in cozy restaurants. In Interlaken, Restaurant Taverne and Restaurant Laterne serve traditional Swiss cuisine, while Barry’s in Grindelwald is a popular spot for alpine fare with a modern twist.
Interlaken vs. Grindelwald: Which to Choose?
Both towns have their unique appeal. Interlaken is more cosmopolitan with a bustling atmosphere and varied activities, making it ideal as a central base. Grindelwald, on the other hand, is a bit quieter and more scenic, perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in nature and the Swiss Alps.
Interlaken and Grindelwald embody the essence of Switzerland’s natural splendor, offering unique yet complementary experiences that can fit a range of itineraries. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures, serene landscapes, or simply a place to unwind amid stunning scenery, these two destinations will undoubtedly capture your heart.
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