Mountain & Lake Experiences Across The Jungfrau
Interlaken and Beyond
Interlaken Is often associated with a single destination, Jungfraujoch, but it’s one of the most diverse alpine playgrounds in Europe. Positioned between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and serving as the gateway to the Jungfrau Region, it offers an exceptional range of experiences year-round. If mountain and lake destinations appeal to you then this is a must.
Mountain Peaks
Surrounding Jungfraujoch peaks offer equally memorable and often more intimate experiences.
- Harder Kulm Interlaken’s own viewpoint, accessed by funicular. The panoramic platform offers sweeping views over both lakes and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
- Schilthorn Famous for its revolving restaurant and its role in the On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The views here are extraordinary and often less crowded.
- Grindelwald First A hub for soft adventure cliff walks, zip lines, and alpine hiking with dramatic scenery.
- Schynige Platte Reached via a nostalgic cogwheel railway, known for wildflower gardens and classic Swiss panoramas.
- Lauterbrunnen A valley of 72 waterfalls, including the dramatic Staubbach Falls often cited as inspiration for Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings.
- Wengen A car-free village perched above the valley quiet, refined, and ideal for scenic walks.
- Mürren Cliff-side and equally car-free, offering dramatic vistas and a more exclusive alpine feel.
- Grindelwald Lively and scenic, with access to glacier walks and mountain excursions.
- Interlaken is often called Europe’s adventure capital
- Paragliding over the lakes and valley (a signature experience)
- Canyoning and white-water rafting in alpine rivers
- Hiking trails for every level, from lakeside strolls to high alpine treks
- Winter transforms the region into a ski hub across the Jungfrau ridge
- Interlaken offers elegant promenades, gardens like the Höhematte Park, and classic Swiss hospitality
- A short journey (less than 1 hour by rail) leads to Bern, a UNESCO-listed capital with medieval arcades and cultural depth
- The region is also ideal for scenic rail journeys arguably some of the most beautiful in the world
Useful Notes
Interlaken Hotels
Outside Interlaken
Rail from / to
Zurich/Interlaken ~2 hrs, Lucerne/Interlaken ~2 hrs, Interlaken/Bern ~ 1 hr
From Interlaken /
Scenic Elegance
Worthwhile Peaks
Fun things to do
Swiss Travel Pass
5-Day Sample Outline
Day 1
Arrive in Interlaken, hotel check-in, lakeside with a cruise or a drink on a terrace
Day 2
Visit the “Top of Europe” Jungfraujoch Experience
Day 3
Visit Lauterbrunnen Valley & Alpine Villages
Day 4
Peak Views and Soft Adventure – Schilthorn - Grindelwald First - design your own
Day 5
Lake Brienz & Departure – Scenic boat 1hr 15 min, Giessbach Falls exploration, boat to Brienz 15 min, onward train to Lucerne via Luzern-Interlaken Express 1 hr 20 min.
