Interlaken at the heart of it all

Not one but two lakes to enjoy, as well as those magnificent mountains

Interlaken
Harder Kulm
Lake Thun cruise

This itinerary is simply one example of a holiday in Interlaken. You can add on extra nights and choose your hotel from our handpicked selection, and of course spend your days however you wish using your Half Fare Card for excellent value days out. The activities shown here are just suggestions for excursions you could enjoy during your holiday. 

Please call 0800 619 1200 for help with planning or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

 

"Visitors return again and again to Interlaken as there is so much to enjoy here. You have the benefits of two lakes and the glorious Jungfrau mountains on your doorstep, as well as a great choice of family run hotels."

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Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com


Day 1 - Arrive and start to explore Interlaken

Flight from the UK to Zurich airport with rail travel to Interlaken (approximately 2 hours).

Check in to your hotel and enjoy your first look around Interlaken. This is a lively town with a great atmosphere and plenty of shops, cafés, restaurants and attractions. There is a lovely park in the centre of town - the Höhematte - where you can relax with a glorious mountain backdrop and watch the paragliders. Interlaken is blessed with the most wonderful geographical location: in between two sparkling lakes and with a wide choice of mountain visits close at hand. 

Helpful links

Interlaken resort page & hotels

Bernese Oberland excursions

Interlaken Blog 

Day 2 - Lake Thun

Interlaken lies between two lakes, so while you are here, it is a 'must do' to explore the water on a relaxing lake cruise. Why not start with sparkling Lake Thun. Boats depart from Interlaken West and as your boat glides out of the river and into the lake you will be greeted by the beautiful sight of the water stretching out in front of you and the magnificent mountains rising up to the sky. The fleet of boats includes a refurbished paddlesteamer - look out for 'dampfschiff' on the timetable if you would like to cruise on board this one. You may like to stay on board for a complete round trip of the lake; alternatively, with your day ticket you can hop on and off at a variety of interesting places. You could head for Spiez, for a lunch by the water's edge, or take some time to explore the interesting old town of Thun, with its atmospheric streets and charming shopping. There are several historic castles around the lake, as well as caves and connecting mountain routes to the Stockhorn and the Niesen.

Day 3 - A day in the mountains

Interlaken is one of the best connected resorts in Switzerland, meaning that there are journeys via rail, cable car and funicular, taking you to some truly spectacular mountainscapes. The big one is the Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe. From Interlaken, you can travel up to Europe's highest railway station in just 1 hour 40 minutes. Take time to breathe in the purest air and absorb the views of the awesome glacier from 3,454m above sea level. There are restaurants, shops, an ice palace and a snow fun park here too. Another firm favourite is Schynige Platte. A historic mountain railway winds its way up, with great views over the lakes as you go. At the sunny plateau, you can take a look at the Alpine Garden, or if you enjoy mountain trails, go for a scenic walk.

Or how about this wonderful round trip for a full day out: take the train to Grindelwald, then the scenic cable car to Männlichen mountain. Enjoy your time up here - there are trails, or an easier 'Royal Walk' to a scenic look out point. You could lunch here too, or head down on the cable car to Wengen for refreshments. Some may like to relax for the afternoon in this charming alpine village, others may wish to head a little further down to Lauterbrunnen - an area famed for its waterfalls. From Lauterbrunnen, it's just a 20 minute rail journey back to Interlaken. 

Day 4 - Harder Kulm and Lake Brienz

Maybe this morning you might like to walk to the Harder Kulm funicular, close to Interlaken Ost. This historic funicular will take you up to one of the most lovely look out points you can imagine. Step out onto the Two Lakes Bridge which juts out from the mountain rock and gives you an amazing panorama over the water and the Jungfrau mountains. There's a restaurant here too for a morning coffee, or lunch with a view. If you enjoy hiking, you can embark upon a trail from or walk back down the mountain to Interlaken. If not, the funicular runs every half hour. 

Back at ground level, the boat station for Lake Brienz is just a couple of minutes away, so it's easy to walk up the gangplank and enjoy another cruise. On a trip around Lake Brienz you'll sail past charming villages, people enjoying the water, and the scenic Giessbach Falls. At the far end of the lake is the town of Brienz, with some traditional Swiss buildings, well worth a stroll around the historic streets. You could sail back to Interlaken, or hop on a bus or train.  

Day 5 - Last day

Time to bid adieu to Interlaken and make your way back to the airport. Book a later flight and there will be time for a coffee and souvenir shopping before your train departs. 

 

Pricing

4 nights in Interlaken

Recommended for stays all year round

Prices from £680 per person staying in a 3 star hotel

Adapt your holiday:

  • Add extra nights
  • Upgrade to a superior room or a 4 star hotel
  • Include half board
  • Upgrade to 1st class travel through Switzerland
  • Add on a Bernese Oberland Regional Pass 
  • Switch to a Swiss Travel Pass 
 

Your holiday price includes

Booking Conditions
  • Scheduled return flights from London to Zurich (flights available from around the UK)
  • Rail travel between Zurich airport and Interlaken (2nd class)
  • 4 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation as described based on two people sharing
  • FREE Half Fare Card which entitles you to half or reduced price travel
  • FREE Interlaken Visitor's Card
  • Personalised itinerary sent with all tickets
  • Financial protection (ATOL 3148)
The Half Fare Card is valid on trains, scenic trains, PostBuses and most boats, mountain railways and cable cars. Excursions mentioned may not operate year round, please check before booking. Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
 

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Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Interlaken

Bernese Oberland Regional Pass

If you are planning lots of days out during your holiday, you may like to pre-book a Bernese Oberland Regional Pass. This offers great value and includes unlimited travel on public transport in the region, as well as free travel on cable cars and mountain routes. 

Interlaken video


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Harder Kulm

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Planning your holiday 2025

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  • Decide where you would like to stay
  • Choose your scenic journeys
  • 1st or 2nd class rail travel in Switzerland
  • How many nights in each resort
  • Decide on bed & breakfast or half board
  • 3, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation
  • Plan visits with your Half Fare Card
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