Interlaken is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. It is gifted with picturesque geographical surroundings. It is situated at a high altitude and is easily accessible from many regions. There is a lot to discover once you come here and you’re always going to run out of time. There is a range of day trips from Interlaken that you can take.
Top 12 Destinations For Day Trips From Interlaken
Interlaken is a prime location as it is surrounded by mammoth mountain ranges, and elegant lakes and rivers. Here are the top 10 places you can visit on day trips from Interlaken:
1. Wengen
This is the dreamland village of mountains and is rich in scenic beauty. The only way to go here is by train. Interestingly, the village has a population of only around 1500. You’ll not see cars anywhere in the village except few at the station. Wengen is full of ski clubs all around the village and is the host of the very famous event, Lauterbrunnen, a downhill ski race competition.
Must Read: 13 Astounding Things To Do In Interlaken, The Adventure Capital Of Switzerland!
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2. Schynige Platte
The beautiful and relatively small mountain ridge is situated in Jungfrau. Schynige Platte has always been amongst the top picks for one day trip from Interlaken. If you like hiking, this is definitely the place go. To reach Schynige Platte you’ll have to take a train from Ost station to Wilderswil and then take another train that cruises into the mountain ranges.
3. Jungfraujoch
One of the tallest peaks in Europe, Jungfraujoch is awe-inspiring. The mountain is 3454 m tall and makes up for an epic day trip from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch. Naturally, it is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is among the best tourism spots in Switzerland which attract national and international visitors all year long. You’ll have to travel approximately for two and a half hours and change several trains.
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4. Murren
Along with the Wengen, Murren also is yet another breathtaking mountain in Bern, Switzerland. This is a motorized vehicle-free area. It’s 1650 m tall and very popular for skiing and walking tours. While only about 500 people reside here, this place is always full of tourists who come in thousands daily. You can take the train from Ost station, Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen which only takes an hour. From there, you will have to board a cable car to Grutschalp.
5. Grindelwald
This place also features in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. It is a 1034 m high resort, with a population of 2000 people. There’s no question about the scenic beauty of this place, but another highlight of it is the great selection of wines you’ll get here. Also, you might taste some amazing wood fire pizzas here. Take the direct train from Ost station to Grindelwald which is about 45 minutes long and embark on one of the best day trips from Interlaken.
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6. Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is said to be among the best places in Switzerland to visit. The place is a perfect amalgam of all three spheres of the ecosystem: hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere. You’ll get to see beautiful mountains, spellbinding waterfalls and romantic sunsets which makes it an adventurer’s paradise and one of the most fascinating day trips from Interlaken Switzerland.
7. Kleine Scheidegg
Surrounded by beautiful places like Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch, Kleine Scheidegg is a postcard-perfect destination. This mountain is 2600 m high and is surrounded by many valleys. This place is not as popular as its other counterparts, but we’d suggest you explore this less discovered gem of Switzerland, which you can explore during one of the most exciting day tours from Interlaken Switzerland. You’ve to take a train from Ost station to Lauterbrunnen and another one to Kleine Scheidegg.
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8. Schilthorn
Schilthorn is a 2970 m peak in the Bernese Alps. It offers amazing views of most of the nearby mountains. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will recall The Wall from it because of its endless snowy mountain ranges. There is a very popular revolving restaurant named Piz Gloria, where you can taste some of the best regional recipes.
9. Spiez
Spiez is situated along the Lake Thun and has some great castles. The spectacular Alps amplified the place’s beauty along with the windy environment. You can also prefer visiting vineyards here which are large. The major highlight here is the wide range of adventure sports it offers. So if you are an adventure junkie, you’ll have options like Bungee jumping, parasailing, kayaking, etc. The best thing is that it is only 20 min from Interlaken by train from Ost station. Also, you can opt for a boat ride via Thun lake.
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10. Thun And Brienz
The golden shining waters of Thun and Brienz are the perfect destination for weekends. It’s surrounded by huge mountains which enhances its beauty. The places have some magnificent castles and boutiques to visit. Moreover, there are some great restaurants here to try some of the best regional dishes. It’s recommended that you watch Thun castle in the Old town which will set the mood. There’s a steam train at Rothorn Bahn which takes you 2300 m high where you can enjoy your time walking or spending it alone. It is just 20 min long from Interlaken by train so it’s a must-visit place and one of the best day tours from Interlaken Switzerland.
11. Lucerne
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A blend of history, culture, glistening mountain peaks, and Switzerland’s most breathtaking lake, are what define this relatively small town in an hour’s drive away from Interlaken. Don’t let the size fool you! There’s enough in this city in terms of attractions and activities to keep you occupied for days, making it one of the best day trips from Interlaken you’ll ever take! And if you’re more of a nature lover than a history geek, you can take out your hiking boots and head to its majestic hills and forests spreading in all directions. Among its star attractions are the walled Museggmauer, the Chapel Bridge, the old Watchtower near the gushing river, and, of course, the Lake Lucerne with jaw-dropping beauty.
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12. Gruyères
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The age-old houses, the perfectly aligned streets, the church, and the ancient castle that draw people to Gruyères will surely make you feel like you’ve just entered the medieval era! A favorite spot of photographers and movie-makers in Europe owing to its old-world charm and rustic village houses, this tiny hamlet lies a mere two hours drive from Interlaken. Other than being the cheese capital of Switzerland, this alpine town of Gruyères also keeps hidden a fascinating Tibetan Museum in its picturesque streets and squares, which is why it makes for one of the most fun day trips from Interlaken Switzerland.
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Go on an extended trip to Switzerland and don’t forget to take these awesome day trips from Interlaken for an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Make sure to refer to our guide on your Interlaken vacay to plan your trip accordingly.
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