Best Things to Do in Interlaken: The Ultimate Two-Day Itinerary
When planning a trip to Switzerland, finding the right home base in the Swiss Alps is key. Nestled perfectly between the emerald waters of Lake Thun and the brilliant turquoise of Lake Brienz, Interlaken is the ultimate gateway to adventure.
Many travellers make the mistake of treating this historic hub as a quick transit stop on their way to the mountains, but there are so many incredible, unforgettable things to do in Interlaken itself. On a recent tour with Switzerland Tourism, I mapped out the perfect 48-hour itinerary that balances high-alpine peaks, historic medieval towns, and unique culinary experiences you cannot find anywhere else on earth.
Here is exactly how to maximise two days in the heart of the stunning Bernese Oberland.
Where to Stay in Interlaken: Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel
Photo by Hady Armeen.
To make the most of your itinerary, you need a hotel that balances central logistics with genuine relaxation. I stayed at the Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel, located just a five-minute walk from the Interlaken Ost train station.
This boutique four-star property is a haven for travellers seeking a peaceful retreat. Because it is strictly an adults-only hotel, the ambience is incredibly calm and sophisticated. The interior design leans heavily into its boutique vintage character, combining antique Swiss furniture with modern alpine-chic comforts.
One of the standout features of the property is its wellness area, complete with an outdoor natural swimming pond that is perfectly refreshing after a long day of alpine exploration. It serves as the ultimate, peaceful basecamp for navigating the region.
Day 1: High-Alpine Views at the Top of Europe
The Legendary Jungfraujoch Day Trip
No list of things to do in Interlaken is complete without checking off a journey to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. To get there, you will experience a masterclass in Swiss transit engineering, starting with a short train ride from Interlaken Ost to the modern Grindelwald Terminal.
From the terminal, you will board the state-of-the-art Eiger Express cable car. This massive heavy-duty tricable gondola glides you effortlessly over alpine forests and traditional wooden chalets, soaring directly past the towering, sheer rock face of the infamous Eiger North Wall in just 15 minutes.
The cable car drops you off at the Eigergletscher station, where you will transition to the historic mountain cogwheel train for the final, thrilling leg of the journey. This train climbs deep inside a tunnel blasted right through the solid rock of the Eiger and Mönch mountains, eventually emerging at the highest railway station in Europe, sitting at a breathtaking 3,454 metres above sea level.
Once you step out at the summit, the air is crisp, thin, and freezing cold — even in the peak of summer. Head straight to the Sphinx Observation Deck, an indoor-outdoor viewing platform that offers an unobstructed, dizzying view of the pristine snow peaks and the magnificent Aletsch Glacier (the longest ice stream in the Alps).
Photo by Hady Armeen.
After soaking in the panoramic views, you can walk through the magical Ice Palace. This is a massive network of tunnels carved directly into the belly of the moving glacier, where you can walk on smooth ice floors and admire intricate ice sculptures of eagles, bears, and old Swiss mountaineers, meticulously maintained by local artists.
A Glacier-View Lunch at Restaurant Crystal
After exploring the freezing ice tunnels, head back inside to escape the alpine wind and warm up at Restaurant Crystal. This top-tier, à la carte alpine restaurant allows you to feast on hearty Swiss culinary classics while gazing through massive, floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the surrounding high-altitude snow fields.
The menu seamlessly blends traditional Swiss cuisine with international flair. Ordering a rich, bubbling cheese fondue or a perfectly crisped Swiss Rösti paired with a decadent, cream-piled hot chocolate while watching clouds drift across a massive alpine glacier is an absolute bucket-list dining experience.
Day 2: E-Bikes, Medieval Castles, and Raclette Rafting
Morning: Explore Interlaken by E-Bike
The best way to kick off your second day is on two wheels, allowing you to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Head over to the Outdoor Shop (located right on the bustling main street at Höheweg 95) to rent a high-quality electric bike. E-bikes are one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to tick off local sightseeing spots because the electric motor makes gliding up the valley’s rolling hills entirely effortless.
Our morning tour took us down the broad Höheweg promenade, riding past the vast, green Höhematte Park. This historic park is a protected open space right in the centre of town, offering a perfectly framed view of the snow-capped Jungfrau mountain. It also serves as the official landing zone for paragliders, and you can pause your bike ride to watch dozens of colourful paragliders silently descend from the mountains and touch down right on the grass in front of you.
Photo by Hady Armeen.
From there, we weaved through the quieter, historic streets of Unterseen (Interlaken’s old town) and pedalled right along the crystal-clear, brilliant blue banks of the Aare River, discovering hidden local swimming spots and historic wooden locks. The path took us deep into the peaceful countryside, where I even spotted a few classic Swiss cows grazing casually by the water. Hearing the gentle chime of their cowbells against the mountain backdrop was an incredibly authentic moment and the perfect highlight to a morning ride.
Midday: Scenic Lake Thun Cruise from Interlaken West
Next, drop off your bikes and walk over to the ferry pier at Interlaken West to board a scenic lunch cruise across the glassy, deep blue waters of Lake Thun. Drifting away from the shoreline while sitting down to a fresh, multi-course meal prepared right on board is incredibly relaxing.
As the ship glides across the lake, the scenery shifts beautifully. You will pass sheer rock walls, tiny lakeside villages, and historic Swiss castles jutting out into the water. The contrast between the dark green alpine pines and the deep blue of the glacial water creates a spectacular backdrop for photography.
Afternoon: Stroll Through Historic Thun and Schloss Thun
Photo by Hady Armeen.
The ferry cruise acts as your scenic transport, dropping you off directly at the historic town of Thun at the far opposite end of the lake. Thun is a hidden gem that feels like a living fairytale. Spend a couple of hours walking through the Old Town, which features unique, historic double-decker sidewalks where the roofs of the lower shops serve as walkways for the upper-level stores.
After exploring the cobblestone squares and independent boutiques, make the steep but rewarding hike up the stone steps to visit Schloss Thun (Thun Castle). Built in the late 12th century by the Dukes of Zähringen, this spectacular medieval fortress towers high above the region. Entering the castle feels like stepping back in time. You can explore the massive Knights’ Hall and climb into the corner towers, which offer a stunning, uninterrupted panoramic view of the red-tiled rooftops of the town, the rushing river below, and the distant Bernese Alps.
Evening: The Ultimate Winter Finale – Raclette Rafting
Photo by Hady Armeen.
To close out an epic trip, head back into Interlaken via a quick train ride for an entirely unique evening adventure: Raclette Rafting on the river.
This is easily one of the most memorable dining experiences you can have in Switzerland. You will meet your professional river guide at the Bönigen Quay, layer up in winter gear, wrap yourself in thick wool blankets, and board a massive, highly stable river raft.
As the sun sets and the evening city lights begin to glow along the riverbanks, your guide handles all the steering and navigation down the calm canal toward central Interlaken. Meanwhile, a custom table in the middle of the raft is lit up with small burners. You get to melt premium, bubbling Swiss raclette cheese and scrape it over hot potatoes, gherkins, and pickled onions right there on the moving water. Accompanied by local white wine, hot tea, and the quiet splash of the paddles, it is the ultimate, cosy Swiss conclusion to an unforgettable 48 hours.
Practical Tips for Your Interlaken Itinerary
Choose the Right Station: Interlaken has two main train stations. Use Interlaken Ost (East) for mountain connection trains heading to Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald. Use Interlaken West to easily access the Lake Thun ferry pier and the old town centre.
The 1st Class Swiss Travel Pass Benefit: If you want to experience the country in true comfort, upgrading to a 1st Class Swiss Travel Pass is worth every penny. For this specific itinerary, a 1st Class pass unlocks two game-changing perks:
- The Upper Deck Boat Advantage: On the Lake Thun cruise, 2nd-class passengers are restricted to the lower deck, which can get incredibly packed during peak seasons. A 1st Class pass grants you exclusive access to the spacious upper deck, offering the absolute best uncrowded panoramic views, comfortable lounge seating, and a much quieter, open-air environment.
- Luggage Room & Quiet Zones: Travelling on the main trains from major Swiss airports to Interlaken with heavy bags can be stressful in crowded 2nd-class cars. 1st class carriages feature a spacious 2-by-1 seat configuration (instead of 4 seats across), meaning massive legroom, dedicated luggage racks right next to you, whisper-quiet “quiet zones,” and power outlets at every single seat.
Grab Your Free Guest Card: Don’t forget to ask your accommodation for the official Interlaken Guest Card upon check-in. It grants you completely free travel on all local public town buses, making it easy to hop between your hotel and the stations.
The Verdict: Whether you want to touch a massive glacier at 3,400 metres or float down a quiet river twilight canal eating melted cheese, the staggering variety of things to do in Interlaken makes it an unbeatable Swiss destination.
Click here for more information on travelling in Switzerland.
Gaya Travel team members extend their heartfelt gratitude to Switzerland Tourism for making the writer’s journey to Switzerland memorable and smooth-sailing.
About The Author
I write travel articles, destination features, and social media content that spotlight amazing places across Malaysia and beyond. Whether it’s exploring new cultures, meeting locals, or capturing that perfect travel moment, I’m all about storytelling that inspires people to get out and explore.
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