6 best day trips from Interlaken

Day trips compared

The day trips

55 km · About 50 minutes by train

1.Bern

Switzerland's capital has a UNESCO-listed old town of arcaded streets, the Zytglogge clock tower, the Federal Palace and the Bear Park on the bank of the Aare.

Getting there

SBB or BLS train from Interlaken West or Ost

Best for

Culture, First-timers

70 km · About 1 hour 50 minutes by train

2.Lucerne

The panoramic train passes Lake Brienz, Lake Lungern and Lake Sarnen on the way to Lucerne, with its covered wooden bridges, old town and lake steamers.

Getting there

Luzern–Interlaken Express over the Brünig Pass

Best for

First-timers, Couples

25 km · About 25 minutes by train or 2 hours by boat

3.Thun

A lakeside town with a white-towered castle above the old town and a high pavement along the Obere Hauptgasse. Go one way by boat to see Oberhofen and Spiez from the water.

Getting there

Train from Interlaken West, or BLS boat across Lake Thun

Best for

Culture, Couples, Families

45 km · About 1 hour by train, plus gondola

4.Kandersteg and Oeschinensee

A gondola and an easy downhill walk lead from Kandersteg to Oeschinensee, a turquoise lake ringed by cliffs and waterfalls. Rowing boats can be hired in summer.

Getting there

Train via Spiez to Kandersteg, then the Oeschinensee gondola

Best for

Couples, Families, Quiet stays

30 km · About 30 minutes by train

5.Meiringen and the Aare Gorge

Walkways run for about 1.4 km through the narrow Aare Gorge outside Meiringen. Nearby, a funicular climbs to the Reichenbach Falls, the setting for Sherlock Holmes's struggle with Moriarty.

Getting there

Train from Interlaken Ost to Meiringen

Best for

Families, Quiet stays

18 km · About 20 minutes by train or 1 hour by boat

6.Spiez

A small town on a bay of Lake Thun with a castle, a Romanesque church and vineyards climbing above the harbour. A lakeside path leads along the vineyards for views of the Niesen pyramid.

Getting there

Train or BLS boat across Lake Thun

Best for

Couples, Quiet stays

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Check that you are in the correct part of the train, as it divides on the way.
• Overnight guests usually receive a guest card with free local bus travel in the Interlaken area.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask