Best Day Trips from Interlaken Without a Car

Interlaken is one of the best places in Switzerland to base yourself. Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the town sits at the heart of one of the country’s most extensive public transport networks. Within an hour or two, you can reach glacier viewpoints, alpine villages, turquoise lakes, mountain railways and scenic hiking trails—all without renting a car.

If you’re wondering where to go beyond Interlaken itself, this guide covers the very best day trips by train, bus, boat and cable car. Whether you have two days or an entire week, these destinations are easy to combine with your stay while enjoying some of Switzerland’s most spectacular scenery.

Why Interlaken is the Perfect Base

Unlike many mountain villages, Interlaken connects several major rail lines with lake boats, buses and mountain railways.

From either Interlaken Ost or Interlaken West, you can comfortably reach destinations throughout the Bernese Oberland.

Advantages include:

• Excellent train connections
• No need to drive mountain roads
• Flexible Swiss Travel Pass access
• Easy access to famous hiking trails
• Plenty of restaurants and accommodation options

If you’re still deciding how long to stay, read How Many Days in Interlaken?

1. Lauterbrunnen

Travel time: 20 minutes by train

Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland’s most famous valleys. Towering limestone cliffs surround the village while dozens of waterfalls cascade into the valley below.

The highlight is undoubtedly Staubbach Falls, but the village also serves as the gateway to Mürren, Wengen and several incredible hiking trails.

Popular things to do include:

• Visit Staubbach Falls
• Walk through the village
• Take the cable car to Grütschalp
• Continue to Mürren
• Hike to Gimmelwald
• Visit Trümmelbach Falls

Many visitors combine Lauterbrunnen with Mürren in a single day.

Related guides:

• Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald in One Day
• Mürren to Gimmelwald Hike

2. Grindelwald

Travel time: 35 minutes

Grindelwald is surrounded by some of Switzerland’s most iconic mountains, including the Eiger.

Unlike Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald feels more open, with panoramic mountain views in nearly every direction.

Popular activities include:

• First Cliff Walk
• First Flyer
• Bachalpsee hike
• Eiger Trail
• Glacier Canyon
• Village centre

If you’re visiting for the first time, consider spending a full day here rather than rushing through several attractions.

Related articles:

• Lauterbrunnen vs Grindelwald
• Bachalpsee Hike Guide
• Eiger Trail Guide

3. Oeschinensee

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Oeschinensee regularly appears on lists of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes—and for good reason.

After taking the train to Kandersteg, a short walk and cable car bring you to the lake.

You can:

• Walk around the shoreline
• Rent a rowing boat
• Swim in summer
• Complete the Panorama Trail
• Enjoy one of Switzerland’s most scenic picnic spots

If you enjoy hiking, don’t miss the Panorama Trail.

Related articles:

• Oeschinensee Panorama Trail
• Oeschinensee vs Bachalpsee

4. Jungfraujoch

Travel time: around 1 hour 45 minutes

Known as the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is one of Switzerland’s most famous mountain excursions.

Although expensive, it’s an unforgettable experience if the weather is clear.

Highlights include:

• Aletsch Glacier views
• Ice Palace
• Sphinx Observatory
• Snow all year round
• Europe’s highest railway station

Book tickets well in advance during summer.

5. Brienz

Travel time: 20 minutes

Brienz sits on the eastern end of Lake Brienz and is one of the prettiest lakeside villages in Switzerland.

Known for its traditional wooden houses and peaceful atmosphere, it offers a slower pace than Interlaken.

If you’re visiting in summer, arriving by boat is highly recommended.

6. Thun

Travel time: 30 minutes

If you’d like a break from mountain villages, head west to Thun.

Its medieval old town, riverside cafés and castle create a completely different atmosphere from Interlaken.

Top attractions:

• Thun Castle
• Historic Old Town
• River Aare
• Lake Thun promenade
• Schadau Park

It’s one of the easiest day trips from Interlaken and works well even in rainy weather.

7. Harder Kulm

Travel time: 10 minutes

If you’re short on time, Harder Kulm is the easiest mountain excursion from Interlaken.

The funicular departs just outside Interlaken Ost station and reaches the summit in about ten minutes.

At the top you’ll find:

• Two Lakes Bridge viewpoint
• Restaurant
• Panoramic terrace
• Views over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
• Sunset photography opportunities

This is an excellent evening activity after another day trip.

8. Schynige Platte

Schynige Platte remains one of the region’s hidden gems.

The historic cogwheel railway climbs slowly through forests before reaching panoramic alpine meadows.

Highlights include:

• Alpine Garden
• Easy ridge walks
• Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau views
• Traditional mountain atmosphere

Compared to Jungfraujoch or First, Schynige Platte attracts fewer visitors.

9. Iseltwald

If you’ve seen photos of a small wooden pier surrounded by turquoise water, you’ve probably seen Iseltwald.

Located along Lake Brienz, the village is perfect for a relaxed half-day trip.

Things to do:

• Walk the lakeside
• Visit the famous landing stage
• Enjoy local cafés
• Continue by boat towards Giessbach Falls

Because of its small size, Iseltwald combines well with Brienz.

10. Giessbach Falls

One of the easiest additions to a Lake Brienz itinerary is Giessbach Falls.

Reachable by boat and funicular, the waterfall drops through multiple levels before reaching the lake.

Visitors can:

• Walk behind the waterfall
• Stay at the historic Grandhotel Giessbach
• Enjoy panoramic lake views
• Combine it with Brienz or Iseltwald

Sample 5-Day Interlaken Itinerary

Day	Destination
Day 1	Explore Interlaken + Harder Kulm
Day 2	Lauterbrunnen + Mürren
Day 3	Grindelwald + Bachalpsee
Day 4	Oeschinensee
Day 5	Thun or Lake Brienz villages

With more time, add Jungfraujoch or Schynige Platte.

Getting Around Without a Car

The Swiss public transport network is exceptionally reliable.

For most visitors, the easiest options are:

• Swiss Travel Pass
• Half Fare Card
• Berner Oberland Pass (for regional travel)

Always check mountain railway operating times before departure, especially outside the summer season.

Which Day Trip is Best?

Destination	Best For	Time Needed
Lauterbrunnen	Waterfalls	Half to full day
Grindelwald	Hiking	Full day
Oeschinensee	Lake scenery	Full day
Jungfraujoch	Bucket list	Full day
Thun	Historic town	Half day
Brienz	Lakeside village	Half day
Harder Kulm	Quick mountain views	2–3 hours
Schynige Platte	Scenic hiking	Full day
Iseltwald	Relaxation	Half day
Giessbach Falls	Waterfalls	2–3 hours

Final Thoughts

Interlaken is arguably the best transport hub in the Swiss Alps. Within a short train ride, you can experience glacier viewpoints, crystal-clear lakes, charming mountain villages and some of the country’s best hiking trails—all without driving.