In this guide
Interlaken is one of the easiest places in Switzerland to base yourself if hiking is a priority. You do not need a car, you do not need to move hotels every night, and you do not need to chase the highest peaks to find memorable walks. From Interlaken, trains and cable cars fan out into several valleys, each with its own character and pace.
What makes hiking here work so well is the balance.
You can start your day at lake level, be high in the mountains an hour later, and still be back in town for dinner. The hikes below are the ones that stood out most for me, not because they are extreme, but because they combine scenery, flow, and logistics in a way that simply makes sense.
This guide focuses on a small number of hikes that are easy to reach from Interlaken and genuinely worth your time.
Why Interlaken works so well for hiking
Interlaken sits right between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with direct rail access into the Jungfrau region.
That means you can reach valleys like Lauterbrunnen, mountain villages like Mürren and Wengen, and higher alpine terrain near the Eiger without changing accommodation.
Another advantage is flexibility. If the weather turns, you can switch plans easily.
If you feel like a shorter day, there are plenty of scenic walks that do not require a full alpine commitment. For longer days, you can start high and walk down, which makes the effort feel manageable even in summer heat.
Mürren to Lauterbrunnen (scenic valley descent)
If you do just one hike near Interlaken, this would be a strong candidate.
The Mürren to Lauterbrunnen hike starts high above the valley and slowly brings you down into one of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes. The views are constant, the path is varied, and the finish in Lauterbrunnen feels dramatic after several hours of descent.
I did this hike in August, in hot summer conditions, and despite the heat it never felt dull.
The route passes through open mountain scenery, quieter stretches near Winteregg, and long descending sections where the valley slowly comes closer. We stopped halfway at a picnic bench for lunch and simply took our time.
It is not technically difficult, but it is a proper hike. The length and downhill nature mean good shoes matter, especially for your knees.
👉 Read the full guide: Mürren to Lauterbrunnen hike
Eigergletscher to Grindelwald (Eiger north face route)
This hike feels very different, and that is exactly why it belongs on this list.
Starting at Eigergletscher, beneath the north face of the Eiger, you begin in a high alpine environment that immediately feels serious. The trail then descends gradually via Alpiglen, changing character as you go. What starts rugged and rocky slowly becomes greener and more pastoral as you approach Grindelwald.
The contrast is what makes this route special. You begin surrounded by rock and glaciers and end in a lively valley town. It feels like a journey rather than a loop.
The hike takes around four to five hours and is mostly downhill. It is manageable for hikers with average fitness, but the length means pacing yourself is important.
Because both Eigergletscher and Grindelwald are connected by train, this hike fits perfectly into an Interlaken-based itinerary.
👉 Read the full guide: Eigergletscher to Alpiglen to Grindelwald hike
Oeschinensee hike (classic alpine lake walk)
Although Oeschinensee sits outside the immediate Jungfrau valleys, it is still an easy day trip from Interlaken and absolutely worth including.
The hike leads to a deep blue alpine lake surrounded by steep rock walls and mountain scenery. It is one of the most photographed places in Switzerland, but when you walk beyond the immediate viewpoints, it quickly feels calmer.
What works well here is the flexibility. You can choose a shorter walk around the lake or extend your hike higher into the surrounding terrain, depending on time and energy. It is a good option if you want something scenic without committing to a long descent.
Oeschinensee is especially appealing on warm days, when the cooler mountain air and lake views offer a welcome contrast to the valley heat.
👉 Read the full guide: Oeschinensee hike
Harder Kulm Panorama Trail (short and close to town)
If you want a hike that stays close to Interlaken itself, the Harder Kulm area offers several pleasant panoramic paths.
These walks are shorter and less demanding than the others on this list, but they still deliver wide views over both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. They work well on arrival or departure days, or when the weather higher up is uncertain.
This is not the place for solitude or wild terrain, but it is a nice reminder that you do not need to go far from town to get a sense of the landscape.
Choosing the right hike for your trip
If you want a long, memorable descent with classic valley views, choose Mürren to Lauterbrunnen.
If you are drawn to high mountain scenery and changing landscapes, the Eiger route stands out.
If lakes and flexibility appeal more than long distances, Oeschinensee is the easiest choice. And if time is short, the Harder Kulm area keeps things simple.
All of these hikes work well from Interlaken and can be combined with trains and cable cars without stress.
Practical tips for hiking near Interlaken
- Start earlier in summer to avoid heat and crowds
- Bring enough water, especially on long descents
- Good shoes matter more than speed
- Check weather in the mountains, not just in Interlaken
Because public transport is so reliable, you can often adjust plans on the day rather than locking everything in advance.
Frequently asked questions
