Jungfraujoch & the Bernese Oberland Day Trips from Interlaken

Interlaken sits on a narrow strip of flat land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau filling the southern skyline. It is one of the most convenient bases in Switzerland for reaching high-alpine scenery: the Jungfraujoch railway, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Grindelwald and two lakes are all within roughly an hour. This guide covers how to plan the journey to Jungfraujoch, which other Bernese Oberland day trips are worth your time, and how to organise meals, transport and weather contingencies in and around Interlaken.

Interlaken’s Character: A Base Between Two Lakes

Interlaken is not a place people come to see for its own sake, and it knows it. The town grew up in the 19th century as a resort for Victorian travellers who came for the views and the air, and that function has never really changed. Grand hotels line the Höheweg, a long green promenade that points directly at the Jungfrau. Today the town is also the adventure-sport capital of the Alps, so on any decent morning you will see paragliders drifting down onto the Höhematte meadow and canyoning minibuses leaving for the gorges.

The atmosphere is relaxed and practical. Interlaken has real supermarkets, a hospital, a working high street and enough hotels, hostels and apartments to suit most budgets, which is more than the car-free mountain villages can offer. It is also flat, so you can walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes.

The real appeal is logistics. Trains leave several times an hour for the mountains, the lakes and Bern. If the forecast looks bad for the high peaks, you can switch to a lake boat or a museum without rebooking anything. That flexibility matters more than any single sight, because the weather in the Oberland decides what you can do on a given day.

Neighbourhoods and Where to Stay

Interlaken is small, but where you sleep affects your mornings. Interlaken Ost is the area around the eastern station, where the Jungfrau Railways to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen depart and where boats leave for Lake Brienz. Staying here means a very short walk to your first train, which is useful if you plan the early departures to Jungfraujoch. The immediate surroundings are functional rather than charming, but there are several good-value hotels and hostels.

Interlaken West is closer to Lake Thun, the boat landing and the BLS trains to Bern and Spiez. The Höheweg and the town’s main shopping area sit between the two stations, and many mid-range and upscale hotels cluster along or near it. If you want the Victorian-resort feel, this is the stretch to choose.

Matten, just south, is quieter and more residential, with chalet-style guesthouses and a short walk to Interlaken Ost. Unterseen, across the Aare river, has a small old town with timbered houses and covered bridge views, and it feels more like an actual Swiss town than the promenade does.

Consider the alternatives if you want to wake up in the mountains. Wilderswil is a village five minutes by train from Interlaken and the departure point for the Schynige Platte railway. Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald put you on the mountain railway lines directly, which makes early starts easier, though prices climb and restaurants close earlier. Wengen and Mürren are car-free villages perched on terraces above the valley, and they are lovely for a night or two if you do not mind carrying luggage up by cable car or train.

Jungfraujoch: How the Journey Works

Jungfraujoch, the saddle between the Mönch and the Jungfrau, is reached by the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres. The route is a feat of engineering: the line was built between 1896 and 1912 and runs through a tunnel inside the Eiger and Mönch for the final stretch. It is a long, expensive day out, but for many visitors it remains the highlight of a Swiss trip.

From Interlaken Ost, the standard route runs by train to either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, then up to Kleine Scheidegg, the pass between the two valleys with a view of the Eiger north face. From there the Jungfrau Railway climbs through the Eigergletscher station and into the mountain. Allow about 2 hours 15 minutes each way if you travel entirely by train.

A faster alternative is the Eiger Express, a modern gondola from Grindelwald Terminal that carries you up to Eigergletscher in about 15 minutes, skipping the slow rack-railway climb. Many visitors combine both: gondola up for speed, train down via Kleine Scheidegg and Lauterbrunnen for scenery, or the reverse. Such a loop gives you two different valley views in a single day.

The full-price return ticket from Interlaken is expensive, typically in the range of $250 to $290 USD at the time of writing, though prices change by season and exchange rate. Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a discount of around 25 percent, and there are discounted early-morning tickets for the first departures. Check the Jungfrau Railways website for current fares before you budget, and book a specific departure time during busy summer months if the system allows it.

Up at 3,454 Metres: What to Do and What to Skip

The station complex is built into the rock, and the experience is a mix of indoor exhibits and outdoor viewpoints. Plan on spending two to three hours, longer if the weather is perfect and you want to walk onto the snow.

• Sphinx Observatory: A fast lift takes you to the terrace at 3,571 metres, with views over the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a clear day you can see into Germany and France.
• Aletsch Glacier Plateau: A short walk onto the snow field gives you the clearest sense of scale. In summer it is cold, usually below freezing, and the glare is intense, so sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
• Ice Palace: A tunnel carved into the glacier, with ice sculptures. It is short and slippery but enjoyable, especially for families.
• Alpine Sensation: A walkway that tells the story of the railway’s construction. It is more interesting than it sounds, and a good break from the crowds.

The Lindt chocolate shop and the souvenir stores are what they are. The restaurants are overpriced and, on busy days, crowded, so many people bring a sandwich and eat at Kleine Scheidegg on the way down, where the picnic setting is far better.

Altitude can catch people out. Move slowly, drink water, and avoid a heavy meal before ascending. Mild headaches and breathlessness are common, and anyone with heart or breathing problems should check with a doctor beforehand.

Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Waterfalls

Lauterbrunnen is a deep, glaciated valley with sheer limestone walls and, depending on whom you ask, about 72 waterfalls. It is only 20 minutes by train from Interlaken Ost and is easily the best half-day or full-day trip if you do not want to spend money on the high-altitude railways.

Start at the village itself. Staubbach Falls drops nearly 300 metres from a cliff just behind the main street, and it is visible from almost everywhere in town. Walk or take the local bus to Trümmelbach Falls, a series of glacier-fed waterfalls that thunder through the inside of the mountain. A tunnel lift and set of walkways take you through the chambers, and the noise and spray are impressive. It operates from spring to autumn only, so check the dates if you travel off-season.

The valley floor is flat and ideal for gentle walking or cycling. A well-marked trail runs between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg at the head of the valley, past meadows and farms, and takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours one way. Stechelberg is also where the cable car to the Schilthorn begins. If you want something quieter, the walking trail up to Wengen on the opposite side is steep but rewarding.

Mürren and the Schilthorn

Mürren is a car-free village on a high ledge above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, reached by cable car from Stechelberg or Lauterbrunnen via Grütschalp. It faces the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau across the valley, which gives it some of the best views in the region. The village is small and quiet, and you can walk its entire length in about 15 minutes.

The Schilthorn is the major attraction here. At 2,970 metres, its summit is reached by cable car and houses the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, made famous by the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The 360-degree view takes in the Bernese Alps and, on a clear day, the Black Forest and the Vosges. There is a small Bond exhibition and a thrill walk, a glass-floored platform over the cliff.

The Schilthorn is cheaper than Jungfraujoch and quicker to reach, so it makes a good alternative if your budget or schedule is tight, or if you want a high-altitude view with less commitment. The weather matters, though: cloud sits on the summit often, so check the webcam before leaving. In summer the walk from Mürren to Gimmelwald and down to Stechelberg is a gentle and photogenic way to descend.

Grindelwald First and Bachalpsee

Grindelwald is a larger village than Lauterbrunnen, with a lively main street and a wall of rock, the Eiger north face, looming at the end of it. It is also the start for the First gondola, which climbs to 2,168 metres and opens up one of the most popular hiking areas in the Oberland.

At the top, the First Cliff Walk is a suspended steel walkway attached to the rock face, and the First Flyer is a zip-line that runs back down toward the mid-station. These are quick thrills that suit families and anyone seeking a little adrenaline without a full day of effort.

For a proper walk, follow the well-signed path to Bachalpsee, a small mountain lake about 50 to 60 minutes from the top station. The path is wide and mostly gentle, and on a calm day the lake reflects the Schreckhorn and Finsteraarhorn. It is among the most photographed spots in the region, so go early to avoid crowds. In winter, the same area turns into a snowshoe and sledding destination, though the cliff walk and some paths close.

Old Railways and Easy Viewpoints: Schynige Platte and Harder Kulm

If you want mountain views without the cost or crowds of the big peaks, two options start practically at Interlaken’s doorstep.

Harder Kulm, known locally as the “Top of Interlaken,” is reached by a short funicular from the edge of town. At 1,322 metres, it looks directly down on both lakes and the town sandwiched between them, with the three great peaks across the valley. A short walk leads to the Two Lakes Bridge, a viewing platform that juts out over the drop. It is a good half-day outing and works well in the late afternoon, or as a sunset stop. Note that the funicular is seasonal, so check the opening dates.

Schynige Platte is a different experience. Reached by a vintage cogwheel train from Wilderswil that dates to 1893, it climbs slowly through forest and meadows to a high plateau at about 1,967 metres. Up top there is an alpine garden with thousands of plant species and several hiking trails. The classic walk runs along the ridge to First, a long day of about six hours, but there are shorter loops for those who prefer to stay near the station. The train runs only in summer, roughly from late spring to autumn, and the timber carriages are part of the appeal.

Lake Brienz and Lake Thun

The lakes offer a gentler day trip, particularly when clouds sit on the peaks. The two lakes have different characters. Lake Brienz is a deep turquoise colour, more rugged and less developed, while Lake Thun is wider, more built up, and dotted with castles.

On Lake Brienz, take the boat from Interlaken Ost to the Giessbach Falls, a cascade in several stages that tumbles down through forest to the lake. A historic funicular, among the oldest in Europe, climbs from the landing stage to the grand hotel at the top. Continue to Brienz, a village known for its woodcarving tradition, then optionally to Ballenberg, an open-air museum of traditional Swiss rural buildings from across the country. It is large, so allow several hours. Brienz is also the departure point for the steam train up the Brienzer Rothorn, a long and scenic ride that runs in summer.

On Lake Thun, the town of Thun has a hilltop castle, a covered wooden bridge and a pretty old town with raised pavements. Oberhofen Castle sits right on the water and is smaller and quieter. Spiez has another castle and a vineyard-lined shore. The boats are included on the Swiss Travel Pass, and the sailing time between towns is long enough that you should plan one or two stops, not all of them.

Farther Afield: Meiringen, Oeschinensee and Bern

With a day to spare and a willingness to spend an hour or more on trains, three destinations repay the extra travel.

Meiringen, east of Brienz, is the home of the meringue, according to local legend, and it has an unlikely link to Sherlock Holmes: nearby Reichenbach Falls is where Conan Doyle sent Holmes to his apparent death. A small museum in town covers the connection. The Aare Gorge close by is a narrow limestone canyon with a walkway bolted to the cliffs, easy to visit in an hour.

Kandersteg, about 45 minutes from Interlaken by train, is the gateway to Oeschinensee, a glacial lake under steep cliffs. A gondola takes you most of the way up, followed by a 20-minute walk to the water. You can rent rowing boats, swim if you are brave, or hike to the higher viewpoints. It is a good option if you want a high-alpine lake without a long climb.

Bern, the Swiss capital, is about 50 minutes by train. Its medieval old town, a UNESCO site, has arcaded streets, fountains and the Zytglogge clock tower. The Aare river loops around the centre, and in summer locals swim in it, drifting downstream and climbing out at designated points. It makes a good rainy-day alternative to the mountains, and the contrast with Interlaken is striking.

Eating in Interlaken

Interlaken’s food scene is split between tourist-oriented restaurants along the Höheweg and more local places a few streets back. Neither is bad, but you will pay more near the promenade. As elsewhere in Switzerland, mid-range restaurant meals are expensive, so many visitors mix one sit-down dinner with picnic lunches.

The dishes to look for are classics of Bernese and alpine cooking. Rösti, shredded fried potato, often comes topped with cheese, egg or bacon. Älplermagronen is a mountain herder’s dish of pasta, potato, cheese and cream, usually served with apple sauce. Cheese fondue and raclette are available everywhere, though they are best eaten in cooler weather and after a day outdoors. In Meiringen and across the region, look for meringues with thick local double cream.

For cheaper food, the Coop and Migros supermarkets near both stations sell prepared salads, sandwiches, fresh bread and local cheeses and are the standard picnic source for most people heading into the mountains. Bakeries open early, so you can buy breakfast and lunch on the way to the first train. Local beer comes from Rugenbräu, the Interlaken brewery, and it is easy to find on draught.

Getting Around: Trains, Passes and Discounts

The Bernese Oberland has one of the densest public transport networks in the Alps, and it runs on schedule. The two Interlaken stations are the hubs: Interlaken Ost for the mountain railways and Brienz boats, Interlaken West for Thun, Bern and the Lake Thun boats. A local bus and a regular train link the two stations, or you can walk the 25 to 30 minutes along the river.

The ticket system looks complicated but follows a few simple rules:

• Swiss Travel Pass: Covers unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats across Switzerland, including most Interlaken lake boats, and gives discounts on many mountain railways and cable cars, including Jungfraujoch. It makes sense if you are travelling widely around the country.
• Half Fare Card: Gives a 50 percent discount on most public transport. It can be a good value for longer stays with many individual trips, though Jungfraujoch discounts are smaller than on ordinary lines.
• Regional passes: The Jungfrau Travel Pass and related regional tickets offer free or discounted travel on mountain lines within the region for several days. Work out which excursions you plan before buying, because the passes only pay off with several uses.
• Point-to-point tickets: Often the cheapest choice if you only plan two or three trips. Buy through the SBB app or at station machines.

Cars are unnecessary. Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren and Gimmelwald are mostly car-free or have limited parking, and the trains cover almost every area you might want to visit. Parking in Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen is expensive in the high season, so skip the rental unless you are touring beyond the Oberland.

Practical Tips: Airport Transfers, Weather and What to Avoid

From the airport: Zurich Airport is the most common arrival point, with direct trains to Bern and a change to Interlaken, taking about 2 hours 15 minutes in total. Geneva Airport takes slightly longer, about 3 hours, also via Bern. Basel is another option. Bern Airport is small and has limited services. All of these journeys are simple, and luggage can be sent ahead through the Swiss rail service if you want to travel light.

Weather and timing: Check mountain webcams before any high-altitude trip. Cloud and fog are common, and a ticket to Jungfraujoch or the Schilthorn is poor value if the summit is hidden. Many people are flexible and move their high-altitude day to the clearest forecast, keeping the lakes and valleys for cloudier days. Summer, from June to September, is the peak season for hiking and sightseeing. Winter brings skiing and snow, though several seasonal railways and cable cars close. Spring and autumn are quieter, but some higher lifts and trails close for maintenance or snow.

What to bring: Layers, a waterproof jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen, even on cloudy days at altitude. A refillable water bottle is useful because tap water is safe and excellent. Sturdy shoes make a difference on mountain paths, even on the easier ones.

What to avoid:

• Trying to fit Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald into one day. Each deserves its own time.
• Travelling to Jungfraujoch at midday in July and August, when tour groups peak. Go as early as possible, or consider a later afternoon departure when crowds thin and prices may be lower.
• Booking your Jungfraujoch trip far in advance without any flexibility for weather.
• Skipping travel insurance if you plan adventure activities such as paragliding or canyoning, which are common in Interlaken and carry their own risks.

Finally, give yourself at least three nights. That allows one day for the big summit, one for a valley or a lake and one spare for bad weather or a slower pace. Interlaken works best when you treat it as a base and let the forecast, rather than a fixed plan, decide where you go each morning.

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📷 Featured image by Paul Lackford on Unsplash.