Budget · 5 Days
€600
Mid-range · 5 Days
€1,325
Best months
June to September
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€175
With 5 days in Interlaken, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. Beyond the adrenaline, Interlaken is a masterclass in Swiss efficiency and charm. The Höheweg promenade, lined with grand hotels and flower gardens, offers a genteel contrast to the rugged mountains.
Perfect for adventure seekers
Perfect for honeymooners
Perfect for train enthusiasts
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Interlaken adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
1
Jungfraujoch Railway
Experience Jungfraujoch Railway, one of Interlaken's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Switzerland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Paragliding
Experience Paragliding, one of Interlaken's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Switzerland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Interlaken like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in Switzerland.
1
Harder Kulm Viewpoint
Experience Harder Kulm Viewpoint, one of Interlaken's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Switzerland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Lake Thun & Brienz
Experience Lake Thun & Brienz, one of Interlaken's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Switzerland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Interlaken. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
1
Schilthorn (James Bond)
Experience Schilthorn (James Bond), one of Interlaken's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Switzerland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Adventure Sports
Experience Adventure Sports, one of Interlaken's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Switzerland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Day Trip to Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren
Leave Interlaken behind for a day and head to Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren (30 min by train to Lauterbrunnen, then 15 min cable car/funicular to Mürren).
1
Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren
Journey into the heart of the Alps to the iconic Lauterbrunnen Valley, a deep U-shaped valley with 72 waterfalls, including the 300m Staubbach Falls. Then, take a cable car to the car-free cliffside village of Mürren for breathtaking, up-close views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls (inside the mountain), Car-free village of Mürren, North Face Trail hike.
Day 5: Matten & Interlaken Ost & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in Matten & Interlaken Ost and seek out a few places most visitors to Interlaken never find.
1
Matten & Interlaken Ost
A more residential and transport-focused area centered around the Interlaken Ost (East) railway station. This is the primary hub for trains to the Jungfrau Region and boats on Lake Brienz. The vibe is practical, less crowded, and offers easy access to nature.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: Interlaken Ost Railway Station, Boat Dock for Lake Brienz, Rugenpark.
2
Oberhofen Castle Gardens
The stunning lakeside gardens of the fairy-tale Oberhofen Castle on Lake Thun, featuring exotic trees, vibrant flower beds, and direct lake access.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: While the castle is known, the gardens are often overlooked. They provide a tranquil, beautifully manicured escape with one of the best photo spots on the lake.
3
Balmers Herberge Tent Village
Not just a hostel, but a unique summer-only tent village and igloo bar in the garden of the famous Balmers Hostel.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It offers a fun, communal, and affordable accommodation experience with a great social atmosphere that's unique to Interlaken, popular with younger travelers.
Top tours and experiences in Interlaken
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
All things to do in Interlaken →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Why Visit Interlaken
Year-Round Scenic Beauty: Summer offers hiking through wildflower meadows at Männlichen and boating on emerald lakes. Autumn transforms the landscape with golden larch trees. Winter brings magical Christmas markets and access to ski resorts, while spring sees blooming gardens and rushing waterfalls.
Charming Swiss Town Atmosphere: Stroll the Höheweg, visit the 14th-century Unterseen old town across the Aare River, and enjoy traditional music and yodeling at local festivals. The town perfectly blends its Victorian-era tourist heritage with authentic local culture.
Unrivaled Alpine Access: Ride the historic Jungfrau Railway to the 'Top of Europe' at Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station, for year-round snow and panoramic views. Take the cable car to Schilthorn for the 360° Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, famed from the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'.
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How much do 5 days in Interlaken cost?
Plan on roughly €600 on a budget, €1,325 mid-range or €2,325 for a comfortable trip, per person and excluding travel to Interlaken.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €80 | €175 | €290 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €28 | €60 | €110 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €12 | €30 | €65 |
| Total per day | €120 | €265 | €465 |
| Total for 5 days | €600 | €1,325 | €2,325 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Interlaken
Hotels close to the centre of Interlaken, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Budget
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Interlaken is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Interlaken is June to September, December to March (skiing). Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is Swiss Franc (CHF). Carry some cash for small vendors and markets.
- 4A few words in German go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 65 days gives you time to see the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
Must-Try Food in Interlaken
Cheese Fondue
Rösti (shredded potato pancake)
Älplermagronen (Alpine macaroni)
Berner Platte (Bernese meat platter)
💡 For the best Jungfraujoch experience, take the very first train in the morning (around 7-8 AM from Interlaken Ost) to beat the crowds and have the clearest skies.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Interlaken
Central Interlaken (Höheweg)
The bustling tourist heart, centered on the grand Höheweg promenade.
Unterseen
Located across the Aare River from Central Interlaken, this is the original medieval town.
Bönigen (Lake Brienz Shore)
A peaceful, postcard-perfect village on the southern shore of Lake Brienz, just a short bus or bike ride from Interlaken.
Day Trip Ideas
With 5 days in Interlaken, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Grindelwald & Grindelwald First
35 min by train to Grindelwald
Visit the famous Alpine resort village of Grindelwald, nestled directly under the north face of the Eiger.
Thun
30 min by train or 1.5 hours by boat
Explore the historic city of Thun at the western end of Lake Thun.
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