20 Things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland

What better way to spend a day than in Interlaken, Switzerland? 

This beautiful town is full of activities and surprises. Interlaken was the first solo trip I ever took and definitely sparked my love for adventure and all things Swiss. It is truly one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland, especially for solo travelers like me.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for some leisurely time away from the city to try some delicious food and drinks while enjoying stunning views, Interlaken has something for everyone!

What to do in Interlaken for one day?

I would highly recommend spending more than just 24 hours in Interlaken, because there really is a lot to see and do in the city and its surroundings that just one day won’t cover.

But, if you’re only here for one day, here’s an idea of 20 things to do for a day in Interlaken, Switzerland:

1. Go to the local bakery for a coffee and croissant

Switzerland is filled with delicious bakeries, it doesn’t take long to stumble upon one during your walk around the city.

For a quick morning bite, or an early breakfast before you head out for the day, hot coffee and buttery croissants are hard to beat. For a more traditional Swiss experience, head to the local farmers’ market and try some cheese, meats, breads and olives.

2. Take a scenic bike tour around the city

The scenic views of Interlaken are best seen on two wheels, and the best way to do that is on a bike. Hop on one at your hotel or head to the train station where you can easily rent bikes for the day. 

Or if you’re not feeling up to riding, join other tourists on one of the free walking tours around Interlaken! 

A walking tour around the city is a great way to experience and learn about the beauty and history of Interlaken and its surroundings, try Swiss traditional food and get to know Swiss culture from young and enthusiastic local guides.

There are walking tours available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from May – September, starting at 5:40pm from Balmers Hostel, 5:50pm from the Backpackers Villa and 6:00pm from Outdoor Interlaken Höheweg Shop.

⚡ Related read: The Ultimate 5-Day Switzerland Itinerary

3. Exploring the town shops, restaurants, and museums

Switzerland is known for its chocolate and cheese, but there’s so much more to do than just gorge yourself on those delicious delights. Spend your morning exploring the town center and taking in some shopping and the best restaurants Interlaken has to offer. 

If you need a break from all of that biking or walking, head over to the First Real museum, a modern art museum showcasing the works of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

4. Eat a traditional Swiss lunch at Restaurant Schuh

Like their French neighbors to the south, the Swiss know their food. No trip to Interlaken is complete without sampling some of the best cuisines in Switzerland at Restaurant Schuh.

The restaurant itself is a culinary experience, with dishes made from local ingredients. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor seating area overlooking Lake Thun. 

Make sure you order the house special Rösti, a Swiss dish of shredded potatoes, onions, and cheese pan-fried until crispy and topped off with an egg.

5. Sample all the Swiss chocolate

Swiss chocolate is a beautiful thing. You can find many different types of chocolate shops in this town, so be sure to pick up some treats as well!

For those looking for something sweet and decadent, try the “Kleine Flöckli” which are small chocolate truffles. I also particularly enjoyed the Toblerone and Lindt creations.

Be sure to pick up a couple bars of chocolate during your stay!

6. Make a stop at Gelateria Azzurra

No trip to Interlaken is complete without a stop at Gelateria Azzurra, the best place to cool down after spending time in the sun.

This ice cream shop is located just outside of Interlaken’s Old Town area and has many flavors to choose from. If you have never tried “Erdbeere” or strawberry before, I highly recommend!

7. See Interlaken from the top

You may be wondering why Interlaken was one of my favorite places I’ve visited this year. The reason is simple: the views are absolutely stunning! 

One of the best vantage points to take in these views (and maybe grab a snack or drink) is to take the gondola up to Jungfraujoch, a top-of-the-line visitor attraction that offers panoramic views of Interlaken and surrounding areas.

8. Enjoy an afternoon drink on the lakefront

Another one of Interlaken’s many attractions is Lake Thun (Thunersee), which offers visitors the chance to enjoy a boat ride or take in the views on foot. 

Make sure you stop by at least one of the local bars for an afternoon drink, but be careful not to fall into the water!

9. Eat dinner at Hotel Bellevue

The best place to eat dinner is at Restaurant Schuh, so why not continue the experience and stay for the night?

Hotel Bellevue is located right across from Restaurant Schuh and offers visitors a five-star stay in the heart of the Swiss Valley. It’s one of the best hotels in Interlaken for its prime location, delicious on-site restaurant, and exceptional customer service.

And the views of Lake Thun from here are stunning, so why not spend your evening admiring the view with a delicious dinner or an ice cream cone in hand?

10. Visit Jung Frau mountain

This iconic Swiss Mountain looks like something right out of an old fairytale book! The Jungfraujoch, which is located just outside of Interlaken and can be reached by a gondola ride to the top.

One thing I noticed while looking at the mountains near Interlaken is that their peaks are amazing, but their valleys are even more beautiful! 

Ticket costs for riding up to the top of the mountain are a little pricey (~$120), but you may be able to find better deals if you book in advance.

If you have time on your trip to explore Jung Frau mountain, I definitely recommend taking that into consideration!

11. Enjoy a drink at the Jungfrau Bar

Once you’ve visited the Jungfraujoch and admired its breathtaking views, you’ll want to take in some world-famous Swiss wine! There are several bars located around Interlaken that offer scenic views of Lake Thun or other parts of town. 

I recommend checking out the Jungfraujoch Bar for a unique cultural experience.  This bar is decorated in old mining equipment and offers views of the entire valley below! 

If you don’t want to pay for the wine, stop by the outdoor seating area and enjoy a free glass or two with your meal!

12. Hike up to Schynige Platte

Make sure you have an entire day to explore the area around Interlaken, or else this trip will not be worth it.

If you are interested in hiking up to Schynige Platte, make sure you begin your trip early so that you have time for travel. The area can get extremely crowded on weekends! 

This trail is perfect for those who love to hike, as it is one of the most challenging trails in the area. This is mainly because you gain over 1,000 meters of elevation during your journey up to Schynige Platte!

Another great hiking trip can be taken from Interlaken is in Grindelwald, one of the most popular towns located in the gorgeous Swiss Alps. This hike along Grindelwald Lake offers breathtaking views that you will never want to forget, so be sure to take it all in!

13. Attend a festival

This town is also home to a number of festivals and events, including Jazz Festival, Street Parade (a Swiss techno festival), and The World Championship for Pétanque (played with metal balls). 

Festivals in Interlaken are always fun to attend, so be sure to check the events calendar before you go!

14. Take a trip to Schilthorn mountain

This iconic mountain was the setting for James Bond’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” film. The most famous attraction on this mountain is the revolving restaurant, Restaurant Piz Gloria which rotates 360 degrees for visitors. 

Be sure to take the cable car up, and hike down for a great view of Lake Thun!

15. Paraglide through the Swiss Alps

I went paragliding during my trip to Interlaken and it was one of the most amazing experiences in my life to date.

It’s a great way to see the famous Alps up close, and is also a very addicting sport that you will want to keep coming back to!

There are many companies that offer paragliding tours in Interlaken and its surrounding areas, so it is recommended you do your research before making your selection.

I went with Paragliding Interlaken and I can’t say enough wonderful things about their staff and service! This company offers a variety of attractions, such as paragliding or hot air ballooning!

16. Hike the Interlaken trail

This area is known for its beautiful trails and hiking opportunities, which is why I had to throw it in one more time!

If you are looking for a cultural experience when visiting Interlaken, this trail offers that and much more. The trail stretches for miles and can even take you to the nearby town of Lauterbrunnen, which is another town worth visiting here.

17. Ice Skate at Interlaken ice rink

What is winter without ice skating?! There are several locations where you can rent skates and explore the frozen lake below!

ICE MAGIC Interlaken is a great option for this: This enormous ice rink comprises a whopping five skate rinks of various sizes, including a large skating arena, a children’s ice rink and a curling rink, all connected by 450m of ice runways. 

You can also check out their Iglu Restaurant, where you can enjoy Swiss specialties including cheese fondue!

⚡ Related read: Grindelwald vs. Interlaken: Which to choose?

18. Visit Aare River bridge at night

This bridge is one of the most important (and most beautiful) bridges in Switzerland. Make sure to visit Interlaken at night, because the bridge is beautifully illuminated by lights! 

There are also restaurants nearby that you can sit down and enjoy a meal or drinks after your day of exploring.

19. Float down Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

For those looking for something more relaxing, take a leisurely boat trip across Lake Thun or Lake Brienz where you will have up-close access to see some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes. 

Get off halfway and enjoy a scenic lunch at one of the lakeside cafes in Interlaken!

20. See Switzerland by train

Interlaken is just a starting point for a more in-depth exploration of Switzerland. If you have a day or two free, I highly recommend checking out nearby cities such as Bern and Lucerne! 

Bern is known for its cuckoo clocks and incredible views of the Alps from atop Mount Gurten. It’s easily accessible in 45 minutes by car, or one hour by bus or train.

Lucerne offers incredible views of Lake Lucerne, and stunning architecture at its main train station. Located 68km from Interlaken, Lucerne can be reached in one hour by car, or two hours by bus. 

Add Interlaken to your travel bucket list

There are many ways to explore the city and enjoy all that Switzerland has to offer – from a relaxing hike through gorgeous scenery, tasting a local meal at a cozy restaurant, or even visiting one of the countless natural landmarks within reach of this picturesque town.

With so many things to do, it can be hard to decide what to spend your day doing when you visit this small mountain village. It is extremely easy to get around town because it is so small, but it can be difficult to leave because of how amazing the views are!

So, how will you spend your day in Interlaken?

Thanks for reading!

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