Interlaken & Grindelwald: 3-Day Practical Itinerary

By pinkpassport_travel

Location: Interlaken, Canton of Bern, Switzerland

Explore Interlaken & Grindelwald in 3 days: lakes, mountain views, hiking, Swiss food, local stays, photo spots and planning tips for your alpine adventure.

Overview

Intro

Over three days, I'll base myself in Interlaken and Grindelwald, focusing on alpine hikes, lake visits, and savoring Swiss cuisine. **Day 1:** Grindelwald First Cliff Walk and Bachalpsee Lake hike. **Day 2:** Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" excursion and Lauterbrunnen Valley exploration. **Day 3:** Lake Brienz boat tour and visit to Giessbach Falls. This itinerary is active, with moderate to challenging hikes on Days 1 and 2, and a more relaxed Day 3. Ideal arrival is early on Day 1; departure on Day 4. In January, expect daylight from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Pack layers for variable mountain weather. Use the Swiss Travel Pass for convenient train and boat travel. Detailed routes, photo spots, and accommodation recommendations are provided in the following sections.

Alpine Scenery Preview

How to Get There

Intro

Arrive by train at Interlaken Ost or Interlaken West. The simplest route from major Swiss rail hubs is via Bern or Lucerne, where you can change for connections heading to Interlaken. This makes train travel straightforward and scenic. To travel between Interlaken and Grindelwald, use the local train line that offers a direct and frequent connection. It’s the quickest and most comfortable option compared to road travel. Cable cars from Grindelwald take you up to spots like Grindelwald-First for alpine adventures. For luggage, utilize left-luggage facilities available at Interlaken stations or, more conveniently, check if your accommodation offers luggage storage to lighten your trek and travels. When heading to mountain lifts or trailheads, look for nearby bus stops or train stations named after your destination, such as Harder Kulm or Grindelwald-First, to maximize ease of access and minimize walking with gear.

Essential Sights & Photo Spots

Intro

Day 1: Interlaken Highlights

• Harder Kulm
• Höhematte Park
• Lake Thun

Intro

Day 2: Grindelwald & Jungfrau Views

• Grindelwald-First - Top of Adventure
• Jungfraujoch
• Valley View Point

Day 3: Natural Wonders & Caves

• St. Beatus Caves
• Mürren
• Trümmelbach
• OUTDOOR - Glacier Canyon Grindelwald

Alpine Activities & Tours

Intro

Time wise, I find a mix of easy and active alpine activities fits well into three days. Six good options are: a Snowshoe Adventure in the Swiss Alps—a moderate, half-day trek; the Interlaken Valley Winter E-Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Castles, which is easy and lasts about 3 hours; a Scenic E Bike Tour Interlaken, also easy and around 3 hours; a multi-day Via Jacobi hiking route, which is strenuous and best broken into stages; a guided mountain ascent, strenuous and half-to-full day; and visiting local alpine lakes for self-guided photo walks, easy and flexible. Booking ahead is smart for peak season, especially for guided activities like snowshoe adventures or e-bike tours. Check cancellation policies, since weather can change fast up here. For a low-cost alternative, swap the paid guided snowshoe for a self-guided hike around nearby mountain trails, which can be done with basic maps or apps. Finally, I suggest blending your plans with weather conditions—reserve mountain days for clear skies and switch to valley or indoor options on rainy or snowy days.

Outdoor Adventures

• Snowshoe Adventure in the Swiss Alps
• Interlaken Valley Winter E-Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Castles
• Scenic E Bike Tour Interlaken

Intro

- Trümmelbach Falls visit, family-friendly, pack rain gear. - Indoor museums and cultural centers in Interlaken, low-impact, no special gear needed. - Snowshoe Adventure in the Swiss Alps for an adventurous winter day, requires warm clothing and sturdy boots. - Short valley hikes near Grindelwald, family-friendly and easy with suitable waterproof gear. - Café hopping for a low-impact indoor option, no gear needed. Altitude sickness can be a concern above 2,000 meters, so I always stay hydrated and ascend slowly, especially on active days to avoid headaches or dizziness. Local guides often offer winter tours, but you need to book these well in advance during snowy months and confirm weather cancellation policies. If weather forces changes, shift your 3-day itinerary to prioritize indoor or low-altitude activities early on, keeping clear-sky mountain excursions flexible for the best possible days.

Exploring On Foot & By Bike

• Via Jacobi: Interlaken - Romont 7 Days

Where to Stay

Intro

The main neighborhoods to stay around Interlaken are near Interlaken Ost for easy train access and near the town center for convenience. I recommend a few options depending on your budget and style. For budget travelers, Interlaken Youth Hostel is a solid pick; book a few weeks ahead especially in peak season to secure your spot. Mid-range comfort can be found at Hotel Krebs Interlaken, which offers a good balance of location and amenities; flexible cancellation is advisable here. If you want boutique charm, try No8 Boutique Hotel with self-check-in for a hassle-free arrival, but check cancellation policies before booking. For a cozy traditional feel, Post Hardermannli is a pleasant choice, best booked early to avoid missing out. Staying in Grindelwald instead of Interlaken gives you quicker mountain access and is great if you want to prioritize alpine hikes. For your booking, focus on these priorities: location close to transport or attractions, storage options for luggage, breakfast availability, and free Wi-Fi access.

Central Accommodations

• Hotel Bernerhof
• Interlaken Youth Hostel
• Hotel Krebs Interlaken
• Post Hardermannli

Intro

- Interlaken Youth Hostel suits solo travelers and groups but might be noisier than hotels. - Hotel Bernerhof offers solid mid-range comfort, good for families, though check if early arrival is possible. - No8 Boutique Hotel is perfect for those liking self-service check-in but may lack on-site staff assistance. - Post Hardermannli provides cozy traditional vibes but confirm luggage storage directly with them. Check with each place about luggage storage and early check-in options to ease travel days. Also, I recommend booking refundable rates if your plans might change, while non-refundable rates can save money if you are sure about dates. If you want a quick reminder, the checklist in the other section covers essential booking priorities to match your needs.

Boutique & Self-Check-In Options

• No8 Boutique Hotel - self check in