📢 Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. When you book through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Top Things to Do in Interlaken (2026)

Top Things to Do in Interlaken (2026)

The best attractions, free activities, day trips, and local picks — sorted by budget, interest, and traveler type.

Quick Answer

For most visitors, Interlaken offers a mix of must-see landmarks, free walking experiences, and easy day trips within an hour of the city. Pricing for paid tours and skip-the-line passes typically runs $25 to $85 based on our partner listings. Combining one or two paid tours with free attractions tends to deliver the best balance of cost and coverage.

Top Attractions in Interlaken

Jungfraujoch Summit Train & Glacier Walk — Interlaken
#1 Must-see

Jungfraujoch Summit Train & Glacier Walk

Ride the cogwheel railway from Interlaken Ost through Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch at 3454m, with time on the Aletsch Glacier and views of the Eiger…

Interlaken & Unterseen Food and Culture Walk — Interlaken
#2 Must-see

Interlaken & Unterseen Food and Culture Walk

Explore the historic Unterseen quarter and Höheweg promenade while sampling local rösti, Swiss cheese varieties, and regional chocolate from Bernese Oberland producers.

Lauterbrunnen Valley Paragliding Experience — Interlaken
#3 Must-see

Lauterbrunnen Valley Paragliding Experience

Tandem paragliding flight launched from above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with views over the 72 waterfalls and a landing on the valley floor near the village center.

Free Things to Do in Interlaken

You can experience a lot of Interlaken without spending money. These free activities punch well above their weight.

🚶
Self-guided walking tours
Free downloadable PDF routes and audio walks cover most major neighborhoods.
🏛️
Free museum days
Many Interlaken museums offer free admission on the first Sunday or a specific weekday.
🌳
Public parks & gardens
World-class parks and green spaces are always free to enter and great for people-watching.
🏞️
Scenic viewpoints
Hill-top overlooks and free observation decks deliver postcard views without the queue.
Historic churches
Most cathedrals and historic religious sites are free to enter; donations welcome.
🎨
Street art & markets
Wander artist districts and weekend markets for free local culture and food samples.

Day Trips from Interlaken

If you have an extra day, several worthwhile destinations are within 1 to 2 hours of Interlaken. Most can be done as a guided tour or self-driven from a rental car.

Nearby Historic Town
Travel time: ~1 hour
Typical: $45 – $95 group tour
Wine Region or Vineyard
Travel time: ~1.5 hours
Typical: $85 – $150 with tasting
Coastal Day Trip
Travel time: ~2 hours
Typical: $95 – $175 with transport
Natural Wonder / Park
Travel time: ~1.5 hours
Typical: $65 – $135 group tour

Best Things to Do by Traveler Type

👨‍👩‍👧
Families with Kids
Parks, hands-on museums, ferry rides, and free outdoor spaces work better than packed historical tours.
💑
Couples & Romance
Sunset rooftop bars, river cruises, intimate food tours, and boutique hotel stays.
🎒
Solo Travelers
Free walking tours and group activities are the fastest way to meet people. Cafe culture rewards lingering.
💰
Budget Travelers
Combine free museum days, public transit passes, and street food markets to keep daily spend under $50.

Map View — Attractions in Interlaken

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 3 must-see things in Interlaken?

Every first-time visitor should prioritize the city's flagship landmark, one major museum or cultural site, and a leisurely walk through the most historic or scenic neighborhood. These three together give you the best read of the city and usually fit comfortably into two days.

How many days do I need to see Interlaken?

Most travelers cover the highlights of Interlaken in 3 to 4 days. Five days lets you add a day trip and one slower neighborhood day. Stay 6+ days if you're traveling with kids, prefer a slower pace, or want to take a multi-day day trip.

What are the best free things to do in Interlaken?

Self-guided walking tours, public parks, historic churches, scenic viewpoints, weekend markets, and free museum days (often the first Sunday of the month) all cost nothing and deliver excellent value. Combine 2 or 3 free activities per day to keep your budget tight.

Is Interlaken good for kids?

Yes — most major cities have at least 3 to 5 kid-friendly attractions including hands-on science or interactive museums, large parks, ferry or boat rides, and family-focused food halls. Plan shorter outings with breaks; kids tire quickly on long walking days.

What are the best day trips from Interlaken?

Most worthwhile day trips from Interlaken are within 1 to 2 hours by train, bus, or car. Options usually include a nearby historic town, a wine region or vineyard, a coastal escape, or a notable natural area. Book a group tour for stress-free transport.

Looking for the full guide?
Full Interlaken Travel Guide
View Full Guide →

More Interlaken Resources

📬
Get hotel deals 30%+ below market Free deal alerts for the destinations you care about. No spam.