Interlaken

Interlaken is where mountains, lakes and small alpine villages come together in a way that feels both dramatic and welcoming. Families often choose it as a base because it offers quick access to waterfalls, gorges, panoramic trains and gentle hiking paths-without long travel days. Even a simple stroll along Hoheweg, with the wide meadow of Höhematte and views of paragliders landing in front of the mountains, feels like a preview of the landscapes surrounding the town.

Why Is Interlaken Such a Convenient Base?

Interlaken lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, framed by the iconic Jungfrau-region peaks. What makes it especially comfortable for families is the simplicity of moving around: the entire town center is compact and walkable. Höhematte Meadow, the cafés along Hoheweg, the historic streets of Unterseen and the Aare River are all within easy reach. From there, you can board a funicular, a lake boat, a mountain railway or a gondola within minutes.

Based on the collected trip notes, families repeatedly choose Interlaken as a base because it allows them to:

• Reach major natural attractions in 10-40 minutes.
• Explore the town entirely on foot.
• Avoid changing hotels every night.
• Experience a different type of scenery each day-lakes, waterfalls, gorges, mountaintops or quiet villages.

How Do You Get Around Interlaken?

Is a rental car necessary in Interlaken?

Yes. While Interlaken itself is fully walkable, many of the major attractions around it are significantly easier to reach by car. Based on all available trip notes, a car saves time, avoids complex public-transport connections, and gives families the flexibility they need with children.

Destinations that are far easier by car include:

• Oeschinensee
• Giessbach Falls
• Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht)
• Kandersteg
• Adelboden
• Beatenberg
• Lungernsee

Public transport often requires several transfers or fixed schedules – especially for boats and regional buses – which can be challenging with children. A car transforms these day trips into short, simple journeys.

Parking considerations

• Some locations, such as Giessbach Falls, have limited parking.
• Several families in the files described arriving after 11:00 and finding the parking area nearly full.
• Expect daily rates of 10-15 CHF in peak areas.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: When I travel with families, I often drive only to a convenient parking area and continue by gondola, funicular or boat. It shortens the “boring” part of the journey and still gives everyone the mountain-transport experience children enjoy.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Interlaken?

Interlaken works well for families year-round, but each season creates a different type of trip.

• Summer (June-September)
  This is the most active season: all gondolas, funiculars and mountain railways operate, trails are dry, and Lake Brienz shows its strongest turquoise color. It’s the best time for combining short hikes, waterfalls, viewpoints and playgrounds in a single day.
• Winter (December-March)
  Interlaken itself isn’t a ski resort, but it’s an excellent base for Wengen, Grindelwald and Murren. This works well for mixed-interest families: one parent can ski, while the other enjoys Harder Kulm, river walks or a lake cruise without long travel times.
• Spring & Autumn (April-May, September-October)
  These quieter months suit families who like gentle walks, playgrounds such as Allmendhubel, Aare Gorge, and short lakeside strolls. Prices are usually lower, but several lifts close for maintenance in October, so schedules must be checked.

What is the Top Attractions in Interlaken for Families?

Harder Kulm

An easy and classic half-day outing. The funicular takes ~10 minutes, and families usually spend 1.5-2 hours at the top enjoying views of both lakes and the “Two Lakes Bridge.” The panorama restaurant is beautiful but pricey (35-50 CHF).

Giessbach Falls

A top family choice thanks to its short circular trail and the path behind the waterfall. The Giessbachbahn funicular costs ~14 CHF return, parking is 10-15 CHF/day, and the boat from Interlaken runs every 2 hours, so timing matters. The trail from the boat dock to the terrace is steeper than expected but manageable for most families.

Aare Gorge

One of the easiest nature walks in the region. The 1.4 km path is flat, fenced and very safe, making it ideal for younger children. A full visit takes 1-1.5 hours, and entrance costs 13 CHF adult / 8 CHF child (6-15). A perfect gentle day between more active mountain trips.

Brienz Rothorn Bahn

A historic steam train loved by children. A return ticket costs ~98 CHF, with an additional ~8 CHF for seat reservations. The full experience takes 2.5-3 hours, with open windows, steam, and alpine scenery throughout.

Spiez

A calm lakeside town ideal for a relaxed half-day. It offers a scenic promenade, a small marina, vineyards, and Schloss Spiez. The terrain is easy – perfect when children need a slower day with simple views and gentle walking.

Lakes Around Interlaken

Lake Brienz (Lake Brienz / Brienzersee)
Boat rides cost ~35 CHF one way and take 1-1.25 hours. Families often choose this cruise as a calm afternoon activity after a busy morning in the mountains, with wide open views and plenty of space for children to relax.

Lake Thun (Lake Thun)
Connected to some of the region’s easiest family outings, including the lakeside town of Spiez and the Sigriswil Bridge (entry 8 CHF). A good choice for gentle walks and simple photo stops.

Lungernsee (Lungernsee)
A quiet, green lakeside area ideal for picnics and free play. It works perfectly as a short stop on the drive between Interlaken and Lucerne, especially for families wanting a low-effort nature break.

Waterfalls & Short Nature Stops

• Staubbach Falls (Staubbachfall): quick, classic stop in Lauterbrunnen.
• Murrenbachfall (Murrenbachfall): visible on the way to Murren.
• Weissenau Nature Reserve (Weissenau): peaceful lakeside walk close to Interlaken.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Even a 1-2-hour walk in Lauterbrunnen Valley feels like an alpine fairy tale for children – no steep climbs needed.

Riding the Brienz Rothorn Bahn felt like traveling back in time — the kids loved every moment.

What is the Best Activities for Kids Around Interlaken?

• Allmendhubel Funicular (Allmendhubelbahn), Murren
  A short, scenic ride leading to the Alpine Flower Playground – one of the best spots for young children. Plan 1-1.5 hours at the top. Ticket price is ~4.40 CHF with discounts.
• Grindelwald First (First)
  About 1 hour from Interlaken, with a 25-minute gondola to the summit. Highlights include the Cliff Walk, zipline, Mountain Carts, and Trotti-bikes. Families strongly recommend arriving early to avoid midday queues.
• Muggestutz Trail (Hasliberg)
  A themed forest path with wooden characters and interactive stations. Ideal for children ages 5-10 and perfect for a gentle half-day adventure.
• Trauffer Erlebniswelt (Trauffer World of Toys)
  Entry is 15 CHF per adult, offering hands-on wooden toy workshops and play areas. Easy to combine with Brienz or the Brienz Rothorn Bahn.
• Ballenberg Open-Air Museum (Ballenberg)
  Entry is ~32 CHF per adult. The site features animals, traditional alpine houses and wide outdoor spaces. It feels more like a living rural village than a museum – a great match for families.

Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires.

Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation.

During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp.

Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation.

Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.

More Info

Where to Eat in Interlaken?

Food in Interlaken is simple, family-friendly and priced at typical Swiss alpine levels. Most travelers rely on panoramic restaurants, lakeside cafés and quick in-town breakfasts.

Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

• Price: 35-50 CHF per adult
• Why go: outstanding views over both lakes
• Food: classic alpine dishes (rösti, grilled meat, desserts)

Lakeside Cafés in Brienz

• Price: 25-35 CHF per adult
• Atmosphere: quieter than Interlaken
• Food: pasta, fish, salads, simple desserts; smoked trout is common
  Ideal after the boat ride or Rothorn Bahn.

Breakfast & Coffee in Interlaken

• Price: 10-15 CHF per person
• Available: croissants, sandwiches, hot drinks
  Convenient for early starts near Hoheweg.

Family Lunches in Mountain Villages

• Locations: Grindelwald, Murren, Lauterbrunnen
• Price: 25-40 CHF per adult; kids’ plates 12-18 CHF
• Food: rösti, sausages, soups, alpine macaroni
  Arriving before noon helps avoid the lunch rush.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I often buy picnic basics in town – bread, cheese, fruit. It easily saves 60-80 CHF per day, and lakeside spots are perfect for families.

Traditional Flavors to Try

• Rösti
• Smoked trout (Brienz)
• Meringue with thick cream (Meiringen)

All are kid-friendly and widely available across the region.

4-Day Family Itinerary – Interlaken by Car

Day 1 – Interlaken & Harder Kulm

10:00-12:00 – Interlaken Center on Foot
Start with a slow walk along Hoheweg and the meadow of Höhematte. Kids enjoy watching paragliders landing, and parents get the first views of Jungfrau. Continue toward the Aare River and take a short break at the water.

12:00-15:00 – Harder Kulm (Harder Kulm)
Take the funicular at Interlaken Ost (10 minutes). At the top, visit the panorama deck and follow the short trail to the “Two Lakes” bridge.
Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant (35-50 CHF per adult).
Total time on the mountain: 1.5-2 hours.

15:30-18:00 – Unterseen Old Quarter
Walk back and explore the quiet streets of Unterseen. This is a relaxing place for an ice cream or early dinner.

Day 2 – Grindelwald First & Lake Brienz

10:00-13:30 – Grindelwald First (First)
Reach Grindelwald by car or train in 35-40 minutes.
Ride the gondola to First (~25 minutes).
Visit the Cliff Walk first before queues build, then choose one activity – zipline, Mountain Carts or Trotti-bikes.
Total time at the top: 2-2.5 hours.
Lunch in Grindelwald (25-40 CHF per adult).

15:00-18:00 – Lake Brienz Boat Cruise
Return to Interlaken Ost and board the boat toward Brienz.
Duration: 1-1.25 hours, ~35 CHF per adult (one way).
Make a short lakeside walk before returning to Interlaken.

Day 3 – Giessbach Falls & Brienz Rothorn Bahn

10:00-12:00 – Giessbach Falls (Giessbach Falls)
Drive 25 minutes to Giessbach.
Parking costs 10-15 CHF per day.
Ride the Giessbachbahn funicular (~14 CHF per adult round trip).
Walk the circular trail behind the waterfall; total visit: 1-1.5 hours.

12:30-17:30 – Brienz Rothorn Bahn (Brienz Rothorn Bahn)
Drive 10 minutes to Brienz.
Take the steam train to Rothorn.
Adult return ticket: ~98 CHF, seat reservation +8 CHF.
Allow 2.5-3 hours for the full round trip.
Have an early dinner at a lakeside restaurant before driving back to Interlaken.

Day 4 – Lauterbrunnen, Murren & Allmendhubel

10:00-13:30 – Lauterbrunnen & Murren
Drive 20-25 minutes to Lauterbrunnen.
Park near the station.
Take the cable car to Grutschalp, then a short train ride to the car-free village of Murren.
Enjoy an easy walk with wide valley views.

13:30-16:00 – Allmendhubel (Allmendhubelbahn)
Take the funicular to Allmendhubel.
Price: ~4.40 CHF with discount.
Kids can spend 1-1.5 hours at the Alpine Flower Playground.
Have a snack or light lunch in Murren.

16:00-18:00 – Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk
On your way back, stop for a flat, scenic walk near Staubbachfall.
It’s an easy 1-1.5 hour route perfect for the end of the day.

Giessbach Falls left us speechless – powerful, green, and worth every step of the trail.

Traveler Reviews for Interlaken

Emma Collins – August 2019
I visited Interlaken with my two children, and Harder Kulm became the highlight of our trip. The funicular was quick, and the moment we reached the top, the view of both lakes felt surreal. The restaurant was pricier than we expected, but honestly, with scenery like that, it didn’t bother us.

David Turner – June 2024
We took the boat from Interlaken Ost to Giessbach Falls without realizing it runs only every two hours. The wait was long, but the trail behind the waterfall made up for it. The path from the pier is steeper than it looks, yet our kids handled it well and loved the spray from the water.

Sophie Reynolds – September 2021
We tried hiking up to Giessbach Falls instead of taking the funicular, and it turned out steeper than expected. Even my parents, who are usually energetic, struggled a bit. Next time I’d ride the funicular up and walk down. The terrace overlooking the lake was a peaceful reward after the climb.

Mark Bennett – July 2018
My kids were thrilled with the Brienz Rothorn Bahn. The steam, the open windows, the sound of the engine – it felt like stepping into another era. It was surprisingly cold at the top, so bringing jackets was a good call. Arriving early helped us get seats on the lake-facing side.

Rachel Adams – May 2023
We spent a day in Lauterbrunnen and Murren, and the Allmendhubel playground was the best surprise for our children. The funicular ride is short, and the playground kept them busy for over an hour. For us, it was the perfect combination of alpine views and easy walking.

James Carter – July 2019
The Lake Brienz cruise was exactly the slow-paced activity we needed after a busy morning. We stood on the right side and had beautiful views of the waterfalls along the cliffs. We also stopped at Giessbach Falls for a short walk behind the water – a simple but memorable outing.

Laura Mitchell – September 2022
Boarding the Brienz Rothorn Bahn was chaotic because everyone was trying to grab the “best” spot. But once the train started climbing, the stress faded. Even with fog at the summit, rising above the clouds made the trip feel otherworldly. Our teens loved the entire experience.

Hannah Brooks – October 2018
We reached Giessbach Falls by boat and took the funicular up to the hotel. The whole area was clean and calm, and the waterfall was more powerful than I imagined. Coffee on the terrace overlooking the lake was one of the quietest moments of our trip. Walking down was easy and pleasant.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

• Time your visit to Giessbach Falls (Giessbach Falls) carefully
  I always check the boat schedule before leaving Interlaken Ost – boats sometimes run only every two hours. Arriving by car before 11:00 also helps avoid a full parking area and crowded paths.
• Ride the Giessbachbahn up and walk down
  After trying both directions, I prefer taking the funicular up and walking the shaded forest trail down. It takes about 20 minutes, is cooler, and kids love the lookout points along the descent.
• Arrive early for Brienz Rothorn Bahn (Brienz Rothorn Bahn)
  Most people rush for the lake-facing seats. When I arrived before 09:30, boarding was calm and I easily secured the best side. Even in summer, the summit is cold – jackets are essential.
• Take the Harder Kulm (Harder Kulm) funicular before lunch
  Queues grow quickly on clear days, especially after 12:00. Going up in the morning gives families more space on the viewpoint bridge and better lighting for photos of both lakes.
• Combine mountain mornings with lake afternoons
  After active outings like First or Lauterbrunnen-Murren, I often finish the day with a boat ride or lakeside walk. Kids settle down naturally, and adults get a relaxed ending without extra planning.
• On Lake Brienz (Lake Brienz), stand on the right side toward Brienz
  This side gave me the best views of waterfalls and cliffs. Many families automatically choose the shaded left side, so the right side often stays quieter and perfect for photos.
• Don’t underestimate the hike up to Giessbach Falls (Giessbach Falls)
  The last segment is steeper than it looks in photos. Even fit adults slow down near the end. With children or older parents, I recommend using the funicular for one direction.
• Plan Murren and Allmendhubel (Allmendhubelbahn) for an “easy day”
  When the family needs a softer schedule, this route is ideal – car-free village, short funicular ride, and a large playground with mountain views. It’s perfect between two more challenging hiking days.
• Buy picnic supplies before going up the mountains
  Prices at mountain restaurants add up quickly. Picking up bread, fruit and cheese in Interlaken saves 60-80 CHF per day for a family – and the picnic spots near lakes are unforgettable.
• For First (First), start with the Cliff Walk
  From experience, the line for the Cliff Walk becomes long after midday. Doing it first makes the rest of the visit smoother, especially if you plan to add Trotti-bikes or Mountain Carts.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

I visited Interlaken in September 2023, and even after many years of planning family routes in Switzerland, this region still feels uniquely effortless. What surprised me most was how quickly dramatic scenery becomes accessible. One morning I had coffee along Hoheweg, and twenty minutes later I was already on the Harder Kulm funicular watching the two lakes open beneath the viewpoint. When traveling with children, that kind of simplicity changes the rhythm of the whole day.

I also made a few mistakes that later turned into useful lessons. The climb up to Giessbach Falls was steeper than it looked on the map; by the time I reached the hotel terrace, families who took the funicular looked far more relaxed. Since then, I always ride up and walk down – the forest descent is cool, quiet and perfect for kids. Crowds were another challenge. At the Brienz Rothorn Bahn, arriving early made the difference between stressful boarding and getting the lake-facing seats that truly transform the ride.

Interlaken remains one of my favorite places for building family-friendly routes: mountains, lakes, playgrounds and gentle trails – all within minutes. I invite you to create together a tailored itinerary for Interlaken, and for Switzerland as a whole, so your trip captures the very best this region offers.

Price Table

Harder Kulm at sunset – the view feels unreal. Interlaken is pure magic from up here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Interlaken

Is renting a car recommended for a family trip to Interlaken?
Yes. A car makes reaching places like Giessbach Falls, Aare Gorge, Lungernsee or Kandersteg significantly easier. Public transport requires tight timing around boats and multiple transfers, which is less convenient with children.

How much time should we plan for Harder Kulm (Harder Kulm)?
Around 1.5-2 hours. The funicular ride is about 10 minutes, and the viewpoint plus short walking paths complete the visit.

Is the trail at Giessbach Falls (Giessbach Falls) suitable for kids?
Yes, with caution. The uphill section is steep. Many families choose to take the funicular up and walk down, which takes 20-30 minutes and is easier with children.

Are cruises on Lake Brienz (Lake Brienz) good for families with children?
Yes. The ride is calm and scenic, lasting 60-75 minutes. The only limitation is that boats run every two hours, so planning is needed.

How long does Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) take?
About 1-1.5 hours. The path is flat, fenced and fully suitable for children and adults who prefer low-effort nature activities.

Is Grindelwald First (First) too crowded for families?
It can be busy, especially the Cliff Walk between 11:00-14:00. Arriving before 11:00 helps avoid queues.

re there activities for younger kids (around ages 5-10)?
Yes. Allmendhubel in Murren has a short funicular ride and a large Alpine Flower Playground – one of the easiest and most family-friendly alpine spots.

Is Brienz Rothorn Bahn worth it in cloudy weather? (first-person)
When I visited early in the morning, the train rose above the cloud line, and the views were still incredible. It’s colder at the summit than expected, so warm layers are essential.

Do we need to pre-book attractions in Interlaken?
Only sometimes. Weather changes quickly in the Alps, so flexible planning is better. Fixed time slots may limit your ability to adjust plans for visibility.

Is Lauterbrunnen good for a short half-day with kids? (first-person)
Yes. I loved how flat and easy the valley walk was. Even with limited time, combining Lauterbrunnen with Murren and Allmendhubel felt relaxed and perfectly suited for families.

What we propose

Emma Heidi

Customer Experience Manager

Take all the stress out of planning your trip!

With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs.

We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey.

We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients.

Discover our clients’ experiences here

 Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary.

 A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide.

 Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars.

 We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time.

 Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go.

Service cost: from only $420. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.

Want to know if it’s really worth it?

Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us.

Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection.

Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever.

Contact us via email

Chat with us on WhatsApp
Callback from the expert

How it works

• You are welcome
to contact us
• We discuss
your trip
• You fill out a special form
• We create
your itinerary
• You get it with all useful tips
• We are in touch with
you all the time