How Many Days In Interlaken Is Enough?

Wondering how many days in Interlaken you will need?

One of Switzerland’s most popular resorts for summer visitors, Interlaken is packed with interesting things to see and do.

Whether you will need 2 or 3 days in the town depends very much on the type of break you are looking for.

If you like to do your sightseeing at a fast pace and don’t mind a packed schedule from dawn to dusk, then you could see the best of Interlaken in 2 days. 

But if you would prefer to see the town’s attractions at a more laid-back pace, with some free time to simply relax and soak up the atmosphere, then plan for 3 days in Interlaken instead.

How To Decide How Long To Stay In Interlaken

This guide has been designed to help you work out how many days in Interlaken is enough for a great visit.

We have included all the things you need to take into consideration when planning the length of your trip.

We’ve also put together a list of some of the best things to do in Interlaken, along with our suggestions for how long to spend at each.

This will help you create a perfect itinerary for you and your group, at a pace that everyone will find comfortable.

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Interlaken, make a list of the things you want to do in Interlaken, and consider the time of arrival and departure.

Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Interlaken you’ll need.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time, And Time Of Departure

Does your arrival time in Interlaken allow you to do any sightseeing that day? Will you have time to visit any of the town’s attractions on your departure day, or do you leave too early?

If you won’t have much free time on either day, then you might want to add an extra night to your stay in order to compensate for this.

You’ll also need to think about how your hotel check-in and out times compare with your departure and arrival times.

If you can’t check in as soon as you arrive in Interlaken, you will need to make arrangements for your luggage. After all, it’s not much fun sightseeing with all your bags in tow! 

The same will apply if you need to check out early, but won’t be leaving the town until later in the day.

First, check with your hotel or accommodation provider to see if you can leave your bags with them. Many will happily store your luggage, although some may charge a fee.

Don’t worry if this isn’t an option where you’re staying, however, as you have several other alternatives.

All of Switzerland’s main railway stations have lockers, which come in various sizes. These can be ideal for small pieces of luggage, as long as they don’t contain anything valuable.

For larger bags, or those containing valuable items, your safest option would be to use the manned desk at the SBB travel center at the station.

Just remember that you will only be able to access your bags when the luggage storage counter is open.

Aside from the train stations, there are several companies that advertise luggage storage online, usually using a network of hotels or shops in the town.

These can be booked and paid for ahead of your stay, which is useful if you are visiting Interlaken during the peak season.

Activities In Interlaken

When planning how many days for Interlaken you’ll need, you’ll want to make sure that you get to see the most interesting attractions.

That means making a list ahead of your visit and deciding how long you’ll need for each (our list of things to do in the town will help with this).

Make sure you allow extra time for traveling from one attraction to the next, and don’t forget to account for queues! Interlaken’s main attractions can be very busy during peak season, which runs from June to September. 

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Browse Tours

Pace Of Activities

The pace at which you’re prepared to see the sights is key to how many days in Interlaken you’ll need.

If you like to be constantly on the go, then a 2-day visit will suit you fine. But if you prefer to have some flexibility in your schedule – and the chance to spend longer at your favorite attractions – then play for a 3-day stay instead.

Transportation

The great thing about Interlaken is that it’s a pretty compact town, so you can get around quite easily on foot.

This is ideal for a short break when you want to keep travel time to a minimum.

If you want to travel a little further afield on a day trip, then it’s good to know that the town has two major train stations.

These will connect you with places like Bern or to attractions in the mountains.

There are also plenty of efficient and reliable buses connecting you to all the villages around the town.

What To Do In Interlaken

Here are some of the best sights and experiences to enjoy in Interlaken, along with our recommendations for how long to set aside for each.

Visit The Highest Train Station In Europe

Located 11,332 feet (3,454 meters) above sea level, Jungfraujoch is home to Europe’s highest-altitude railway station, covered in ice and snow all year round. 

You can enjoy a scenic journey there and back on this tour, but the real highlights are at the top. 

The views of the Aletsch Glacier and across to Italy, France and Germany are quite spectacular. 

You’ll also have the option to visit the Ice Palace – a series of walkways tunneled into the mountain – and the 820 ft (250 m) long corridor ‘Alpine Sensation’.

This moving walkway guides you through an impressive audiovisual display that tells the story of the mountain.

Suggested time: 2 hours minimum

Take A Kayak Tour Of Lake Brienz

Famed for its turquoise waters, Lake Brienz enjoys a stunning location surrounded by mountains on all sides. One of the best ways to appreciate it is on this guided kayaking tour.

Whatever your paddling skills, you will love the opportunity to drift along these calm waters, taking in the natural beauty and the majestic 12th-century Ringgenberg Castle. 

Available as either a daytime or evening tour, this experience allows you to explore everything from incredible cliffs to hidden beaches. Wetsuits are provided to keep you snug during the colder months.

Suggested time: 3 hours

Ride A Funicular To The Top Of The Harder Kulm

Interlaken’s local mountain, the Harder Kulm, provides some of the region’s best views.

The vantage point at an altitude of 4,337 feet (1,322 meters) has been reached by a funicular for more than 100 years, the journey taking you through a charming forest and past a wildlife park. 

On this tour, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau and enjoy views of the Brienz and Thun lakes from the Two-Lakes Bridge. 

But perhaps the most breathtaking sight is the view straight down through the glass-bottomed viewing platform – a real reminder of just how high you actually are!

Suggested time: 1-hour minimum

Enjoy A Rafting Adventure On The Lütschine River

This rafting adventure is designed for everyone, from rafting beginners to seasoned pros! 

Under the expert care of a professional guide, you will journey along the scenic Lütschine River. As you learn to navigate the currents, you’ll experience the picturesque scenery all around you and the thrill of taking on Mother Nature!

A wild and exciting ride, this tour is lots of fun and will leave you with incredible memories of the untamed beauty of this area.

Suggested time: 4 hours

Stroll Through The Streets Of Unterseen

This charming medieval town is located on the shore of Lake Thun. It is somewhat less touristy than other attractions in Interlaken, giving you a chance to feel the genuine character of the region.

You can see the tower of a 13th-century church on Marktbrunnen, the old marketplace, and also visit the Stadthaus. Originally a 15th-century inn for cattle drivers, it later became the town hall and is now a restaurant.

Check out the museum on the square to learn how tourism has transformed Interlaken since the 18th century.

Suggested time: 2 to 3 hours

Get A Birdseye View Of The Lakes On A Paragliding Flight

If you are a thrillseeker looking for the ultimate way to experience Interlaken’s exceptional views, then this is an activity you cannot miss!

On a tandem flight with a skilled and experienced pilot, you will soar above the mountains and lakes.

No prior experience is needed – you can simply relax and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness as you admire the Alpine vistas beneath you.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Final Thoughts On Interlaken Getaways

So how many days do you need in Interlaken to see the best this beautiful town offers?

I hope this guide has helped you plan the length of your stay and that you and your group enjoy every moment of your visit.

Not sure if you can fit Interlaken in your Swiss itinerary? Read our guide to find out if Interlaken is worth it.

Visiting Switzerland soon? Read one of the following guides:

• How many days in Zermatt
• Best hikes in Interlaken
• How many days in Zurich