Interlaken is a German-speaking resort town in the Bernese Oberland, set on the narrow strip of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It is Switzerland's adventure capital and the main gateway to the Jungfrau region, with views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, lake cruises, paragliding and trains to Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Prices are high, but the town is compact, walkable and very well connected by rail.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Harder Kulm from Interlaken
The classic forest climb from the Interlaken valley floor to the Harder Kulm viewing platform, with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau ahead and Lakes Thun and Brienz below. Many hikers walk up and ride the Harderbahn funicular down.
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2
Hardergrat Ridge Traverse
A long, exposed ridge walk between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz from Harder Kulm toward Augstmatthorn and down to the Brienz side. It is a rated alpine route with narrow ridge sections and cable-protected steps, only for sure-footed walkers with no fear of drops.
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3
Heimwehfluh and Rugen Forest Loop
A gentle forest walk from Interlaken West station up to the Heimwehfluh hill and its funicular, over the Rugen wooded ridge, with peekaboo views of the Aare, Lake Brienz and the Jungfrau massif.
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4
Lake Brienz Shore Path: Bönigen to Iseltwald
A forest and lakeside path east of Interlaken that passes small coves and ends in the village of Iseltwald with its lake castle. Walkers return by boat or PostAuto bus.
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5
Giessbach Falls to Brienz Waterfall Path
A short walk beside the multi-tier Giessbach Falls and through forest above Lake Brienz toward the wood-carving village of Brienz. The historic Giessbach funicular and a lake boat make good shortcuts.
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6
Ringgenberg and Burgseeli Lake Walk
A family-friendly walk from Interlaken Ost along Lake Brienz to the Ringgenberg castle ruin and church, with a side loop to the small Burgseeli lake in the woods.
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7
Schynige Platte Panorama Trail
A signposted circuit over the Schynige Platte plateau at about 1,967 m, passing the Alpine Garden (more than 600 plant species) and views of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and Lake Brienz. The cogwheel railway runs only in summer.
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8
Schynige Platte to First via Faulhorn
The best-known high-level day walk of the Interlaken region: from Schynige Platte along the Männdlenen ridge to the Faulhorn (2,681 m) and down past Bachalpsee to First, with Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in view for hours. Exposed in places and prone to late-day storms.
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9
Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfall Walk
A level riverside path through the U-shaped valley of 72 waterfalls, passing Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls and Stechelberg. A good all-weather option because the valley is sheltered and the trail is paved or gravel.
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10
Beatenberg Panorama Trail from Niederhorn
A walk from the Niederhorn summit (1,963 m) down meadows and alpine pastures to Beatenberg village, with views of Lake Thun, the Jungfrau massif and an ibex colony. The separate Niederhorn ridge trail (Gratweg) leads toward Gemmenalphorn.
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11
Bachalpsee from First
The most photographed short alpine hike in the area, from the First gondola to a lake at 2,265 m mirroring the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn on calm mornings.
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12
Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Panorama Trail
A broad, mostly flat ridge path with the Eiger north face, Mönch and Jungfrau constantly in view, ending at Kleine Scheidegg railway station for the descent by train.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Interlaken.
- Spring
- April-May: valley and lakeside paths are green; high routes still snowy and the Schynige Platte, Faulhorn and Niederhorn paths are closed or icy
- Summer
- June-August: all routes open; start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms
- Autumn
- September-October: clear views and fewer crowds; mountain railways close from mid to late October and first snow can arrive on the high routes
- Winter
- November-March: lakeside paths, Lauterbrunnen valley and Heimwehfluh stay walkable; high routes need snowshoes and avalanche awareness
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Afternoon thunderstorms build fast in summer; leave ridges by early afternoon
Hazard: Mountain railways and gondolas close seasonally and for maintenance; check timetables before committing to a one-way route
Hazard: Snow and ice can linger on Faulhorn and ridge routes into July and return in October
Hazard: Foehn winds can be strong on exposed ridges such as Hardergrat and the Niederhorn Gratweg
Hazard: Cattle with calves graze on alpine pastures; keep a respectful distance and do not enter herds with dogs
Hazard: Ticks occur in long grass and forest margins below 1,200 m; check skin after walks