How to Plan a Trip to Interlaken: The Perfect 4-Day Add-On to Your Swiss Ski Vacation

Author: Lilly Maier, Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert since 2004

After years of sending skiers and riders to Switzerland, I've learned that the best ski trips don't end when you take your boots off. Interlaken is proof of that. Nestled between two stunning alpine lakes in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, it's known as the adventure capital of Europe, and for good reason. It’s the kind of place where European charm takes a wild turn—floating hot tubs steam on alpine lakes, chocolate fondue gets served boat-side, and skydiving comes with views of turquoise water and jagged, snow-tipped peaks.

Here's what I often tell travelers: if you're already flying all the way to Switzerland for a ski trip, tack on four days in Interlaken. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Since it sits right in the heart of Switzerland, it's an easy add-on no matter where you're skiing, and it's the perfect exclamation point to your vacation. Whether you're coming from Zurich, Geneva, Crans-Montana, Zermatt, Grindelwald, or Wengen, you're just a scenic train ride away from some of the best winter adventures in the Alps.

Interlaken is the ultimate Swiss basecamp. You can ski in the morning, paraglide in the afternoon, and still make it to dinner by the lake. I love recommending this destination to anyone who wants to experience the Swiss Alps with ease and spend their days doing more than just skiing. 

Here's how I'd spend four days in Interlaken if I were building the perfect post-ski wind-down. Mix and match based on your group's vibe, energy levels, and sense of adventure.

Your Dreamy 4-Day Interlaken Itinerary

Day 1: Start Slow with Scenic Beauty

You just spent a week skiing some of the most epic slopes in Switzerland. Today is all about chill and transition, shaking off the mountain legs and letting Interlaken work its magic. 

One of the best perks your Mountain Travel Expert can arrange is door-to-door luggage service. Your bags go straight from the train to your hotel so you don’t have to haul a thing. And that means you’re free to take full advantage of something most travelers miss: a lake cruise on Lake Thun, which is included in your Swiss Travel Pass. Since you’ll be changing trains in Thun when traveling from Zurich, Crans-Montana, or Zermatt, it’s the perfect moment to step off the platforms and onto the water instead — letting that first hour in the Bernese Oberland feel peaceful, not rushed.

Morning: Start things slowly and take in the scenic beauty as you travel to Interlaken by train. Switzerland's trains are an experience in themselves, and each route offers some of the most striking Alpine views in the country. Snow-covered forests, charming villages, and famous glistening peaks. All you need to do is sit back and soak in the views.

• From Zurich: Take the Luzern-Interlaken Express via Lucerne, part of the famous Golden Pass Line, and one of the most beautiful train journeys in Switzerland. The 1-hour and 45-minute ride winds past sparkling blue lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and over the beautiful Brünig Pass. Pro tip: Book a window seat in first class on the right side for the best views.
• From Crans-Montana: Your journey takes about 3 hours with a change in Spiez or Visp. The route descends from the high Alps through the Rhône Valley before climbing back up into the Bernese Oberland. You'll trade one mountain range for another, watching the landscape transform as you go. The section along Lake Thun just before Interlaken is postcard-perfect.
• From Zermatt: This is one of my favorite routes, taking about 2.5 hours via Visp and Spiez. You'll leave the shadow of the Matterhorn and follow the Rhône Valley before turning north toward Interlaken. The final stretch along the shores of Lake Thun feels like entering a different world entirely. Expert tip: Sit on the left side of the train for the best lakeside photo ops.
• From the Jungfrau Region: If you've been skiing Grindelwald, Wengen, or Mürren, you're already here. Interlaken sits right at the base of the Jungfrau massif. Consider taking the Jungfrau Railway to the world-famous Jungfraujoch (aka the “Top of Europe”). At 3,453 meters (11,332 feet), it's the highest railway station in Europe, and the views from the Sphinx Observatory are absolutely breathtaking. It's a bucket-list experience that deserves its own full day if you have the time. And to top it off, this is only a 30-minute train ride from Interlaken! 

Afternoon: Head out for a chocolate fondue float on Lake Brienz. Yes, you read that right! You'll drift across calm, clear blue water surrounded by winter-white mountains while dipping marshmallows, fruit, pretzels, and biscuits into locally-sourced Swiss chocolate fondue. Warm tea and white wine are included, plus blankets and a professional guide who knows the best views. It's leisurely, it's indulgent, and it's quintessentially Swiss.

Evening: Wander into town for dinner to experience the buzzing energy of Interlaken. Stroll along the Höheweg, Interlaken's main street, which is lined with shops and restaurants, framed by the towering Jungfrau mountain. Find a homey spot, order fondue (again – why not?), and toast to being exactly where you are. For a classic alpine cheese fondue dinner, we love Fondue Villa & Garden (they have vegan options, too!).

Day 2: Turn Up the Adrenaline

Okay, you've had your chill day to unwind from the slopes and rest those sore legs. Now it's time to discover why Interlaken is called the adventure capital of Switzerland.

Morning: Go paragliding. I know, I know – it might sound a little scary. But here's the thing: tandem paragliding in Interlaken is one of the most accessible (and exciting) ways to get a bird's-eye view of the Alps. You're strapped in with an experienced guide, and within minutes, you're soaring over picturesque lakes, villages, and mountains. The views are unreal, and honestly, it's calmer than you'd think! I've had clients in their 60s (and above) do this and call it the highlight of their trip. Who else can say they saw the Alps while literally flying over them? If paragliding sounds too gentle, you could also try skydiving. (Yes, winter skydiving is a thing here, and yes, it's incredible!) But I usually save that recommendation for the truly fearless.

Afternoon: If you're still riding the adrenaline high, book a winter jetboat ride on Lake Brienz. This is the only winter jetboat experience in Switzerland, and it's exactly as fun as it sounds. You'll zip across the crystal clear water, surrounded by snowy landscapes, while your guide throws in thrilling 360° spins and shares insider stories about the region. High-quality gear keeps you warm and dry, so all you have to do is hold on and enjoy the ride.

Evening: After all that adventure, you've earned a quiet night. Head back to your hotel, soak in the tub and maybe order room service. Tomorrow's another big day.

Day 3: Play in the Snow (No Skis Required)

This is the day for everyone who's been itching to do something outside other than downhill skiing. Interlaken's winter playground has options for every energy level and sense of adventure. There is no shortage of options for everyone in your family. I’ve listed out some of my favorite suggestions.

Option 1: Night Sledding with Fondue
This is one of my favorite recommendations for families or groups looking for something memorable and fun. You'll head up the mountain as the sun sets, take in the starlit winter panorama and then sled back down under the moonlight, winding through the woods, alpine meadows and majestic frozen waterfalls. After your sled run, cap things off with a traditional Swiss fondue meal at a local restaurant. 

Option 2: Tobogganing
Switzerland takes tobogganing seriously. You can choose from the longest toboggan runs in the country, kid-friendly options or nighttime runs where you navigate by head torch. It's fast, thrilling and way more fun than it has any right to be.

Option 3: Snowshoeing
If your group is craving quiet and nature, book a guided snowshoe trek through one of the Swiss landscapes. You'll walk through untouched snow, breathe in crisp alpine air, and see landscapes that feel like they belong in a storybook. Some tours even include stops at mountain huts for hot drinks and local snacks.

Option 4: Cross-Country Skiing
For those who still want to play on the snow but are done with downhill, cross-country skiing around Interlaken delivers open plains, scenic panoramas, and frosty white forests – it's quiet, peaceful, and a fun way to get a workout while savoring the beauty of nature.

Option 5: Winter Kayaking

This one’s surprising: kayaking in the Swiss Alps in winter. But Lake Brienz is so calm and protected that it's actually perfect for a peaceful paddle, even when there's snow on the peaks. You'll glide across glassy water with a professional guide, surrounded by mountains that reflect perfectly on the surface. The dry suit gear keeps you warm (whether it's sunny or snowing), and the tour works for all levels. I've recommended this to clients who swore they'd never get in a kayak in winter, and they always come back converted.

Option 6: Ice Skating or Ice Fishing
Try ice fishing on the Stockhorn, where you drill a little hole into the frozen Hinterstockensee, drop a lure, and settle in to enjoy the complete stillness around you. It’s quiet, surprisingly calming, and way more fun to tell people about than you’d expect. You can grab all the gear at the Chrindi mid-station, and if you need to warm up, there’s a cozy igloo right by the lake.

Option 7: Igloo Building
Yes, you can actually build an igloo in the Swiss Alps. It's hands-on, surprisingly challenging, and oddly satisfying. Perfect for families or large groups who want to try something completely different.

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Day 4: Captain Your Own Sauna Boat

I always love to save the best for last…

Morning: Sleep in. Savor a slow breakfast. Grab a croissant or Swiss bread and coffee from Steininger, a family-run bakery, or check out The Aarburg, near the Aare River. It's super cozy and has great options for breakfast and coffee. Maybe stroll through Interlaken's cozy streets for some window shopping and pick up some Swiss chocolate to bring home.

Afternoon: Book the sauna boat. It’s a floating, wood-fired sauna that you steer yourself across Lake Thun—no boat license needed, thanks to the small electric motor. You pick your own quiet corner of the lake, soak in the heat, cool off with a jump into the deep-blue water, and take in panoramic views of mountains and lakeside village. It’s peaceful, a little unexpected, and easily one of the most memorable ways to spend an afternoon in Interlaken.

Evening: Wrap up the day with dinner at Il Buongustaio, one of Interlaken’s most loved (and tiny) pizza spots. The pizzas feel straight out of Venice—thin, blistered, perfectly seasoned, and mouth-wateringly delicious. The chili oil is a must, especially over a hot margherita or diavola, and the salads are crisp and fresh. The space is small and fills quickly, but there’s a larger seating area in the back, so go early if you want to be seated right away. 

Pro tip: Call ahead to secure your spot. And don’t forget to save room for tiramisu for dessert. It’s incredible. 

Why Book Your Interlaken Add-On with Ski.com

Here's what I tell travelers when they ask if they should book Interlaken on their own: You could. But why would you want to? When you book with Ski.com, your Mountain Travel Expert doesn't just handle your lift tickets. We coordinate the entire trip, including your time in Interlaken. That means your transfers, accommodations, and even activity bookings are handled in one place. No juggling multiple reservation confirmations. No wondering if you're in the right spot at the right time. Just a seamless transition from skiing to adventure.

And if something changes – because plans do – you've got a real person on your side who knows your trip and actually cares that it goes well. No call centers. No hold music. Just someone who gets it.

Ready to start planning? Talk to a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert and let's build your perfect Swiss ski trip itinerary: slopes, lakes, and everything in between.