Lakes & Alpine Peaks: An Interlaken Getaway
Nestled squarely between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz beneath the towering Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Interlaken serves as the ultimate gateway to the Bernese Oberland. It is smoothly connected to Belgium by high-speed rail, letting you swap flat landscapes for dramatic alpine scenery with minimal hassle.
When to go
June to September brings prime alpine hiking, open mountain lifts, and warm lake cruises, with late August to September offering thinning crowds and stable weather. December through March is ideal for snow sports. Avoid mid-April to early May and November, when many cable cars and mountain railways shut down for annual maintenance.
Overview
Interlaken is one of Switzerland's classic mountain hubs, framed by turquoise glacial waters and jagged snow-capped peaks. While the town centre is vibrant and geared towards visitors, its main strength is serving as a launchpad for legendary alpine adventures: the sheer cliff valley of Lauterbrunnen, the heights of the Jungfrau Region, tranquil lake cruises, and panoramic ridge hikes. Traveling here from Belgium entirely by rail is straightforward, comfortable, and scenic.
Getting There
From Belgium, traveling by train to Interlaken is smooth with 1 to 2 changes:
- Via Germany (Most seamless): Board an ICE from Brussels-Midi (or Liège-Guillemins) towards Frankfurt or Cologne, switch to a direct ICE south towards Switzerland, and change at Basel SBB (or take a direct German ICE running all the way through to Interlaken Ost). Total journey time is roughly 7.5 to 8.5 hours.
- Via France: Take a TGV from Brussels-Midi to Strasbourg or Paris, connect via TGV Lyria to Basel SBB, and hop on a Swiss SBB InterCity train directly to Interlaken Ost (around 7 to 8 hours).
- Fares: Booking advance tickets via Deutsche Bahn (DB), SNCB International, or SBB typically costs between €60 and €140 each way.
Day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival & Harder Kulm Sunset
- Arrive at Interlaken Ost station in the afternoon.
- Check in to your accommodation and take a walk across the Höhematte park to admire views of the Jungfrau massif.
- In the late afternoon, take the 10-minute funicular up to Harder Kulm (1,322 m) for panoramic views over both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, followed by dinner overlooking the valley.
Day 2: Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren
- Board the regional train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen (20 mins).
- Walk the valley floor beneath towering rock faces to view the Staubbach Falls and explore the subterranean Trümmelbach Falls.
- Take the cable car up to Grütschalp and either hike or ride the panoramic mountain train to the car-free village of Mürren.
- Descend via Gimmelwald back into the valley and return to Interlaken for the evening.
Day 3: Lake Brienz Cruise & Giessbach Falls
- Head to the boat dock by Interlaken Ost and board a passenger boat cruising the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.
- Disembark at Giessbach to see the historic Grandhotel and walk the path behind the roaring Giessbach Falls.
- Continue by boat to the woodcarving village of Brienz, explore the lake promenade, and take the local train back to Interlaken.
Day 4: Grindelwald First & Departure
- Take the morning train to Grindelwald (35 mins) and board the gondola to Grindelwald First.
- Experience the First Cliff Walk suspended above the valley and take the gentle 1-hour hike to the alpine Bachalpsee.
- Return to Interlaken Ost by mid-afternoon to catch your northbound train back to Belgium.
Where to Stay
- Near Interlaken Ost: Best for fast train departures, boat trips on Lake Brienz, and quick connections up into the valleys.
- Interlaken West & Unterseen: Offers a slightly quieter, historic town feel with traditional Swiss architecture, riverside cafes along the Aare, and easy access to Lake Thun cruises.
- Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald (Alternative): If you prefer waking up surrounded directly by high alpine cliffs and mountain chalets rather than staying in a transport hub.
Budget
- Return train tickets from Belgium: €120–€250 per person (advance booking via DB/SNCB).
- Accommodation: €130–€220/night for midrange double rooms; €40–€80/night for hostel dorms.
- Local transport & mountain lifts: €120–€220 for regional transit, cable cars, and boat rides (a Berner Oberland Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card can cut these costs significantly).
- Meals & dining: €30–€60 per person per day (supermarket picnics help offset higher Swiss restaurant prices).
- Estimated total for 4 days: €550–€850 per person.
Know Before You Go
- Passports & Currency: Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), though contactless card payments are accepted almost everywhere. Belgium and Switzerland are both within the Schengen Area, so no border visa is required for EU citizens.
- Local Guest Card: When staying in Interlaken, your accommodation will provide an Interlaken Guest Card, granting free local bus travel within the town zone.
- Weather Checks: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Always check live summit webcams (especially before paying for high-altitude cable cars like Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn) before setting off.
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