Interlaken · Switzerland · Things to do
5 things to do in Interlaken with kids
The five best family things to do around Interlaken are seeing the waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen valley, swimming in Lake Brienz, riding the train to the Jungfraujoch, staying in or visiting an alpine village such as Wengen or Murren, and taking in the Alpine view from a viewpoint or cable car. All are reachable from Interlaken by train within about an hour.
What to do, in order
- 1
See the Lauterbrunnen falls
Lauterbrunnen is a deep, narrow glacial valley with sheer cliffs on both sides and dozens of waterfalls dropping from the rock, often counted as seventy-two. Staubbach Falls, near the village, falls almost three hundred metres and is easy to see from the road. Trummelbach Falls, inside the mountain, is a series of glacier-fed cascades reached by a lift and tunnel walkways, open in the warmer months. Take a jacket, as the spray is cold. The valley is a short train ride from Interlaken Ost, and walking the valley floor is flat and easy with children.
- 2
Swim in Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is the long, deep lake east of Interlaken, and its water is a pale turquoise colour from glacial silt. It is cold even in summer, so expect short dips rather than long swims, but beaches and jetties at places like Iseltwald and Brienz make easy swimming spots. Boats run across the lake, and Giessbach Falls, reached by an old funicular from the shore, is a good stop for families. Swim only in designated areas in warm weather, watch for sudden weather changes, and take towels and warm clothes.
- 3
Ride up to the Jungfrau
The Jungfraujoch railway climbs through the mountain to the highest railway station in Europe, at about 3,450 metres, where there is snow all year, an ice palace, and wide views of the Aletsch Glacier. It is a long day: allow most of it, with several train changes from Interlaken. The altitude can cause headaches in young children, so go slowly, drink water and be ready to come back down. Check the weather and webcams first, because clouds can block the view. Dress warmly, with sunglasses and sun cream. Book early on busy days.
- 4
Wander an alpine village
Wengen and Murren are car-free villages high above the Lauterbrunnen valley, reached by train or cable car, with timber chalets, flower boxes and mountain views. They are good places for easy walks, playgrounds, cafes and cowbells. Grindelwald, on the other side, is larger and has more shops and restaurants, and the First area above it has a cliff walk and a mountain playground. Stay a night if you can, since the villages are calm after the day visitors leave. Check which lifts run in your travel dates, as some close in spring and late autumn.
- 5
Take in the Alps
You can see mountains in every direction without a long hike. Harder Kulm, a funicular ride from Interlaken, gives a view over both lakes and the peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. The Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg path is a wide, gentle trail with big views, suitable for most children. Schynige Platte, reached by an old cog railway, has an alpine garden. Go in the morning for clearer skies, wear layers, and carry water and snacks. Weather can change quickly, so check forecasts before riding up.
Plan it
- Best time
- June to September is the best time for hiking, swimming and open lifts. July and August are busiest. Winter is good for snow and sledding, but some lakeside and trail activities close, and spring and late autumn bring maintenance closures.
- How long
- Three to four nights lets you do the valley, the lake and one high-altitude day, with room for a bad-weather swap. Five nights adds a village stay and a few easy hikes.
- Getting around
- Swiss trains, boats, buses and mountain railways connect everything, and timetables are reliable. Interlaken Ost is the main hub for the mountain railways. A rental car is not necessary and parking in villages is limited.
Good to know
- Check the weather and mountain webcams the evening before, and swap the high-altitude day if clouds are forecast.
- Bring layers in all seasons. It can be many degrees colder at the top of any lift.
- Look into Swiss rail passes and the family card for children, which can lower the cost of trains, boats and mountain railways.
Frequently asked
Is Interlaken good for families? +
Yes. It combines lakes, waterfalls, easy trails and mountain trains, all within a short ride. Children can swim, ride cable cars and visit snow, and most activities suit different ages.
How many days do you need in Interlaken with kids? +
Three to four nights is a good minimum. That allows a valley day, a lake day and one trip to a high viewpoint or the Jungfraujoch, with flexibility if the weather turns.
Is the Jungfraujoch worth it with children? +
On a clear day, yes: snow, trains and big views make it memorable. It is a long trip at high altitude, so go slowly, watch for headaches, and choose a clear day instead of a cloudy one.
What is the best time to visit Interlaken? +
June to September for hiking, swimming and open mountain lifts. July and August are busiest. Winter suits snow activities such as sledding, while spring and late autumn have some seasonal closures of lifts and trails.
