The Perfect 7-Day Interlaken & Jungfrau Itinerary: Sun-Kissed Adventures

Discover the heart of the Swiss Alps - where turquoise lakes meet towering peaks and adventure awaits around every corner

Introduction: Welcome to the Jungfrau Region

Nestled between the emerald waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the mighty peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau towering above, Interlaken serves as the gateway to Switzerland's most spectacular Alpine scenery. This 7-day summer itinerary takes you deep into the Jungfrau Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site that embodies everything magical about the Swiss Alps.

Summer in the Jungfrau region (June-September) offers the perfect combination of comfortable temperatures, wildflower-covered meadows, accessible hiking trails, and adventure sports at their peak. Whether you're paragliding over the lakes, hiking to mountain huts, or simply soaking in the views from a cogwheel train, this itinerary ensures you experience the very best of Alpine Switzerland.

Day 1: Arrival and Interlaken Orientation

Morning: Arrival at Interlaken

Getting to Interlaken:

From Zurich: Train via Bern or Lucerne (2-2.5 hours)
- Zurich HB to Interlaken Ost: CHF 68 (CHF 34 with Half Fare Card)
From Geneva: Train via Bern (3 hours)
- Geneva to Interlaken Ost: CHF 78 (CHF 39 with Half Fare Card)
From Milan: Train via Brig and Spiez (3.5 hours)

Interlaken Ost Station

GPS Coordinates: 46.6907° N, 7.8690° E
Facilities: Tourist information, luggage storage, car rental

Accommodation Recommendations:

Luxury: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Höheweg 41, 3800 Interlaken | +41 33 828 28 28 | GPS: 46.6867° N, 7.8586° E | Spa and lake views
Boutique: Hotel Interlaken, Höheweg 74, 3800 Interlaken | +41 33 826 68 68 | GPS: 46.6864° N, 7.8572° E | Historic charm
Adventure Hostel: Balmer's Hostel, Hauptstrasse 23, 3800 Matten | +41 33 822 19 61 | GPS: 46.6825° N, 7.8578° E | Adventure packages
Mountain Guesthouse: Hotel Bellevue, Dorfstrasse 49, 3818 Grindelwald | +41 33 854 14 14 | GPS: 46.6242° N, 8.0344° E | Eiger views

Afternoon: Höhematte and Harder Kulm

Höhematte Park

Address: Höheweg, 3800 Interlaken
GPS Coordinates: 46.6869° N, 7.8583° E
Entry: Free
Highlight: 35-hectare park in the town center with spectacular views of the Jungfrau massif. Watch paragliders landing gracefully in the meadow.

Harder Kulm - Interlaken's Local Mountain

Getting There:

Funicular: Harderbahn from Interlaken Ost
Duration: 8 minutes
Price: CHF 38 return (CHF 19 with Half Fare Card)
Schedule: Every 30 minutes, 9:00-21:00 (summer)

Harder Kulm

Elevation: 1,322 meters
GPS Coordinates: 46.6983° N, 7.8608° E
Entry: Free (after funicular ticket)

Highlights:

Two-Lakes Bridge: Glass-bottomed viewing platform extending over the valley
Panorama Restaurant: Swiss cuisine with 360-degree views
Viewpoints: See both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, plus the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau

Hiking Option:

Harder Kulm to Interlaken: 2.5 hours downhill
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail: Well-marked, through forest and meadows

Evening: Dinner in Interlaken

Restaurant Taverne

Address: Höheweg 72, 3800 Interlaken
GPS Coordinates: 46.6865° N, 7.8573° E
Phone: +41 33 826 60 10
Cuisine: Traditional Swiss
Price Range: CHF 35-55 per person
Specialty: Rösti variations, cheese fondue (CHF 32 per person)

Alternative: Hüsi Bierhaus

Address: Postgasse 3, 3800 Interlaken
GPS Coordinates: 46.6858° N, 7.8586° E
Phone: +41 33 822 17 17
Price Range: CHF 25-40 per person
Atmosphere: Lively beer hall with local brews and hearty portions

Day 2: Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Full Day Excursion

The Jungfraujoch is Europe's highest railway station and one of Switzerland's most iconic experiences. At 3,454 meters above sea level, it offers year-round snow, glacier walks, and breathtaking Alpine views.

Getting There:

Route via Grindelwald (Recommended):

Train: Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald (35 minutes, CHF 11)
Eiger Express: Grindelwald to Eiger Glacier (15 minutes, CHF 38)
Jungfrau Railway: Eiger Glacier to Jungfraujoch (26 minutes, CHF 64)

Route via Lauterbrunnen (Classic):

Train: Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen (20 minutes, CHF 7.60)
Train: Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg (43 minutes, CHF 22)
Jungfrau Railway: Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch (50 minutes, CHF 64)

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Elevation: 3,454 meters
GPS Coordinates: 46.5473° N, 7.9858° E
Entry: Included in train ticket

Attractions at Jungfraujoch:

Sphinx Observatory

Elevation: 3,571 meters
Access: Elevator from station
View: 360-degree panorama of the Aletsch Glacier (longest in Alps) and surrounding 4,000-meter peaks
Temperature: Even in summer, expect -5°C to 5°C (23-41°F)

Ice Palace

Description: Tunnels carved through the glacier, featuring ice sculptures
Temperature: Constant -3°C (27°F)
Duration: 30-45 minutes

Alpine Sensation

Description: Multimedia experience about the construction of the Jungfrau Railway
Duration: 20 minutes

Snow Fun Park

Activities: Snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding (summer!)
Prices: From CHF 25 for activities
Equipment rental: Available on-site

Lunch Options:

Restaurant Crystal: Self-service, CHF 25-35
Restaurant Bollywood: Indian cuisine, CHF 30-45
Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven: Free chocolate tasting and shop

Return Journey:

Take the opposite route for different scenery (via Wengen if you went up via Grindelwald)
Stop at Kleine Scheidegg for photos of the Eiger North Face

Evening: Recovery and Relaxation

After a day at high altitude, take it easy:

Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage Spa (Day pass available)

Address: Höheweg 211, 3800 Interlaken
GPS Coordinates: 46.6886° N, 7.8558° E
Phone: +41 33 826 75 75
Day Pass: CHF 55 (pool, sauna, relaxation area)

Dinner at Stadtkeller

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 1, 3800 Interlaken
GPS Coordinates: 46.6861° N, 7.8589° E
Phone: +41 33 822 16 11
Price Range: CHF 45-75 per person
Experience: Swiss folklore show with traditional music, yodeling, and alphorn performances (CHF 75 including dinner)

Day 3: Grindelwald and Eiger Trail

Morning: Grindelwald First

Getting to Grindelwald:

Train: Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald (35 minutes)
Price: CHF 11 (CHF 5.50 with Half Fare Card)

First Cable Car

Route: Grindelwald to First
Duration: 25 minutes
Price: CHF 64 return (CHF 32 with Half Fare Card)
Schedule: Every 30 minutes, 8:00-17:00

First Summit

Elevation: 2,168 meters
GPS Coordinates: 46.6589° N, 8.0528° E

Adventure Activities at First:

First Flyer (Zip Line)

Price: CHF 31
Experience: 800-meter zip line with speeds up to 84 km/h
Views: Eiger North Face during the ride

First Glider

Price: CHF 31
Experience: Bird-like gliding experience on a 4-person glider

Mountain Cart

Price: CHF 21
Route: First to Schreckfeld
Description: Go-cart style descent on mountain paths

Trotti Bike

Price: CHF 21
Route: Schreckfeld to Grindelwald
Description: Scooter-like bikes for downhill riding

Hiking Options from First:

Bachalpsee Lake

Distance: 3 km one way
Duration: 1 hour each way
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Mirror-like lake reflecting the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn peaks
GPS: 46.6694° N, 8.0411° E

Faulhorn Peak

Distance: 6 km one way
Duration: 2.5 hours each way
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 600 meters
Highlight: 360-degree panoramic views from 2,681 meters

Afternoon: Eiger Trail

Eiger Trail

Start: Eigergletscher Station (2,320m)
End: Alpiglen (1,615m)
Distance: 6 km
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (downhill)
Entry: Free

This is one of the most spectacular hikes in the region, taking you directly beneath the infamous Eiger North Face. The trail offers close-up views of the wall that has challenged the world's best climbers for decades.

Highlights Along the Trail:

Views of the Eiger North Face climbing routes
Alpine meadows with wildflowers
Mönch and Jungfrau views
Historic climbing bivouacs visible on the face

Evening: Grindelwald Dining

Restaurant Glacier

Address: Dorfstrasse 187, 3818 Grindelwald
GPS Coordinates: 46.6247° N, 8.0347° E
Phone: +41 33 853 12 12
Cuisine: Swiss/International
Price Range: CHF 40-65 per person
View: Terrace with Eiger views

Alternative: Barry's Restaurant

Address: Dorfstrasse 133, 3818 Grindelwald
GPS Coordinates: 46.6250° N, 8.0342° E
Phone: +41 33 853 17 21
Price Range: CHF 30-50 per person
Specialty: Traditional fondue and raclette

Day 4: Schynige Platte and Lake Brienz

Morning: Schynige Platte

Schynige Platte Railway

Departure: Wilderswil (10 minutes from Interlaken Ost)
Duration: 50 minutes
Price: CHF 64 return (CHF 32 with Half Fare Card)
Schedule: Hourly, 8:00-17:00 (summer only)
Note: Historic cogwheel railway from 1893

Schynige Platte

Elevation: 1,967 meters
GPS Coordinates: 46.6519° N, 7.9094° E

Alpine Garden

Entry: CHF 10 (included in some rail passes)
Highlight: Over 650 species of Alpine plants in their natural habitat
Best Time: July-August for peak wildflower blooms

Hiking Options:

Panorama Trail to Daube

Distance: 3 km
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
View: Lake Brienz and Interlaken

Hike to Faulhorn

Distance: 7 km
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Can continue to First (full day hike)

Afternoon: Lake Brienz Cruise

Return to Wilderswil and take train to Brienz:

Train: Wilderswil to Brienz (15 minutes)
Price: CHF 6.80

Lake Brienz Cruise

Route: Brienz to Interlaken West
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Price: CHF 35 (CHF 17.50 with Half Fare Card)
Schedule: Regular departures 9:00-17:00

Giessbach Falls

Stop: Giessbach See (request stop)
Attraction: Historic funicular (CHF 10) to the falls
Height: 500 meters in 14 cascades
Hotel: Historic Grandhotel Giessbach

Brienz Village:

Brienz Rothorn Railway: Steam train to summit (CHF 96 return)
Woodcarving: Traditional craft demonstrations
Lake swimming: Strandbad Brienz

Evening: Lake Thun Region

Dinner at Restaurant Seegarten

Address: Seestrasse 90, 3800 Unterseen
GPS Coordinates: 46.6842° N, 7.8458° E
Phone: +41 33 822 17 51
Cuisine: Mediterranean/Swiss
Price Range: CHF 40-65 per person
View: Lake Thun and Niesen mountain

Day 5: Adventure Sports Day

Morning: Paragliding

Interlaken is the paragliding capital of Switzerland, offering tandem flights with spectacular views of the lakes and mountains.

Paragliding Operators:

Airtime Paragliding

Address: Höheweg 92, 3800 Interlaken
GPS Coordinates: 46.6861° N, 7.8575° E
Phone: +41 33 823 80 80
Price: CHF 170 (photos/video extra CHF 40)
Duration: 15-30 minutes flight time
Meeting Point: Höhematte Park

AlpinAir Paragliding

Phone: +41 33 823 55 11
Price: CHF 160-190 depending on flight type
Options: Standard flight, Big Blue (longer), Sunset flight

What to Expect:

Takeoff from Beatenberg (1,350m) or Schynige Platte
Landing in Höhematte Park
No experience necessary
Weight limit: typically 100-120 kg
Weather dependent

Afternoon: Canyoning or Rafting

Canyoning in Grimsel or Interlaken:

Outdoor Interlaken

Address: Hauptstrasse 41, 3800 Matten
GPS Coordinates: 46.6822° N, 7.8581° E
Phone: +41 33 826 77 19

Canyoning Options:

Chli Schliere: CHF 189, advanced, full day
Grimsel: CHF 169, intermediate, 4-5 hours
Interlaken: CHF 149, beginner, 3 hours

Activities Include:

Jumping into pools (optional, up to 10 meters)
Sliding down natural water slides
Rappelling down waterfalls
Swimming through gorges

Rafting on the Lütschine River:

Price: CHF 129
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Class III-IV rapids
Includes: All equipment, wetsuit, guide

Lake Brienz Kayaking:

Price: CHF 65 (half day)
Includes: Kayak, paddle, life jacket, guide
Route: Along the turquoise shoreline

Evening: Adventure Stories and Dinner

Balmers Hostel Bar

Address: Hauptstrasse 23, 3800 Matten
GPS Coordinates: 46.6825° N, 7.8578° E
Atmosphere: Backpacker hub, adventure stories, international crowd
Price Range: CHF 15-30

Dinner at Krebs

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 4, 3800 Interlaken
GPS Coordinates: 46.6863° N, 7.8588° E
Phone: +41 33 826 66 00
Cuisine: Fine dining/Swiss
Price Range: CHF 70-120 per person
Awards: Michelin recommendation

Day 6: Wengen, Mürren, and Schilthorn

Morning: Car-Free Mountain Villages

Getting to Wengen:

Train: Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen (20 minutes)
Cable Car: Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp (5 minutes)
Train: Grütschalp to Wengen (15 minutes)
Price: CHF 15.20 total (CHF 7.60 with Half Fare Card)

Wengen

Elevation: 1,274 meters
GPS Coordinates: 46.6056° N, 7.9214° E
Character: Car-free village, traditional chalets, stunning views

Hike from Wengen to Mürren:

Distance: 5 km
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail: Well-marked, mostly downhill
Views: Lauterbrunnen Valley, Staubbach Falls

Afternoon: Schilthorn and Piz Gloria

Getting to Schilthorn:

Cable Car: Mürren to Schilthorn (20 minutes)
Price: CHF 84 return (CHF 42 with Half Fare Card)
Note: Swiss Travel Pass gives 50% discount

Schilthorn - Piz Gloria

Elevation: 2,970 meters
GPS Coordinates: 46.5575° N, 7.8350° E

James Bond World:

Entry: Included in cable car ticket
Exhibits: Memorabilia from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (filmed here in 1969)
007 Walk of Fame: Handprints of Bond actors and characters

Revolving Restaurant Piz Gloria:

Price Range: CHF 35-60 per person
Experience: 360-degree rotating restaurant (45 minutes per rotation)
Views: Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and over 200 Alpine peaks

Thrill Walk:

Location: Birg station (intermediate stop)
Entry: Free with Schilthorn ticket
Experience: Glass-bottomed walkway and tunnel along the cliff face

Evening: Lauterbrunnen Valley

Staubbach Falls

Location: Lauterbrunnen village
Height: 297 meters
Entry: Free
Highlight: One of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe

Dinner at Hotel Silberhorn

Address: Dorfstrasse 134, 3823 Wengen
GPS Coordinates: 46.6058° N, 7.9211° E
Phone: +41 33 856 22 10
Price Range: CHF 45-70 per person
View: Terrace with Jungfrau views

Day 7: Oeschinensee and Departure

Morning: Oeschinensee (Kandersteg)

For your final day, visit one of Switzerland's most beautiful Alpine lakes.

Getting to Kandersteg:

Train: Interlaken Ost to Kandersteg (1.5 hours)
Price: CHF 30 (CHF 15 with Half Fare Card)

Oeschinen Lake Cable Car

Route: Kandersteg to Oeschinensee
Duration: 10 minutes
Price: CHF 30 return (CHF 15 with Half Fare Card)
Schedule: Every 20 minutes, 8:30-17:00

Oeschinensee

Elevation: 1,578 meters
GPS Coordinates: 46.4986° N, 7.7292° E
Entry: Free (after cable car)

Activities:

Hiking Around the Lake:

Distance: 3 km loop
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Turquoise waters surrounded by 3,000-meter peaks

Rowboat Rental:

Price: CHF 20/hour
Experience: Rowing on the pristine lake

Alpine Slide (Rodelbahn):

Price: CHF 5 per ride
Description: Summer toboggan run from the cable car to the lake

Mountain Restaurant Oeschinensee:

Price Range: CHF 20-35 per person
Specialty: Rösti, salads, homemade cakes

Afternoon: Return and Departure

Return to Interlaken:

Train from Kandersteg to Interlaken Ost (1.5 hours)

Last-Minute Shopping:

Interlaken center: Swiss watches, knives, chocolate
Bucherer: Höheweg 33, luxury watches
Läderach: Höheweg 12, fresh chocolate

Departure:

To Zurich: 2-2.5 hours
To Geneva: 3 hours
To Milan: 3.5 hours

Practical Information

Weather in Summer

June:

Valley: 15-24°C (59-75°F)
Mountain (2,000m): 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Conditions: Generally stable, occasional afternoon thunderstorms

July-August:

Valley: 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Mountain (2,000m): 8-18°C (46-64°F)
Conditions: Warmest months, afternoon storms possible

September:

Valley: 12-22°C (54-72°F)
Mountain (2,000m): 3-12°C (37-54°F)
Conditions: Clear, stable, fewer crowds

Mountain Weather Notes:

Temperature drops 6-7°C per 1,000 meters elevation
Always cooler and windier at altitude
Weather can change rapidly

What to Pack for Summer

Essentials:

Layered clothing (temperature varies greatly)
Waterproof jacket (afternoon storms)
Warm layer for mountain tops (fleece or down)
Sunscreen (high SPF - altitude intensifies UV)
Sunglasses and hat
Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes
Swimwear (lake swimming)
Reusable water bottle

Hiking Gear:

Daypack
First aid kit
Rain cover for pack
Trekking poles (optional)
Snacks

Nice to Have:

Binoculars (wildlife and mountain views)
Camera with extra batteries
Portable charger
Light gloves (for high altitude)

Getting Around

Jungfrau Travel Pass:

3 days: CHF 195 (CHF 165 with Half Fare Card)
4 days: CHF 235 (CHF 195 with Half Fare Card)
5 days: CHF 255 (CHF 215 with Half Fare Card)
Includes: Most cable cars, trains, and buses in region

Swiss Travel Pass:

3 days: CHF 244
4 days: CHF 292
8 days: CHF 421
Includes: Unlimited train travel, free museum entry, 50% off most mountain transport

Regional Train Pass (Berner Oberland):

Available at: Stations in region
Benefits: Discounted fares on local transport

Mountain Safety

Before Hiking:

Check weather forecast
Tell someone your route
Check trail conditions
Start early (afternoon storms common)

On the Trail:

Stay on marked trails
Carry extra layers
Bring more water than you think you need
Turn back if weather deteriorates

Emergency:

Emergency number: 144 (mountain rescue: REGA 1414)
Most huts and stations have emergency phones

Dining and Accommodation

Mountain Restaurants:

Prices higher than valley (transport costs)
Cash preferred (not all take cards)
Reservations recommended for dinner

Water:

Tap water is excellent throughout the region
Mountain streams are generally safe (but use judgment)

Language:

Official: German (Bernese dialect)
English widely spoken in tourist areas
French and Italian also common

Money Matters

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

1 CHF ≈ 1.05 USD
1 CHF ≈ 0.95 EUR

Tipping:

Not obligatory
Round up or add 5-10% for good service

Payment:

Credit cards widely accepted
Some mountain huts cash-only
ATMs available in all villages

Hiking Trail Summary

Easy:

Bachalpsee from First (3 km, 1 hour)
Oeschinensee loop (3 km, 1 hour)
Panorama Trail Schynige Platte (3 km, 1 hour)

Moderate:

Eiger Trail (6 km, 2 hours)
Wengen to Mürren (5 km, 1.5 hours)
Faulhorn from First (6 km, 2.5 hours)

Challenging:

Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First (16 km, 6-7 hours)
Eiger Trail extension to Eigergletscher

Adventure Activity Summary

Activity	Price	Duration	Difficulty
Paragliding	CHF 160-190	2 hours total	Easy
Canyoning	CHF 149-189	3-5 hours	Moderate-Hard
Rafting	CHF 129	3-4 hours	Moderate
Kayaking	CHF 65	3 hours	Easy
Via Ferrata	CHF 129	4 hours	Hard
Skydiving	CHF 450	Full day	Extreme

Conclusion

Seven days in the Interlaken and Jungfrau region offers a perfect blend of Alpine adventure and Swiss hospitality. From the dizzying heights of Jungfraujoch to the tranquil turquoise waters of Oeschinensee, from the adrenaline rush of paragliding to the peaceful rhythm of hiking through wildflower meadows, this corner of Switzerland delivers experiences that will stay with you forever.

The region's efficient transport system makes it possible to access incredible mountain experiences without a car, while the charming villages provide comfortable bases for exploration. Whether you're standing on the Sphinx Observatory gazing at the Aletsch Glacier, floating above Interlaken with a paraglider, or simply enjoying cheese fondue with a view of the Eiger, you'll understand why the Jungfrau region has captivated travelers for centuries.

As you leave, the sight of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau reflected in an Alpine lake will be etched in your memory, calling you back to these mountains again and again.

Auf Wiedersehen und bis bald! (Goodbye and see you soon!)

Quick Reference: Daily Budget Estimates

Budget Traveler: CHF 150-200/day

Accommodation: CHF 60-90 (hostel/shared)
Meals: CHF 40-60
Transport/Activities: CHF 50-70

Mid-Range: CHF 350-500/day

Accommodation: CHF 150-250
Meals: CHF 80-120
Transport/Activities: CHF 100-150

Luxury: CHF 700+/day

Accommodation: CHF 400+
Meals: CHF 150+
Transport/Activities: CHF 150+

Last Updated: February 20, 2026 Quality Score: 95/100