Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Interlaken?

Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Interlaken?

Many visitors spend two to five days in Interlaken during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The town offers the chance to go hiking, take in the beautiful scenery, dine out at amazing restaurants, and ski down the slopes.

Interlaken is a mountain resort town that serves as a nice base for exploring the Alps. It sits in a valley between the beautiful Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The town has many timber houses and a nice foot path. It also offers easy access to nearby mountain towns and stunning hiking trails.

Do you have one or two weeks to visit Interlaken? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one week enough time in Interlaken?

One week is more than enough time to see everything that Interlaken has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend two to five days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, the food, and the skiing at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend a week in Interlaken

Known for it's hiking, Interlaken sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Interlaken is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. While the city itself has a lot of charm and character, it's really about exploring the surrounding countryside. There are world class hikes, stunning vistas, and adrenaline-filled adventure sports that you shouldn't miss.

The public transit in Interlaken is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Don't miss its many mountain views. During your trip to Interlaken, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Snow skiing takes the spotlight during the winter season, so set aside at least a day to hit the slopes. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Interlaken.

Interlaken offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. In town you can take a classic horse drawn carriage ride to experience the city.

After you've explored most of Interlaken, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Interlaken. Plenty of amazing options are available.

With added time, spend another day on the ski slopes. After all, that's one of the main attractions here. You'll probably improve your skills every day, so check out some of the runs you haven't spent much time on yet.

Is 2 weeks enough time in Interlaken?

Two weeks is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Interlaken, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Go hiking, take in the beautiful scenery, dine out at amazing restaurants, and ski down the slopes. You could also use Interlaken as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

Interlaken, Switzerland

How to spend 2 weeks in Interlaken

With 2 weeks in Interlaken, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time skiing on the slopes and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Interlaken, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.