Zurich to Interlaken train

Visiting the city of Interlaken

If you are planning a journey to see the majesty of the Swiss Alps, a visit to the scenic mountain town of Interlaken is a must. Located in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland region, Interlaken is a picturesque town situated between towering mountains and clear blue lakes, offering plenty of opportunities for alpine exploration and invigorating activities. The good news is that as Interlaken is only a short distance from Zurich, the Zurich to Interlaken train will give you a speedy journey to the heart of Switzerland's famous Alps.

Explore Interlaken in three days

The best way to reach Interlaken from Zurich is by train. Not only is a train from Zurich to Interlaken a spectacular way to get there, but it is also fast. A typical Zurich to Interlaken train trip lasts just over 1h 56m, and trains are plentiful from Zurich throughout the day. To make the most of your time in Interlaken, this three-day itinerary is a recommended guide.

Looking Around In Interlaken

Your exploration of Interlaken's mountains begins the moment you step off the train. Only a short walk across the River Aare from Interlaken Ost station is Harder station, part of Interlaken's scenic funicular railway line. Take a 10-minute funicular ride up to the top of Harder Kulm, Interlaken's local mountain. From here, you can get the layout of the town and the surrounding region thanks to some truly breathtaking views. Perhaps stop off at the local mountaintop restaurant for a meal before heading back down.

Once back at Harder station, head back over the river and go southwest along Hoheweg towards Interlaken's Old Town. Along Hoheweg, you can find a variety of high-end shopping opportunities, from Swiss chocolates to antiques. Here you can also visit the historic monastery and castle of Interlaken, which dates back as far as the 12th century. Afterwards, take some time to explore Hohematte Park, where you can enjoy activities such as paragliding, horse-drawn carriage rides, or simply relaxing with a picnic lunch while taking in the spectacular views of the nearby Jungfrau peak.

After lunch, consider a guided walking tour of the town to learn about its history and culture. Pay a visit to the Tourism Museum in the Unterseen Old Town district to learn about the region's development as a popular tourist destination for alpine adventuring over the past 250 years. Finally, head to Interlaken West train station for some more shopping and dining at the Bahnhofstrasse, as well as a visit to the nearby Model Railway Exhibition with its intricately designed miniature rail lines.

Cruising the Scenic Lakes of Interlaken

Now that you've experienced what central Interlaken has to offer, it is time to really appreciate the natural beauty the region has to offer. Chief among these are the two lakes that border the town, Lakes Thun and Brienz, from which Interlaken gets its name. There are boat tours that offer scenic cruises on both lakes, and they can be accessed from either Interlaken Ost or West stations, depending on which one you choose.

From Lake Brienz, you can find the magnificent Giessbach Falls, where water cascades 500 metres down the slopes of the Faulhorn-Sagis Valley into the waters of the lake below. Nearby is the Grand Hotel Giessbach, which was built in the 19th century and not only offers panoramic views of the area but also a 22-hectare park with gardens and one of the oldest functioning funicular railways in Europe.

Lake Thun, on the other hand, offers plenty of swimming opportunities in the summer months and is also a popular location for kayaking activities. Take some time to explore the historic town of Thun with its impressive medieval castle and town hall. The northeastern shore of the lake is also home to the St. Beatus Caves, where you can explore magnificent cave formations up to 1000 metres below the surface.

Adventuring in the Mountains Around Interlaken

Take a trip high into the Bernese Alps via the Schynige Platte Railway, a classic 19th-century style railway line that has been operating for over a century. Schynige Platte itself sits almost 2,000 metres above the point of origin, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Jungfrau region. The nearby Alpine Botanic Garden is home to over 600 species of plant life, along with a hotel and restaurant in the area boasting an impressive range of international delicacies.

Another potential journey into the surrounding mountains is via the Interlaken Line from Interlaken Ost. This century-old railway line will take you up to the Jungfraujoch saddle, one of the highest in Europe, at over 3,000 metres high. Here you can visit the Top of Europe building for scenic views of the Aletsch Glacier, as well as the Sphinx Observatory with its 360-degree observation deck.

Don't forget to try some of the exciting activities available in and around Interlaken. Perhaps visit the nearby Lauterbrunnen Valley to enjoy some paragliding or hang gliding, or try the massive Canyon Swing in Grindelwald. Whether you are into swimming, rafting, hiking or skiing, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure throughout the year to ensure your stay is memorable.

How to Get Around in Interlaken

Interlaken is a very walkable town and can easily be explored on foot. The town is also well serviced by public transport, with rail and bus services the most popular options. There are two main train stations in Interlaken, Ost and West, with frequent trains between these stations, each journey taking up to five minutes. Boat tours on Lakes Thun and Brienz are also available from either station.