Interlaken · Things to do

Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 m, open 365 days a year, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Interlaken Ost via Grindelwald Terminal and the Eiger Express gondola. Return fares start at CHF 129.60, which makes it the single largest line in most Interlaken budgets — go on a clear forecast or not at all.

Nostalgic cogwheel train from Wilderswil, one stop from Interlaken Ost, taking about an hour to reach 1,967 m; returns from CHF 34. It runs only 13 June to 25 October 2026, and the botanical alpine garden at the top holds around 800 mountain plant species.

BLS runs scheduled boats from Interlaken West on Lake Thun and Interlaken Ost on Lake Brienz; the two stations are five minutes apart by train or about 30 minutes on foot. Lake Thun sails year round, Lake Brienz stops for the winter from 7 December. Swiss Travel Pass and GA holders travel free, Half-Fare cards get 50 per cent.

Stalactite caves in the cliff above Lake Thun at Sundlauenen, between Thun and Interlaken, open year round. Adults CHF 20, children 6–16 CHF 12, family ticket CHF 52, museum entry included. Parking is limited and the operators ask visitors to come by bus or boat instead.

Over 100 historic buildings moved here from across Switzerland, with about 200 farm animals and working craft demonstrations, at Hofstetten bei Brienz past the far end of Lake Brienz. Open daily 10:00–17:00 from 9 April to 1 November 2026. It is a full day on foot and largely outdoors, so it needs decent weather.