🇨🇭 Interlaken — Family Travel Guide

Country: Switzerland Last Updated: May 2026

Overview

Interlaken sits in one of the most dramatically beautiful valleys on Earth — wedged between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the mighty trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau looming directly to the south. It is Switzerland’s adventure capital, and for families it delivers something genuinely rare: world-class natural spectacle that children and adults experience with equal intensity. You can ride a cogwheel railway to the highest train station in Europe, stand on a glacier at 3,454 metres, watch paragliders spiral overhead as you eat cheese fondue, and then be back at the hotel for bedtime — all in the same day.

What elevates Interlaken above most alpine destinations is how accessible its headline experiences are. The Jungfraujoch is extraordinary but can be done as a full-day organised excursion without any technical skill. The funicular to Harder Kulm takes seven minutes. Lauterbrunnen’s famous 72 waterfalls require only a short train ride and a flat walk. This is adventure tourism designed for families — the infrastructure is exceptional, the English language support is thorough, and Switzerland’s legendary efficiency means things run on time, every time.

Why families love it:

• Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe” is one of the most unforgettable family experiences on the continent
• Multiple mountain experiences accessible without any hiking ability (cable cars, cogwheels, funiculars)
• Two stunning lakes offering boat trips and swimming directly from town
• Lauterbrunnen Valley and its 72 waterfalls is genuinely magical for children of all ages
• The valley is compact — almost every major experience is reachable from Interlaken by public transport
• Switzerland is among the world’s safest countries; children can move freely with confidence

⏰ Best Time to Visit with Kids

Pro tip: Late June and September are the sweet spots — full mountain access, far shorter queues at Jungfraujoch, and hotel prices 20–30% lower than July/August peak. The valley weather is most reliable July through early September, but even then the Jungfraujoch summit is often in cloud — book the earliest possible departure for the best chance of clear views.

🚗 Getting Around

Swiss Travel Pass (Essential for Families) The Swiss Travel Pass is non-negotiable for families in the Jungfrau region. It covers all trains, buses, and Lake Thun/Brienz boats within the standard network. Crucially: children 6–15 travel completely free when a parent holds a valid Swiss Travel Pass (via the free Swiss Family Card, available at any Swiss railway station). Under-6s travel free regardless. The Jungfraujoch excursion is not included in the pass but gets a significant discount (typically 25%).

Jungfrau Travel Pass The Jungfrau Travel Pass (3-day or 4-day version) is specifically designed for the region and covers Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald, Mürren, and boat rides on both lakes — plus free or discounted Jungfraujoch. Worth calculating vs Swiss Travel Pass depending on how many mountain excursions you plan.

Trains Interlaken has two stations: Interlaken West (near Lake Thun) and Interlaken Ost (near Lake Brienz, and the departure point for all mountain trains including Jungfraujoch). The BOB (Berner Oberland Bahn) runs frequently between the two stations and out to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.

On Foot The famous Höheweg promenade connecting West and Ost stations is a flat, wide, beautiful 2km walk — entirely manageable with prams and young children. The town is very compact and walkable.

Local Buses Interlaken’s PostBus network covers the immediate area. All buses are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.

🏔️ The Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe ⭐

The single most iconic experience in the Jungfrau region — and one of the genuinely unmissable family experiences in all of Europe. The Jungfraujoch train station at 3,454 metres is the highest railway station in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage area, and the gateway to an eternal glacier that has existed for millennia. The journey itself is spectacular: a cogwheel railway through alpine meadows, then a tunnel bored through the Eiger and Mönch, emerging into a snow-covered world of glaciers and 4,000-metre peaks.

At the top: the Sphinx Observatory with panoramic 360° views, the Ice Palace (tunnels and rooms carved entirely from glacier ice — children are absolutely captivated), the Snow Fun Park where kids can try snow tubing and zip lining on the glacier, and a real working research station. On a clear day you can see across the Swiss Alps into France, Italy, and Germany.

Honest note on weather: Cloud cover is the single biggest variable. Check the Jungfraujoch webcam the morning you plan to go, and book the 7:30am or 8:00am departure from Interlaken Ost — summit conditions are almost always clearest in the first two hours after sunrise. Midday cloud is common.

• Rating: 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor — consistently in Switzerland’s top 5 experiences
• Age suitability: All ages; young children find the snow and ice palace magical; altitude sickness is mild at this level but watch for children who feel dizzy or nauseous
• Cost: Adults ~CHF 145–165 / Children 6–15 ~CHF 60–90 (significantly discounted from full price); Under 6 FREE. Swiss Travel Pass gives ~25% discount. Book via jungfrau.ch
• Time needed: Full day (allow 8–10 hours total travel and summit time)
• Departure: Interlaken Ost station; trains run regularly from 7:30am
• ⚠️ Critical: Dress in layers including a warm jacket regardless of valley temperature — the summit is typically -5 to +5°C even in summer. Sunglasses or goggles essential (UV intensity at altitude is extreme). Book tickets in advance in peak season.
• Pro tip: Pack snacks and water for the journey up — the summit has restaurants but they’re expensive even by Swiss standards. The Ice Palace walkthrough takes about 30 minutes and genuinely astounds children. If the summit is clouded out, trains sometimes still run to Eigergletscher (mid-station) which has its own excellent views.

⛰️ Mountain Experiences

2. Harder Kulm ⭐ — Interlaken’s Living Room View

The local mountain above Interlaken town — reached by a 7-minute funicular from directly behind Interlaken Ost station. At 1,322m, Harder Kulm offers sweeping views of the entire Jungfrau massif, both lakes gleaming below, and the town spread across the valley floor. The summit platform has a spectacular “Two Lakes Bridge” cantilevered viewing platform over a sheer drop — children (and adults) love walking out to the edge. There’s also a wildlife park with ibex, deer, and alpine animals that children can view along the trail.

• Rating: 4.4/5 on Google
• Age suitability: All ages; 7+ for the viewing platform
• Cost: Adults CHF 36 / Children 6–15 CHF 18 / Under 6 FREE (free with Jungfrau Travel Pass)
• Time needed: 2–3 hours
• Funicular departs: From behind Interlaken Ost; every 30 minutes
• Pro tip: Sunset from Harder Kulm when the Jungfrau massif turns golden-pink is one of Switzerland’s most spectacular natural events. Book a table at the summit restaurant for dinner and watch it from above the clouds.

3. Grindelwald First & the Cliff Walk ⭐

Take the BOB train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald (35 min), then the First gondola to 2,168m for some of the most dramatic views in the Alps. The First Cliff Walk — a steel walkway along the mountain edge with heart-in-mouth views — is genuinely thrilling for older children and teens. At the top: mountain biking, the First Flyer (zip line), and the Trottibike (a sit-down scooter for descending the mountain tracks). In winter, Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s best ski resorts.

• Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
• Age suitability: Cliff Walk best for 8+; gondola from 0+; Trottibike from 5+
• Cost: First gondola return Adults CHF 55 / Children CHF 27.50 (discounts with travel passes). Cliff Walk is FREE once at summit.
• Time needed: Half day to full day
• Pro tip: The mountain restaurant at First has outdoor terraces with breathtaking Eiger views — have lunch up top. The Trottibike descent is a massive hit with children 5–12. Combine with the train ride through the dramatic Lütschine valley.

4. Schynige Platte — Alpine Garden & Panoramic Views

A cogwheel railway from Wilderswil (one stop from Interlaken Ost by BOB) climbs to 1,967m and the extraordinary Schynige Platte Alpine Botanic Garden — the highest botanic garden in Switzerland, with 600+ species of alpine plants in natural settings. The panoramic circuit trail (1–2 hours, family-paced) delivers one of the finest 360° mountain views in the Alps. Children love looking for marmots along the trail.

• Rating: 4.5/5 on Google
• Age suitability: All ages; trail is manageable for 5+
• Cost: Adults CHF 70 / Children 6–15 CHF 35 return (reduced with Jungfrau Travel Pass)
• Time needed: 3–4 hours
• Season: Late May–late October only (weather-dependent)
• Pro tip: Go on a clear day and pack a picnic — the summit meadow is perfect for spreading out a blanket while the children run. The marmots are often visible from the trail from July onwards.

5. Niederhorn — Secret Summit Above Lake Thun

The least-known of the major Interlaken mountain excursions — and worth it precisely for that reason. Take the boat across Lake Thun to Beatenbucht, then the cable car + chairlift combination to 1,950m. At the summit: a high alpine panorama over lakes Thun and Brienz that rivals anything on the tourist trail, minimal crowds, and excellent family hiking trails. The combination of boat + cable car + chairlift is itself a transport adventure.

• Rating: 4.3/5 on Google
• Age suitability: All ages; hiking from 5+
• Cost: Adults CHF 45 / Children CHF 22.50 return (boat + cable car + chairlift combo)
• Time needed: Half day
• Pro tip: Combine with the Beatus Caves (see Day Trips below) for a full lake-day itinerary.

🚢 Lakes & Water

6. Lake Thun & Lake Brienz Boat Trips ⭐

Interlaken is uniquely situated between two pristine alpine lakes of very different character: Lake Thun to the west (larger, turquoise, with castle towns and medieval villages along its shores) and Lake Brienz to the east (a deeper, more intense turquoise-blue, wilder and less developed). Both have regular boat services departing from Interlaken’s two stations.

Lake Thun: Stop at Thun (a beautifully preserved medieval town with a magnificent castle kids can explore), Spiez (wine-covered castle on the lakeside), and Oberhofen (a fairy-tale water castle with its feet in the lake).

Lake Brienz: Stop at Brienz (departure point for the steam railway up Rothorn, see Day Trips) and the extraordinary Giessbach Falls — where a free vintage funicular carries you up from the boat pier to the waterfall viewpoint.

• Age suitability: All ages; perfect for 0–6 who can relax on deck
• Cost: Lake Thun: Adults CHF 8–30 depending on distance / Children half price. Lake Brienz: similar. FREE with Swiss Travel Pass.
• Time needed: 1–4 hours depending on route
• Pro tip: A round-trip on Lake Brienz to Giessbach and back is one of the most beautiful 3-hour boat excursions in Europe. The combination of steam-boat aesthetic, turquoise water, and waterfall arrival is utterly memorable.

7. Lake Swimming — Bönigen & Neuhaus

Both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz have public lido beaches within easy reach of Interlaken. Neuhaus Lido (Lake Thun side, 2km from Interlaken West) has a proper swimming area, boat rentals, and a children’s play area. Bönigen Lido (Lake Brienz side, 2km from Interlaken Ost) has calm water and beautiful mountain backdrops. The water is glacially cold even in summer (typically 18–22°C at peak) but children don’t seem to mind.

• Age suitability: All ages; life jackets available for young swimmers
• Cost: Lido entry CHF 5–8 adult / CHF 3–5 child; boat hire extra
• Time needed: 2–4 hours

💧 Waterfalls & Valley Walks

8. Lauterbrunnen Valley ⭐ — Switzerland’s Waterfall Valley

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most dramatic glacially-carved landscapes in the world — a sheer-walled gorge with 72 waterfalls tumbling off the cliffs, including the famous Staubbach Falls (297m, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Switzerland) that drops almost vertically into the village below. Children universally love it: the scale is overwhelming, the sound of water is constant, and you can walk behind some of the falls.

A short 30-minute train from Interlaken Ost drops you in the village of Lauterbrunnen, from which the valley floor walk is flat, pram-friendly, and spectacular. From here you can continue up by cableway to the car-free villages of Mürren and Wengen for more extraordinary mountain scenery.

• Rating: 4.8/5 on Google — genuinely one of Switzerland’s most beautiful places
• Age suitability: All ages; pram-friendly valley floor
• Cost: Train from Interlaken Ost CHF 10 return / Free with Swiss Travel Pass. Valley walk is free.
• Time needed: 2–6 hours (valley walk alone: 2h; adding Mürren or Wengen: full day)
• Pro tip: Walk to the Trümmelbach Falls (25 min from Lauterbrunnen village, or short bus) — 10 glacial waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible via a series of lifts and tunnels. Children find the combination of noise, darkness, and water absolutely captivating. The roar is tremendous.

9. Trümmelbach Falls ⭐ — Waterfalls Inside a Mountain

Switzerland’s most extraordinary waterfall experience: 10 meltwater cascades from the Jungfrau glaciers, channelled inside the mountain and accessible via an internal mountain lift and tunnels. Up to 20,000 litres of water per second thunders through these rock chambers — the noise and spray are elemental. Children who’ve seen ordinary waterfalls have nothing that prepares them for this.

• Rating: 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor
• Age suitability: Best for 5+; some steps and uneven surfaces; younger children manageable with patience
• Cost: Adults CHF 16 / Children 6–15 CHF 8 / Under 6 FREE
• Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
• Location: Lauterbrunnen Valley, 4km from Lauterbrunnen village (regular bus connection)
• Pro tip: The upper falls chambers (accessible only via lift) are the most dramatic — don’t leave before reaching the top level. Bring a light rain jacket — the spray is heavy at peak flow (June–July).

🎯 Unique Family Experiences

10. Funky Chocolate Club — Chocolate Workshop ⭐

An Interlaken institution: a hands-on chocolate-making workshop in the heart of town where children (and parents) design and produce their own Swiss chocolate bar from scratch. The process takes about 90 minutes, involves proper tempering, moulding, and decoration, and ends with children taking their creations home. Outstanding for rainy-day entertainment and completely child-focused.

• Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor — one of Interlaken’s most consistently praised family activities
• Age suitability: Best for 5–14; under 5 can participate with parent help
• Cost: Adults CHF 39 / Children CHF 29 (includes workshop + materials + chocolate to take home). Book in advance — sessions fill quickly.
• Time needed: 1.5 hours
• Location: Central Interlaken (Höheweg area)
• Pro tip: This is the go-to wet-weather activity in Interlaken. Book your preferred session time the moment you know your dates — July/August workshops sell out weeks ahead.
• Website: funkychocolateclub.com

11. Paragliding — Tandem Flights (Parents & Older Kids)

Interlaken is Europe’s paragliding capital, and tandem flights (where you’re strapped to an experienced pilot) are available from multiple launch points on the surrounding mountains. The standard flight launches from Beatenberg above Lake Thun and glides down to the landing field in central Interlaken — roughly 10–15 minutes of flying. The views of the Jungfrau massif from the air are simply extraordinary.

• Age suitability: Minimum age typically 5–6 years old depending on weight requirements (minimum ~20kg usually)
• Cost: Adults CHF 150–180 / Children CHF 100–130. Multiple operators run from Interlaken; try Alpin Air, Skywings, or Fly Interlaken.
• Time needed: 2–3 hours including transfer to launch point and waiting
• ⚠️ Honest note: Weather-dependent — flights are cancelled in rain or high winds. Book through your hotel or a reputable operator; confirm the cancellation/rebook policy.
• Pro tip: Morning flights (9–10am) typically have the most stable conditions. The landing field is right in central Interlaken — you can watch other paragliders land while waiting for your turn, which builds excitement.

12. Ballenberg Open-Air Museum — Swiss Village History

Located near Brienz on the Lake Brienz shore, Ballenberg is a 66-hectare open-air museum with over 100 historic Swiss farmhouses, mills, forges, and rural buildings transported from across the country and reconstructed in their original style. Artisans demonstrate traditional crafts — cheese-making, lace-making, blacksmithing, baking — in period costume. For children, it’s Switzerland’s living history, and the sheer scale (you could walk for hours) makes it feel like exploring a real historical village.

• Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
• Age suitability: All ages; particularly excellent for 5–14
• Cost: Adults CHF 26 / Children (under 16) FREE
• Time needed: 3–5 hours (it’s large — don’t rush)
• Getting there: Train to Brienz, then bus or 25-min walk; or boat to Brienz
• Pro tip: The traditional cheesemaking demonstrations (typically 10am and 2pm) are a highlight — arrive at the right farmhouse early to watch. Children can often participate in simple craft activities. The Brienz steam railway (Brienzer Rothorn Bahn) departure is right at Brienz station — combine for a full lake-day adventure.

🍕 Food Experiences

Interlaken’s food scene is oriented towards tourists, which means reliable international options alongside traditional Swiss staples — but finding genuinely good, family-friendly restaurants is straightforward.

Swiss Cheese Fondue — A Family Ritual

Fondue is Switzerland’s ultimate communal meal and children love it unreservedly — the novelty of dipping bread into bubbling cheese, the rules about not dropping your piece (tradition: if you do, you buy a round), and the warmth of a shared pot. Almost every restaurant in Interlaken serves fondue; for the authentic experience, look for Käsefondue (classic cheese) and Fondue Chinoise (meat in broth — good for younger children who might be picky about cheese). Order a children’s portion or share one adult fondue between two younger children.

• Best restaurants: El Azteca, Pizzeria Mercato, and the Gasthof Hirschen all serve reliable fondue. For the full mountain atmosphere, head up to Harder Kulm or one of the Grindelwald mountain restaurants.

Traditional Swiss Rösti & Raclette

Rösti (crispy shredded potato cake, often topped with cheese or a fried egg) is universally loved by children — it’s essentially a giant hash brown. Raclette (melted cheese scraped over potatoes and pickles) is similarly straightforward and child-friendly. Both appear on virtually every Swiss restaurant menu.

Interlaken Market & Local Produce

The Saturday morning market at Interlaken’s Marktgasse has local cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, and alpine honey — good for picnic supplies before a mountain day. A picnic on a mountain summit with Swiss cheese, bread, and chocolate is a travel memory children reliably cite years later.

Family Restaurant Picks

Gasthof Hirschen (Hauptstrasse, Interlaken West area) — The most traditional Swiss inn in town, serving proper rösti, Zürigschnätzlets (sliced veal in cream sauce), and fondue. Dark wood, antlers on the wall, and genuinely warm service. Children’s portions available. The terrace overlooks the Aare river. A reliable first-night choice.

El Azteca (Jungfraustrasse, central Interlaken) — The go-to for families who need a break from Swiss food. Solid Mexican, reliably good quesadillas and nachos for children, outdoor terrace. Reasonably priced by Swiss standards. Popular with international families.

Pizzeria Mercato (Centralstrasse area) — Decent Italian with consistent pizza and pasta. Familiar food in an unfamiliar country is sometimes exactly what a 5-year-old needs. Busy in summer but generally manages groups.

Balmer’s Restaurant (Hauptstrasse 23-25, Interlaken) — Part of the famous Balmer’s hostel complex. More casual, with a mixed menu and outdoor seating that’s excellent for families. Known for their Thursday BBQ nights in summer.

🌿 Day Trips

Day Trip 1: Thun Castle & Old Town ⭐

Distance: 30km (30 min by train or 1h by boat from Interlaken West)

Thun is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful small cities — a pristine medieval old town on the Aare river flowing from Lake Thun, dominated by the magnificent Schloss Thun (Thun Castle) with its four corner towers perched high on the old town hill. The castle museum is excellent for children (armoury, medieval life exhibits, panoramic views from the tower). The old town’s elevated arcaded shopping street, flower-filled bridges, and riverfront cafés make for a deeply pleasant half-day.

• Rating: 4.6/5 on Google
• Cost: Train CHF 10 / Free with Swiss Travel Pass. Castle: Adults CHF 10 / Children CHF 4 / Family CHF 24.
• Time needed: 3–5 hours

Day Trip 2: Lucerne ⭐

Distance: 65km (1h by train)

Switzerland’s most beautiful small city — see the dedicated Lucerne Family Travel Guide for the full rundown. The Swiss Museum of Transport alone justifies the day trip. Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, and the glacier garden make this one of the finest day-trip destinations in Central Europe.

Day Trip 3: Bern — Swiss Capital & Bear Park

Distance: 55km (55 min by train from Interlaken Ost)

Switzerland’s capital is compact, architecturally spectacular, and free-to-explore. The Bear Park (where Bern’s famous bears — the city’s symbol — live in a large natural enclosure by the Aare river) is delightful and completely free. The medieval arcaded old town (UNESCO World Heritage) is remarkably child-friendly — 6km of covered walkways mean you can explore even in rain. The Einstein Museum gives context to the city’s most famous resident. See the separate Bern guide for details.

💡 Practical Tips for Families

Best Areas to Stay

💡 Recommendation: For most families, anywhere within 10 minutes’ walk of Interlaken Ost gives the best access to the mountain rail network and still keeps the lake and town easily reachable.

Altitude & Weather Notes

• Altitude sickness is uncommon at valley level (567m) but can affect children at Jungfraujoch (3,454m). Symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea. Ascent is very rapid via train — spend at least 30 minutes at each intermediate station if children seem affected. Most children handle it fine.
• Mountain weather changes rapidly. The Jungfraujoch summit can shift from clear to completely whited-out in minutes. Always check the official webcam (jungfrau.ch/en-gb/webcams) before departing.
• Sun protection at altitude is critical — UV index at 3,000m+ is extreme even through cloud. Factor 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats mandatory for summit excursions.
• Temperature difference between valley and summit: expect 15–20°C colder at Jungfraujoch than in Interlaken. Bring proper warm layers for every summit visit regardless of valley conditions.

Money-Saving Tips

Swiss Family Card (Free) When a parent purchases a Swiss Travel Pass, children 6–15 travel completely free with the Swiss Family Card (collect at any Swiss railway station, no charge). This is the single most impactful saving for families — Swiss train fares are expensive and this eliminates them entirely for children.

Jungfraujoch Good Morning Ticket Book the earliest possible train (departures before 10am from Interlaken Ost) and you typically qualify for the “Good Morning Ticket” — a reduced-price Jungfraujoch fare. Check exact discount on jungfrau.ch when booking.

Picnic Culture Switzerland’s supermarkets (Migros and Coop, both in central Interlaken) sell excellent prepared foods, local cheeses, and fresh bread at reasonable prices. A summit picnic beats the mountain restaurants on cost every time and is a more memorable experience.

Mountain Day Planning Combine two mountain activities in a single day where logistics allow (e.g., Schynige Platte in the morning, boat back to Interlaken, Lake Brienz afternoon) to maximise pass value and reduce transport steps.

Safety Notes

• 🟢 Interlaken is among the safest tourist destinations in the world. Crime is essentially absent. Children can explore the Höheweg independently from around 8+.
• ☀️ Alpine UV is extreme — factor 50 for all summit visits. Snow reflects UV even when it’s cloudy.
• 🏊 Lake swimming: Both lakes have designated safe swimming areas with no boat traffic. Water is cold — supervise young children closely. The rip currents are minimal in sheltered lido areas.
• 🏔️ Mountain trails: Stick to marked trails with young children. Some trails are graded (white = easy, yellow = moderate, red = difficult). Blue trails with zigzag markers involve some exposure — these are for confident hikers only.
• 🏥 Healthcare: Switzerland has excellent emergency services. The nearest hospital is Spital Thun (30 min by train). EU visitors: carry your EHIC/GHIC card.

📋 Quick Reference: Activities at a Glance

✈️ Getting to Interlaken

Airports:

• Zurich (ZRH) — Primary hub. 2h by direct train to Interlaken Ost. Regular departures throughout the day.
• Bern (BRN) — Closer but far fewer international connections. 1h by train to Interlaken Ost. Mainly charter and intra-European services.
• Geneva (GVA) — 2.5h by train via Bern. Useful if flying from specific origins.

By Train from Zurich: The direct Zurich–Interlaken Ost service runs every 2 hours (IC61/IC8), journey ~2h. No changes required. Book tickets via sbb.ch — the Swiss Federal Railways booking system. Buy in advance for best prices and to guarantee seat reservations.

From Bern: Frequent connections, 55 min direct to Interlaken Ost. Also serves as transit hub if flying via Geneva.

Getting Around on Arrival: Interlaken Ost and West stations are connected by a 20-minute local train (also covered by Swiss Travel Pass). Taxis are available but expensive — Interlaken is small enough that you rarely need one within town.

Guide compiled May 2026. Swiss rail timetables and mountain railway schedules should be verified at jungfrau.ch and sbb.ch before travel. Prices are approximate CHF and subject to seasonal variation. Jungfraujoch and mountain railway tickets should be booked in advance in peak season (July–August).