Interlaken is one of the most spectacular destinations in Switzerland — not just because of what you can do there, but because of how you get there.
Surrounded by lakes and mountains, Interlaken is best reached by train, with routes that are as scenic as the destination itself.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- the most beautiful train routes to Interlaken
- how to choose the best one
- what to do once you arrive
Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
Where Is Interlaken?
Interlaken is located in the Bernese Oberland, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by some of Switzerland’s most famous peaks.
It’s the perfect base for:
- scenic train travel
- outdoor adventures
- alpine day trips
If you’re planning a longer journey, you can combine Interlaken with other iconic routes like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express.
The most scenic train routes to Interlaken
Lucerne → Interlaken (GoldenPass Route)
This is one of the most scenic train journeys in Switzerland.
Highlights:
- turquoise lakes
- waterfalls
- the Brünig mountain pass
- traditional Swiss villages
Duration: ~2 hours
Best for: travelers already in Lucerne
💡 This route is part of the GoldenPass Line and works perfectly with a Swiss Travel Pass.
Zurich → Interlaken (Fast + Scenic Sections)
From Zurich, trains to Interlaken take about 2 hours.
While faster, parts of the journey still offer:
- lake views
- rolling hills
- mountain backdrops
Best for: arrivals from the airport or short stays
Montreux → Interlaken (GoldenPass Panoramic Route)
This route connects Montreux to Interlaken through some of Switzerland’s most diverse landscapes.
- vineyards above Lake Geneva
- alpine valleys
- panoramic train carriages
Duration: ~3 hours
Best for: scenic travel lovers
Do you need a Swiss Travel Pass?
For most travelers, yes.
The Swiss Travel Pass:
- covers all these train routes
- removes the need to buy individual tickets
- allows full flexibility
💡 Especially useful if Interlaken is part of a longer scenic train trip.
Why Interlaken Is a must-stop on a scenic train trip
Interlaken is not just a stop — it’s where your trip becomes more active and memorable.
You can:
- switch from scenic travel to adventure
- explore nearby alpine villages
- experience Switzerland from above
It’s one of the few places where you can combine relaxation and adrenaline in the same day.
Best experiences in Interlaken
Paragliding and skydiving over the Alps
If you’re looking for unforgettable views, Interlaken is one of the best places in Europe for aerial adventures.
Paragliding is perfect if you want a smooth and scenic experience:
- glide over Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
- no experience needed
- ideal for first-time adventurers
👉 You can book a paragliding experience in Interlaken in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Skydiving offers a more intense, once-in-a-lifetime thrill:
- jump with views of the Jungfrau region
- lakes below, peaks above
- one of the most iconic skydives in Switzerland
👉 This skydiving experience in Interlaken is very popular, especially in summer, so booking ahead is recommended.
💡 Whether you choose paragliding or skydiving, both offer a unique perspective of the Alps that you simply can’t get from the ground.
Lake Thun & Lake Brienz boat cruises
If you prefer something more relaxing, a boat cruise is the perfect complement to scenic train travel.
From Interlaken, you can explore:
- Lake Thun — known for its castles and deeper blue waters
- Lake Brienz — famous for its turquoise color and dramatic cliffs
Boat cruises offer:
- a slower pace after busy travel days
- beautiful reflections of the mountains
- a calm, romantic atmosphere
👉 Many travelers combine a train journey with a lake cruise experience to enjoy Switzerland from a completely different perspective.
💡 These cruises are also included in the Swiss Travel Pass, making them an easy addition to your itinerary.
Grindelwald First & Cliff Walk
Located near Interlaken, Grindelwald offers a perfect mix of scenery and adventure.
- a scenic gondola ride
- the famous First Cliff Walk
- panoramic alpine views
👉 A great balance between adventure and accessibility.
How to include Interlaken in a scenic train itinerary
Interlaken fits naturally into a larger scenic route across Switzerland.
Example itineraries:
- Lucerne → Interlaken → Zermatt → St. Moritz
- Zurich → Interlaken → Montreux → GoldenPass Line
👉 Interlaken works as a central hub for exploring multiple scenic train routes.
Practical tips for visiting Interlaken
- Book adventure activities in advance (high demand)
- Travel early in the day for the best views
- Use trains instead of renting a car
- Combine your stay with nearby destinations like Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen
- Don’t overpack your itinerary — leave time to enjoy the scenery
FAQ — Visiting Interlaken
Is Interlaken worth visiting?
Yes — especially for combining scenic train travel with outdoor experiences.
What is the most scenic train route to Interlaken?
The Lucerne → Interlaken GoldenPass route is the most scenic.
Can I reach Interlaken without a car?
Yes. Switzerland’s train system is the easiest and most efficient way to get there.
Is Interlaken expensive?
Activities can be pricey, but planning ahead and using train passes can help manage costs.
How long should I stay in Interlaken?
It depends on how much you want to experience:
1 day: Quick visit with one activity or a short excursion
2 days: Ideal for most travelers — enough time for 1–2 major experiences like paragliding or a mountain trip
3 days or more: Best if you want to explore nearby areas like Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and enjoy a slower pace
Interlaken is where Switzerland shifts from watching the landscape to experiencing it.
Arriving by scenic train sets the tone — and once you’re there, the combination of adventure, nature, and accessibility makes it one of the most unforgettable stops in the country.
