Important Reminder: Be sure to purchase the Swiss Half Fare Pass before buying any tickets in Switzerland, as it can significantly reduce travel costs (up to 50% off).

Route Overview:
For our journey to Interlaken, we chose the scenic train route through Lucerne instead of the more direct route via Bern. Although the Lucerne route is slightly longer, the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and quaint Swiss villages make it the more dramatic and rewarding option. You’ll enjoy sweeping panoramas as the train passes through the Brünig Pass and along Lake Lucerne.

Arrival in Interlaken:
Once we arrive at Interlaken Ost station around 1pm, our first task is to find luggage lockers to store our gear for a few hours. Simply ask a station attendant, "Wo kann ich mein Gepäck abstellen?" (Translation: "Where can I store my luggage?"), and you’ll be directed to the lockers available at the station. Our Eurail pass will get us a discount with Stasher luggage storage. Check out the Stasher App and use discount codes INTERRAIL50 or EURAIL50 to get 50% off first time booking - INTERRAIL20 or EURAIL20 to get 20% off all future bookings.

Harder Kulm Adventure:
With our luggage stored, we’ll take a short 10-minute walk to the Harderbahn station, the starting point for our visit to Harder Kulm, known as the "Top of Interlaken". From here, we’ll ride one of Europe’s oldest mountain railways, the Harderbahn funicular, which transports you to an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) in less than 10 minutes. The funicular departs every 30 minutes, and the round-trip fare is 40 Swiss Francs. 50% discount included with our Eurail pass(or 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Pass).

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant:
At the summit, we’ll enjoy lunch with spectacular panoramic views at the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant, a castle-like establishment offering traditional Swiss cuisine. The restaurant's terrace provides a breathtaking vantage point overlooking Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz, with the majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in the distance.

Explore the Trails:
After lunch, take time to explore the well-marked hiking trails at the top of Harder Kulm. These short walks offer even more opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Swiss Alps. The surrounding nature is perfect for a peaceful stroll, with several viewing platforms that offer incredible photo opportunities.

Prepare for Tomorrow: Check the Weather and Buy Tickets for Jungfraujoch:
Before concluding the day, don’t forget to check the weather forecast and purchase tickets for tomorrow’s trip to Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe". It’s important to book tickets early, as weather conditions can vary, and tickets sell out fast.

Early Departure from Interlaken
Start your day early by taking a scenic train ride from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen (about 20 minutes). This short journey offers stunning views of the Swiss countryside, with snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys unfolding along the way.

Explore Lauterbrunnen Town

Upon arrival, take time to wander through the charming village of Lauterbrunnen, which is nestled in a valley surrounded by towering cliffs. The dramatic setting of the town, often called one of the most beautiful valleys in the world, creates a fairy-tale atmosphere. With waterfalls cascading down the cliffs and traditional Swiss chalets lining the streets, Lauterbrunnen is a picturesque gem in the heart of the Alps.

Visit Staubbach Falls

A short walk from the center of Lauterbrunnen will bring you to Staubbach Falls, one of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls, plunging nearly 300 meters. You can take a short trail that leads to a viewing platform behind the waterfall, where you can feel the mist and take in incredible views of the valley below.

Visit Trümmelbach Falls

After visiting Staubbach Falls, either take a short bus ride or enjoy a leisurely walk to Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls hidden inside the mountain. These unique waterfalls are powered by the melting glaciers of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, thundering down through a labyrinth of tunnels and caves carved into the rock. An elevator, pathways, and tunnels allow you to get up close to these impressive, roaring cascades.

Lunch in Lauterbrunnen

After your waterfall adventures, head back into the village for a relaxing lunch. Enjoy a traditional Swiss meal, such as raclette or fondue, or opt for lighter fare at one of Lauterbrunnen’s charming cafés. With outdoor seating options, you can savor both the cuisine and the stunning alpine views.

Paragliding Adventure

Lauterbrunnen is renowned as one of the top paragliding destinations in Switzerland, thanks to its awe-inspiring valley views. Book a tandem paragliding experience with one of the many local operators, with takeoff points typically from nearby locations such as Mürren or Wengen. After a thrilling launch, you’ll glide through the air, surrounded by the towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks, with the green valley stretching below. The entire experience, including preparation and flight, lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, with flight times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

Afternoon Exploration

After your paragliding adventure, you have a few options for the rest of your afternoon:

• Visit Wengen or Mürren: Take a short train or cable car ride to one of these nearby car-free alpine villages. Both are beautiful and offer stunning views, quaint streets, and traditional Swiss architecture.

• Valley Walk: Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful walk through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, taking in more breathtaking scenery and perhaps discovering a few smaller waterfalls along the way.

Return to Interlaken

In the evening, catch a train back to Interlaken. Once there, you can relax at your hotel or enjoy dinner at one of Interlaken’s many restaurants, reflecting on the day’s adventures in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Start your adventure from Interlaken Ost, taking the scenic 2-hour journey to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Get your tickets here https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/jungfraujoch-top-of-europe/buy-jungfraujoch-ticket/ 

Route Overview:

1. Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen
   Board the train towards Lauterbrunnen (free with the Eurail Pass). The ride offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and takes about 20 minutes.

2. Lauterbrunnen to Wengen/Kleine Scheidegg
   At Lauterbrunnen, transfer to the Wengernalpbahn, which will take you through Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg (25% discount with Eurail Pass). This leg offers breathtaking views of the valley and alpine villages.

3. Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher
   Change trains at Kleine Scheidegg and hop on the Jungfrau Railway to Eigergletscher. This part of the trip takes you closer to the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

4. Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch
   Finally, switch to the train that ascends to the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe, at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) above sea level. This is the highest point you can reach by train in Europe.

Activities at Jungfraujoch:

• Explore the Ice Palace, a mesmerizing gallery of ice sculptures.

• Walk to the Sphinx Observatory, one of the highest observatories in the world, offering unbeatable views of the Aletsch Glacier.

• Take a short hike on the Glacier Plateau, and if the weather is good, enjoy the clear panoramic views.

Visit Grindelwald on the Return Journey:

After exploring Jungfraujoch, make your way down to Grindelwald instead of heading straight back to Interlaken. Grindelwald is a beautiful alpine village nestled in the valley, with the dramatic Eiger North Face towering overhead.

• Explore Grindelwald: Once you arrive, take a leisurely stroll through the charming village streets, enjoying the alpine scenery, wooden chalets, and shops selling Swiss souvenirs and local treats.

• First Cliff Walk by Tissot: If time permits, consider taking a quick cable car ride to First, where you can experience the breathtaking First Cliff Walk. This steel walkway wraps around the cliffs, offering heart-pounding views of the valley below.

• Glacier Gorge: Alternatively, visit the Glacier Gorge (Gletscherschlucht), a spectacular natural gorge with roaring waterfalls and dramatic rock formations.

Return to Interlaken:

• After exploring Grindelwald, take the train back to Interlaken Ost (about 35 minutes).

• In the evening, relax at your hotel or enjoy a nice dinner at one of Interlaken’s traditional Swiss restaurants.

Important Tips:

• Check weather conditions and book your tickets 2-3 days in advance.

• Enjoy a 25% discount with the Eurail Pass. Once booked, tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable (more info here: Eurail Benefits for Jungfraubahn).

• Alternatively, consider booking a package that includes a train ride up and a cable car down. Explore more options here: Jungfraujoch Ticket Packages.