With its snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and quaint alpine towns that look straight out of a postcard, it’s no surprise that Switzerland stole my heart several years back while studying abroad.
Over the past few months, I’ve been craving the great outdoors. Getting outside does something to me mentally, it’s like hitting a reset button and it’s a way for me to declutter my thoughts, even if it’s only for the day.
Every time I go back home to California I always try to make an effort to head to the mountains, but with little time and few weekends free, it always stays a pending plan until I can return again. And while there are many hiking trails outside of Barcelona, it becomes a bit of a challenge without a car.
Booking a Trip to Interlaken, Switzerland
Now, Interlaken, Switzerland was a place I had previously visited. It’s rolling hills, dramatic landscapes, and natural beauty completely blew me away, making it a destination I knew I would eventually come back to.
So, one morning while restlessly craving the outdoors, I impulsively bought a plane ticket to Switzerland. Since my trip to Interlaken was such a last-minute decision, I knew I’d have to go alone. Which normally I wouldn’t mind, but the thought of hiking solo and having to figure out the Swiss train system did put a bit of fear in me.
Even with my hesitation, I knew now was the perfect time to do it. If not, it just wouldn’t happen. Plus, I knew a little solo trip and hiking alone in the Swiss alps would be a good challenge for myself.
So, that’s exactly what I did. I booked a ticket to Zurich, Switzerland, where I’d be spending 24-hours exploring the city before heading to the alps for an Interlaken hiking adventure.
Using Interlaken As a Home Base
If there was a heaven on earth, Interlaken would be it. Centered between two stunning turquoise lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Interlaken paints a scenic backdrop that is quaint yet captivating. The center offers a variety of different restaurants, bars, and eateries as well as hotel and hostel options for all kinds of travelers.
While Interlaken is one of the largest alpine towns within the area, I prefer staying here because of the convenience it offers. If you are looking to stay in a more quaint town deeper into the mountains, go for Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald.
While I can go on and on about how great this trip was for me mentally and how it helped to boost my confidence while traveling, I’ll save that for another post about the benefits of traveling solo. What I do want to cover though are some of my favorite hikes that I did while in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland and teach you how to plan the perfect mountain escape yourself.
The hikes that I’ve put a * next to are the ones that I personally have done while the other ones I have only researched for future trips. All I can say is that there are so much great hiking near Interlaken andyou should really carve out a few days to see as much of the Bernese alps as possible.
Best Hikes to Do Near Interlaken, Switzerland
Harder Kulm*:
One of the most popular hikes in Interlaken is the Harder Kulm trail. Starting from the Interlaken Ost train station, this moderate hike takes you up to the summit of Harder Kulm, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, and the surrounding Bernese Oberland. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Interlaken valley below. It is a great place to get a bird’s-eye view of Interlaken in General.
Now, I wouldn’t say this is necessary an easy hike. This hike takes about 1.5 hours each way and offers spectacular views of the town below. However, as with many hikes in this region, there are no flat sections. The trail goes straight up and straight down. If you prefer some amazing views and less hiking, you can always ride the funicular up the mountain that will take you right to the top.
The Rugen:
One of the easiest hikes in Interlaken is the Rugen. The trailhead starts close to the middle of town and only takes about 45 minutes to get to the top. Here you’ll be able to get a fantastic view of the two lakes and the city of Interlaken.
Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg*:
Whether you choose to do this hike or not, I highly suggest visiting the town of Lauterbrunnen. Like most of the remaining hikes, you’ll have to take a train to get to this town. Once there, you’ll see the famous waterfall cascading right above the wooden cottages that hug the surrounding hillsides, a view that is distinctly unique compared to the rest of the alpine towns I’ll be covering later on.
As far as the hike goes, this is an easy walk that covers the bottom of the valley floor and takes about 1.5 hours each way. You can always shorten it by cutting across or taking the bus back into Lauterbrunnen.
Twin Lakes Hike
For a serene and peaceful hike, visit the Twin Lakes. Starting from the small village of Saxeten, this trail takes you through meadows and forests, leading to the idyllic turquoise-colored Bachalpsee and the Oberläger Alpine hut. The Twin Lakes hike provides an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of town and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch
If you’re seeking an epic adventure, consider hiking from Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch, popularly known as the “Top of Europe.” This demanding hike takes you through the mesmerizing Lauterbrunnen Valley, offering stunning views of waterfalls, alpine meadows, and snow-covered peaks. At the Jungfraujoch, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the highest railway station in Europe.
Stechelberg to Gimmelwald to Murren:
This hike has 823m elevation gain and takes about two hours from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald and another hour if you continue on to Murren. Reviews say this hike can be pretty steep and tiring, but worth it! The highlight of this trail is that you’ll get to witness adrenalin junkies go base jumping while hiking along the forest floor.
Murren to Grutschalp:
This scenic train in the Bernese Oberland mountain range offers amazing views and only takes about an hour to complete. Its easy, flat trail crosses forests and grasslands while offering picturesque views of the surrounding snow capped mountains.
Schynige Platte*:
If you’re looking to really escape the crowds and get off the beaten path, I highly suggest heading to the Schynige Platte. While it may not be easy to get to (and can cost over 40 francs for one of the train rides), it was by far my favorite hiking trail. The historical train from Wilderswil to the Schynige Platte will drop you off right at the beginning of a variety of different trailheads. The Nature Cinema Loop Trail is easy and flat, serving as a great option for beginner hikers.
My favorite memory of this hike was walking along a sunny and lush path with no other humans in sight. The mountain breeze carried the echoing sound of cowbells, creating a symphony of chimes as I walked alone for hours. While it might be a journey in and of itself to get there, it’s 100% worth it.
Lake Bachalpsee*:
If you want to do an easy yet scenic trail outside of Grindelwald, take the gondola to First. From First, stop and do the cliff walk before heading to Lake Bachalpsee. While the trail is easy and stunningly beautiful, what I didn’t like about it was how many other people I had to share it with. I slightly felt like I was at Disneyland, which for me kind of took away from the experience. However, If you just want to do a nice walk and don’t mind the crowds, come and explore this tucked-away gem.
The Bernese Oberland region in Switzerland offers endless hiking trails and stunning natural wonders to explore. If I can give you one piece of advice it would be to do as much research as possible ahead of time. Some of these trails can take an entire day when you factor in the funiculars and train rides, so plan accordingly if you want to see as much as possible.
At the end of the day, I highly recommend planning a trip to Interlaken. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or not, planning a trip to this mountain escape is exactly what you need to clear your mind and hit that reset button.
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