25 Things to Do in Interlaken in Winter for Skiers and Non-Skiers
Visiting Interlaken in the winter? Here’s a quick guide to the 25 best things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland, this winter!
If you’re dreaming of a Swiss winter adventure, Interlaken deserves a top spot on your list. Wedged between two glacier-fed lakes and framed by the legendary peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, this alpine town feels like it was made for snow-dusted days and cozy, firelit nights.
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As someone who snowboards, I personally love visiting in the winter. There is nothing better than waking up and seeing the snow-capped mountains, grabbing a hot coffee and breakfast, going to the mountains for a day of skiing, and soaking up all of Switzerland’s alpine charm.
This winter guide covers 25 things to do in Interlaken in the winter, hotel recommendations, a winter packing list, day trips from Interlaken, transportation, and more!
When to Visit Interlaken in the Winter
Visiting Interlaken is magical during the winter, with snow usually starting in December, and sometimes lingering till March. You can’t go wrong with visiting anytime in the winter; it truly comes down to what you want to do on your trip.
Interlaken in December:
- Average Temperature: 39° / 29°F
- December in Interlaken feels like a Christmas movie: fairy lights, scent of roasted pralines, and fresh snow softening everything with a little extra magic.
Interlaken in January:
- Average Temperature: 38° / 27°F
- January in Interlaken has fewer crowds due to the post-holiday season.
Interlaken in February:
- Average Temperature: 42° / 28°F
- By February, winter hits its sweet spot. The snow is deep, and the ski runs are at their prime.
25 Best Things To Do in Interlaken in Winter
If you’ve been following my adventures for a while, you already know that Interlaken has a permanent spot on my list of all-time favorite places. The first time I visited, I stepped off the train and immediately thought, “this is my kind of place”.
Interlaken has a small town vibe that feels intimate, but it has the energy of a destination that knows how to dream big. From snow-filled adventures, to cozy, quiet moments that will make you fall in love with Switzerland all over again.
1. Ski or Snowboard the Jungfrau Region
You can’t visit Interlaken in the winter without hitting the slopes in the Jungfrau Ski Region, home to Grindelwald-First, Kleine Scheidegg–Männlichen, and Mürren–Schilthorn.
All three of these ski areas are covered under one pass, the Jungfrau Ski Pass. and can be reached within an hour by train.
Grindelwald-First is my go-to for variety, long cruisers, fun freestyle spots, and après-ski with views of the Eiger. Kleine Scheidegg–Männlichen is classic alpine skiing at its best, with wide runs that wind beneath the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. And Mürren–Schilthorn, perched high above Lauterbrunnen, has the steep terrain, quiet slopes, and a revolving mountaintop restaurant straight out of a James Bond movie (literally).
Even if skiing’s not your thing, going to the ski mountains is still a fun time for the views and being apart of the après-ski.
2. Go Sledging (Day or Night)
Sledding and sledging are basically the same thing, just a little different. In Switzerland, it’s not just a kid’s activity, but basically a national sport played by all ages.
Interlaken has access to over 70 km of sled runs, from family-friendly slopes to hair-raising descents. The Beatenberg and Niederhorn runs are local favorites and easy to reach by bus from Interlaken.
If you can, go night sledging on a clear night, you’ll probably be laughing the whole way down. Imagine flying downhill by headlamp, the glimmer of the lake, and the stars overhead. Its a lot of fun, and the mountain feels even more magical at night.
Affordable, low-effort, and wildly fun! Once you’ve done it, you’ll totally get why the Swiss love this as a popular winter pastime.
3. Go Snowshoeing Through a Winter Wonderland
For something quieter but just as immersive, try snowshoeing. It’s similar to hiking, just with snowshoes strapped on, so you float over the snow instead of sinking through it.
The trails around Grindelwald-First, Männlichen, Sulwald, and Beatenberg are some of the most scenic in the region. You’ll wander through pine forests, cross open alpine meadows, and hear nothing but the soft crunch of snow beneath your boots. It feels like you’ve stepped into Narnia.
If you’re new to snowshoeing, book a guided hike. Local guides know the safest off-trail routes and often share stories about the region’s wildlife and mountain life.
4. Visit Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe
Begin your ascent by taking a scenic cogwheel train that winds through tunnels carved inside the Eiger itself before opening up to a glacier plateau at 11,333 feet. When you come out of the tunnel. it feels like you’re stepping onto another planet.
At the top, there is an Ice Palace and an observation deck that looks over the ginormous Aletsch Glacier. I will admit that this experience is a bit more touristy, but if you have the time and want unimaginable views, it’s worth it.
I recommend trying to go on a clear day so you can get the most out of the views. Don’t forget your sunglasses; the glacier glare is no joke.
5. Ride the Schilthorn Cable Car & Lunch at Piz Gloria
The summit’s revolving Piz Gloria restaurant offers 360° views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. And yes, the Bond theme occasionally plays while you sip your coffee.
Four cable cars lift you from the Lauterbrunnen Valley to the summit, each stop revealing waterfalls, cliffs, and snow-covered forests.
By the time you reach the top, it feels completely cinematic, watching clouds swirl beneath the rotating restaurant is an incredible feeling.
Note: Early mornings tend to have fewer crowds and clearer views, making it worth the splurge.
6. Watch the Sunset from Harder Kulm
Before I visited Interlaken the first time, I remember seeing pictures of Harder Kulm and not actually believing that it was in Switzerland. The building at the top, as well as the epic views, looked too good to be true. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint.
Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s own balcony, literally. It’s just a short funicular ride from town. From the top, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun shimmer below with bright blue water, framed by Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Sunset is the magic hour here. The peaks blush pink, the valley quiets, and a glühwein from the restaurant terrace tastes like pure alpine perfection.
7. Winter Kayaking on Lake Brienz
Not many people think of kayaking in the winter, but I highly recommend it. Interlaken’s lakes don’t freeze completely in winter, which means they take on an unreal blue-green color that looks photoshopped.
It’s amazing how silent this experience was, just the tour group and the soft noise of the paddle sweeping through the water. Guided winter tours make it easy and safe, and it’s an experience that you’ll think about for a long time after you leave.
8. Try a Floating Hot Tub (“Hot Tug”)
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like, a floating, wood-fired hot tub that you can rent on Lake Brienz.
You’re the captain of your own Hot Tug, cruising through the snow, soaking in warm water with a drink in hand, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, twinkling lights, and great company. It’s absolute bliss.
This is an even better experience if you’ve spent time skiing, snowshoeing, or exploring Interlaken in the cold and can hop in one to warm up and relax those muscles.
My Go-To Swim Items:
Most comfortable swimsuit: Aerie
Quick-dry travel towel: Compact Microfiber Towel
Warm beanie: Carhartt Knit Beanie
9. Visit the Interlaken Christmas Market
If you’re visiting Interlaken in December, don’t skip the Interlaken Christmas Market; it’s pure holiday magic. Running from mid-November through December, the Höheweg turns into a magical winter village lined with stalls selling handmade gifts, roasted chestnuts, and mugs of steaming glühwein.
Wander through the fairy lights, listen to live music, and watch locals and travelers mingle for hours under the glow of the Alps. It’s cozy, festive, and shows off what a Swiss Christmas feels like.
10. Take a Day Trip to Lauterbrunnen
From Interlaken, hop on a quick 30-minute train to Lauterbrunnen, the valley of 72 waterfalls. You’ve probably seen this small town before, maybe a photo of the iconic Staubbach Falls thundering beside a row of wooden chalets.
In winter, the whole valley feels like a fairytale. The snow-dusted rooftops, frozen waterfalls, and quiet roads winding through one of the most dramatic landscapes in Switzerland.
If you can, spend one morning wandering through town, just listening to the crunch of snow and the occasional jingle of a cowbell echoing through the valley.
And if you’re hungry, check out Hotel Oberland’s restaurant, where you can warm up with rösti or a bowl of creamy soup while watching the snow fall outside.
11. Take a Winter Boat Cruise on Lake Thun
Boat rides don’t stop for winter, and that’s when they’re at their most peaceful. The Lake Thun and Lake Brienz cruises run year-round, connecting the small lakeside villages that sit between the snow-covered peaks.
Bundle up in your coat, grab a hot drink from the onboard café, and watch as vineyards, church steeples, and frozen waterfalls drift past your window.
Fewer crowds, slower travel, and pure alpine stillness make it one of the best winter activities in Interlaken.
12. Visit Trümmelbach Falls
Hidden inside a mountain near Lauterbrunnen, these glacier-fed waterfalls thunder through caves and tunnels. Trümmelbach Falls are Europe’s largest underground waterfalls. Ten glacier-fed cascades thunder through the heart of the mountain itself.
In winter, access can depend on weather and safety conditions (it typically closes from late fall through early spring), but if it happens to be open during your visit, it’s absolutely worth it.
13. Go Ice Skating
Don’t miss the chance to skate on the natural ice rink in Brienz. From December through February, when temperatures drop low enough, the area next to the Forsthaus transforms into a beautiful ice rink.
It’s a fantastic spot for couples, friends, and families to enjoy a day outdoors. The rink offers free skate rentals and skating aids for beginners. The back area is also available for ice hockey games, and curling can be arranged for groups upon request.
14. Try Bavarian Curling (Eisstock)
If you’ve never tried Eisstock, it’s a fun winter game similar to curling but with a Swiss twist. Players slide weighted sticks across the ice toward a target, and before long, everyone’s caught up in the friendly competition. It’s easy to learn, wonderfully social, and a perfect way to spend an evening outdoors.
You can give it a try at several spots near Interlaken, such as the natural ice rink in Brienz or the rink in Thun, where lanes for Bavarian curling are often set up during winter.
Blending sport and socializing, Eisstock is an exciting way to experience a slice of authentic Swiss winter culture.
15. Feast on Fondue & Raclette
You really can’t visit Switzerland in winter without having fondue or raclette at least once. After a cold day outside, sitting down to melted cheese just hits different.
For something classic, head to Taverne, it’s warm, traditional, and their fondue is exactly what you want after a day in the snow.
If you’re craving a slightly more modern twist, Ox Restaurant & Grill does an incredible truffle raclette that’s rich and creamy without being too heavy.
16. Join a Chocolate or Cheese Workshop
When the weather turns moody, it’s the perfect excuse to head indoors for something delicious. Interlaken has a few spots that make it easy to lean into all things Swiss: cheese and chocolate.
Start with Take It Cheesy Tours. They run small-group experiences like cheese farm visits, fondue cooking classes, and even their signature, Fondue Backpack and Sunset Sup, Sip & Cheese tours.
Then there’s the Funky Chocolate Club, where you can make (and taste-test) your own Swiss chocolate bars. It’s fun, laid-back, and you’ll leave on a sugar high and very happy.
17. Explore St. Beatus Caves
Getting to the St. Beatus Caves from Interlaken is easy; just hop on a bus, and you’ll be there in under 20 minutes. Once inside, stalactites hang like stone chandeliers, underground streams echo through the chambers, and damp stone walls glisten in the dim light.
Legend says a monk named Beatus once fought a dragon here, and honestly, it’s not hard to imagine. Walking through the cool, quiet caverns gives a sense of mystery and awe — almost spiritual.
When the caves are open, you’ll take a tunnel lift down partway and follow metal walkways into caverns carved by ancient meltwater.
Parts of the caves may close in winter, so check ahead, or join a guided tour from Interlaken. Guides share local folklore, show hidden chambers, and add a whole new layer to the visit that makes it unforgettable.
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18. Go Paragliding Over Snowy Peaks
Yes, paragliding in winter is a thing — and honestly, it’s amazing. The air is crisp, the skies are clear, and the visibility is some of the best you’ll ever see. From above, the frozen lakes, snow-dusted mountains, and the whole town of Interlaken spread out like a miniature winter wonderland.
The first time I ever went paragliding was in Switzerland, and I always recommend it to my friends who are visiting. I’ll admit, there’s nothing like that moment when you leave the launch platform and the world drops away beneath you.
Even if you’ve never flown before, local tandem guides make paragliding easy and safe. AlpinAir Paragliding Interlaken is known for smooth, professional trips—from briefing to landing—so you can just relax and enjoy the incredible views.
If you love adrenaline and alpine scenery, this is a no-brainer for your Interlaken winter bucket list. Don’t forget to dress warmly!
19. Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride
Seeing the Alps from above is something you don’t forget. A short 20-minute flight takes you over glaciers, jagged ridges, and the lakes that sparkle in the winter sun. It’s not cheap, but it’s an experience that makes the splurge worth it.
I don’t usually book activities like this on vacation, but when the scenery’s this epic, it’s hard to resist. The mountains look completely different from above, offering a view you just can’t get any other way.
20. Spend a Day at the Spa
After a morning on the slopes or a long winter hike, there’s nothing better than taking it slow. The Victoria-Jungfrau Spa has hot pools, saunas, and mountain views that make it easy to forget the world outside. Sit back, relax, and let your legs recover.
For an extra treat, consider the Nescens Day Spa package, which includes a body peeling, facial, and back massage, perfect for unwinding after your alpine adventures.
21. Try Heliskiing or Heliboarding
If you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder craving serious adrenaline, heliskiing is next-level. As you fly to the drop-off spot on either Petersgrat or Ebnefluh, you’ll get views of endless snowy peaks and glaciers, which cranks up the stoke and an extra notch.
A helicopter takes you to untouched alpine slopes blanketed in fresh powder. With an experienced guide, you’ll ride down untracked terrain, pure, wild, and unforgettable.
Book your heliskiing or heliboarding experience in advance, especially in peak winter months. Weather can change quickly, so flexibility with your dates helps ensure the best conditions.
22. Go Stargazing on a Winter Night Walk
Leave the town lights behind and look up. Interlaken’s alpine skies are insanely clear in winter, and the stars feel close enough to touch.
Bring a thermos, a friend, and a headlamp, and wander a quiet trail. The cold bites at your cheeks, the sky stretches forever, and for a few minutes, everything else disappears.
23. Skydiving Above the Alps
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, skydiving in Interlaken is unbeatable. Jump from an airplane at 14,000 feet with 360 degrees of rugged mountains, turquoise lakes, and the town below. After a 45-second freefall at up to 200 km/h, you’ll glide peacefully for a few minutes, taking it all in.
The team at Skydive Interlaken is highly skilled and enthusiastic. Before my epilepsy diagnosis, I had a skydiving license and jumped here—their professionalism and safety standards were outstanding.
Pro tip: Skydives fill up fast, especially in peak season, so book ahead.
24. Explore Nearby Villages
Take a day to hop between the villages around Interlaken and see winter in completely different ways. Grindelwald buzzes with energy — ski lifts, lively cafés, and don’t miss out on snowtubing.
Mürren is perched high above the valley, quiet, car-free, and impossibly scenic — perfect for snowshoeing or grabbing lunch with a view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Beatenberg feels tucked away and real, with snow underfoot and local life moving at its own pace — try sledding down the Niederhorn run.
25. Do a Cozy Café or a Swiss Bar
End your days the right way — slowly. Start with a strong espresso at Mohler Bäckerei Konditorei, linger over a slice of cake at Velo Café, and let the afternoon melt into the evening. Or tuck into a tiny mountain bar for local wine, or ask what is a popular item among the locals.
Where to Stay in Interlaken
Interlaken Town Center is perfect if you want restaurants, winter markets, and easy train access right outside your door. To keep it short, here are a few standout options:
- Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa: classic luxury with old-world glamour, a world-class spa, and an indoor pool with mountain views.
- Hotel Interlaken: cozy, mid-range, and full of alpine charm.
- Balmers Hostel: budget-friendly, social, and perfect if you’re traveling with an adventurous crew.
Note: If you’re looking for additional accommodations, consider checking VRBO, Booking.com, or Expedia for more!
How To Travel To/Around Interlaken
Getting to Interlaken is easier than it sounds. Trains from Zürich, Geneva, or even Milan will drop you in the heart of the Alps within a few hours. Once here, it’s easy to take a bus or adventure on foot.
If you want easy, hassle-free travel and to save some money along the way, grab one of the passes below. For this itinerary, I recommend the Swiss Travel Pass.
- Swiss Travel Pass – Perfect if you’re exploring multiple cities or taking day trips.
- Unlimited rides on most trains, buses, and boats.
- Major discounts on mountain lifts for ski trips.
- One pass = stress-free travel across the country.
- Jungfrau Travel Pass – Great for mountain lovers staying in the region.
- Covers trains, lifts, and cable cars across the Jungfrau area.
- Ideal for hopping between Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and beyond.
What to Pack for Interlaken in Winter
Here’s a quick guide to what to pack for a winter trip to Interlaken—everything you’ll need to stay warm, comfortable, and ready for any weather.
Clothing
- Merino base layers (top & bottom)
- Mid layers: fleece jacket, insulated down jacket
- Insulated winter coat: waterproof, breathable jacket and pants
- Insulated winter hiking boots (waterproof) + wool socks
- Microspikes (for snowy/icy hikes)
- Beanie, neck gaiter, scarf
- Insulated gloves
- Swimsuit
- Cozy pajamas
Gear
- Daypack with waterproof cover, trekking poles (collapsible), and a thermos for hot drinks
- Camera with portable charger (cold drains batteries fast)
- Reusable water bottle, basic first-aid kit, blister kit
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
Tip: You can rent most winter sports gear locally, so don’t stress about bringing skis or snowshoes unless you’re picky about your setup.
Toiletries / Extras
- Lip balm, moisturizer (cold air dries skin)
- Copies of tour/accommodation reservations
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Interlaken in Winter: FAQ
1. Is Interlaken worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. If you ski or don’t ski, there is something to love for everyone. Winter might just be Interlaken’s best-kept secret.
2. Can you ski directly in Interlaken?
Interlaken itself doesn’t have ski slopes, but there are three ski regions: Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. All reachable in under 45 minutes by train or bus.
3. How cold does it get in Interlaken during winter?
Average temperatures range between –2°C and 6°C (28°F–43°F).
4. How many days do you need in Interlaken in winter?
Ideally, give yourself three to five days. That’s enough time to experience the highlights — Jungfraujoch, Lake Brienz, sledging, and a nearby village or two — without rushing.
If you’re adding ski days or side trips, stretch it to a full week.
5. Is Interlaken a walkable city?
Yes! We walked almost everywhere in Interlaken and took trains for day trips.
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Final Thoughts: The Best Things to Do in Interlaken in Winter
Interlaken in winter is full of surprises. Ski or snowboard the Jungfrau slopes. Sled down quiet valleys at night—Snowshoe through untouched forests. Glide over the town on a paragliding flight. Explore caves that feel like another world.
Take a lift to the mountains for views you can’t get anywhere else. Wander the streets when the winter markets light up. Sit by a frozen lake and just watch. Grab fondue or raclette after a day outside.
This is what winter in Interlaken is about. Adventure and calm, snow and stillness, heart-racing thrills and slow moments that stick with you. Here’s to finding your own magic in the mountains.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
