Interlaken: The Ultimate 6 Day Itinerary for Rail Fans

Interlaken: The Ultimate 6 Day Itinerary for Rail Fans

26th August | Sarah

Exploring Montreux, Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Lake Brienz!

This 6-day itinerary centered around Interlaken, not only lets you experience the breath taking scenery of the Swiss Alps but also introduces you to the stunning Lauterbrunnen waterfalls, serene Lake Brienz, charm of Grindelwald and culture of Montreux.

Interlaken: The Ultimate 6 Day Itinerary for Rail Fans

 

The Perfect Itinerary in Switzerland for a Rail Fan

It features adrenaline fuelled activities, incredible views and of course scenic luxury trains, funicular railways plus a journey to the highest rail station in Europe.

Enjoy train travel in one of Switzerland's most beautiful regions!

The GoldenPass Express Itinerary
The GoldenPass Express

For this itinerary I have used Geneva as the arrival and departure airport (the one I personally used), purely because it is close to Montreux, where the GoldenPass line operates from.

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You can also fly in to Bern (should international flights allow) or Zurich and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

The Belle-Epoque Itinerary
The Belle-Epoque

The itinerary is intended to be a guide, you can adjust the activities to suit your needs and also the duration of the your trip.

What we've included is very full on, and for those wishing to take the trip at a slower pace, I'd recommend adding a day or two, or simply choosing your favourites from my suggestions. 

So let's get started with my ideal itinerary for Interlaken as a rail fan!

 

 

Day 1: Arrival in to Geneva, Time in Montreux & Taking the GoldenPass Express to Interlaken

Morning:

Arrive in to Geneva Airport early morning. Take the Airport train to Montreux which takes approximately 1hr 15 minutes.

Lac Lemen Montreux- Interlaken itinerary
Lac Lemen

Late Morning:

Explore Lac Lemen (Montreux's Lake). Visit the Freddie Mercury Statue and see the other unique works of art dotted around the footpath. 

Freddie Mercury Statue at Lac Lemen
Freddie Mercury Statue at Lac Lemen

Walk further down the Lake to see Chillon Castle. 

Chillon Castle- Interlaken Itinerary
Chillon Castle

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Lunch:

Grab a bite to eat whilst walking back to Montreux train station, ready to catch the Golden Pass Express for the 2.43pm departure from Montreux to Interlaken.

The GoldenPass Express- Interlaken Itinerary
Food available to pre-order

Alternatively, pre-book an 'Apreto Plate' to enjoy on board.

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Evening:

Check in to your hotel and then head out for an evening meal in Interlaken Centre. 

 

The Ultimate 5 day itinerary for Interlaken

 

Day 2: Explore Interlaken, Harder Klum & Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls

Morning:

After breakfast explore the picturesque town of Interlaken. Stroll through Höhematte Park, taking in the views of the Jungfrau peaks and watch those brave enough to paraglide off the mountains- why not add a tandem trip yourself!  

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Lunch:

Take a funicular ride up to Harder Kulm for lunch. Revel in a stunning views of the Alps while enjoying Swiss specialties at the mountaintop restaurant.

Harder Klum Funicular- Interlaken Itinerary
Harder Klum Funicular

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 Late Afternoon:

Get the train from Interlaken Ost (100m from the funicular station) to Lauterbrunnen (20 minutes away).

Famous for its stunning waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is a must-visit destination in the Jungfrau region.

Get photographs with one of the towns spectacular waterfalls- there are 72 in this small town with some as high as 400m!  

Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls- Interlaken Itinerary
Lauterbrunnen 

Dinner:

Enjoy dinner in one of the towns many restaurants offering traditional Swiss fondue or raclette to warm up after your busy day.

 

Day 3: Day Trip to Grindelwald- Grindelwald First & Glacier Canyon

Morning:

After breakfast, visit one of Interlaken's many Co-op's to pack a picnic- I recommend the one opposite Interlaken Ost station, as it's the largest with hot and cold food items ready made, to take away.

Take a train to Grindelwald from Interlaken Ost (35 mins), a beautiful village surrounded by towering mountains.

Go straight to Grindelwald First- the earlier the better as it gets very busy by mid morning. 

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Do the 'First Cliff Walk'  for spectacular views and  hike to Bachalpsee Lake for stunning panoramic views and to enjoy your picnic lunch.

Bachalpsee Lake- Interlaken Itinerary
Bachalpsee Lake

Then choose your method of getting back down- First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Cart, Trottibike, hike or simply cable car.

Tip-Book tickets in advance as the activities do sell out quickly. 

Grindelwald First Cliff Walk
Grindelwald First Cliff Walk

Afternoon:

In the Afternoon, take the bus from Grindelwald centre to Grindelwald Glacier Canyon and visit an impressive masterpiece formed by nature millions of years ago.

Grindelwald Glacier Canyon
Grindelwald Glacier Canyon

Test your balance on the 170 square metre spiderweb and take a unique walk through the exposed rock galleries and tunnels. 

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Evening:

Return to Interlaken for dinner. By this point you're going to be pretty tired with a very full on itinerary so far. Get dinner and we suggest an early night as there's much more to come!


 

Day 4: Relaxing Day on Lake Brienz and Riding the Brienz Rothorn Steam Train

Morning:

After breakfast, head to Interlaken Ost and board a scenic boat trip on Lake Brienz. Enjoy the stunning views of mountains and quaint lakeside villages during your journey.

Interlaken Itinerary- Brienz boat trip

Head straight to the 'Brunngasse', a street voted one of the most beautiful in Switzerland, located just minutes from the train and boat stops.

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Lunch:

Visit the Brienz Rothorn steam train. Take a scenic ride on this historic train up to the summit. The ride offers awe-inspiring views and a unique glimpse into the area’s history. Enjoy lunch at the top of Rothorn Klum before descending back down. 

Brienz Rothorn- Interlaken Itinerary
Photo Copyright of Brienz Rothorn

Afternoon:

Take the train back from Brienz to Interlaken where you can relax and unwind after your adventure-filled day.

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Day 5: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe- the highest station in Europe

Morning/Afternoon

See the world from Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest-altitude railway station, 3,454 meters above sea level. After a scenic train ride to the top, enjoy the amenities and stunning views of the Alps.

Jungfraujoch- Interlaken Itinerary

To do the tour it takes you approximately 1 to 2 hours. There are also restaurants on the Top of Europe and even a Snow Fun Park in summer, so calculate 6 to 8 hours for the whole trip.

Interlaken Itinerary

 

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Evening:

Once back in Interlaken late afternoon, take time to pack ready for tomorrow's departure, before heading out for your last dinner of the trip. 

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Day 6: Scenic Return back to Geneva via the GoldenPass Belle-Epoque and GoldenPass Express

Morning:

Have a leisurely breakfast and check out of your hotel. Spend your last moments in Interlaken, perhaps by picking up some final souvenirs or enjoying a stroll along the Aare river.

Take the Golden Pass Express from Interlaken Ost to Gstaad 

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Change trains at Gstaad then take the classic Belle-Epoque to Montreux.

Belle-Epoque Train from Gstaad to Montreux
1st Class Belle- Epoque Carriage

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From Montreux take the airport train back to Geneva airport read for your early evening flight. 

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For more information on The GoldenPass Line and also to look at the Bernina Line, check out the guides below. 

 

 

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