Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It boasts picturesque views, and deciding which part to visit is nearly impossible. One thing’s for sure: To explore the true beauty of Swiss nature, you have to venture out on a hike.
Say you picked a place – Interlaken. What now? Interlaken alone has a large number of hiking trails. So how do you know which one to pick? Well, if it makes you feel any better, you can’t go wrong with any! We’ve prepared a short overview of 15 of the most picturesque hikes in Interlaken.
Schynige Platte Ridge Trail
This trail is an excellent choice for those looking to set out on a more secluded path. The trail likely won’t be overwhelmed with tourists, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful mountain views all by yourself.
The trail loop measures around 5.6 km in distance, meaning it should take you no longer than 2.5 hours to walk the entirety of the trail. Bring hiking shoes and sticks if you have them. The difficulty of this trail is moderate, and you can even hike it with kids, so there is nothing to worry about. The highest elevation is 2076 m.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Distance: 5.6 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Incline: 2076 m
Mount Niesen Panorama Trail
This hike offers the best view of the Bernese Oberland region in Switzerland. You can take the train up, enjoy your hike halfway down, and retake the funicular, this time all the way down. The distance reaches 5 km, which isn’t so bad at all. However, it takes around 2 hours to make it down the trail.
The trail is not too difficult, so it’s suitable for enthusiastic beginners and average hikers. Note, however, that you do need steady hiking shoes to brave the Panorama Trail. The incline is 1300 m.
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: 1300 m
Giessbach Hike
The Giessbach trail offers a fantastic view of the Giessbach waterfalls. The hike takes you all the way up the waterfalls, with some sections leading under the waterfalls. This is a unique trail even for a country as rich in nature as Switzerland. It is also an easy hike to follow!
The distance is only around 2 km, which shouldn’t take longer than an hour, even if you stop for pictures. For such a short hike, the views are really worthwhile! This is an easy trail that is suitable for beginners. You don’t need any special equipment.
Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 2.8 km
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: 870 m
Hasliberg Hike
Hasliberg is another picturesque place for hiking in Interlaken. The location actually offers multiple hiking trails for all hiking enthusiasts. The Dwarf trail is most popular among children, who are fascinated by the beautiful children’s books. Even though the trail is welcoming to all kids, it’s not suitable for strollers.
The trail is about 3.4 km long, and it’s all downhill, so it shouldn’t take you too long to brave this path. Your kids might have a different experience, but there are play stations along the way that should keep them going. Since the trail is meant for kids, even the least experienced hikers can come along.
Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 3.4 km
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: 30m
The Rugen Trail
Kleiner Rugen Rundweg is one of the most beautiful trails in Switzerland. Those who are trying to go hiking in Interlaken should not miss it! The trail is a loop of 3.4 km with an elevation gain of 131 m. It is one of the friendliest routes in Switzerland, so you can bring your whole family and take it slow.
The trail is suitable for running and even little children. It’s a beautiful place to experience Swiss wildlife and admire the breathtaking mountain view. Beginners and experienced hikers alike can enjoy this trail.
Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 3.4 km
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: 655 m
The Harder Kulm
The Harder Kulm is a beautiful viewpoint located 1322 m above sea level. It will give you a view of Lake Brienz and Lakes Thun, as well as the Jungfrau and Eiger. You can get up there on a funicular. If you’re up for a challenge, you can take a hike!
Though the trail is rated as moderate, that’s not what people are saying. It’s a bit of a challenge since you have to go up through the forest. The hike is quite steep, so definitely bring your best hiking shoes. Hike not only for the view from the viewpoint but the beautiful meadows and fields on the way. The trail is 11.9 km.
Duration: 5.5 hours
Distance: 11.9 km
Difficulty: Adventurous
Incline: 1756 m
Best Hikes in Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg
The hike from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg is calm and serene. If you want to be one with nature, you should definitely set out on this journey. The distance one-way is almost 7 km, so prepare for a longer hike. The highest elevation on this trail is approximately 900 m.
The trail is quite easy, so it’s suitable for beginners. It is most often visited for no other than over 72 (!) waterfalls along the way. Interestingly enough, the best time to do this hike is on a rainy day. That’s when you really get to see the waterfalls in all their glory, with water gushing down and hitting the ground. Don’t stand too close!
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 6.8 km
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: 914 m
Stechelberg to Gimmelwald to Murren
This hiking trail will take you through the Alps. It’s probably one of the most diverse experiences you could have while hiking in Interlaken. You will see meadows, waterfalls, little villages with charming chalets, the glorious Alps, and the odd mountain hut. The changing scenery offers a unique experience to even the most seasoned hikers.
This hike is not too difficult, but it is quite a journey. Expect to be outdoors for 4 to 6 hours, depending on how many times you’re going to stop for pictures. Believe us, you will stop quite a few times! If you get tired, you can stop in any one of the towns and take public transportation to the next one.
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 17km
Difficulty: moderate
Incline: 840m
Murren to Grutschalp
The hike from Grutschalp to Murren should take you no longer than an hour and a half. It’s an easy trail that spans approximately 5 km. The highest elevation on the trail reaches 1649 m. The trail will take you through forests and meadows in the Jungfrau region. Take in the breathtaking mountain views and enjoy the freshest air you’ve ever breathed.
If you follow the trail, you will notice that there is a railroad right by it. Take the train at any point if you get tired. For example, catch the train from Winteregg to Murren.
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: 1932 m
Grutschalp to Lauterbrunnen
This is one of the longer trails in this guide that spans approximately 19 km. You will need 7 hours to brave this trail, so get ready for a long road ahead. But, much like with all your experiences hiking in Interlaken, you know it’s going to be worth it.
Once again, the trail leads through the forest and alpine meadows, exposing all hikers to the most wonderful mountain views. However, the trail is one of the more challenging hiking experiences in Interlaken, so it’s not recommended for total beginners.
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 19 km
Difficulty: Adventurous
Incline: 2095 m
From Grindelwald to First
First is a small summit and a cablecar station in the Schwarzhorn mountains. It is often recommended to make your way there by gondola, which only takes 25 minutes. However, since you can’t get up there by car, we recommend taking a hike! Keep in mind that this hike would take you several hours.
Though the views on the hike are stunning, the hike itself is quite challenging and not suitable for beginners. The overall distance reaches above 17 km, which is one of the longest trails in this guide. The elevation gain is 1246 m. Therefore, only embark on this journey if you’re ready for hard hiking in the Interlaken experience.
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 17 km
Difficulty: Adventurous
Incline: 1200m
Hardergrat Hike
The Hardergrat hike offers a difficult and long trail that will take several hours to hike. The trail spans 21 km. Expect to spend the whole day on this trail. Hardergrat is not recommended for beginners, so only set out on this journey if you’re brave and very well prepared.
The views are always worth it, but you really can’t neglect the preparation. First, pack lots of water, as there is no place to get clean water along the trail. Second, don’t forget snacks and anything else you may need. Finally, wear your best pair of hiking shoes; you will thank yourself later!
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 21 km
Difficulty: Adventurous
Incline: 2267 m
The Eiger Trail Hike: Eigergletscher to Alpiglen
This trail is very popular among tourists and locals. The trail’s distance is 6.1 km, so it should take you around 2 hours to hike all the way through. That should allow for picture stops, admiring the scenery, and even a quick picnic. You should be able to walk the trail in two hours or run it in an hour or so.
It’s the perfect trail to bring your whole family on. It is rated easy, so you shouldn’t encounter any difficulties on the way. The incline at the starting point is 2322 m and 1616 m at the end.
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 6.1 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Incline: 2346 m
Augstmatthorn Hike From Harder Klum
You can reach the beautiful Augstmatthorn summit from Harder Kulm by walk or hiking. The overall distance you’ll have to hike if you decide to pursue this trail is 16 km. It should take you between 5 and 6 hours to follow the trail all the way through.
This is not the easiest trail, though it’s definitely not as crazy as you might have heard. There are some moments when you’ll be exposed on both sides, with nothing but your feet to ground you. But, don’t worry, it’s not so bad overall! You should definitely be well prepared and wear your best hiking shoes, but don’t shy away from this experience.
Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 16 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Incline: 2126 m
What to bring with you on a hike?
Hiking is basically walking, though the preparation is quite different. In your hiking days, you’ll find that some terrains and trails are very easy to go through, while others require a lot more physical effort. The thing is, you don’t know how much effort it will take until you get there. That’s why it’s always best to be prepared for everything.
If you’re hiking in Interlaken, you should definitely bring lots of water and protein bars to quench your thirst and fill your appetite. Remember that you have minimal space in your backpack. You don’t want to carry too many things, as the additional weight will make you more tired.
Magnesium pills will help you overcome muscle pain and soreness after a long hike, so don’t forget to pack them. Finally, a first aid kit never hurt anyone! Bring it just in case you or a fellow hiker need a little help. Wear a pair of sturdy hiking shoes and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Don’t forget sunscreen for especially sunny trails.
Tips for a great experience
- Hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you want to see the best views, take this advice seriously! I know waking up early sucks, but how else do you get to see the sunrise above the gorgeous mountains? Alternatively, watch the sunset at night.
- Take your time when taking pictures. Don’t rush it. The perfect picture needs time. You won’t even notice, but the wind blowing in a different direction or the sun starting to set can make your pictures go from 0 to 100. So don’t get discouraged if the first picture you take doesn’t reflect the breathtaking reality.
- Enjoy the journey. Many people tend to get stuck on the goal or the destination. Forget that; you’re here for the journey! It’s on the journey that you get to take in the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The best hikes happen when you’re not thinking about the end result.
- Invest in a good camera. If you’ve decided to explore the Bernese Oberland, you’re going to need a quality camera. It can make all the difference. Also, if you want to keep this scenic trail in your memory forever, you will need an excellent picture of it.
Final words about the Best Hikes in Interlaken
A beautiful hike in the Bernese Alps doesn’t happen by itself; you have to hike the hike! So whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a tough hike whilst on your Summer Switzerland Road Trip, Interlaken is the right place to be. Explore the great place Kleine Scheidegg, walk through the Lauterbrunnen valley, and see your reflection in Lake Thun. If you’re well prepared, then the best places for hiking in Interlaken are waiting for you!
