Interlaken In Winter: 24 Things To Do, When To Go & Where To Stay

When we set off for Jungfraujoch, it was so cloudy that I spent half the train ride wondering if we’d just paid all that money to look at fog…LOL. Then, higher up, we came out above it all into blazing sunshine. And I was SO glad I’d packed sunglasses (even if I’d buried them at the bottom of my bag).

That’s Interlaken in winter though. It’s cold, it’s a bit unpredictable, but really quite lovely. I’ve been twice in winter, once with my boyfriend and once with my sister, and between the two trips we’ve done pretty much everything on this list.

Interlaken In Winter: The Quick Facts

Winter season	Late November to early March, with the most snow from January
Christmas markets	Unterseen 20–22 November, Interlaken (Kursaalgarten) 18–20 December 2026
Ice skating	Top of Europe Magic Park, 18 December 2026 to 28 February 2027
Lake boats	Lake Thun runs all year (boat day pass); Lake Brienz stops on 6 December 2026
Mountain day	Jungfraujoch, around CHF 224 return in winter (less with a rail pass)
Where we stayed	Lake Lodge in Iseltwald (with my sister) and Alplodge (with my boyfriend)
Getting there	We drove from Geneva; trains run from Zurich and Geneva airports

What Interlaken Is Actually Like In Winter

Interlaken sits between two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, in the Bernese Oberland, about 50 minutes from Bern by train. The Interlaken Tourism website is the best place for current events and opening times.

Before I went, I’d pictured a proper snowy village scene. In reality, the snow was actually a bit patchy in town and, rather than a super thick white covering. As soon as we went higher up, there was MUCH more snow.

It felt coldest whenever we stopped moving. Walking around in layers was fine, but standing waiting for a bus or browsing the market stalls soon had me pulling my sleeves over my hands. And up in the mountains, the wind made it feel a lot colder again.

So if you want snow on the ground everywhere, base your days around the mountains, and treat Interlaken itself as your cosy base with the lakes on your doorstep.

Interlaken In November, December, January Or February?

The winter season here runs from late November to early March, and each month feels a bit different.

Interlaken In November

November is the quiet bit before the season starts. The Adventsmärit in Unterseen (20 to 22 November 2026) is the first Christmas market, and the Lake Brienz boats are still running until 6 December. Most ski lifts don’t open until mid-December, and the St Beatus Caves are closed from 9 to 20 November 2026, so it’s better for a slower trip than a snow-sports one.

Interlaken In December

December is the most festive month, and it’s when most people search for a winter trip here. Interlaken’s own Christmas market runs from 18 to 20 December 2026 in the Kursaalgarten, the Top of Europe Magic Park ice rink opens on 18 December, and the ski areas are usually up and running by mid-month. It’s the busiest time, especially over Christmas and New Year, so book your stay and activities early.

Interlaken In January

January is quieter once New Year is over, and there’s usually more snow up in the mountains. The ice rink is still open, the HotPot tubs in Brienz are running, and it’s a great month if you want the winter activities without the Christmas crowds.

Interlaken In February

February often has the best snow of the season, so it’s ideal for skiing, sledging and snowshoeing. It gets busier during school holidays, and the Magic Park closes on 28 February, but the HotPot tubs carry on until early March.

Things To Do On (And In) The Lakes

Interlaken’s two lakes are the best bit about it in winter, so this is where I’d start.

Go Winter Kayaking On Lake Brienz

We went with a guide, which helped me relax because I’d never kayaked in winter before. Before setting off, I was more worried about cold hands than anything else.

You get a drysuit, and I wore thermal leggings, a long-sleeved thermal top and warm socks underneath. Getting ready took A LOT longer than I expected, and I thought I was all sorted, then realised I still needed the toilet once I was fully zipped in, so go before you get changed because urgh…that was a pain.

My face felt cold at first, but once we started paddling I warmed up quickly. Whenever we stopped to listen to the guide, I’d notice the chill again, especially in my fingers. Overall I was comfortable, but I was VERY pleased to wrap my hands around a hot drink afterwards.

The moment that will always stick in my brain is was when we all stopped paddling, and without the splashing and chatting, it was suddenly so quiet. I’d been concentrating so hard on keeping up that I hadn’t properly taken in where we were until then and it was so insanely peaceful…you’re going to absolutely love it.

Tours usually last around 3 hours and most start from Bönigen, a short ride on bus 103 from Interlaken. They often sell out, so I’d book this winter kayaking tour ahead.

Float Across Lake Brienz In The Hot Tug

The Hot Tug is a floating hot tub on Lake Brienz, run by the Pirate Bay Nautical Center in Brienz. It holds up to six people, the water is kept at about 38°C by a little wood stove, and you steer it yourself around the lake for about 90 minutes.

The funniest part was standing there in our swimwear, trying to organise towels and clothes (inside I was BEGGING for everyone to hurry up because wow it was cold lol). But once I was in the warm water, I didn’t want to get out again. A warm body and freezing cheeks is so damn refreshing.

We spent part of the trip chatting, then went quiet for a while just to enjoy the view…it was pretty magical tbh. From water level, everything looks totally different, with the mountains beyond and steam from the hot water slightly clouding the view. I kept trying to take a photo, but between wet hands and worrying about dropping my phone, I eventually gave up lol.

Getting out was the bit I’d underestimated because my towel wasn’t within easy reach, and yet again, those few seconds felt SO long. So definitely put everything in the order you’ll need it: towel first, then something warm you can pull on quickly!

You’ll need swimwear, water shoes and a hat, and the person steering has to be 18 or over. Prices vary depending on how many of you there are, so check when you book on the Interlaken tourism Hot Tug page. You can book a Hot Tug through Interlaken Tourism.

Take A Jetboat Ride On Lake Brienz

If you want to get your heart rate up, the jetboat is basically a rollercoaster on water. You get suited up in waterproofs and a life jacket, then it’s high speed and spins across the lake, with a stop to see Giessbach Falls.

Jetboat tours from Bönigen are busiest from spring to autumn, but they also run in winter with cold-weather kit, so check the winter schedule before you plan around it.

There’s a special winter jetboat ride on Lake Brienz that runs in the colder months.

Take A Winter Boat Trip On Lake Thun

If you want something less full-on, a boat trip is a lovely way to see the lakes. In winter it’s a Lake Thun trip, though, because the Lake Brienz boats stop on 6 December 2026 and only restart in spring. Lake Thun boats run all year from Interlaken West, and the Lake Thun winter cruises page has the current timetable. You can get a day pass for both lakes online.

Soak In A HotPot In Brienz

HotPot Brienz has wood-fired hot tubs right on the shore of Lake Brienz, for two, four, six or eight people. They’re only open in winter, from December to early March, and you can add fondue and drinks. It’s very popular, so book well ahead if you want an evening slot. You can book the HotPot online.

Things To Do In The Snow

Go Sledging, By Day Or Night

Sledging here is NOT just for kids. There are over 70 kilometres of sledging runs in the Interlaken region, and some of them are seriously long. Some runs mean hiking up to the start (great if you’re on a budget), and others have a lift that drops you right at the top.

Some of the best ones are:

• Beatenberg-Niederhorn: take the cable car up to the Niederhorn and sledge down to Vorsass with views over Lake Thun, with night sledging on Friday and Saturday evenings.
• Saxeten: a 3 km run near Wilderswil, where you hike for about an hour up to Alp Nessleren, then sledge back down past frozen waterfalls.
• Axalp: take the chairlift up to Windegg, then sledge 3 km down to Dotzweg with views over Lake Brienz.
• Wiriehorn, Diemtigtal: a 5 km run through fir forest a bit further from Interlaken, with night sledging on Friday evenings.

If you’d rather not sort the transport and sledges yourself, a night sledding tour organises it all for you, and in the cold that’s well worth it tbh.

Go Skiing Or Snowboarding Nearby

These two photos are from a ski trip in the French Alps rather than Interlaken.

Interlaken isn’t a ski resort itself, but it’s a really easy base for some of the best ones in Switzerland. Grindelwald-First, Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen, Wengen and Mürren-Schilthorn are all in the Jungfrau region, and Adelboden-Lenk and Meiringen-Hasliberg are about an hour away. You get a big day on the slopes, then head back to town for dinner.

If you’ve never skied before, this afternoon beginners ski package from Interlaken includes the lesson, kit and transport.

Take A Winter Walk

For an easy stroll, walk along the Höheweg, Interlaken’s main street, which has views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, then duck down the side lanes. If you want something harder, hiking up Harder Kulm is an option in good conditions. The funicular usually closes for most of the winter and the path can be icy, so check the conditions first and wear proper boots. Interlaken Tourism has a list of marked winter walks.

Go Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a brilliant alternative if skiing isn’t your thing, but it’s harder work than it looks, because you’re often heading uphill. Grindelwald-First, Männlichen and Sulwald all have marked snowshoe trails, and you can book a guided snowshoe tour from Interlaken that includes the kit and transport. If you would rather go with a guide, there is a guided snowshoe tour from Interlaken.

For An Adrenaline Rush

Go Paragliding Over Interlaken

I went paragliding here in summer rather than winter, with a random old man, and I wouldn’t recommend doing it the way we did. In winter you’re flying over snowy fields instead of green ones, but the flights run all year when the weather allows. We were on a budget, but we had no idea how qualified he was, which probably wasn’t our smartest move.

We also missed the landing field by quite a bit and came down right on top of a poor family having their dinner, lol. It was awkward, but funny, and they were just glad we were OK.

If I did it again, I’d book a proper licensed tandem company, like this paragliding flight over Interlaken. Flights usually last 15 to 30 minutes depending on the weather, and you land on the big field in the middle of town (if all goes to plan!). You can also go paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You can book a paragliding flight online.

Go Skydiving Over The Snowy Alps

Skydiving with snowy mountains as the backdrop is something you don’t get to do very often. Skydive Interlaken runs helicopter skydives from around 4,000 metres in winter when the weather allows (late morning is usually best, as fog often hangs around early on), and Skydive by OUTDOOR does plane jumps over Lake Thun and the Jungfrau region. You get a warmer suit in winter, so you don’t freeze on the way down.

If you’d rather jump from a plane, this airplane skydive over the Swiss Alps is one of the most popular options. You can book a skydive over the Alps online.

Take A Helicopter Flight Over The Alps

Swiss Helicopter, based just outside Interlaken, runs scenic flights over the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and it’s the quickest way to see the glaciers up close. They also do heliskiing and heliboarding in winter, which I haven’t tried, but most flights need at least three people, so it’s one to book as a group. Flights and prices are on the Swiss Helicopter website.

Cosy And Festive Things To Do

Visit The Interlaken Christmas Markets

We had melted cheese on bread and a mug of mulled wine, which I spent the first few minutes just holding to warm up my fingers lol! I thought we’d eat while wandering round, but the cheese had other ideas, so we stopped to finish it before looking around properly.

It was busiest around the food stalls and the entrance to the ice. Once we moved away from those spots, there was much more room to browse. And with all the lights on, it was so tempting to linger, even after we’d started getting cold.

The markets are short, so check the dates:

• Adventsmärit Unterseen: 20 to 22 November 2026, with more than 50 wooden huts, five minutes from Interlaken West.
• Chlouse-Märit Matten: 6 December, from 5pm.
• Weihnachtsmarkt Interlaken: 18 to 20 December 2026 in the Kursaalgarten, next to the ice rink.

If you’re on a Christmas market hunt, Gdańsk’s Christmas market in winter and Prague at Christmas time are brilliant too. This year’s dates are on the Christmas market listing.

Go Ice Skating

On the ice, I was much less confident than I’d been while putting my skates on lol. My first challenge was getting away from the entrance without grabbing the person next to me. I’d tightened my skates sitting down, then had to stop and adjust them again almost straight away.

We skated at Ice Magic, which has since been replaced by the Top of Europe Magic Park in the Kursaalgarten. It runs from 18 December 2026 to 28 February 2027, with about 1,000 m² of ice around the Kursaal fountain. Entry is CHF 11 for adults and CHF 7 for children, and skate hire is CHF 9. Opening times are on the Magic Park page.

Try Bavarian Curling

Bavarian curling (Eisstock) is like curling, but you slide a heavy wooden stock towards a target instead of a stone. It gets surprisingly competitive, and it’s a really fun way to have a laugh with friends. The Magic Park has a covered curling rink, and you need to reserve a lane in advance. Lane details are on the Magic Park curling page.

Take A Chocolate-Making Class

Swiss chocolate is some of the best in the world, so a chocolate class is a nice thing to do if the weather turns. At The Funky Chocolate Club, the chocolatiers walk you through tempering, moulding and decorating, and you take your creations home. You can book a class at the Funky Chocolate Club online.

Eat A Proper Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue was my favourite meal of the whole trip, partly because we’d been outside in the cold all day and were more than ready for something hot.

I lost my first piece of bread in the pot almost immediately, then spent far too long trying to fish it out while pretending I knew what I was doing. We also made the mistake of eating quite fast at the start. Halfway through, we slowed right down, but neither of us wanted to leave the last bit.

It was exactly the sort of long, slow dinner I wanted after a winter day out. I’d order it again, but I wouldn’t have a big starter first. In Interlaken, a classic cheese fondue is around CHF 27 to 30 per person at the places I checked.

If you want to combine it with a night out in the snow, there’s a night sledging and fondue dinner with a guide. Or combine it with sledging on a night sledging and fondue tour.

Relax With A Spa Day

After a day in the snow, a spa evening is well deserved. The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is the fancy option, Solbad Hotel Sigriswil has a 35°C brine pool with views over Lake Thun, and the Bödelibad in Interlaken is the budget option, with an indoor pool, saunas and a whirlpool all year. Spa day passes are on the Victoria-Jungfrau website.

Choosing Your Mountain Day: Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen Or Schilthorn

The mountain day is the biggest part of the budget, so it’s worth picking the right one, and the right day.

Jungfraujoch	Glacier views at 3,454 m, the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observatory. Around CHF 224 return from Interlaken Ost in winter
Lauterbrunnen	A slower valley day with waterfalls and cliffs, and much cheaper (just the train)
Schilthorn	The Piz Gloria revolving restaurant and Bond World at 2,970 m, about 1.5 hours away

Ride Up To Jungfraujoch, The Top Of Europe

It was cloudy when we left, and I spent part of the journey wondering if we’d paid all that money to look at fog. Higher up, we came out into sunshine. Outside, the glare off the snow made me immediately grateful for my sunglasses, which I’d managed to bury at the bottom of my bag.

The wind was the surprise. We went out really enthusiastically, then retreated inside much sooner than expected to warm up before having another look.

For us, the views made it worth it, but it was a proper holiday splurge. I’d have felt very differently if we’d had no visibility at all, so check the forecast and the summit webcam on the Jungfrau Railways website before you go.

The one thing I’d do differently: leave the mountain day flexible. We’d planned Jungfraujoch for a particular morning, and I caught myself checking the forecast over breakfast like refreshing it might move the clouds. Next time, I’d keep a couple of possible days free and pick once the weather was clearer.

From Interlaken Ost, you either take the train to Grindelwald Terminal and the Eiger Express cable car up to Eigergletscher, or go via Lauterbrunnen and Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg. Both finish on the Jungfrau Railway, which tunnels up through the Eiger. Allow 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

The return fare from Interlaken Ost is CHF 224.40 from November to April on 2026 fares, or CHF 151.20 with a Swiss Travel Pass and about half price with a Half Fare Card. New fares start on 13 December 2026, so check before you book.

Visit Lauterbrunnen

We went to Lauterbrunnen on a colder, overcast day, with cloud hanging around the cliffs. We kept stopping for photos on the way through the village, then realised we’d barely got anywhere and our fingers were freezing.

It was worth the trip for a slower day of wandering and taking in the valley. We didn’t try to pack loads in, and stopping somewhere warm afterwards was part of the fun. It’s also a much cheaper day than Jungfraujoch, so it’s a nice one to balance the budget.

There’s an easy Lauterbrunnen waterfall walk past Staubbach Falls, and I’ve written a whole Lauterbrunnen in winter guide if you want to spend longer there.

If you’re not driving, a Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen day trip from Interlaken covers both valleys in one go. If you don’t have a car, a Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen day trip covers both.

Visit Piz Gloria And Bond World On The Schilthorn

I haven’t done the Schilthorn myself, so I can’t compare it with Jungfraujoch first-hand. It’s about 1.5 hours from Interlaken by train, bus and cable car, and at the top there’s Piz Gloria, a revolving restaurant at 2,970 metres, and Bond World, an interactive James Bond exhibition. Book Piz Gloria and Bond World tickets ahead in peak weeks. You can buy Piz Gloria and Bond World tickets in advance.

More Easy Day Trips From Interlaken In Winter

Explore Iseltwald

Iseltwald is a little village on Lake Brienz, about 15 minutes from Interlaken, and it’s where my sister and I stayed. It has under 500 residents, a castle on the peninsula and lakeside cafés with some of the best mountain views around. You can find everything else in my guide to Iseltwald.

If you fancy something different, there’s an e-quad tour to Iseltwald along Lake Brienz (you need a driving licence and to be 18+). For something different, an e-quad tour to Iseltwald takes you along the lake.

Explore The St Beatus Caves

The St Beatus Caves are an ancient cave system in the cliffs above Lake Thun, with a zig-zag path up past little waterfalls and wooden bridges. Winter opening hours are reduced (often weekends only), the path isn’t cleared of snow, and the caves are closed from 9 to 20 November 2026, so check before you go. You can book St Beatus Caves tickets online.

See Frozen Oeschinensee

In winter, Oeschinensee freezes over and is covered in snow, which is a totally different scene from the bright blue lake in my photos above, which are from a summer visit. Take the train to Kandersteg (around an hour), then the gondola up and the winter walking path to the lake. If you go in summer instead, here’s my hike to Oeschinensee in summer. You can check cable car times and tickets on the official site.

A Simple 1 To 3 Day Winter Plan

If you only have one day: go kayaking in the morning, wander the Höheweg and the Christmas market or ice rink in the afternoon, and finish with fondue.

If you have three days:

• Day 1: winter kayaking from Bönigen in the morning, a chocolate class in the afternoon, then ice skating or the Christmas market.
• Day 2 (your clearest day): Jungfraujoch early, then back down via Wengen and Lauterbrunnen, and fondue in the evening.
• Day 3: paragliding if the weather’s clear, the Hot Tug in Brienz in the afternoon, then night sledging on the Niederhorn (Friday and Saturday evenings).

Keep the Jungfraujoch and paragliding days swappable, because both depend on the weather. For a fuller plan, see my full 3 day Interlaken itinerary.

What A Winter Trip To Interlaken Costs

Switzerland isn’t cheap, and the mountain day is the big one. These are current prices (November 2026), not what we paid.

Jungfraujoch return	CHF 224.40 (CHF 151.20 with a Swiss Travel Pass)
Swiss Travel Pass, 3 days	CHF 254 (2nd class)
Half Fare Card, 1 month	CHF 150
Ice skating, Magic Park	CHF 11 entry + CHF 9 skate hire
Cheese fondue	Around CHF 27–30 per person
Hot Tug (up to 6 people)	Price on booking
Motorway vignette (if driving)	CHF 40

Getting To Interlaken (And Whether You Need A Swiss Travel Pass)

We hired a car and drove from Geneva, which takes about two and a half hours. It was handy for getting around, but if I did it again, I’d get one of the Swiss travel passes and use the trains instead.

• Swiss Travel Pass: the Swiss Travel Pass from SBB covers trains, buses and boats across Switzerland and gives 25% off Jungfraujoch. It’s best if you’re moving around a lot.
• Half Fare Card: half price on most trains, buses, boats and mountain railways for a month. It’s usually better value if you’re mainly based in Interlaken.
• Trains: there are direct connections from Zurich Airport, and Geneva Airport is about 3 hours away with a change in Bern. Both trains stop at Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost.
• Driving: you need a Swiss motorway e-vignette (CHF 40) for the motorways. If you’re hiring a car in Geneva, the French side of the airport is usually cheaper.

Once you’re there, the town centre is easy to walk (Interlaken West to Interlaken Ost is about 20 minutes), and local buses and trains cover everything else.

Where To Stay In Interlaken In Winter

Lake Lodge, Iseltwald (Where I Stayed With My Sister)

I stayed here with my sister and it was SO cute, right on the lake. But the bunk beds were basically one giant bed, so you’re really close to your neighbour. That wasn’t ideal when we arrived super late and the guy next to me was snoring and kept rolling onto my bed! It’s a fun, budget base if you don’t mind sharing.

Alplodge, Interlaken (Where I Stayed With My Boyfriend)

On my other trip, we stayed at Alplodge, a budget option with dorms and private rooms right beside the River Aare and a short walk from the centre. It was clean and comfortable, and good value for Interlaken.

Hotel Du Nord (Mid-Range)

Hotel Du Nord is a 4-star hotel a few minutes’ walk from Interlaken West, right opposite the field where the paragliders land, so you get a front-row view of them floating down.

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (Luxury)

The Victoria-Jungfrau is the grand 5-star hotel in the middle of town, with one of the best spas in the area. It’s the one to book for a honeymoon or a big treat.

What To Pack For Interlaken In Winter

My packing mistake was bringing gloves I could use my phone in, which weren’t warm enough when we stood still. I kept taking a photo, putting my phone away and immediately wishing I hadn’t bothered because my fingers were freezing. Next time I’d bring proper warm gloves and keep the thin pair for quick jobs.

• Warm gloves, plus a thin touchscreen pair
• Thermal leggings and a long-sleeved thermal top (great under a kayaking drysuit too)
• Sunglasses you can actually find, for the glare on the mountains
• Swimwear, bathing shoes and a towel for the Hot Tug or HotPot
• Waterproof boots with good grip, for slush in town and icy paths
• A hat that covers your ears, for the wind up high

Interlaken In Winter FAQs

Is Interlaken worth visiting in winter?

Yes. You get winter kayaking, sledging, hot tubs on the lake, Christmas markets and Jungfraujoch, with fewer crowds than in summer outside the Christmas holidays.

Does it snow in Interlaken in winter?

Usually a bit, but snow in town is patchy and can turn to slush. There’s much more snow higher up in the mountains, especially from January to February.

Is there a Christmas market in Interlaken?

Yes, but it’s short. In 2026 it runs from 18 to 20 December in the Kursaalgarten, and the bigger Adventsmärit in Unterseen runs from 20 to 22 November.

How many days do you need in Interlaken in winter?

Three days is enough for the highlights, but four or five gives you spare days to move the weather-dependent activities around.

Do the boats run on the lakes in winter?

Lake Thun boats run all year. Lake Brienz boats stop in early December (6 December in 2026) and restart in spring.

Is it better to stay in Grindelwald or Interlaken in winter?

Interlaken is better for transport, the lakes and more choice of places to stay and eat. Grindelwald is better if you mainly want to ski and wake up in the mountains.

More Switzerland And Winter Guides

If you’re visiting outside winter too, there are more adventures in Interlaken and the best hikes around Interlaken. These are the ones I’d read next:

• 3 Day Interlaken Itinerary For A Perfect Trip
• Lauterbrunnen in Winter: 19 Things to Do in The Swiss Valley
• Iseltwald, Switzerland: Things To Do, Where To Stay & How To Get There

And if you’re after more snowy trips, there’s northern lights in Lapland too.