The best hikes around Interlaken
Interlaken Hiking Guide: Explore the Best Trails in the Swiss Alps
Interlaken is a stunning region in Switzerland, renowned for its majestic mountains and breathtaking lakes with incredibly turquoise waters. It's also the ideal base camp for hiking adventures and discovering awe-inspiring landscapes.
This guide compiles all the best hikes in the Interlaken region. Click the links provided for more detailed articles on each trail.
Hiking in the Swiss Alps: Essential Gear and Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Adventure
The right gear is crucial for an enjoyable and trouble-free hiking experience in the Swiss Alps. Here are some key tips to help you prepare:
- Dress in Layers
Layering your clothing helps you easily adapt to changing weather conditions. Start with a lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer close to your skin, add a breathable technical layer like merino wool for warmth, and always carry a fleece or insulating layer—even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at high altitudes. Finish with a waterproof jacket to protect against unexpected rain or wind. - Wear Proper Footwear
Quality hiking boots are essential to protect your feet, maintain stability, and prevent injuries while hiking the diverse terrain in Switzerland. - Sun Protection
The sun can be very strong in the mountains year-round. Always pack sunscreen, a hat or cap, and sunglasses to avoid sunburn and glare. - Use Hiking Poles
Trekking poles can help reduce strain on your knees, improve balance, and provide extra stability—highly recommended, especially for challenging hikes. - Food and Hydration
Bring at least 1 liter of water per person. Switzerland's natural spring water is among the world's best, and you might find spots to refill your bottle on certain trails. Pack nutritious snacks like nuts, dark chocolate, energy bars, and fresh fruit, along with a hearty picnic lunch, and you'll be ready for your alpine adventure.
If you need hiking gear or equipment around Interlaken
Interlaken is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from scenic alpine hikes and exhilarating Via Ferrata routes to unforgettable winter sports. While winter gear is readily available at most sports shops, finding rental equipment for summer activities, like Via Ferrata sets, hiking boots, or trekking poles, can be more challenging.
To help you get equipped easily, we’ve compiled a handy list of the top rental shops in Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and Grindelwald. Whether you’re exploring mountain trails, tackling a Via Ferrata, or gearing up for a ski adventure, these trusted stores have everything you need!
Wandern auf dem Harder Kulm
As soon as you arrive in Interlaken and look up, you’ll likely be intrigued by a pointed-roof building perched high on a mountain, with a viewing platform that juts out over the valley—that’s Harder Kulm. It offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of the region, along with a scenic restaurant terrace.
Harder Kulm is not only a must-see viewpoint, but also a great starting point for longer hikes. You can reach it either by taking the funicular or by hiking up a beautiful trail that winds through the forested mountainside.
For more details and hiking options, check out the full article.
Augsmatterhorn hike
From Harder Kulm, you can set out on one of the most scenic hikes in the region, the Augstmatthorn trail, which follows a dramatic mountain ridge.
For a breathtaking experience, the hike to Augstmatthorn is a perfect choice. Rising to 2,137 meters, it’s the highest point on the Hardergrat ridge. The trail from Harder Kulm is about 9 km and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. While it’s still a moderately challenging route, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Lake Brienz and the surrounding Swiss Alps—an unforgettable experience for any nature lover.
Hardergrat hike
Another well-known hike starting from Harder Kulm is the Hardergrat Trail—a legendary route reserved for experienced hikers only. This demanding trek follows a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides, offering breathtaking panoramic views throughout. The full trail spans approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) and typically takes around 10 hours to complete. It should only be attempted in perfect weather conditions, with proper gear and a solid level of fitness.
For those up to the challenge, the Hardergrat promises one of the most thrilling and scenic ridge hikes in Switzerland.
Giessbach Falls hike
Another easy and wonderful hike is the Giessbach Falls trail. This mostly flat path follows the lake’s edge and leads you to a stunning waterfall tucked into the mountainside.
Along the way, you’ll also pass by the fairytale-like castle in Iseltwald, making this hike as scenic as it is relaxing.
Lauterbrunnen hikes
Lauterbrunnen, also known as the Valley of 72 Waterfalls, is not only one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland, but also a starting point for many incredible hiking trails. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls, it offers a truly magical setting for hikers of all levels.
From short and easy hikes like the Lauterbrunnen Valley hike to longer hikes like the Oberhornsee, there is a trail for everybody.
Grindelwald hikes
Grindelwald is a charming alpine village and also an ideal base for hiking adventures. Surrounded by iconic peaks like the Eiger and lush green valleys, it offers easy access to some of the most scenic trails in the Bernese Oberland, whether you're looking for gentle walks or challenging mountain routes.
Schynige Platte
Schynige Platte is one of the hikes we highly recommend in the Grindelwald region. While it's a long and challenging trail, it rewards hikers with absolutely stunning panoramic views over the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, as well as Lake Brienz.
This hike is best suited for those who feel confident and physically prepared for a demanding mountain adventure, but for those who take it on, the experience is truly unforgettable.
Top 5 must-do hikes around Interlaken
As you probably know by now, Interlaken is nestled in the heart of the mountains, making it the perfect base for hiking adventures. In this article, we’ll take you through the 5 best easy hikes near Interlaken, ideal for enjoying stunning alpine scenery without too much effort.
