Paragliding over Lakes
Tandem flights from Beatenberg or Harder Kulm. Duration: 15-20 minutes. Cost: CHF 150-180. No experience needed. Best in clear weather. Book via certified operators like Interlaken Paragliding.
Getting to Interlaken from Lucerne
Interlaken is the adventure capital of Switzerland and gateway to the Jungfrau region — easily reached from Lucerne.
GoldenPass Scenic Route (Recommended): Take train from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost via Meiringen. Journey: ~2 hours with one change. Panoramic windows, no mandatory reservation. Swiss Travel Pass covers fully.
Direct Train (Fastest): Lucerne → Interlaken Ost via Bern. Journey: ~1h 50m, direct service. Ideal if you prefer speed over scenery.
Tip for Indians: Download SBB Mobile app for real-time schedules, platform info, and mobile tickets. Book Jungfrau excursions early for June-August travel.
For complete Switzerland travel planning including visa and cost, refer to the Switzerland Travel Guide.
Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe from Interlaken
The iconic Jungfraujoch excursion is Interlaken's crown jewel. Here is how Indian travelers can plan this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- ✅ Route: Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen/Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch (cogwheel railway)
- ✅ Duration: ~2.5 hours each way; allow full day for excursion
- ✅ Cost: ~CHF 200 round-trip; Swiss Travel Pass: 50% discount
- ✅ Highlights: Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, Aletsch Glacier views, highest railway station in Europe
- ✅ Booking Tip: Reserve online in advance for June-August; check weather forecast morning-of
Alternative: If Jungfraujoch is beyond budget, consider Grindelwald First or Schynige Platte — stunning Alpine views at lower cost, also 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass.
Adventure Activities in Interlaken for Indians
Interlaken is Switzerland's adventure hub. Here are top activities suitable for Indian travelers.
Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk
Easy, scenic valley walk with 72 waterfalls including Staubbach Falls. Free access. Train from Interlaken Ost: 20 minutes. Ideal for families and photographers. Combine with Trümmelbach Falls (CHF 16 entry).
Vegetarian & Indian Food in Interlaken
Indian travelers will find vegetarian options and authentic Indian cuisine in Interlaken.
- ✅ Restaurant Tandoor: Authentic North Indian cuisine in Interlaken center; vegetarian-friendly; CHF 25-40
- ✅ Tibits Interlaken: Pay-by-weight vegetarian/vegan buffet near train station; CHF 20-30
- ✅ Hotel Restaurants: Most hotels can arrange vegetarian meals with advance notice — inform at booking
- ✅ Coop/Migros Supermarkets: Fresh salads, sandwiches, fruit boxes for CHF 5-10 — perfect for budget meals or mountain day trips
Tip: Tap water is safe and free in Interlaken restaurants — ask for "Leitungswasser" to avoid paying for bottled water.
Getting Around Interlaken — Transport Tips for Indians
Interlaken's public transport is punctual, clean, and easy to navigate.
Bernese Oberland Network: Buses, boats, and mountain railways cover the region. Download the SBB Mobile app for real-time schedules, mobile tickets, and route planning.
Ticket Options:
- Single ticket (Interlaken zone): CHF 4.40 — valid 1 hour, unlimited transfers
- 24-hour pass (Interlaken zone): CHF 9.80 — best for sightseeing day
- Interlaken Guest Card: FREE with hotel stay — covers local buses + museum discounts
- Swiss Travel Pass: Fully covers Interlaken transport + lake cruises + 50% off mountain railways
Indian Traveler Tip: Validate paper tickets before boarding buses (stamp machines at stops). Mobile tickets in SBB app are pre-validated.
Interlaken to Zermatt — Planning Your Next Stop
Interlaken is the perfect base for continuing your Switzerland itinerary to Zermatt and the Matterhorn.
Scenic Route (Recommended): Interlaken Ost → Spiez → Visp → Zermatt. Journey: ~2h 20m with one change at Visp. Panoramic Alpine views, no mandatory reservation. Swiss Travel Pass covers fully.
Planning Tip: Zermatt is car-free — trains only. Book Zermatt hotels 2-3 months ahead for June-August travel. For detailed Zermatt planning, see our Zermatt city guide.
Frequently Asked Questions — Interlaken for Indians
Quick answers to common Interlaken travel questions from Indian visitors.
1How do I get from Lucerne to Interlaken?
Take the GoldenPass scenic train from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost. Journey takes ~2 hours with one change at Meiringen. Swiss Travel Pass covers this route fully. Direct trains via Bern take ~1h 50m if you prefer speed over scenery.
2Is Interlaken expensive for Indian tourists?
Interlaken is a premium Alpine destination. Budget ₹3,500-₹7,500/day for food, ₹14,000-₹25,000/night for hotels. Save money using supermarket meals (Coop/Migros), booking mountain excursions with Swiss Travel Pass discounts, and staying in nearby towns like Matten or Unterseen.
3Are there vegetarian/Indian restaurants in Interlaken?
Yes. Interlaken has vegetarian-friendly options including Tibits (buffet-style), Restaurant Tandoor (Indian cuisine), and Hotel restaurants that can arrange vegetarian meals with advance notice. Most mountain restaurants offer vegetarian pasta and salads.
4What are the must-do activities in Interlaken for first-time Indian visitors?
Jungfraujoch excursion (Top of Europe), Lauterbrunnen Valley walk, Harder Kulm viewpoint, Lake Brienz cruise, and adventure activities like paragliding or skydiving. Most are covered or discounted with Swiss Travel Pass.
5Do I need a Swiss Travel Pass for Interlaken sightseeing?
For Interlaken + Jungfrau region, the Swiss Travel Pass is essential — covers city transport, lake cruises, and 50% off Jungfraujoch, Harder Kulm, and other mountain railways. For city-only stays, the Interlaken Guest Card (free with hotel) covers local buses.
Planning a multi-city Switzerland trip including Interlaken? Our travel experts can help with seamless itineraries, Swiss Travel Pass optimization, and mountain excursion bookings.
Return to Switzerland Travel Guide →Disclaimer: Attraction hours, transport fares, and restaurant details are subject to change. Verify current information via Interlaken Tourism (interlaken.ch) and SBB.ch before travel. Prices are approximate and may vary based on season and exchange rates.
About This Interlaken City Guide
This focused city guide helps Indian travelers plan efficient Interlaken visits with practical transport tips, vegetarian food options, and Jungfrau region excursion recommendations for 2026.
