Day Trips

Exploring Switzerland has never been so easy.

Interlaken and Sunny Days are centrally located within Switzerland. The Swiss Pass is your all-in-one ticket to travel by rail, bus, tram, boat and cable cars throughout the whole of Switzerland. It even includes the entrance fee to many museums.

Our staff will be happy to assist you in setting up those special moments that you will always remember. Whether it be a day hike, a special restaurant request, or perhaps a little something more adventurous. 

Let us help you plan or book your day trips.

Jungfrau - Top of Europe

This is the high point of any Swiss holiday. 

The experience of reaching Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet is worth the trip, but there is also the panoramic view down Europe's longest glacier. 

Don't miss visiting the Sphinx Observatory which has an observation hall where you have a 360 degree view.

The Ice Palace has sculptures of wildlife and other exhibits.

Time: All Day
Travel: By rail only
Weather: Better on a sunny day
Cost: sFr. Varies
Addl Cost info: Trip to Wengen or Grindelwald is free with Swiss Pass
Addl Cost info: Trip from either town to Junfraujoch is discounted with Swiss Pass

Gimmelwald - Mürren - Schilthorn

Take a car or a train and bus from Interlaken to Stechelberg. This is your starting point for a beautiful journey to the top of the Schilthorn. 

Take a cable car from Stechelberg and get off at Gimmelwald. This is an extremely small and quaint village containing mostly dairy and goat farms. Walk through the village and enjoy the panorama of the Alps.

Continue on the cable car from Gimmelwald to Mürren. Mürren is a popular winter ski location with many resorts and restaurants. But don't be fooled, there are many things to do on the slopes of the Alps even when there is no snow. You will see many a paraglider setting up and taking off from the slopes above Mürren.

Finally, take the last leg of your cable car journey from Mürren to the top of the Schilthorn. The top can be covered in snow through August, so be prepared. Wander into the revolving restaurant, take a seat, and have a hot chocolate (or other favorite beverage). From here, you have a 360 degree view of the Alps.

Time: 2 to 4 hours
Travel: By rail and bus or car (plus cable car)
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: sFr. Varies
Addl Cost info: Trip to Mürren is free with Swiss Pass
Addl Cost info: Trip from Mürren to Schilthorn is half price with Swiss Pass

Lauterbrunnen Valley Hike

This is one of the easiest and most pleasant scenic hikes in Switzerland. 

With its 72 thundering waterfalls, secluded valleys, colourful alpine meadows and lonely mountain inns, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in Switzerland.

Take the train from Interlaken (East) to Lauterbrunnen. From here, you have a decision to make. You can start your hike from the train station in Lauterbrunnen or take a bus to Stechelberg and walk back to Lauterbrunnen. 

In either case, you will be taking a bus from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg or Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen. The bus stop is across the street from the train station (direction of Stechelberg). 

From either direction, follow the yellow "Wanderweg" (Hiking) signs. With the exception of a minor climb (or descent) in Lauterbrunnen, the hike is flat and very peaceful.

About 4 kilometers from Lauterbrunnen is Trümmelbach Falls. Trümmelbach Falls lies within the ‘Black Monk’ mountain, hidden behind mighty rock faces. Up to 20,000 litres of water per second cascade over the ten glacier falls from a total height of about 200 metres. This spectacle can only be reached in summer by tunnel lift.

The total distance of the hike is 8 kilometers (4.8) miles. Take your time and enjoy the waterfalls and alpen panorama. There are numerous benches along the walk and we suggest that you take a little picnic lunch (available from our staff) and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that only the Swiss Alps can provide.

Time: approximately 4 hours
Travel: By rail and bus or car
Weather: Better when it doesn't rain
Cost: sFr. Free
Addl Cost info: Trip to Stechelberg is free with Swiss Pass

Trümmelbach Falls

The Trümmelbach Falls are a series of ten glacier waterfalls that are accessible by elevator, tunnels, paths and platforms. They are part of the 72 waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Trümmelbach Falls lies within the ‘Black Monk’ mountain, hidden behind mighty rock faces. Up to 20,000 litres of water per second cascade over the ten glacier falls from a total height of about 200 metres. 

Time: 2 to 4 hours
Travel: By rail and bus or car 
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: sFr. 11 (save sFr 1 with Interlaken Guest Card)

Harder Kulm

Walk towards the west (in the direction of Interlaken) from the Interlaken Ost train station. When you come to the first bridge, cross the Aare River in order to find the Funicular Station and the start of your adventure to Harder Kulm. 

The journey from Interlaken to the Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain, takes ten minutes via the funicular. The restaurant looks like a small castle, and it is located 1,322 metres above sea level. 

The Harder Kulm is a starting point for mountain hikes. It also offers a beautiful view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains as well as Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Folklore evenings are held regularly on the Harder Kulm. There's fun at the playground for children. 

Many of our guests avoid the Harder Kulm because it is right above Interlaken. This, in our opinion, is a mistake. Some of the best scenic views of the alpen panorama can be seen from the Harder Kulm.

When you are unsure of what to do some afternoon, consider visiting the Harder Kulm. Make sure and bring your camera. You will not be disappointed.

Time: approximately 2 to 3 hours
Travel: By rail
Weather: Better when it doesn't rain
Cost: sFr. 28.- 
Addl Cost info: 50% discount with Swiss Pass

Schynige Platte Flower Trail Hike

Take the train from Interlaken East to Wilderswil and switch to the Schynige Platte Bahn for the start of your adventure. Ride the cog wheel train to the top of Schynige Platte; where in good weather conditions the summit offers spectacular views to many surrounding mountains, including Jungfrau, Eiger, Silberhorn, and others.

An alpine garden is located near the summit where various alpine plants can be found together with labels, indicating their Latin names (many of these plants also grow around as wild species). At the top of the railway station there is a hotel and mountain restaurant.

Schynige Platte is a starting point for the popular hiking trails to Faulhorn or First. A number of shorter loop trails also extend east from the train station, reaching Oberberghorn and Loucherhornhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loucherhorn.

If you are thinking of a hike to First, please plan on starting early. The cable car from First down to Grindelwald stops at 4PM. Anyone still on the mountain will have to spend the night. There are multiple mountain huts along the trail, but comfort should not be expected. This is true "roughing it".

Time: approximately 4 to 6 hours
Travel: By rail
Weather: Better when it doesn't rain
Cost: sFr. 63.-
Addl Cost info: 50% discount with Swiss Pass

Lake Cruise to Brienz and the Woodcarving Museum

There has been a regular boat service on Lake Brienz since 1839. Today, the fleet numbers five boats, including the splendidly renovated steamer the "Lötschberg", built in 1914. Especially in summer, there are a number of special excursions in addition to the regular service: for example, the "Indian Dinner Cruise", the "Fish and Jazz Trip" on board the steamer, or the "Swiss Dinner Cruise", particularly popular with visitors from abroad who want to try all the Swiss culinary specialities. Rather more energetic is the "Latin Dance Cruise", where you dance to Latino rhythms on board. 

Another destination for a boat trip on Lake Brienz is the Giessbach Falls. The roaring waterfall thunders in a number of different stages down 500 metres into the lake. Immediately beside it is the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach, which looks like a fairytale castle. The oldest funicular railway in Europe leads from the landing-stage in Giessbach straight up to the hotel and the mighty waterfall.

Once you arrive in Brienz, a very popular excursion is to visit the woodcarving studios that lie about 200 metres (225 yards) along main street west from the boat dock.

The Woodcarving School in Brienz is the only establishment of its kind in Switzerland to teach the craft of woodcarving. Founded as the Schnitzlerschule Brienz in 1884, it has been a technical school and training workshop for the Canton of Bern since 1928.

Time: approximately 3 hours (includes 1 hour by boat)
Travel: By boat
Weather: Better when it doesn't rain
Cost: sFr. 63.- 
Addl Cost info: 50% discount with Swiss Pass

Aareschlucht Gorge Hike

The Aare Gorge, 1400 meters long and 200 meters deep, is quite a miracle of nature. Along a foot path and through tunnels, walkers can easily and safely walk next to the gorge in about 45 minutes. 

Time: Minimum 2 hours
Travel: By rail or car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: sFr. 7.50
Addl Cost info: Combine with Reichenbach Falls for sFr. 13

Ballenberg Open Air Museum

This very large open air museum displays 100 traditional buildings and architecture from all over Switzerland. Watch potters, cheese makers, wood carvers, farmers, etc. at work. All of Switzerland's native farm animals are around the grounds.  Enjoy many special events.

Time: Minimum 4 hours
Travel: By rail and bus or car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: sFr. 22
Addl Cost info: Free with Swiss Pass

Meiringen - Sherlock Holmes Museum - Reichenbach Falls

The Sherlock Holmes Museum opened in the old English Church in the center of the village of Meiringen one hundred years after the death of Sherlock Holmes. The parlor of the Victorian home located at 221b Baker Street in London, where Holmes lived with his assistant Dr. Watson, is authentically recreated.

A short distance way from the museum are the falls. This was where Sherlock Holmes staged his own death on the observation platform above the highest of the seven tiers of the waterfall.

The village of Meiringen is also known for its claim to be the place where meringues were first made. Enjoy a meringue with ice cream, fruit and cream at one of the local tea rooms.

Time: Minimum 2 hours
Travel: By rail or car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: sFr. 4 for Museum, sFr. 11.50 for Reichenbach Falls
Addl Cost info: Combine with Aareschlucht for sFr. 13

Brienzer Rothorn

The Brienzer Rothorn is an 800 mm gauge (2 ft. 71/2 in.) gauge rack railway which climbs from Brienz (1857 feet) at the eastern edge of Lake Brienz to the summit of the Brienzer Rothorn mountain (7362 feet). Although other Swiss mountain railways offer special "steam" trips, this is the only line which offers a full steam service.

Time: Minimum 4 hours
Travel: By rail or car to Brienz. Steam train to Rothorn
Weather: Sunny day is preferable for spectacular views
Cost: Many packages available
Addl Cost info: Half price with Swiss Pass

Lake Cruise to Thun Castles

With a scheduled boat service, you can enjoy an outing on a motor-powered vessel or on an elegant, restored paddle-wheel steamboat. The turquoise Lake Thun is situated in the spectacular mountain setting of the Bernese Oberland.

Excellent dining facilities are available, as well as themed events and round trip excursions (half or full day trips). All tickets for these trips can be purchased from the local train station or direct at the boat station. If you have the Swiss Pass, ship excursions are included in the price.

Five magnificent castles with spacious park lands are located directly on the Lake Thun shore. They all offer stunning views of the Bernese Alps. 

Once in Thun, walk to the train station (across the street from the boat dock) and pick up a walking tour map of the city. Some of the highlights include: Thun Castle, Schadau Castle, and the many quaint streets in old town with unique shopping experiences.

Time: Minimum 4 hours
Travel: By ship
Weather: Sunny day is preferable for spectacular views
Cost: Many packages available
Addl Cost info: Free with Swiss Pass

Beatushöhlen

St. Beatus supposedly slayed a dragon in the caves before choosing to live there himself. His grave can be found between the monastery and the cave entrance. 
Today, the caves are celebrated for their stalactites and stalagmites.

If you are fit and extremely adventurous, ask us for directions on how to hike to this attraction. We warn you that only the first 3KM is flat. The rest is uphill along woodland trails. Expect that you will need 3 hours to complete the hike (one way).

Time: 2 hours
Travel: By Bus or car
Weather: Sunny day is preferable
Cost: sFr. 18
Addl Cost info: sFr. 16 with Interlaken Guest Card

Männlichen Hike

Take the train from Interlaken West to Wengen, changing in Interlaken Ost and Lauterbrunnen. Once in Wengen, walk to the Luftseilbahn (Cable Car) and take this to the top of Männlichen.

This is a great starting point for many different hikes varying in difficulty and altitude. Hike to Kleine Scheidegg or down to Grindelwald or Wengen. There are many possibilities and each will give you an exceptional experience.

Ask us and we will be happy to give you details on the various possibilities.

Time: 4 hours
Travel: By train
Weather: Sunny day is preferable
Cost: Various
Addl Cost info: Free to Wengen and 1/2 price to Männlichen with Swiss Pass

Grindelwald First Hike

Time: 4 hours
Travel: By train
Weather: Sunny day is preferable
Cost: Various
Addl Cost info: Free to Grindelwald and 1/2 price to First with Swiss Pass

Bern City Tour

The Swiss capital always enchants its visitors with its charm, attractions and many events.  Walk all the arcade streets and explore the many fountains and museums. A visit to Bern should include visits to The Clock Tower(Zytglogge), the Bear Park, The House of Parliament, The Cathedral of Bern, the Rose Garden, Einstein's House and The Prison Tower. 

Time: Minimum 4 hours
Travel: By Rail or car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: Free except for Einstein's House and Houses of Parliament

Luzern City Tour

There are many sights to see in Luzern.

The Kapellbrucke, Chapel Bridge: paintings under the roof depict scenes of Swiss and local history.

  • The Water Tower: at 111.5 feet, it was built as part of the city wall
  • Spreuerbrucke, Chaffe Bridge: 67 paintings under the roof depict the "Dance of Death"
  • Jesuitenkirche, Jesuit Church and the Hofkirche, Court Church
  • Löwendenkmal, Lion Monument. "The dying Lion of Lucerne" is carved out of natural rock in memory of the heroic death of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792.

Historical fresco painted buildings border the old city.

Time: Minimum 4 hours
Travel: By Rail or car
Weather: Sunny day is preferable
Cost: Free

Zermatt - Matterhorn

Zermatt lies below Switzerland's most iconic mountain, the Matterhorn.  Transport within the village is by horse drawn carriage or electric taxi only - cars not permitted. 

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is supposed to be Europe's highest altitude aerial cableway that takes you directly up to 3,883 meters above sea level. The panorama view of 38 peaks over 4,000 meters high is breathtaking!

Time: All day
Travel: By Rail or Car (to Täsch and Rail to Zermatt)
Weather: Sunny day is preferable
Cost: Free except for Cable Cars and Glacier Experience

Zürich City Tour

Pick up a city map and go exploring. There is quite a bit to see and do.

Explore some of Zürich's famous streets:

  • Augustinergasse: a beautiful old narrow street with many colorfully painted oriel windows
  • Bahnhofstrasse: the world famous shopping district is 1.4 km in length and it connects the main train station to Lake Zürich. Stop along the way at Sprüngli and enjoy their delicious chocolates, the truffle of the day, the famous luxemburgerli (macaroons) or a pastry.

Some other places not to be missed are the:

  • Fraumünster with the famous Marc Chagall stained glass windows
  • Grossmünster, where Charlemagne discovered the graves of the city martyrs
  • Lindenhof where you get a glorious view of the Grossmünster
  • the Old Town
  • City Hall
  • Limmat River
  • University high on the hill.

Time: Minimum 4 hours
Travel: By Rail or Car
Weather: Sunny day is preferable
Cost: Free

Basel City Tour

Basel is located on both sides of the Rhine River in the three country corner of Switzerland, Germany and France.

You can follow any one of five signposted walking tours through one of the best preserved and beautiful Old Town districts. Check the blue destination boards throughout the city.

A must see is the red sandstone Münster and the Rathaus (Town Hall).
Enjoy any of the 30 museums. Do you need to try a sweet delicacy? Try a Läckerli, a hard spice biscuit.

Time: Minimum 4 hours
Travel: By Rail or Car
Weather: Sunny day is preferable
Cost: Free

Murten Medieval Town

Murten is a medieval walled town. Walk the ramparts along one side of the town and look over the rooftops and chimneys toward the Lac de Morat. Enjoy a lunch of perch from the lake or try a piece of their famous Nidelkuchen at a tea shop.

Time: Minimum 2 hours
Travel: By Rail or Car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: Free

Solothurn City Tour

Is 11 your lucky number? If it is, then you must visit Solothurn. Solothurn was the 11th canton to join the Swiss Confederation; the medieval walls have 11 towers; there are 11 painted fountains and 11 churches and chapels. The Cathedral of St. Ursus  even has 11 bells, 11 clocks and 11 altars and the stairs in front of the cathedral have levels between every 11 steps. Even the local brewery has named itself Öufi which is Swiss German for 11. Other sights to see are the Jesuit Church, the Clock Tower and the Museum of the Old Arsenal which houses the most ancient collection of armor in Europe.

Time: Minimum 3 hours
Travel: By Rail or Car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: Free

St. Gallen City Tour

While the cities focal point is its magnificent cathedral, its beautiful medieval center contains many half timbered houses and mansions with oriel windows.

Make sure to also visit the library attached to the cathedral. The Abbey Library is  Switzerland’s oldest library, containing a unique collection of books and manuscripts dating back to the middle ages.

Time: 6 hours
Travel: By train or car
Weather: Sunny day is preferable
Cost: Various

Geneva - United Nation Tour

Geneva is a global city, a financial center, and worldwide center for diplomacy due to the presence of numerous international organizations, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross.

Be one of the 100,000 visitors who take the tour of the Palais des Nations each year. The tours are available in more than 15 languages and last for one hour.

Check on the UN website before planning for this tour. There are times when the tours are closed due to U.N. functions and events.

Time: 6 hours
Travel: By train or car
Weather: Sunny day is preferable
Cost: Various

Montreux - Chateau de Chillon

Take the Golden Pass Train all the way to Montreux.

First take the Golden Pass Train from Interlaken to Zweisimmen across the Simmental region where the valley gets narrower and the forests darker along the river. Then take the Golden Pass Train from Zweisimmen to Montreux. You ride through alpine forests, bubbling mountains streams and picturesque mountain villages. You pass through a tunnel and finally end in Montreux home to the Montreux Jazz Festival held in July.

The Château de Chillon is 3 km away from Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Either walk the 45 minutes from the train station along the lake or you can get on a bus that drops you off right there. See what inspired such writers as Lord Byron and Victor Hugo.

Time: Minimum 5 hours
Travel: By Rail or Car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: sFr. 12.50

Schaffhausen - Rhine Falls

Fribourg

This isn't a city on the main tourist trail but the old town section represents a fine example of medieval architecture. The city is situated on a peninsula of the Saane River. Those living on the west side are mostly French speaking while those living on the east of the river are German speaking. 

Suggest you obtain a street map at the tourist office by the train station. Explore the Altstadt on foot. The town is well preserved with around 1.25 miles of its defensive wall and 14 watchtowers still pretty much intact. Visit the Cathedral of St. Nicolas or view the 40 sculptures along the Sculpture Trail through the city center. You must ride the Fribourg Funicular which is one of the city's curiosities. It was built in 1899 to link the upper and lower parts of town. It is the last of its kind in Europe to run solely on waste water. It operates daily with departures every 6 minutes.

Time: Minimum 4 hours
Travel: By Rail or Car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: Free

Chocolate Factory Tour

A place where all your senses can be immersed in the wonderful world of chocolate. Learn about how chocolate is made using the best cocoa, milk from the region and other delicious ingredients. Finally, taste all the different varieties of chocolate.

For a unique experience, you can also sign up for a class on how to make truffles or other chocolate creations. Advance reservations must be made directly with the factory. To learn about this experience, please visit the Atelier du Chocolat.

Time: 2 to 4 hours
Travel: By rail or car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: sFr. 8 to 10
Addl Cost info: Free with Swiss Pass

Gruyères - Château and Cheese Making

The village has houses dating from the 15th to the 17th century and is crowned by a castle. At the La Maison du Gruyère, watch them make the famous Gruyere cheese.

Time: Minimum 4 hours
Travel: By rail  or car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: sFr. 7
Addl Cost info: Free with Swiss Pass

Kambly Cookie Factory

Kambly's story began over a hundred years ago with Grandma's Emmental "Bretzeli" biscuits. Settling in Trubschachen to be with his sweetheart, Oscar R. Kambly began to bake Bretzeli for the inhabitants of the valley, using his grandmother's family recipe.

Unfortunately, there is no factory tour. But, visit the factory store and sample each and every type of biscuit (cookie in American English) made. 

If you are adventurous, sign up for the biscuit making class. This must be done in advance through the web at www.kambly.ch. Here you will make biscuits, dip them in chocolate, and roll them in various toppings (nuts, coconut, sprinkles, etc). This is a lot of fun for the entire family. Don't worry if you cannot speak German. The ladies who teach the class are multi-lingual.

Time: Minimum 3 hours
Travel: By rail or car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: sFr. Free

Bell Making Experience

This is truly a unique experience. Create a mould with sand, pour hot bronze into the mould, and then sand blast your new bell. This is a real working Swiss Cow Bell.

Time: Minimum 5 hours
Travel: By rail and bus or car
Weather: Rain or Shine
Cost: sFr. Free

This class requires a firm appointment and a minimum non-refundable deposit of sFr. 500.--.