Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen offer visitors a breathtaking experience of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquillity. These picturesque towns are renowned for their magnificent landscapes, soaring peaks, and cascading waterfalls. In this blog, I will take you on a memorable journey through these Alpine gems, highlighting the must-visit destinations of Harder Kulm, Grindelwald Top of Adventure, the enchanting waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen and other places of interest.
Interlaken
When travelling from Luzern to Interlaken, do remember to check if you are taking the Luzern-Interlaken Panorama Express. This train offers unrestricted views of both sides of the journey. I sat on the right side in the direction of travel for some best views of the lake and villages.
I reached Interlaken late in the evening from Luzerne and checked into my hostel- Alplodge Hostel. The hostel is cosy and very near to Interlaken West station. There are two stations in Interlaken – the Ost and the West with OST being the one with more connections. The way to the hotel was picturesque with a railway track and a series of mountains in the backdrop.
As mentioned in my earlier Luzern blog, don’t forget to ask for the city card at the hostel reception. This can get you discounts at many tourist attractions and also free transport.
Early in the morning the next day, I started on my adventure to the Alpine gems. My first stop was to Harder Kulm. The earlier, the better as the queue starts to grow from 9 AM onwards. You will be treated to some beautiful views along the way and people paragliding.
You can either get a ticket online or buy from the ticket office. The ticket costs 40CHF up and down. The funicular navigates 755m in just 10 minutes with an inclination of 64°. The funicular delivers breathtaking views of deep blue Lake Thun, turquoise Lake Brienz and the towering peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
From the mountain station, an easy path leads to the inviting Panorama Restaurant in just five minutes: the restaurant’s sun terrace is a great place to immerse in the view just like the life statue of the Swiss cow.
At 1323m, the views are stunning. The vibrant town is situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
The funicular goes down every 30mins and you will have plenty of time to explore and take some beautiful pictures.
After my descend, I went to visit the most visited place by Indians- the Yash Chopra statue. Swiss government honored Yash Chopra with a bronze statue near the Congress Centre for showcasing the beauty of Switzerland through his movies and commonly the Jungfrau region.
Next up was Grindelwald. There is a direct train from Interlaken Ost and do not forget to show the Interlaken city card to get a discount.
Grindelwald
The journey itself is a feast for the eyes, with the snow-capped peaks and rolling meadows creating an idyllic backdrop. Upon arrival, we head straight to Grindelwald Top of Adventure, a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Once you land at the station you are treated to a beautiful view of Mittelhorn mountain in the distance.
Here, we find ourselves amidst a plethora of exhilarating opportunities. From hiking trails that wind through lush forests to challenging Via Ferrata routes, Grindelwald has it all. For an adrenaline rush, we can try our hand at zip-lining or take a leap of faith with a bungee jump. If relaxation is more your style, you can take a stroll through the village, appreciating the quaint chalets and local shops. Whatever your preference, Grindelwald promises an unforgettable experience.
To reach the summit, one can take the First Aerial cableway which takes you to First in just 25 minutes in six-seater gondolas. The views are spectacular on a sunny day and can get worse within minutes.
The first cliff walk is sponsored by Tissot and is free to experience. It is a truly jaw-dropping experience walking on the suspended metal walkway on the side of the First Cliff with deep valleys below it. Do check the real-time weather before to get better views of Grindelwald from the top.
Best time to explore First cliff walk is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the tourist crowd is less.
If you like to fancy some Swiss Fondue at 7000ft, there is a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal. As I was under a time constraint, I didn’t wait in the queue to get to the edge of the cliff walk to capture the view below. Instead, you get to the sides to catch the view of the Eiger mountains.
On the way down, grab some coffee and pastries are we have a good amount of distance to cover in Lauterbrunnen.
Lauterbrunnen
The final leg of our journey takes us to Lauterbrunnen, a picturesque valley known as the “Valley of Waterfalls.” As we enter this enchanting wonderland, we are greeted by the sight of 72 thundering waterfalls cascading down the sheer cliffs that flank the valley. The most famous among them is the majestic Staubbach Falls, plunging nearly 297 meters into the valley below. One can easily reach from Grindelwald via train to Lauterbrunnen.
We embark on a leisurely stroll along the well-marked trails that lead us to various waterfalls. The sheer beauty and serenity of the surroundings are nothing short of magical. The lush green meadows, charming Swiss chalets, and the constant soundtrack of rushing water create a tranquil atmosphere that is hard to replicate. Take your time to capture the beauty of the falls and enjoy a picnic amidst nature.
At 297 meters, the Staubbach Falls is the highest free-falling waterfall in Switzerland. It is a view to behold. There are numerous hiking patches through protected areas and in winter there are cross-country races.
The waterfall can be seen from anywhere in the town.
The most famous picture of Lauterbrunnen one might come across is the Lauterbrunnen church with Staubbach Falls in the backdrop. The church was built by the inhabitants who had to transport the 200kg bell on foot. Currently the bell is placed in the Valley Museum.
Conclusion
A journey to the breathtaking Swiss Alps through Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen is an experience that remains etched in the heart and mind forever. This mesmerizing region offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquillity, making it a must-visit destination for travellers from all walks of life.
While each destination boasts its unique charm, collectively they offer an unparalleled Alpine experience. The interconnectedness of these towns allows travelers to enjoy the best of both worlds
It’s a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, there exist places where time seems to stand still, and the sheer magnificence of the Earth is on full display. So, pack your bags, embark on this unforgettable adventure
Useful Links
Switzerland Travel & Vacation | Switzerland Tourism (myswitzerland.com)
