5 min read…

Stepping into Interlaken in November felt like chasing the last golden-brown leaves of autumn. With more brown than green, it still managed to be charming. We realized rather quickly why Switzerland is, well… Switzerland.

Interlaken is the postcard version of Switzerland—wedged between two lakes and surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, it’s the perfect base for first-time visitors chasing that ‘Swiss Alps’ dream. We flew into Basel Airport, hopped on Bus 50 to the SBB station, and before we knew it, a scenic train ride had us in Interlaken, already questioning if our camera batteries could survive the weekend.

Where to stay in Interlaken?

Interlaken has everything from cozy wooden chalets to fancy hotels with lake views that could make your phone storage cry. We stayed near Interlaken Ost (East Station) — super convenient for day trips to Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch, and Harder Kulm. If you’re planning to hop around the region, staying near either Interlaken Ost or West Station is your best bet.

🍴Maharaja is your go-to for Indian cuisine.

Some Handy Swiss Tips

📱 Get a local SIM or an eSIM (try Airalo). The connectivity is surprisingly good — even when you’re halfway up a mountain, wondering if cows get Wi-Fi too.

Day 1 – Lauterbrunnen, Murren, and Harder Kulm

Lauterbrunnen – The Valley of 72 Waterfalls – is straight out of a fairy tale. Waterfalls, alpine cottages, and views so good they look photoshopped. Start with a visit to Staubbach Falls and keep walking until you’ve had enough, before hopping on a cable car up to Mürren for an even dreamier panorama.

Mürren is that postcard-perfect Swiss village you imagine when someone says “Alpine escape” — wooden chalets, snow-dusted rooftops, and views that make you question reality. In our opinion, it’s an underrated gem that quietly outshines Lauterbrunnen — fewer crowds, more charm, and a kind of peace you don’t need to fight for.

🍴 Why not refuel with a warm, gooey cheese fondue at the Eiger Guesthouse Restaurant in Mürren? The food’s comforting, the backdrop is stunning, and honestly, it’s the kind of meal that makes you forget how many layers you’re wearing.

Harder Kulm by Afternoon – Plan an early start to make sure you’ve got enough time left in the day for Harder Kulm — the place to catch a killer Swiss sunset.

⚠️ Warning: Be there by 3:45 p.m. at the latest; the queue for the funicular can get seriously long. Buy your tickets online (trust us on this one) and brace yourself for another queue when it’s time to come back down.

💡 Pro tip: On the way up, snag a front-row seat facing downhill — it’s perfect for those “look-at-me-I’m-in-Switzerland” videos and breathtaking mountain shots.

Day 2: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, and Grindelwald

We caught an early train to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe.” This UNESCO World Heritage site sits atop the longest glacier in the Alps, and the journey itself — especially from Grindelwald to Eigergletscher — is pure jaw-dropping magic, with snow-covered peaks at every turn. At the top, Jungfraujoch has plenty to keep you busy: the Alpine Sensation tour, the Ice Palace, a Lindt chocolate shop, and more.

🍴Bonus: the café/restaurant here is way cheaper than anything back in Interlaken — a small win for your wallet. 🍫

💡On the way back, don’t skip Eigergletscher — spend an hour there for far better photo ops than the summit.

Jungfraujoch is so stunning that even half a day feels short, and the steep price? Totally worth it, as long as the views are playing nice.

Our final stop was Grindelwald Village. Even though Grindelwald-First was closed during our visit, the village itself is charming — think colorful alpine houses, cozy streets, and that unmistakable Swiss mountain vibe that makes you want to linger.

🍴 If you’re hungry after an exhausting day, head to Bebbis— excellent food paired with stunning views of paragliders drifting across the mountains. It’s the perfect way to refuel and soak in the scenery.

We left Interlaken with a promise to return. This is truly a fairytale region in the Swiss Alps — a place that deserves a top spot on your bucket list. There’s so much more to see, do, and taste (looking at you, fondue and paragliders) — and we’re definitely coming back. Are you ready to follow?