Day trips in the Bernese Oberland from Interlaken by public transport

The Bernese Oberland is famous for its spectacular railway lines, which are accessible from Interlaken. These lines not only offer a convenient way to travel, but also breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Some places and some mountains are only accessible by train, not by road. The most famous is of course the expensive trip to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, by cog railway. This now costs over 150 euros. But there are other day trips using public transport by rail that are not quite as expensive.

Here are some recommended train lines for a day trip:

1. Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB)

Line: Interlaken Ost – Lauterbrunnen/Grindelwald
Description: This railway line connects Interlaken with the two famous towns of Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. The route is scenic, with views of mountains, valleys and typical Swiss villages. In Zweilütschinen the route splits: one part leads to Lauterbrunnen, the other to Grindelwald. You can explore the two places or take a bus to the surrounding valleys, with famous waterfalls and much more.

2. Wengernalp Railway (WAB)

Route: Lauterbrunnen/Grindelwald – Kleine Scheidegg
Description: The Wengernalp Railway is the longest continuous cog railway in the world. It connects Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald via Kleine Scheidegg, from where you can reach the Jungfraujoch. The route offers spectacular views of the Eiger North Face and the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You can also explore the famous holiday and ski resort of Wengen along the way. An absolute must in the Bernese Alps (Bernese Oberland). There is no road, only the railway, to Wengen and Scheidegg.

3. Jungfrau Railway

Route: Kleine Scheidegg – Jungfraujoch
Description: This legendary cog railway takes you to the Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe”, at an altitude of 3,454 meters. The route passes through the Eiger and Mönch and offers stops with panoramic windows along the way. Probably the most famous railway in Switzerland for tourists. Expensive, but the best day trip in the Bernese Oberland. The highlight of a trip to the region.

4. Schynige Platte Railway

Route: Wilderswil – Schynige Platte
Description: A historic cog railway that has been in operation since 1893. The trip to the Schynige Platte offers breathtaking views of the Bernese Alps, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, as well as impressive alpine flora. The route is particularly popular with hikers and nature lovers. Many hiking trails as part of day tours.

5. Brienz Rothorn Railway

Route: Brienz – Brienzer Rothorn
Description: This steam-powered cog railway travels from Brienz to the Brienzer Rothorn, the highest mountain on Lake Brienz. The journey offers spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Ideal for a day trip, but you have to travel to Brienz first.

6. Harderbahn

Route: Interlaken – Harder Kulm
Description: The funicular takes you directly from Interlaken to the Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain, in less than 10 minutes. At the top, a magnificent view of Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and the Alps awaits you. Opportunity to stop for refreshments and go on short hikes.
Buy tickets for the Harderbahn online: More info and booking

7. Lötschberg Railway (BLS)

Route: Interlaken – Spiez – Kandersteg – Brig
Description: This route connects the Bernese Oberland with the Valais and goes through the Lötschberg Base Tunnel. It offers scenic passages, especially between Spiez and Kandersteg, where the route leads through the alpine landscape and past historic villages. From Kandersteg you can hike to the famous Oeschinensee or continue on. A great day trip from Interlaken, for example.

8. Golden Pass Line

Route: Montreux – Zweisimmen – Interlaken
Description: This famous panoramic route connects the Bernese Oberland with the Montreux region on Lake Geneva. The section between Zweisimmen and Interlaken leads through beautiful landscapes, including the Simmental and along Lake Thun. Perhaps a bit far to Montreux on Lake Geneva for a day trip.

9. Mürren cable car

Route: Lauterbrunnen – Grütschalp – Mürren
Description: This route combines a cable car and a narrow-gauge cog railway. It takes travelers from Lauterbrunnen over the Grütschalp to Mürren, a car-free village with impressive views of the Jungfrau massif. A great day trip with lots of sightseeing and nature. We really liked Mürren as a place.

10. Thuner- and Brienz-Lake Railway (BLS)

Route: Interlaken – Thun – Bern
Description: This railway line runs along Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and connects Interlaken with Thun and then with Bern. The route is known for its beautiful views of the lakes and the surrounding mountains. Both the capital Bern and the old town of Thun (much closer) are more than worth seeing. Both destinations or the combination are suitable for a day trip by train from Interlaken. Both cities can be easily explored on foot from the respective main train stations, with many sights particularly in Bern.

These train routes offer a comfortable and scenic way to explore the Bernese Oberland while experiencing some of Switzerland’s most impressive landscapes. Some are on regular trains, others on funiculars or cog railways. You can get good advice at the Interlaken train station, the staff are friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, not all of the excursions described here are cheap, but Switzerland is a bit more expensive.