Interlaken is a playground for outdoor lovers and a hub for memorable walks that reveal its stunning scenery, charming streets, and rich culture. What makes it stand out? Its prime location between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, makes every stroll a visual feast. We especially love the Interlaken: Express Walk with a Local for its intimate, insider perspective and quick dive into the town’s essence, perfect if you’re short on time. For those wanting a leisurely mix of nature and Swiss cuisine, the Scenic Walk and Raclette by the Mountain Lake offers a family-friendly hike with delicious cheese at the end. And if you’re interested in local history, the Private History Walk with a Local provides a personalized glimpse into Interlaken’s past. Each of these tours showcases different facets of Interlaken, helping you find your perfect fit for exploring this scenic Swiss jewel.
Quick Overview
Our list includes short, 1-hour walks, family-friendly hikes, private historical tours, and social media-friendly strolls. Whether you want a quick overview, an in-depth cultural experience, or a scenic adventure, there’s a walking tour to suit your needs. Check out the following options:
— perfect for a quick introduction to the town’s highlights.
— ideal if you want an easy hike with a delicious Swiss cheese treat.
— best for travelers interested in a tailored, historical perspective.
— designed for social media lovers wanting the best photo spots.
— a flexible, private exploration of the town’s landmarks.
— a full-day scenic adventure with mountain views.
— a comprehensive day trip from Zurich to see the iconic Swiss Alps.
1. Interlaken: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes
At number 1, this quick but thorough 1-2 hour walk offers a fantastic introduction to Interlaken. Led by a local guide, you’ll see major landmarks while gaining insider tips on the best cafes, bars, and hidden spots. This tour is perfect if you’re short on time but want to absorb the town’s atmosphere and scenic views. The group size is limited to 8, making for a personal experience where you can ask questions and get personalized recommendations.
During the walk, you’ll see Interlaken’s alpine vistas, which showcase the rugged beauty surrounding the town. The guide shares stories behind the city’s development and points out less obvious details that you’d miss on your own. Reviewers describe it as “nice and effective,” appreciating how much ground they covered in a short time.
Bottom Line: If you only have an hour or two and want a local’s perspective, this tour offers a compact, enjoyable way to get acquainted with Interlaken’s highlights.
2. Interlaken: Scenic Walk and Raclette by the Mountain Lake
Number 2 on our list is a 6-hour leisurely hike from Axalp to Hinterburgseeli lake, combined with a Swiss raclette experience. This walk is light enough for most fitness levels and particularly family-friendly. The route takes you through peaceful alpine scenery, with spectacular mountain views you can’t help but stop and photograph. The highlight? Enjoying a traditional Swiss raclette cheese melt by the tranquil lake, a classic Swiss treat that’s included in the price.
The tour includes free pick-up and drop-off from Interlaken, making logistics simple. The hike itself is described as “easy” but rewarding, with plenty of scenic photo stops and chances to relax by the lake. The guide mentions that the walk is suitable for children and those wanting a gentle outdoor experience with delicious Swiss food.
Bottom Line: For a relaxed, family-friendly outing that combines nature, local cuisine, and stunning vistas, this hike is a delightful way to spend a day near Interlaken.
3. Interlaken: Private History Walk with a Local
The number 3 spot is a personalized 2-3 hour tour focusing on Interlaken’s past. Led by a local with deep knowledge, you’ll explore historic sites like Interlaken Castle and learn how the town evolved from a medieval settlement to a tourist hotspot. The private format allows the guide to tailor the experience to your interests, whether you’re into architecture, local legends, or Swiss culture.
Guests rave about the personalized attention, with one noting, “Our guide was fantastic and tailored the tour perfectly to our interests.” The tour covers the influence of the Holy Roman Empire, the role of monks in founding Interlaken, and how tourism boomed in the 19th century. It’s especially suited for history buffs or travelers who want a meaningful, in-depth look at the town.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a private, in-depth exploration with a focus on history and culture, this tour provides a rich, customizable experience.
4. Interlaken: Insta-Perfect Walk with a Local
Number 4 offers a 1.5-hour stroll geared toward capturing perfect social media moments. Led by a local, you’ll visit the most Instagram-worthy spots, from scenic overlooks to charming streets. The guide also gives cultural insights and recommends trendy eateries and hotspots to check out afterward.
Rated 4.4/5, this tour is especially popular among travelers seeking great photos and a taste of local life. The small group size (max 8) fosters a relaxed atmosphere perfect for wandering and capturing the town’s instant-worthy scenes. Expect to photograph iconic mountain views, quaint alleyways, and lively local spots.
Bottom Line: If you’re after captivating photos and want to understand Interlaken’s everyday charm, this walk offers a fun, picture-perfect experience.
5. Interlaken Private Walking tour
For those seeking flexibility, number 5 is a 1.5-hour private tour covering key landmarks like Heiliggeistkirche and the Garden of Friendship. The entire experience is customizable, making it suitable for small groups or families who want to focus on what interests them most.
You’ll enjoy a private guide who adjusts the pace and stops based on your preferences. The guide’s ability to tailor the experience is reflected in a positive review: “Since it was just the two of us, he tailored the tour to our interests.” The main advantage here is privacy and flexibility, ideal for travelers who prefer a tailored approach and want to avoid large groups.
Bottom Line: For a personalized, flexible walking experience focused on Interlaken’s sights, this private tour is hard to beat.
6. Private all day trip: Interlaken to Grindelwald & Cliff walk
Number 6 is a full-day private trip from Interlaken, perfect if you want a comprehensive mountain adventure. Your English-speaking driver handles transportation while you enjoy stops at Grindelwald, the First Cliff Walk, and scenic viewpoints like Männlichen and Bachalpsee.
The highlight? The First Cliff Walk, a thrilling walkway with panoramic views of the Alps. You can also take a cable car to enjoy more mountain scenery or walk through the charming Grindelwald village. This tour offers a balance of guided sightseeing and free time for exploration.
This tour is best for travelers wanting a stress-free, scenic day with excellent photo ops and mountain views, all with private transportation for maximum comfort.
Bottom Line: If a full day of Swiss mountain scenery and adventure appeals, this private tour covers the highlights with flexibility.
7. From Zurich: Grindelwald and First Cliff Walk Day Trip
Our final pick is an all-day guided trip from Zurich to Grindelwald, blending scenic train rides with mountain excursions. It’s ideal for travelers based in Zurich wanting to experience Interlaken’s surroundings without the hassle of arranging logistics themselves.
The tour visits Bachalpsee, Schynige Platte, and includes hiking and sightseeing. The First Cliff Walk is a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the Alps. With a 13-hour day, it’s a full immersion into Swiss mountain scenery, with transportation, guides, and most activities organized for you.
This trip is suited for those who prefer a guided, hassle-free experience with a focus on iconic sights and scenic hikes.
Bottom Line: If you’re based in Zurich and want a comprehensive day exploring Swiss mountains, this trip packs in a lot for a premium price.
How to Choose Your Perfect Walking Tour
When deciding on the best tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you’re short on time but want local insights, the Interlaken: Express Walk is perfect. For a leisurely day with Swiss cheese and mountain views, the Scenic Walk and Raclette can’t be beat. History buffs will love the Private History Walk, while Instagram fans should pick the Insta-Perfect Walk.
If you want a private, customizable experience, both the Private Walking Tour and the full-day Grindelwald trip are excellent choices. Budget-wise, consider whether a single tour fits your needs or if a full-day adventure offers better value for multiple sights.
Booking early is advised, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time and tour size. Check availability ahead of time and think about what kind of experience you want to remember—whether it’s a quick overview, a scenic hike, or a deep dive into Interlaken’s history.
To sum it up, Interlaken offers a variety of walking experiences—from speedy insider tours to full-day mountain adventures. For a quick taste, the Express Walk will give you a local flavor in no time. If you prefer a scenic, relaxed day, the Raclette hike is perfect. For those who want a tailored, private experience, the History Walk or the private tour will satisfy. And if you’re dreaming of iconic Swiss mountain views, the full-day Grindelwald trip or the Zurich day trip will deliver.
No matter your style, booking early and choosing the right tour will ensure your visit to Interlaken is filled with memorable walks and breathtaking scenery.