Zurich Airport (ZRH) → Interlaken Ost: direct SBB IC
From the station beneath the airport, a direct train runs every two hours to Interlaken Ost without changes, via Bern, Thun and Spiez, also stopping at Interlaken West.
Korean MOFA travel advisory: Level 1 (exercise caution) — whole country
checked 2026-10-01 · Details ↗ This is the Korean government’s advisory — also check your own government’s travel advice.
Interlaken & Jungfrau Travel Guide
Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, and mountain trains to the Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen all start here. It suits travelers who want Alpine scenery, hiking, lake cruises and activities such as paragliding.
Plan your Interlaken trip
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
✈ Interlaken has no airport, so prices are shown for nearby Zurich Airport. From Zurich Airport station, SBB trains reach Interlaken Ost either on a direct train every two hours or with one change in Bern, in about 2 hours 15 minutes. Check SBB official information for timetables and fares.
Lowest fare: Seoul (ICN) → Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Based on recent searches — the price may change when you book.
See round-trip flights for these dates →Lowest saved nonstop round-trip fare per person for a 4-day trip.
See on MyRealTrip ↗No recent round-trip prices for a 4-day trip yet.
Check prices →At a glance
- Currency
- CHF (CHF)
- Power & plugs
- 230V · Type C/J
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Not required but customary, usually about 10%
- Local language
- Deutsch
- How long to stay
- 3 to 4 nights (including the Zurich arrival day)
Emergency numbers
When to go
June-September is best for combining hiking with mountain railways. Some lines, such as the Schynige Platte railway, run only in summer, and Lake Brienz boats pause in winter. December-March is ski season, and some mountain transport closes for maintenance between seasons in spring and autumn, so check official information.
Airport to the city
Zurich Airport (ZRH) → change in Bern → Interlaken Ost
If the direct train doesn't fit, change once in Bern. Trains run every half hour between Bern and Interlaken.
Zurich Airport (ZRH) → Zurich HB (overnight on arrival)
If you land late, stay a night in Zurich and continue the next day. SBB trains run about every 10 minutes.
Via Lucerne: Luzern-Interlaken Express
Go from Zurich to Lucerne, then take the panoramic train over the Brünig Pass. The Lucerne-Interlaken leg runs hourly and is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
Getting around
Swiss Travel Pass / Swiss Half Fare Card
Transport passes for visitors from abroad. The Swiss Travel Pass covers SBB trains, buses and BLS lake boats with discounts on mountain railways, while the Half Fare Card gives half price on most transport. Check which Jungfrau-region sections are free or discounted, and prices, officially.
Jungfrau Travel Pass
A 3- to 8-day regional pass sold by Jungfrau Railways for unlimited mountain trains and cable cars around Interlaken. The Jungfraujoch needs a separate, discounted connecting ticket. Check prices officially.
Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) & mountain trains
From Interlaken Ost, trains split toward Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Continue from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen and Mürren, or from Grindelwald Terminal on the Eiger Express gondola.
BLS lake boats (Lake Thun & Lake Brienz)
Boats leave from Interlaken West (Lake Thun) and Interlaken Ost (Lake Brienz). Lake Thun has boats all year, but Lake Brienz cruises pause in winter. The Swiss Travel Pass is valid.
Interlaken guest card
Overnight guests in the Interlaken area receive a guest card from their host, giving free local public transport within its zone plus various discounts. The digital version is the Interlaken Pass.
Where to stay
Interlaken (Ost station & Höheweg)
Good for: First-timers, transport hub
Between Interlaken Ost, where the mountain trains start, and the Höhematte meadow, so everything is easy to reach. The widest choice of restaurants and hotels.
Grindelwald
Good for: Mountain views, hiking
A mountain village right below the Eiger north face, close to the First and Männlichen gondolas and the Eiger Express. Hotels are pricey.
Lauterbrunnen & Wengen
Good for: Waterfall valley, quiet stays
Set in the valley of 72 waterfalls between sheer cliffs, with easy access up to Wengen and Mürren. Fewer dinner options than Interlaken.
Around Zurich HB (arrival day)
Good for: Late arrivals, night before departure
About 15 minutes from the airport by train, handy for the first or last night. The old town and lakeside are within walking distance.
Map of stays in Interlaken
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Interlaken in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Top sights
Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 m, with the Sphinx observation deck, the Ice Palace and views of the Aletsch Glacier. Officially, seat reservations are mandatory from 1 May to 31 October 2026; check prices officially.
Eiger Express
A tricable gondola from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher; with the Jungfrau Railway it gets you from Grindelwald Terminal to the Jungfraujoch in about 45 minutes, or about 1 hour 30 minutes from Interlaken Ost.
Harder Kulm
A 1,322 m viewpoint reached by a funicular of about 10 minutes, a short walk from Interlaken Ost. The Two-Lakes Bridge looks out over the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and both lakes. Check operating season officially.
Grindelwald First
A 2,166 m viewpoint about 25 minutes up by gondola, known for the First Cliff Walk and a hike of under an hour to Bachalpsee lake. Summer adds activities such as the First Flyer and mountain carts.
Lauterbrunnen & Staubbach Falls
A valley village where 72 waterfalls pour off the cliffs; the roughly 300 m Staubbach Falls is Switzerland's highest free-falling waterfall.
Trümmelbach Falls
Ten tiers of glacier-water falls inside the mountain, reached by a tunnel lift and steps. Weather permitting, generally open from early April to November; check exact opening and closing dates officially.
Schynige Platte
A 1,967 m viewpoint reached by cogwheel railway from Wilderswil, with an alpine garden of around 800 plant species. The railway runs only from late May to late October.
Lake Thun & Lake Brienz boats
Cruise past lakeside villages and mountains on BLS boats. Lake Brienz has no winter service, so check timetables.
What to eat
Cheese fondue
Switzerland's classic of bread dipped in melted cheese, usually ordered for two or more. Prices vary by place.
Raclette
Melted cheese scraped onto potatoes and pickles, found in mountain restaurants and winter markets.
Rösti
Grated potato fried until crisp, often topped with an egg or cheese as a full meal.
Älplermagronen
An Alpine herders' bake of macaroni, potatoes, cheese and onions, sometimes served with apple sauce.
Supermarket picnics & chocolate
Eating out is expensive, so many travelers pack bread, cheese and salad from a supermarket for mountain days. Chocolate makes a good souvenir too.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout CHF 120-170 per day - hostel, supermarket food, guest card and basic transport
Mid-rangeabout CHF 250-400 per day - mid-range hotel, restaurant meals, one mountain excursion
Comfortabout CHF 600+ per day - upscale hotel, several mountain trips including the Jungfraujoch
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1 (Zurich arrival)
Land at Zurich Airport → if time allows, a short walk around the old town and lakeside from Zurich HB → SBB train to Interlaken Ost → evening stroll on the Höhematte. If you land late, stay the night in Zurich.
- Day 2
Jungfraujoch on a clear morning (check your seat reservation) → explore Grindelwald village on the way back → fondue for dinner.
- Day 3
Gondola to Grindelwald First → hike to Bachalpsee → back to Interlaken for Harder Kulm around sunset.
- Day 4
Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen → an afternoon boat on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun → train to Zurich Airport.
Local tips
- Switzerland is not in the EU but is part of the Schengen area, so the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is in operation and non-EU travelers have fingerprints and a facial image registered at the border. Check the official EU website before travel for the current status of ETIAS.
- Most Incheon-Zurich tickets involve a connection. Check with the airline whether and when flights operate.
- The Jungfraujoch is all about the weather. Check the official webcams before you go, move slowly at altitude and bring warm layers.
- According to Switzerland Tourism, service is included in restaurant prices and tipping is not mandatory; rounding up or 5-10% for good service is common.
- Tap water is safe to drink everywhere, though some restaurants charge for it.
- Rail works sometimes bring night-time replacement buses on the Interlaken line. For late journeys, check SBB and Interlaken Tourism notices.
- Check your government's current travel advice for Switzerland before you go.
Related articles
TipsPlanning a year-end or winter-break trip — where to go and what to do firstDecember to February is peak season for year-end and school-break travel, so earlier…
ComparisonWhere to travel in November — cities with good weather and places to think twice aboutNovember mixes crisp autumn cities with the start of the dry season on some Southeast…
TipsBaggage Weight and Carry-on Rules at a Glance: Liquids, Power Banks and Excess FeesBag allowances depend on your airline and fare. Where to check them, the near-universal…
SafetyLost or Stolen Phone Abroad: What to Do, Step by StepLosing your phone abroad cuts off maps, payments and log-ins at once. Locate and lock…Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.