Interlaken Twin Lakes, Castles and Schilthorn
Thun's castles, Lake Brienz waterfalls and villages, a day trip to Bern's old town, and finally Schilthorn.
This itinerary focuses on two lakes and the small towns around them. One day, take a boat across Lake Thun to see three castles. One day, follow Lake Brienz to Iseltwald, Giessbach Falls and Ballenberg. One day, take the train to Bern's old town. On the last day, go up to Mürren and Schilthorn. The Jungfrau is not included, making this suitable for repeat visitors or relaxed travelers who want to avoid expensive summit trips.
Lake Brienz boat services run from about April to mid-October. Lake Thun is navigable year-round.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and Harder Kulm Viewpoint
Interlaken & Jungfrau Region（Interlaken Town & Höheweg、Harder Kulm）
Walk from Interlaken Ost to the Höheweg area. In the evening, take the funicular about 10 minutes up Harder Kulm to watch the sunset over the two lakes.
Stay: Interlaken
Day 2 · Three Castles of Lake Thun
Interlaken & Jungfrau Region（Thun Castle & Old Town、Oberhofen Castle、Spiez Castle）
Take the train about 30 minutes to Thun to see the castle and old town. Take a bus to Oberhofen, then a boat to Spiez, and return to Interlaken West by boat.
Buses run frequently. Boats run about once an hour, so check the schedule first.
Stay: Interlaken
Day 3 · Lake Brienz Waterfalls and Villages
Interlaken & Jungfrau Region（Iseltwald、Giessbach Falls、Brienz、Ballenberg Open-Air Museum）
Take a bus to Iseltwald, then walk along the lake about 1.5 hours to Giessbach Falls. Take a boat to Brienz, then a bus to Ballenberg, and return by train in the evening.
The Ballenberg open-air museum is open about April–October. The grounds are large, so allow plenty of time.
Stay: Interlaken
Day 4 · Bern Old Town Day Trip
Bern（Federal Palace & Bundesplatz、Zytglogge、Bern Minster、BärenPark）
Take the train about 50 minutes to Bern. Walk around the old town's arcades, clock tower, cathedral and Bear Park, then return to Interlaken in the evening.
Guided tours of the Federal Palace must be booked in advance.
Stay: Interlaken
Day 5 · Mürren and Schilthorn
Interlaken & Jungfrau Region（Mürren、Schilthorn、Gimmelwald）
Take the train to Lauterbrunnen, then the cable car to Grütschalp, the mountain railway to Mürren, and the cable car up to Schilthorn. After descending, hike to Gimmelwald and return in the evening.
The Schilthorn cable car is closed for maintenance for a few weeks each spring and autumn.