Start with a relaxed breakfast of freshly baked bread, granola, and fruit or a vegetarian rösti; many Interlaken cafés open from ~7:30–8:30am. A hotel or station café is a convenient choice on arrival day.
Walk the flat Höhematte park, browse shops along Höheweg, and enjoy mountain views — a gentle introduction to the town and its scenery. Always open and free to explore.
Explore souvenir shops, outdoor outfitters (for possible rentals), and enjoy photo stops with both Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau views in the background. Good place to pick up picnic snacks for later.
Choose a vegetarian rösti, hearty salads, or a seasonal vegetable risotto at a central brasserie; most Interlaken restaurants list vegetarian options and are open 11:30am–2:30pm. Ask for regional cheese or herb additions.
Take the Harder Kulm funicular from Interlaken up to the panorama platform for sweeping views of Lakes Thun and Brienz and the Bernese Alps — fantastic for landscape photos and short walks. Funicular typically runs ~9:00am–5:00pm in May; schedule can vary with weather.
After descending from Harder Kulm, return to your accommodation to refresh; evening is good for a short walk along the Aare river or souvenir shopping.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner with choices such as vegetable rösti, pasta with seasonal vegetables, or a vegetarian burger; many Interlaken restaurants open dinner from ~6:00–9:30pm and accommodate vegetarian diets.
Fuel up early with breakfast (eggs, fresh fruit, muesli or vegetarian breakfast dishes) — trains to Lauterbrunnen depart frequently from Interlaken Ost and the morning start gives you a full valley day.
A short walk from Lauterbrunnen station to the impressive Staubbach Falls — viewable year-round and free; there are easy paths to viewpoints and photo spots.
Visit the unique glacier-fed Trümmelbach Falls (a series of 10 glacial waterfalls inside a mountain); it's sheltered, spectacular and open typically 9:00am–5:00pm in May — excellent for up-close water and geology viewing.
Enjoy vegetarian options like salads, cheese rösti, or a vegetable tart at a valley restaurant; most places serve lunch from ~11:30am–2:00pm and welcome vegetable-focused requests.
Take the short train/gondola sequence up to Mürren (car-free village) and enjoy an easy village walk with panoramic views — shops, photo points and short trails are ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
If you want a higher alpine panorama, ride the Schilthorn cable car from Mürren/Stechelberg up to Piz Gloria for 360° views and the famous revolving restaurant; cable-car hours typically run into late afternoon but last departures vary—check the day's schedule before going.
Descend back into Lauterbrunnen and take the train returning to Interlaken Ost (approximately 20–30 minutes). Use this travel time to relax after a full active day.
After a big day, enjoy a comforting vegetarian meal (dal, paneer dishes, vegetable curries, or Swiss vegetarian specialties like rösti with seasonal vegetables). Many restaurants are open until ~9:30–10:00pm.
Board the seasonal boat for a calm cruise on turquoise Lake Brienz, stopping at Giessbach Falls and Brienz village. Boats usually run from mid-late morning through late afternoon in May; check the daily timetable for exact departures.
Disembark to walk the scenic path around Giessbach Falls and visit the historic Grandhotel Giessbach viewpoint — a short, photogenic walk with falls cascading into the lake; the area is open to visitors, and the hotel café is a nice stop if open.
Arrive in Brienz for lunch where many cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options: fresh salads, pasta, or local cheese dishes. Brienz is also great for a short village walk along the waterfront and souvenir shopping.
Take the boat to Iseltwald and walk the picturesque lakeside paths and small village streets; this is a calm, postcard-perfect stop with dramatic cliff and lake views.
Return to Interlaken for last-minute photos, a walk along the Aare, or a quick café stop before departure; boats/trains typically operate through the late afternoon.
Finish with a memorable vegetarian dinner — try a seasonal vegetable tart, risotto, or shared vegetarian platters; book a table if you prefer a specific restaurant. Most dinner venues open 6:00–9:30pm.