3-Day May 2026 Interlaken Base: Grindelwald First → Jungfraujoch → Schilthorn + Lakes & Waterfalls (Vegetarian-friendly)

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Day 1: Grindelwald First

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 15, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast — Bäckerei Hug / local bakery (Interlaken)

A quick Swiss bakery breakfast (fresh bread, croissants, muesli, fruit) and coffee to fuel the morning; bakeries in Interlaken open early and offer many vegetarian options. Good for an early departure to Grindelwald. Check bakery opening times (often from 7:00–8:00am).
CHF12, 0h45m.

9:00am

Train to Grindelwald & First cable car

Take the train Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (≈35–40 min) then the First cableway up to First; First is famous for the Cliff Walk, mountain views and mountain-sports activities. Cableway typically runs from early morning until late afternoon (approx. 08:30–17:00 in shoulder season; check exact timetable and reserve tickets if busy).
CHF64, 2h30m.

11:30am

First Cliff Walk, First Flyer, and short hikes

Explore the First Cliff Walk by Tissot and optional First Flyer zipline; there are short alpine hikes (e.g., to Bachalpsee) offering spectacular mountain and glacier views — Bachalpsee round-trip from First is ~1.5–2.5 hours. Facilities on First are open through the day (confirm seasonal hours).
CHF0, 2h30m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Bergrestaurant First (mountain restaurant)

Mountain restaurant at First with vegetarian-friendly choices (rösti with vegetables, salads, soups). Enjoy panoramic views while eating; restaurants on First typically serve warm meals midday (check opening times, many open 09:00–16:00/17:00).
CHF28, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Bachalpsee walk (optional) / return to Grindelwald village

If you skipped earlier, do the scenic walk to Bachalpsee (mirror-like alpine lake) or explore Grindelwald village shops and viewpoint; otherwise descend and stroll in village. Trail is snow-free in many Mays but check conditions and wear good shoes.
CHF0, 2h0m.

5:30pm

Return to Interlaken

Train back to Interlaken Ost; relax at hotel or take a short lakeside stroll along the Aare or the Höhematte park.
CHF0, 0h45m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Husi Bierhaus (Interlaken)

Casual dining with several vegetarian entrées (mushroom rösti, vegetable pasta, seasonal salads). Great for relaxing after a full day; many Interlaken restaurants are vegetarian-friendly — confirm menu and opening (often open evenings from 18:00).
CHF32, 1h30m.

Day 2: Jungfraujoch ‘Top of Europe’

Interlaken / Jungfraujoch, Switzerland on May 16, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast — Hotel Interlaken Taverne or hotel buffet

A hearty hotel or café breakfast (egg dishes, fruit, cereals) is recommended—protein and carbs help for the cold at altitude. Most hotel breakfasts run 7:00–9:30 depending on your accommodation.
CHF20, 0h45m.

7:45am

Train to Jungfraujoch (via Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald)

Board early train from Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald then change to Kleine Scheidegg and the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe). Jungfraujoch train service runs year-round; first departures commonly early morning (check exact timetables and book seats in high season).
CHF210, 3h30m.

11:30am

Explore Jungfraujoch — Sphinx, Ice Palace, snow activities

Visit the Sphinx Observatory viewing platform, the Ice Palace and enjoy panoramic high-Alps views and short snow walks; excellent photo opportunities and year-round snow. Jungfraujoch facilities operate daily but times can vary with weather — aim to spend 2–3 hours there and dress warmly.
CHF0, 2h30m.

2:00pm

Lunch — Top-of-Europe self-service restaurant (Jungfraujoch)

The Jungfraujoch station has cafeterias/self-service restaurants with vegetarian soups, salads and warm vegetarian mains; food options are limited but adequate—buy lunch early to avoid queues. Restaurants typically operate 09:00–16:00/17:00 (seasonal).
CHF30, 1h0m.

3:30pm

Descend to Lauterbrunnen → Trümmelbach Falls visit

Return down to the Lauterbrunnen valley and stop at Trümmelbach Falls (series of glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain). Trümmelbach Falls are usually open from mid-April to mid-November, commonly 9:00–17:00; check local opening times before visiting.
CHF12, 1h15m.

6:30pm

Dinner — Restaurant Oberland or Laterne (Interlaken)

Return to Interlaken for dinner; choose a cozy restaurant offering vegetarian fondues, vegetable rösti, pasta and seasonal vegetable dishes. Evening kitchen hours often start at 18:00 — reservations recommended.
CHF35, 1h30m.

Day 3: Schilthorn + Lakes & Falls

Interlaken / Mürren / Schilthorn / Lake Brienz, Switzerland on May 17, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast — café or hotel (Interlaken)

Light breakfast with bread, jam, fruit and tea/coffee before a day of cableways and boats; many cafés open by 7:30–8:00. Take portable snacks for the day as mountain cafés sometimes have limited choice.
CHF15, 0h45m.

8:30am

Travel Interlaken → Stechelberg → Mürren

Train/bus to Lauterbrunnen then bus to Stechelberg; take cable cars up via Gimmelwald to Mürren. This sets you up to continue via the Mürren cableway to the Schilthorn. Cableway operating hours typically from morning to late afternoon (approx. 08:30–17:00) — verify timetable for exact departure times.
CHF0, 1h30m.

10:30am

Schilthorn (Piz Gloria) — viewpoint & revolving restaurant

Ride the cableway to the Schilthorn for 360° Alpine panoramas (views of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau). Visit the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant (featured in James Bond) and the interactive Bond World exhibit. Schilthorn cableway and Piz Gloria are open seasonally; typical hours ~09:00–17:00 — confirm in advance.
CHF90, 2h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Piz Gloria (Schilthorn) / Mürren restaurant alternative

Piz Gloria has vegetarian options (pasta, salads, vegetable mains). If Piz Gloria is closed or busy, return to Mürren where hotels/restaurants provide vegetarian meals; always check opening hours and reserve for lunch if you prefer Piz Gloria.
CHF38, 1h0m.

2:30pm

Drive/boat to Lake Brienz – Giessbach Falls

Return to Interlaken/Brienz area and take the boat on Lake Brienz to Giessbach; the boat ride is scenic with turquoise waters. Lake boat services typically run from spring into autumn with scheduled departures (approx. 09:00–18:00 in May—confirm timetable).
CHF22, 1h30m.

4:15pm

Giessbach Falls & Grandhotel Giessbach

Visit Giessbach Falls and walk the path to the historic Grandhotel Giessbach; the falls are a short, impressive cascade into Lake Brienz and are photogenic in spring after snowmelt. Hotel terrace and café are pleasant for tea; check funicular and hotel café opening hours.
CHF0, 0h45m.

5:30pm

Return to Interlaken; stroll along Lake Brienz or Höhematte

Relax with an easy lakeside walk, souvenir shopping or a coffee; end the trip with mellow views and reflections on the mountains seen over the past days. Ferry/boat/timetable varies—plan return legs accordingly.
CHF0, 0h45m.

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner — Restaurant Laterne (Interlaken) or vegetarian-friendly local bistro

Choose a restaurant with several vegetarian mains (seasonal vegetable dishes, cheese fondues with vegetables, grain bowls); book a table for your party of three. Most Interlaken restaurants serve dinner from 18:00–21:00, some later.
CHF38, 1h30m.
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