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

Day 1: Pfingstegg, First & Harder Kulm

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 15, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast — Local bakery (Bäckerei Hug or equivalent)

Grab fresh bread, fruit, muesli and coffee for a quick, vegetarian-friendly breakfast before an active day; many Interlaken bakeries open from about 7:00–8:00 but confirm opening hours the morning of travel.
CHF12, 0h30m.

8:30am

Train Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald

Scenic 35–45 minute regional train to Grindelwald; arrive in good time to catch the Pfingstegg cableway and plan the First cable car. Trains run frequently — check the SBB timetable for exact departures.
CHF12, 0h45m.

9:30am

Pfingstegg cableway & toboggan run

Ride the Pfingstegg cableway for panoramic views and (if open) enjoy the summer toboggan run — fun and photo-worthy; the toboggan is seasonal and may open later in spring so confirm Pfingstegg operating dates and hours before going.
CHF18, 1h30m.

11:30am

Grindelwald First cableway up to First

Take the Firstbahn from Grindelwald up to First for the Cliff Walk, easy alpine trails and dramatic mountain panoramas; the cableway typically runs morning to late afternoon — verify seasonal timetables.
CHF64, 0h45m.

12:15pm

First — Cliff Walk and summit views

Walk the First Cliff Walk by Tissot and soak in sweeping views of the Bernese Alps; a short visit is ideal for photos and alpine exposure, and facilities are usually open midday.
CHF0, 0h45m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Bergrestaurant First (mountain restaurant)

Enjoy vegetarian options such as rösti with grilled vegetables, soups and salads while overlooking the peaks; mountain restaurants generally serve warm meals midday (commonly 09:00–16:00/17:00).
CHF28, 1h0m.

2:15pm

Bachalpsee walk (optional) or extended First trails

If trail conditions allow, hike to Bachalpsee (round trip ~1.5–2.5 hours) for a mirror-like alpine lake; if snow still blocks the full route in early May, choose a shorter ridge walk from First. Check trail and snow conditions before setting out.
CHF0, 2h0m.

4:30pm

Descend to Grindelwald village; coffee and stroll

Return by cableway to Grindelwald, explore local shops or enjoy a café break with vegetarian cakes and tea; village cafés typically remain open into the late afternoon.
CHF6, 0h45m.

5:30pm

Train back to Interlaken Ost

Return to Interlaken to drop luggage and prepare for an evening viewpoint visit; trains run regularly and take about 35–45 minutes.
CHF12, 0h45m.

6:15pm

Harder Kulm funicular & viewpoint

Take the Harderbahn funicular from Interlaken to Harder Kulm for sunset panoramas of Interlaken and the Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau trio; the funicular typically operates daily in spring but hours vary so confirm opening times and last descent when planning an evening visit.
CHF38, 0h45m.

7:45pm

Dinner — Husi Bierhaus or Restaurant Laterne (Interlaken)

Choose a cozy Interlaken restaurant offering vegetarian mains such as mushroom rösti, vegetable pasta or seasonal salads; many kitchens open from about 18:00 — reservations recommended for a party of three.
CHF32, 1h30m.

Day 2: Jungfraujoch ‘Top of Europe’

Interlaken / Jungfraujoch, Switzerland on May 16, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast — Hotel buffet or nearby café

Hearty breakfast (eggs, granola, fruit, bread) to prepare for altitude and cold on Jungfraujoch; most hotels offer breakfast from about 7:00. Dress warmly for the high-altitude visit.
CHF20, 0h45m.

7:45am

Train to Jungfraujoch (via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen → Kleine Scheidegg)

Early departure Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, change at Kleine Scheidegg and take the Jungfrau Railway up to Jungfraujoch; trains run year-round but book/purchase in advance for best fares and seats during busy periods.
CHF210, 3h30m.

11:30am

Explore Jungfraujoch — Sphinx Observatory & Ice Palace

Visit the Sphinx viewing platform for panoramic vistas, wander the Ice Palace and take short snow walks; excellent for year-round snow and dramatic glacier views. Exhibits operate daily but weather can affect visibility — plan 2–3 hours.
CHF0, 2h30m.

2:00pm

Lunch — Self-service restaurant at Jungfraujoch

Cafeteria-style options with vegetarian soups, salads and hot mains; choices can be limited so consider bringing snacks if you prefer specific items. Restaurants usually serve through mid/late afternoon.
CHF30, 1h0m.

3:30pm

Descend to Lauterbrunnen → Trümmelbach Falls

Return to the Lauterbrunnen valley and visit the Trümmelbach Falls — a dramatic series of glacier-fed waterfalls inside the rock. Trümmelbach Falls are typically open mid-April to mid-November (commonly 9:00–17:00); confirm opening dates for May.
CHF12, 1h15m.

6:30pm

Dinner — Restaurant Oberland or Laterne (Interlaken)

Back in Interlaken, enjoy a relaxed vegetarian-friendly dinner (vegetable fondues, seasonal vegetable plates, pasta). Most restaurants open for dinner from 18:00; reservations recommended for a group of three.
CHF35, 1h30m.

Day 3: Schilthorn + Lakes & Falls

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

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or café

Light breakfast (bread, jam, fruit, tea/coffee) before a day of cableways and a boat ride; cafés often open around 7:30–8:00. Pack small snacks as mountain stops may have limited vegetarian choices.
CHF15, 0h30m.

8:30am

Travel Interlaken → Lauterbrunnen → Stechelberg → Mürren

Train from Interlaken Ost and bus toward Stechelberg, then cable cars up via Gimmelwald to Mürren; this places you to continue to the Schilthorn. Check cableway and bus timetables for precise connections.
CHF0, 1h30m.

10:30am

Schilthorn (Piz Gloria) — viewpoint, Bond World & revolving restaurant

Cable up to Schilthorn for 360° panoramas of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, explore the James Bond Piz Gloria exhibition and enjoy the revolving restaurant views. Schilthorn facilities normally operate daily in late spring — verify opening hours (commonly ~09:00–17:00).
CHF90, 2h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Piz Gloria or Mürren eatery

Piz Gloria offers vegetarian pasta, salads and vegetable dishes; if you prefer a quieter setting, descend to Mürren where guesthouses serve homemade vegetarian options. Reserve lunch space at Piz Gloria if you want the rotating-restaurant experience.
CHF38, 1h0m.

2:30pm

Return toward Interlaken/Brienz then boat to Giessbach Falls

Travel toward Lake Brienz and take the scenic boat (seasonal schedules) to Giessbach; the turquoise lake and mountain backdrop are especially pretty in spring. Boat services typically resume in spring with regular departures — check the Lake Brienz timetable for May.
CHF22, 1h30m.

4:15pm

Giessbach Falls & Grandhotel Giessbach

Walk the paths around the cascading Giessbach Falls and visit the historic Grandhotel Giessbach terrace for photos and tea; the falls are at their best in springtime due to snowmelt. Check funicular and hotel café opening hours before planning a stop.
CHF0, 0h45m.

5:30pm

Return to Interlaken; lakeside stroll or souvenir shopping

Relax with an easy walk along Lake Brienz or Höhematte park and reflect on the mountain panoramas enjoyed over three days. Plan boat/train legs according to published schedules to ensure timely connections back to Interlaken.
CHF0, 0h45m.

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner — Restaurant Laterne or vegetarian bistro

Choose a restaurant with strong vegetarian options (seasonal vegetable mains, gratins, hearty salads) and reserve a table for three; typical dinner service is 18:00–21:00. Celebrate the trip with alpine views and local specialties adapted for vegetarians.
CHF38, 1h30m.
0