Arrive Interlaken at 11:00 and check in or drop luggage; use this time to orient yourself and pick up tickets/passes (e.g., Jungfrau Travel Pass if purchased).
Grab fresh bread, sandwiches, vegetarian quiches, muesli and fruit from a local bakery for a lakeside or train picnic — fast, fresh and vegetarian-friendly. Bakeries in Interlaken open early and are ideal for a quick, flexible midday meal.
Take the scenic train Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (≈35–40 min) to reach the Grindelwald valley and access Pfingstegg and First; trains run frequently. Check Swiss Federal Railways timetable for exact departure times.
Ride the Pfingstegg gondola up (short ride) and enjoy the alpine toboggan (summer/shoulder-season attraction) with sweeping valley views — fun, fast and great for groups. Pfingstegg and the toboggan typically operate in spring/summer (confirm opening hours; approx. 09:30–17:00).
Take the First cableway from Grindelwald to First for the Cliff Walk by Tissot, optional First Flyer zipline, and short panoramas or the Bachalpsee walk if conditions allow. First facilities usually open 08:30–17:00 in May—verify times and weather before hiking to Bachalpsee.
Return by train to Interlaken Ost and rest at your hotel or enjoy a short stroll in Höhematte Park along the Aare river. Evening is a good time to confirm next-day Jungfraujoch train reservations if not pre-booked.
Casual dinner with vegetarian-friendly options such as mushroom rösti, vegetable pasta and seasonal salads — comfortable place to relax after a travel day. Most Interlaken restaurants open evenings from about 18:00; reservations recommended for a party of three.
Hearty breakfast (eggs, porridge, fruit, coffee) to prepare for cold alpine conditions at Jungfraujoch; hotel breakfasts typically run 07:00–09:30. Bring warm layers and sunglasses for the snow.
Depart Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, change to Kleine Scheidegg and ride the Jungfrau Railway up to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe). Trains run year-round but book early departures/seat reservations in high season; journey ~2–3 hours each way including changes.
Visit the Sphinx Observatory viewing platform, the Ice Palace and walk on the snow plateau for panoramic alpine and glacier views — iconic 'Top of Europe' experiences. Jungfraujoch facilities are open daily but weather can affect visibility; plan 2–3 hours here and dress very warmly.
Eat at the station restaurants which offer soups, salads and vegetarian mains — practical and warm; service typically available 09:00–16:00/17:00. Bring snacks if you prefer more variety.
Return down to Lauterbrunnen valley and take a short trip to Trümmelbach Falls — a dramatic series of glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain accessible via tunnels and walkways. Trümmelbach Falls are usually open mid-April to mid-November (approx. 09:00–17:00); confirm season hours.
Back in Interlaken, enjoy a relaxed dinner with a variety of vegetarian options (cheese fondue with vegetables, seasonal vegetable mains, pastas). Reservations recommended for a party of three; most kitchens open from 18:00.
Light but filling breakfast (bread, cheese, fruit, coffee) to prepare for cableway rides; many cafés open by 07:30–08:00. Pack a small daypack with water and a warm layer for the summit.
Train and cable-car connections take you from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, bus to Stechelberg and then cable cars to Gimmelwald and Mürren — scenic journey and gateway to the Schilthorn. Check cableway hours (often from about 08:30).
Ascend to Schilthorn for spectacular 360° views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau; visit the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant and the Bond World exhibit celebrating the 1969 James Bond film. Schilthorn cableways and the restaurant are typically open 09:00–17:00 in May—confirm before travel.
Enjoy vegetarian options at the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant (pasta, salads, vegetable mains) or return to Mürren for a cosy meal; reserve if you prefer a table at Piz Gloria. Restaurants generally serve lunch 11:30–14:30.
From Lauterbrunnen, travel (train via Interlaken Ost) to Meiringen to visit Aare Gorge — a dramatic narrow gorge with walkways carved into the rock and powerful turquoise water. Aare Gorge usually opens April–October, commonly 09:00–17:00; check seasonal times.
Walk the well-maintained path through the gorge for 30–60 minutes to experience the rushing Aare River and dramatic rock walls — excellent for photos and a contrast to the high-Alps scenery. Allow time for transfers back to Interlaken.
Return to Interlaken and dine at a local bistro offering vegetarian mains (seasonal vegetable plates, risottos, pasta). Evening restaurants typically operate 18:00–21:00+; reserve ahead for a group of three.
Early breakfast with coffee, bread and fruit to prepare for a full day exploring canyons and lakes; most hotel breakfasts run from 07:00. Pack waterproof layers as canyon areas can be misty from falls.
Train or car to Brienz and onward to Rosenlaui/Meiringen area to visit the Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Gorge Rosenlaui) — a dramatic canyon carved by glacier melt with wooden walkways. Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui typically opens in spring (hours often 09:00–17:00); confirm availability and seasonal access.
Walk the canyon paths and tunnels through the narrow glacier-formed gorge for striking rock formations and rushing water — a quieter, dramatic natural attraction outside the main Jungfrau crowds. Allow ~1–1.5 hours; check for any seasonal maintenance closures.
Return toward Lake Brienz and enjoy lunch with vegetarian choices at a lakeside café in Brienz or the historic Grandhotel Giessbach (if open) near the falls — scenic lunch options with local specialties and salads. Confirm café/terrace opening hours (often open by late morning).
Take a scenic boat ride on turquoise Lake Brienz to the Giessbach landing for a short walk to the cascades and the Grandhotel Giessbach — boat services generally run in May (approx. 09:00–18:00) with scheduled departures. The boat ride is highly photogenic and relaxing.
Explore the falls and enjoy views from the hotel terrace or take the funicular (if running) — a pleasant, accessible way to cap off the scenic lakeside portion of your trip. Funicular/hotel café hours vary seasonally; check before planning coffee stops.
Return to Interlaken to relax, pick up any last souvenirs and prepare for morning departure on May 19. Enjoy a gentle final stroll along the Aare or lakeshore.
Have a celebratory final dinner with multiple vegetarian mains (seasonal vegetable dishes, risottos, cheese fondue with vegetables, veggie plates). Book a table for three and enjoy a relaxed final evening in Interlaken.