Arrive in Interlaken, check in or drop luggage, collect rail passes/tickets and confirm reservations for Jungfraujoch/Schilthorn. Use this window to pick up maps and weather info at the tourist office (open typically 08:30–18:00).
Quick vegetarian-friendly lunch: seasonal salads, grilled vegetable sandwiches or a warm rösti with mushrooms; many Interlaken cafés open by 11:30. Good for a short, energizing meal before train travel.
Scenic train to Grindelwald (≈35–40 minutes); trains run frequently — check SBB app for exact departures and platform. This positions you to reach Pfingstegg and the Glacier Gorge quickly.
Take the short Pfingstegg cable car and enjoy the summer toboggan run (roller toboggan) for a fun alpine descent with great views — toboggan/opening is seasonal (typically late April–October) so confirm the day’s operating hours (often 09:00–17:00).
Walk the dramatic Gletscherschlucht canyon walkway with wooden trails and viewpoints — usually open in spring/summer (check seasonal opening times, commonly 09:00–18:00). It's a short, atmospheric visit highlighting glacial erosion and waterfalls.
Train back to Interlaken Ost, freshen up at the hotel and prepare for an evening viewpoint. Trains back run through the late afternoon — schedule varies, check SBB.
Ride the Harder Kulm funicular for panoramic views over Interlaken and Lakes Thun & Brienz; funicular often runs into the evening but exact times vary in May (commonly until ~20:00) — check return times so you don’t miss the last descent.
Enjoy vegetarian mains such as seasonal vegetable risotto, mushroom rösti or hearty vegetarian fondue. Many Interlaken restaurants open from ~18:00; if you choose Harder Kulm check the restaurant's opening hours and reserve a table for three.
Hearty breakfast with breads, cheeses, fruit and hot options to prepare for a day of hiking and altitude; most hotels offer breakfast from ~07:00–09:30. Pack a light daypack with water and layers.
Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (≈35–40 minutes). Aim for an early train to maximize time at First and avoid mid-day crowds. Check SBB for exact departure times.
Ride the First cable car; walk the Cliff Walk by Tissot for dramatic ridge views. First attractions generally open from ~08:30–17:00 in May but hours vary by weather, so confirm same-day.
Do the easy out-and-back hike to Bachalpsee (approx. 1.5–2 hours roundtrip), offering classic alpine lake reflections of the mountains — trail is snow-dependent in early May, check conditions at the First ticket office.
Enjoy vegetarian options like soups, pasta with vegetables or hearty salads at the First mountain restaurant or back in Grindelwald village where vegetarian choices are plentiful; lunchtime service usually from ~11:30–14:30.
Stroll the village, visit local shops for Swiss chocolate and souvenirs, or relax at a café. This is a good buffer for transport and weather changes before returning to Interlaken.
Dinner with several vegetarian mains such as vegetable tart, grilled polenta with mushrooms, or a creative seasonal plate. Reserve in advance for a party of three, restaurants generally open from 18:00.
Early, substantial breakfast (07:00 options may vary by hotel) or grab a bakery takeaway for the long alpine day; dress warmly (layers, gloves, sunglasses) because Jungfraujoch is snowy and windy even in May.
Train: Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch. Reserve tickets in advance for May; total up-route time is roughly 2.5–3 hours depending on connections.
Visit the Sphinx Observatory deck for panoramic views, wander the Ice Palace and step onto the snow plateau for glacier vistas — facilities open daily but visibility depends on weather; allow time for photos and short walks.
Warm, convenient vegetarian options like soups, pasta and salads at the station restaurants — service typically available through afternoon; if you prefer more choices pack extra snacks.
Return via Kleine Scheidegg to Lauterbrunnen; walk to the towering Staubbach Falls right next to the village — an easy, scenic walk and one of the valley’s most photographed spots.
Explore the glacier-fed Trümmelbach Falls within the mountain (boardwalks and tunnels) — typically open mid-April to mid-November, usually 09:00–17:00; confirm seasonal hours before visiting.
Choose a restaurant offering a wide vegetarian menu (e.g., Indian for many vegetarian mains, or Swiss restaurants with vegetarian fondue, vegetable rösti). Evening services typically start at 18:00; reserve for three.
Fuel up with breads, eggs, fruit and coffee; many cafés in Interlaken open around 07:30–08:00. Pack layers for wind at high altitudes and comfortable shoes for short walks.
Train and cable-car connections to Mürren via Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg (approx. 1–1.5 hours). Cableways often start around 08:30, but check timetables so you catch the early lifts to Schilthorn.
Ascend to Schilthorn for the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant, sweeping views of Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau and the Bond World exhibition dedicated to the 1969 Bond film; cableways/attractions usually open ~09:00–17:00 in May, but confirm hours.
Vegetarian-friendly lunch options at Piz Gloria (pasta, salads, warm vegetable plates) or a cosy Mürren eatery; lunchtime service often 11:30–14:30 so book ahead at Piz Gloria if you want a table with views.
Return to Interlaken then continue to Brienz to catch a scenic steamer on Lake Brienz to Giessbach Falls — boat timetables are seasonal with regular departures in May; check the BLS boat schedule for exact times.
Short walk to the Giessbach cascades and the historic Grandhotel terrace; the area is peaceful and photogenic — the funicular and hotel café may have seasonal hours, check if you plan to use them.
Boat/train back to Interlaken; use late afternoon to pack, buy last souvenirs, and check onward travel. Trains from Brienz to Interlaken typically run hourly — check SBB for exact time.
Enjoy a celebratory vegetarian dinner with several courses (seasonal vegetable mains, vegetarian fondue, or a tasting menu if available). Reserve ahead for a comfortable table for three; many restaurants serve dinner from 18:00–22:00.