Start by getting settled at Hotel Interlaken near Interlaken Ost — it’s a very practical base on arrival day, especially with a dog, because you’re close to the station, easy walking distance to the center, and you can get your bags down before doing anything else. If your room isn’t ready yet, most hotels here are used to early arrivals and will hold luggage without fuss. After check-in, take 15–20 minutes to unpack the essentials, grab water, and let the dog decompress; arrival days in Interlaken are much nicer when you keep the first hour slow and simple.
From there, head to Höhematte Park, which is exactly the kind of first stop you want in Interlaken: wide open lawns, big views of the mountains, and a very low-effort way to feel like you’ve arrived somewhere special. It’s a good place to stretch your legs after travel, and dogs are a normal part of the scene as long as they’re under control. If the weather is clear, you’ll get a great look toward the peaks and the paragliders drifting overhead. There’s no need to rush this part — just walk, sit for a bit, and let the pace of the trip reset.
Continue on to the Aare River Promenade for an easy scenic stroll along the turquoise water. This is one of the best “first-day” walks in town because it’s flat, calming, and gives you a real feel for Interlaken without requiring any planning. From Höhematte Park, you can reach the promenade on foot in about 10–15 minutes depending on your exact route; it’s all very manageable even if you’re still in arrival mode. If you want a small break, stop at Bäckerei-Konditorei Lanz in Interlaken West for coffee and cake — think CHF 8–15 per person, with classic Swiss bakery counters, good pastries, and quick service. It’s a solid, no-stress place to refuel before dinner.
End the day with dinner at Restaurant Taverne near Interlaken West, which is a comfortable choice for a first evening after travel: warm atmosphere, regional dishes, and the kind of menu that works well whether you want something simple or a proper Swiss dinner. Budget around CHF 30–50 per person, and it’s worth booking ahead if you’re arriving on a busy weekend. Getting there from the bakery is an easy walk or a very short ride, and after dinner you can head back to Hotel Interlaken at an unhurried pace. Keep the evening light — this is one of those places where a short nighttime stroll through town can be just enough before an early start tomorrow.