Five-Day Switzerland Adventure with an Interlaken Day 3 Base: Lucerne, Gimmelwald, Grindelwald, Lenk, and Bern

Morning in Lucerne

Take the 07:30 train from Zürich HB to Lucerne; the direct journey takes about 50 minutes. At Lucerne station, use the luggage lockers before heading into the Old Town—large lockers can fill quickly, so arrive promptly. Walk first to Chapel Bridge, about 10 minutes from the station, and cross it toward the Old Town. Go early for quieter photos of the painted roof panels, the Jesuit Church, and the lakefront. Allow roughly 30 minutes, then continue about 15 minutes north to the Lion Monument at Löwenplatz, a moving memorial carved into the rock. The monument is outdoors and free to visit; nearby Glacier Garden is a worthwhile optional stop only if you have extra time, but keep the Pilatus connection as your priority.

Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

Return toward the waterfront and board the late-morning boat from Lucerne Bahnhofquai to Alpnachstad. Check the exact 2026 sailing and Pilatus timetable on the day, since the boat and cogwheel railway run on seasonal schedules and can be affected by weather. The cruise takes roughly 90 minutes and is best enjoyed outside on deck; bring a layer, even in September. At Alpnachstad, transfer directly to the Pilatus cogwheel railway for the steep climb to Mount Pilatus, allowing several hours for the ascent, viewpoints, and a short walk around the summit. Return by the aerial cable car to Fräkmüntegg, continue to Kriens, and take the local bus back to Lucerne if that route is operating. A combined boat-and-mountain ticket is expensive—often around CHF 100–120 before discounts—but a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card can reduce the cost. Keep an eye on the clock: aim to be back in town by about 17:00.

Early dinner and the journey to Gimmelwald

Have an early traditional dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker, a short walk from Lucerne station. The menu is hearty and distinctly Swiss—expect dishes such as rösti, sausages, or seasonal meat—and a main course usually costs about CHF 25–45. Reserve if possible, or arrive soon after opening, as this small, popular restaurant can become busy. Collect your luggage and take the evening train via Interlaken Ost and Lauterbrunnen; from there, continue by the Grütschalp cable car and mountain railway toward Gimmelwald. Allow approximately 3½–4 hours overall and verify the final connections in the SBB app, particularly the last cable-car departure. Gimmelwald is car-free and quiet at night, so have your accommodation directions ready and expect a short walk from the station with luggage.

Early Morning: Gimmelwald to Grindelwald First

Leave Gimmelwald around 07:00, allowing roughly two hours for the mountain cable cars, bus, and trains through Stechelberg, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken Ost, and Wilderswil to Grindelwald. Check the SBB app and cable-car times the night before; connections are less frequent early in the morning, and the First gondola is weather-dependent. On arrival, walk through Grindelwald to the First valley station—about 10 minutes from the railway station—and take the gondola uphill in around 30 minutes. A return ticket to First costs approximately CHF 68–76 before travel-card reductions.

Late Morning: Bachalpsee and First Cliff Walk

From the Grindelwald First station, follow the well-marked mountain trail to Bachalpsee. The hike takes about 50–60 minutes each way, with a steady but manageable climb and superb views toward the Wetterhorn and surrounding Bernese Alps. Allow 2½–3 hours round trip, and bring water, sunscreen, and a windproof layer—even in September, the ridge can feel cold. Back at First, do the First Cliff Walk, a short loop of suspension walkway, cliffside path, and viewing platform; allow around 45 minutes. It is free once you have reached First, though queues can form at the viewpoint on clear days.

Lunch and Afternoon: Berggasthaus First, Grindelwald, and Interlaken

Have lunch at Berggasthaus First, where terrace seating gives you the best panorama; budget roughly CHF 25–40 per person for a main dish and drink. Afterward, descend to Grindelwald and spend a little time wandering the village streets around Dorfstrasse rather than rushing straight to the station. Pick up snacks for the evening, then take the train toward Interlaken—allow about 1½ hours including the connection. Aim to leave Grindelwald between 16:00 and 17:00 so you reach Interlaken before evening; check the final mountain and rail connections in SBB Mobile, particularly if your luggage is still stored in Gimmelwald.

Early Morning: Interlaken to Lenk im Simmental

Leave Interlaken Ost around 06:30, travelling by train via Zweisimmen to Lenk; allow roughly 2½ hours and check the SBB Mobile timetable carefully, since connections are less frequent in the Simmental. The route is scenic from the start, with broad valley views and traditional wooden farmhouses, but this is a long outing, so bring breakfast and a warm layer. On arrival, Lenk station is an easy walk from the village center; use the station facilities before setting out, as public toilets and cafés can be limited early in the morning.

Morning and Lunch in Lenk

From the center of Lenk, walk toward the Lenk Waterfalls, following the signed paths through the outskirts and along the valley. Allow 1½–2 hours for the cascades and return, with sturdy shoes recommended if the trail is damp. Back in the village, take a slower Simmental valley walk through meadows and chalet-lined lanes for about 1½ hours—this is the best part of Lenk for simply enjoying the scenery rather than chasing viewpoints. Have lunch at Restaurant & Pizzeria Zum Gade, where Swiss dishes and pizzas usually run about CHF 25–45 per person; check opening hours in advance because seasonal schedules can be shorter.

Afternoon: Lenk to Schynige Platte

After lunch, begin the return journey via Zweisimmen and Interlaken, continuing to Wilderswil for the historic railway to Schynige Platte. Allow around three hours, and confirm every connection before leaving Lenk, especially the final mountain-railway departure of the season. The climb from Wilderswil is slow but worthwhile, winding through forest and open pasture with increasingly wide views over the Bernese Oberland. If the timetable is tight, prioritize the train connection over lingering in the village.

Late Afternoon and Evening at Schynige Platte

Spend about 1½ hours at the Schynige Platte Alpine Garden, following the short paths among high-alpine flowers and stopping at the panoramic viewpoints. September can bring cool, windy conditions even when Interlaken is sunny, so keep a jacket accessible. Return on the historic railway to Wilderswil, then take the local train back to Interlaken Ost; expect to arrive in the evening, with restaurants around Interlaken’s Höheweg and the station area generally the most convenient choices after this long day.

Morning: Lenk waterfalls and the Simmenquelle

Start with a relaxed morning in the Lenk valley, heading toward the Lenk Waterfalls and the Simmenquelle, the spring landscape where the Simme River begins. Allow about two hours for the short local excursion; the paths are straightforward, but wear shoes with decent grip because the ground can be damp. The valley is especially beautiful in early September, with cooler air, pastureland, and the surrounding peaks catching the morning light. Check the local bus timing at your accommodation or the Lenk tourist office, since services can be less frequent outside peak hours.

Return to the village for lunch at Kuspo Brasserie, a convenient and unfussy choice before the afternoon train. Expect around CHF 25–45 per person for a regional meal; reserve or check opening hours in advance if traveling on a Saturday. Keep lunch to roughly an hour and collect your luggage promptly afterward—the planned train departure toward Bern is around 12:30, with the journey taking approximately two and a half hours via Zweisimmen and Spiez. Buy or confirm the connection in the SBB Mobile app, and allow a few minutes at Bern station to use the lockers before exploring.

Afternoon and evening: Bern Old Town and BearPark Bern

From the station, walk into Bern Old Town, following the covered arcades toward the Zytglogge. Spend about two hours wandering beneath the Lauben, pausing at the colorful medieval fountains and watching the clock tower’s figures perform shortly before each hour. The arcades are ideal if the weather turns wet, and they lead naturally toward the Nydegg quarter. From there, continue downhill to BearPark Bern on the Aare riverbank, roughly a 10–15-minute walk from the clock tower. The bears are most active in cooler weather; the park and riverside viewpoints are free, though the steep return to the Old Town is worth taking slowly. Finish at Kornhauskeller, where the grand vaulted interior makes dinner feel distinctly Bernese. Allow CHF 35–60 per person, and reserve ahead if possible; the restaurant is in the Old Town, a short walk back toward the station.

Early Morning: Bern to Zürich Flughafen

Leave Bern around 05:30–06:00, checking the first direct InterCity service on the SBB Mobile app the evening before. The train to Zürich Flughafen takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes; if a direct train is not convenient, change at Zürich HB. At Zürich Flughafen, follow the clear signs from the station into the airport terminal—allow extra time for lifts, check-in, and security, especially with checked luggage.

Before Your Flight

If your schedule allows, spend about 45 minutes at the Zürich Flughafen observation deck for a final look over the runways and surrounding hills. Access and opening times can vary with terminal operations, so treat it as an optional stop rather than something to risk your flight for. Otherwise, go directly through security and collect breakfast and travel provisions from the airside cafés and shops; expect roughly CHF 10–25 for coffee, a pastry, sandwich, and water. Keep a generous boarding buffer, as gates at Zürich Airport can require a fairly long walk or an automated train connection.