Interlaken in 3 Days for Families - Easy funicular ride to Harder Kulm with a playground and panoramic views
A gentle 3-day summer itinerary in Interlaken designed for families with young children. Short transfers, stroller-friendly routes, built-in nap/snack breaks, and attractions with play areas or interactive exhibits. Times are paced to avoid rush and allow flexibility.
Highlights
- Easy funicular ride to Harder Kulm with a playground and panoramic views
- Short, stroller-friendly boat cruise on Lake Brienz
- Heimwehfluh hill with vintage funicular, playground and summer toboggan
- Hands-on history at Ballenberg open-air museum
- Easy-access St. Beatus Caves (note: not stroller-friendly inside)
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival day — settle in, gentle outdoor time and a fun, local hilltop play area. Pace with snacks and a relaxed dinner.
Check in and settle at Hotel Interlaken
Arrive, check in, drop luggage, use hotel restrooms/changing facilities and orient the kids to the room.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a ground-floor or low-floor room for easier stroller access and quicker naps.
- Hotel Interlaken has family rooms and on-site restrooms with changing tables; request a late crib if needed.
- Use this time to locate the nearest shop (Migros) for quick snacks, sun cream and kid supplies.
Stroll Höhematte Park (short, stroller-friendly)
Easy flat green space in the town center — watch paragliders land, let little ones run safely and recover from travel.
Tips from local experts:
- The park is flat and paved around the edges—perfect for strollers and scooters.
- Visit earlier in the day when it’s quieter for toddlers; there are shaded benches and public restrooms nearby.
- Bring a light picnic blanket from the hotel and keep snacks handy — there's often a playground area the kids will love.
Picnic lunch: pick up picnic supplies at Migros and lunch on Höhematte
Quick grocery run for sandwiches, fruit and allergy-friendly snacks and a relaxed picnic back at the park.
Tips from local experts:
- Migros has a good selection of ready-made sandwiches and allergy-aware options (labeling in English/German).
- Pick up refillable water bottles and sun hats — shade is limited on the central lawn in midday sun.
- If you need a high chair later, note your preferred eatery now and ask staff early in the afternoon when restaurants are less busy.
Short walk/transfer to Heimwehfluh and vintage funicular ride + playground
Take the charming Heimwehfluh funicular for hilltop views, an excellent children's playground and (seasonal) summer toboggan run.
Tips from local experts:
- The funicular car is stroller-friendly for short boarding; fold the stroller on the platform and use the ramp provided.
- The playground and picnic tables at the top are shaded; ideal for children aged 2–8. Supervise younger toddlers on the wooden equipment.
- Check the toboggan opening times (seasonal) — smaller kids can ride with a parent; keep allergy meds handy as there’s a small café at the top with simple offerings.
Afternoon rest & snack back at the hotel
Quiet time for naps and cooling off after the hill trip — parents can relax while kids recharge.
Tips from local experts:
- If your child naps in a stroller, request a quiet corner at the hotel lobby or a low-traffic room for undisturbed rest.
- Use this time to rinse sticky faces and change into dry clothes — hotel bathrooms are usually equipped with baby-changing surfaces.
- If someone in the group is still energetic, the hotel garden is a short, safe walk for a quiet play session.
Family dinner at Restaurant Interlaken (hotel restaurant)
A familiar, kid-friendly menu with high chairs and staff used to families; early seating avoids the evening rush.
Tips from local experts:
- Book an early table (around 18:00) to avoid crowds and get attentive service for kids.
- Ask for a kids' portion or smaller plates; kitchens here are usually flexible with ingredient swaps for allergies.
- Window/terrace seats give the children a view of Höhematte and the open space to watch passersby while eating.
Day 2
Big view day — funicular up to Harder Kulm in the morning, relaxed boat cruise on Lake Brienz in the afternoon. Built-in nap/break between excursions.
Short transfer to Harderbahn valley station
Walk to the Harderbahn lower station (short, stroller-friendly approach) and buy tickets; consider the family ticket or return tickets.
Tips from local experts:
- The walk from central hotels is flat; fold a stroller for the short steps at the station entrance.
- Buy return tickets in advance (ticket office or machine) to avoid queueing with restless kids.
- There are sheltered waiting areas at the station in case of light rain; bring a light rain cover for the stroller on summer showers.
Harder Kulm — funicular ride, viewpoint and easy summit walk
Short funicular ride to Harder Kulm panorama platform. Enjoy sweeping views over Interlaken and the lakes; there is a small play area and easy paths suitable for strollers near the top viewpoint.
Tips from local experts:
- The funicular is quick (about 8–10 minutes); keep children near you on boarding and bring a stroller blanket for seating comfort.
- There is a short, paved area at the summit good for strollers; however, steeper viewpoints have steps — bring a carrier for toddlers if you want to reach the viewing platform.
- Peak-morning (just after opening) is quieter and sunnier — great for photos without crowds and calmer for wary kids.
Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant (kid-friendly options)
Simple warm meals and kids' portions with a panoramic backdrop — an easy option so you don't have to descend for midday lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Order from the children's menu or ask for half portions — kitchens are used to families and can adapt meals.
- There is indoor seating if the weather is changeable; high chairs are usually available.
- Bring a small toy or colouring book — the views are distracting but a short activity helps keep little ones seated.
Return to hotel for rest / nap
Return to the room for quiet time — great for toddlers and gives parents a break.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to be back at the hotel 12:45–13:00; this slot is ideal for a 60–90 minute nap without losing afternoon daylight.
- Use the hotel's laundry facilities or kitchenette (if available) to freshen kids up after outdoor play.
- If someone is awake, a quiet book or a short movie on a tablet is an easy way to calm energy before the boat trip.
Lake Brienz short boat cruise (Interlaken Ost departure)
A gentle 2-hour round trip on Lake Brienz to admire turquoise water and lakeside villages — stroller-friendly boarding and spacious decks.
Tips from local experts:
- Board from Interlaken Ost pier — arrive 15 minutes early to secure a shaded spot on deck and room for a folded stroller.
- Bring a light jacket even in summer — breezes on the lake are cooler and shade can feel chilly to kids.
- Choose a mid-week or late-afternoon cruise to avoid the largest crowds; children under 6 often delight at the waves and lakeside houses.
Relaxed dinner at hotel restaurant / close family restaurant
An easy early dinner back near the hotel — keep evening timing calm for bedtime routines.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a quieter table away from the main walkway so kids can unwind before bed.
- If allergies are a concern, tell the server early — many local kitchens are used to dietary requests or can prepare plain pasta/risotto.
- Order small shared plates so picky eaters can sample a bit of everything without waste.
Day 3
Hands-on culture at Ballenberg in the morning and the accessible St. Beatus Caves in the afternoon — finish with a relaxed stroll and souvenir shopping.
Breakfast and check-out preparation
Leisurely breakfast, pack snacks for the day, and check-out (you can usually store luggage if your departure is later).
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the hotel to hold luggage if your transport leaves later — it lets you enjoy the day bag-light.
- Identify the closest restroom/changing room location before heading out; breakfast areas often have family-friendly facilities.
- Pack extra layers for Ballenberg — open-air areas can be breezy even in July.
Transfer to Ballenberg Open-Air Museum (short train/bus)
Easy public transfer to Ballenberg (check train/bus times in advance); the museum is stroller-friendly on main paths.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the train to Brienzwiler or a direct bus if available; main paths in Ballenberg are compacted gravel—use an all-terrain stroller if you have one.
- Bring snacks and water; while there are restaurants, family picnic spots are plentiful and shaded.
- Plan to focus on a few clusters (e.g., farmhouses and craft demonstrations) rather than the whole site — it's big and toddlers tire quickly.
Explore Ballenberg (hands-on history & animals) — kid-friendly
Interact with traditional farmhouses, meet farm animals, and watch craft demonstrations — perfect for children who like hands-on activities.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the day's activity schedule at arrival — there are often animal feeding times and craft demos great for ages 3–10.
- Paths between houses are mostly stroller-friendly but some buildings have steps; bring a carrier for uphill/indoor parts.
- There are clean restrooms and family-changing facilities near the main entrance — good spot for midday freshen-up.
Lunch at Ballenberg (family-friendly on-site dining)
Simple regional dishes and kids' plates; a relaxed chance to refill energy before the afternoon cave visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a shaded outdoor table if available; children often prefer outdoor seating to run a little after eating.
- Menus usually include pasta, schnitzel and fruit — ask for plain options if children are picky.
- If your child has allergies, request ingredient information from staff; there’s typically a simple but safe selection for common allergies.
Transfer to St. Beatus Caves area (short drive/bus)
Move to the Beatus cave entrance near Lake Thun — the access road and car park are short and stroller drop-off is possible.
Tips from local experts:
- If using public transport, expect a short bus + walk; by car there's a close drop-off area and accessible parking near the visitor centre.
- Leave bulky strollers in the visitor entrance area; the caves themselves have many steps and are not suitable for strollers.
- Bring a light jacket — caves are cool even in summer and floors can be damp; closed shoes are recommended for children.
Visit St. Beatus Caves (guided walk inside the caves)
A family-friendly, guided-ish path through lit caves and waterfalls. Not stroller-accessible — plan to use a baby carrier for toddlers.
Tips from local experts:
- Cave paths include many steps; bring a comfortable carrier if you have an infant or toddler who can’t do stairs.
- There are short viewpoints and photo stops that are calm and safe for little ones to rest; use these as snack breaks.
- Family restrooms and changing facilities are at the visitor centre — use the centre before heading into the cave, as facilities inside are limited.
Return to Interlaken — stroll Höheweg for last-minute souvenirs
A final easy stroll along Interlaken’s main promenade with toy shops, chocolate shops and benches for rest before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a single souvenir stop (chocolate or small wooden toy) to avoid overtired meltdowns from choice overload.
- Most shops have step-free access on the main street; ask shop staff for small, kid-safe items and allergy info for sweets.
- End at a café with an outdoor seat so little ones can enjoy a final treat while you finish packing or head to transport.
Farewell family dinner / light meal before departure
Early dinner close to your accommodation or transport hub to finish the day calmly and on time.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a simple, relaxed restaurant near the train station if you have an evening departure to avoid last-minute rushing.
- Request a calm corner table and let staff know if you need food packed to-go for travel.
- Confirm restroom/changing facilities before ordering so you can streamline post-meal routines.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 17 |
| Total Places | 17 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Neighborhood, Meal, Attraction, Break, Restaurant, Transfer, Experience, Culture, Shopping |
