Interlaken in 2 Days for Friends - Panoramic views from Harder Kulm
A lively, social 2-day summer itinerary for a group of friends who love active adventures, shareable meals, and upbeat nightlife. Balanced daytime exploration (views, lake kayaking, e-bike loop) with playful group activities (chocolate workshop, escape room) and evenings at relaxed pubs or a hotel brasserie for a memorable farewell.
Highlights
- Panoramic views from Harder Kulm
- Group kayak / SUP session on Lake Brienz with Outdoor Interlaken
- Funky Chocolate Club hands-on workshop
- AdventureRooms escape room challenge
- Lively pubs (Husi Bierhaus & 3 Tells) and optional Balmers nightlife
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival day: panoramic morning, hearty lunch, afternoon on the water, then music and drinks.
Stroll Höheweg & Grab morning coffee
Walk the main promenade to soak in mountain views and grab a quick coffee and pastry (many cafés and kiosks along the way). Great intro for photos and meeting up with the whole group.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet by the Kursaal fountain on Höheweg — it’s a clear, central landmark for groups to gather.
- If anyone arrives early, Interlaken Ost station has luggage lockers so the group can explore light.
- Try to grab an outside table so you can people-watch and plan the next move as a group — many cafés will seat 4–6 together in summer.
Ride the funicular to Harder Kulm & enjoy the panorama
Short funicular ride up to Harder Kulm for sweeping views over Interlaken and the three great peaks (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau). Perfect group photo spot and short trails at the top.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy funicular return tickets at the Harderbahn station (near Interlaken Ost) — summer mornings are busiest so book the first departures or reserve online if available.
- Group photo tip: the glass 'Panorama Terrace' is the classic shot — ask other visitors to snap a wide-angle so everyone fits.
- There’s a panorama restaurant at the top; leave time for an aperitif if you want to avoid a later dinner rush.
Group lunch at Husi Bierhaus (shared platters, local beers)
Casual, group-friendly pub with hearty Swiss and international dishes — perfect for ordering shareable plates and local beers.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a long table in advance for a group of 4–6+ during July weekends — they’re used to lively crowds.
- Split the bill easily: ask for one card payment and settle with cash or apps within your group to keep it quick.
- Try the local beer flights to sample regional breweries — great for a lightweight group tasting without committing to full bottles.
Afternoon kayaking / SUP session on Lake Brienz with Outdoor Interlaken
A guided paddle session on turquoise Lake Brienz — choose single kayaks, doubles or stand-up paddleboards. Tailored for groups and summer conditions.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a group session with Outdoor Interlaken in advance for guaranteed kit and a guide — summer slots fill fast.
- Bring swimwear under your clothes, a quick-dry towel and secure a waterproof pouch for phones — there are launch points at Strandbad Interlaken.
- Ask for tandem kayaks if anyone wants to split costs or pair up; guides can take a group photo from shore after your return.
Chill & freshen up at Höhematte park
Relax on the lawn, dry off, play frisbee or enjoy a short break before evening plans — central green space with mountain backdrops.
Tips from local experts:
- Höhematte is a great spot for group games (frisbee, cards) — bring a small picnic blanket for comfort.
- If you used lake kit, there are public restrooms nearby; plan 20–30 minutes to change and regroup.
- Street performers often hang out here in summer — it’s an easy place to grab a lively vibe without committing to a bar.
Dinner & live music at 3 Tells Irish Pub
Casual pub dinner with live music nights — great for groups who want a lively evening, good portions and beers on tap.
Tips from local experts:
- Check their events calendar in advance — live bands or open-mic nights make this a top group pick.
- Ask for a dedicated table away from the stage if you want to chat; otherwise take front seats for the full music vibe.
- Pub food portions are generous — order a few starters to share as a group to try more dishes and split costs.
Optional late-night at Balmers (bar & party atmosphere)
Iconic hostel bar and late-night spot — great for groups who want to keep the energy up with DJ nights or casual dancing.
Tips from local experts:
- Balmers often hosts themed nights and DJs in summer — check their schedule and consider pre-booking a reserved area for a group.
- There’s no strict dress code but expect a backpacker-friendly, high-energy crowd; good for groups who want to meet other travelers.
- If anyone needs an early night, Balmers is central — taxis and public transport to Interlaken Ost/West run until late in high season.
Day 2
Active, playful second day: e-bike loop, chocolate-making, escape room challenge, lakeside chill and a relaxed farewell dinner.
Group e-bike / bike rental and guided loop (short scenic ride)
Rent e-bikes or conventional bikes and tackle a relaxed guided loop toward Iseltwald or along the Aare — manageable distances and great photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve e-bikes with Outdoor Interlaken or a local rental to ensure enough batteries for everyone in summer.
- Ask for a short guided route (20–30 km total) so the group can enjoy stops in Iseltwald and lakeside views without racing.
- Carry small cash for cafés in Iseltwald — some smaller lakeside spots are cash-preferred even in summer.
Funky Chocolate Club — hands-on chocolate workshop & tasting
A playful, social chocolate-making class perfect for groups — craft your own truffles and taste Swiss chocolate together.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the group workshop slot in advance (summer fills fast) and mention any dietary restrictions for alternative options.
- Work as teams when molding or decorating — it’s a fun way to bond and split costs for supplies.
- Bring a small cooler bag or keep purchased chocolate in your luggage; summer heat can soften treats without refrigeration.
AdventureRooms Interlaken — escape room challenge
Solve puzzles as a team in a timed escape room — energetic, social and great for groups of friends who love a playful mental challenge.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a room that fits your group size (rooms are often 4–6 players) and arrive 15 minutes early for the briefing.
- Divide tasks quickly: appoint a note-keeper and a clue coordinator to keep the chaos fun and efficient.
- Store large bags in lockers or at your hotel before the session to keep the experience fast-paced and hands-free.
Lakeside stroll on the Brienz promenade & optional short boat hop
Easy late-afternoon walk along the lakefront for relaxed photos, gelato, and optional short public boat hop to see waterfalls or lakeside villages (check summer schedules).
Tips from local experts:
- Use the Interlaken Ost pier for short public boat options — a quick hop to Giessbach or a lakeside village is scenic and group-friendly.
- Late afternoon light is perfect for group photos with the turquoise lake as a backdrop — meet at the wooden piers for an iconic shot.
- If you want to take a short cruise, buy tickets at the BLS pier early to secure seats together on the deck.
Farewell dinner at Victoria-Jungfrau (Taverne or Brasserie) — relaxed group meal
Finish with a slightly more refined group dinner at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa’s restaurant for a comfortable, seated meal and to toast the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for your group ahead of time and request a quieter table or a private area if you want more group conversation.
- Consider pre-ordering a shared starter platter or a set menu to speed service for a group and make splitting the bill easier.
- If anyone wants lighter options after a big active day, ask for local fish or seasonal salads — the hotel kitchens are used to special requests.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 12 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Restaurant, Experience, Break, Nightlife, Sport |
