Trip Overview

This route combines some of Switzerland’s most scenic valleys, mountain villages, and lakeside towns with the efficiency and comfort of the Swiss rail system.

Staying in Interlaken
Most travellers start or finish their trek in Interlaken, a lively resort town set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Jungfrau mountains rising above. It’s the perfect base before or after your hike, whether you want to relax by the lakes, explore the town’s cafés and shops, or take a short excursion into the surrounding valleys.

Getting to Meiringen
Nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Meiringen is well connected and surprisingly easy to reach by train. Whether you’re flying into Zurich or Geneva, the Swiss rail system will carry you smoothly into the valley.

✈️ From Zurich Airport (approx. 2.5–3 hours)

• From Zurich Airport, take a direct train to Lucerne (Luzern), about 1 hour.

• In Lucerne, switch to the Luzern–Interlaken Express, a scenic train that glides past lakes and mountains on its way to Interlaken Ost (about 2 hours).

• At Interlaken Ost, hop on the short regional train to Meiringen (30 minutes).

✈️ From Geneva Airport (approx. 4 hours)

• From Geneva Airport, board a train to Bern (about 2 hours).

• In Bern, transfer to a train for Interlaken Ost (about 1 hour).

• At Interlaken Ost, switch to the local line that takes you straight into Meiringen (30 minutes).

💡 Travel Tip
Both routes are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, and trains run with clockwork efficiency. If you can, grab a window seat—the ride into the Bernese Oberland is one of the most scenic in Switzerland.

From Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken
At the end of your hike through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, it’s an easy train ride back to Interlaken. The journey takes just 20 minutes but is packed with scenery—waterfalls cascading from sheer cliffs, alpine meadows, and the valley opening up toward the lakes. Interlaken makes a natural stop to relax, enjoy a meal, or stay overnight before continuing your travels.

Ending in Montreux (Gstaad Extension)
If you’re hiking the longer Via Alpina route to Gstaad, you can end your journey in Montreux, a stunning lakeside town on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known for its palm-lined promenade, vineyards, and the famous Montreux Jazz Festival, it’s a beautiful contrast to the mountain landscapes you’ve just crossed.

🚆 From Gstaad to Montreux (approx. 1.5 hours)

• Take the scenic GoldenPass Line directly from Gstaad to Montreux.

• The train winds through alpine valleys, rolling hills, and finally descends into the Lake Geneva region with breathtaking views of the water and surrounding vineyards.

• It’s one of Switzerland’s most scenic rides and a fitting finale to your trek.

To book train tickets or view timetables: see here