Private car transfer
from Zurich to Interlaken

Car trip from Zurich to Interlaken

The journey from Zurich to Interlaken is one of the most scenic car trips you will ever experience. Starting in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and one of the happiest cities in the world, you'll travel through the Swiss Alps, where you'll find soaring mountains, more than 1500 lakes, pristine rivers flowing into the North Sea, and a climate varying from glacial conditions to near-Mediterranean temperatures. The dramatic landscape makes a trip from Zurich to Interlaken feel like a fairytale.

<show-more> After enjoying all Zurich offers, such as visiting The No Show Museum, and strolling Bahnhofstrasse and the Old Town, head into the heart of nature in Interlaken. The distance between Zurich and Interlaken is around 73 miles (118 km) and the drive takes around one and a half hours. Traveling from Zurich to Interlaken with a private car service like Daytrip means you get to enjoy a door-to-door transfer with a local driver who will enrich your trip with their insights. Your driver will take you to Interlaken through Lucerne, which is a route that passes many mountain views, bright blue lakes, and small towns.

The other benefit of taking a car trip from Zurich to Interlaken is that you can stop for sightseeing. Pay a visit to medieval Zug, a charming lakeside town where you can admire its Gothic town hall, or see works by artists such as Klimt and Kandinsky at the intimate Kunsthaus. Or for panoramic vistas, head to the peak of the Queen of the Mountains, Mount Rigi. To get to the top, you can take Europe’s oldest mountain railway, take a cable car from the Krabel station, or take a one-hour hike.

At the summit, you'll be rewarded with a panorama of the 13 lakes surrounding the mountain and the entire Swiss Mittelland. And last but not least, Lucerne is a city that you -strictly- shouldn't miss. Sitting on Lake Lucerne, which is surrounded by high hilltops, viewpoints, and castles, it's exceptionally picturesque. You might have already seen it in Swiss postcards since it's the perfect combination of high mountains, pure water, and historic architecture. Make sure you walk across the Chapel Bridge; it's a unique experience!

By taking a car trip from Zurich to Interlaken with Daytrip, you can make the most out of the journey. Enjoy the comfort of a private vehicle and the convenience of traveling door to door. The roads of Switzerland offer such beauty that it's worth taking the trip just for the sake of the scenic views along the way. With your local driver who is ready to answer any questions you may have and would be happy to help you give you insider tips, the only thing left for you to do is lean back and enjoy the ride. </show-more>

About Interlaken

Interlaken is a small town in the Bernese Oberland area of central Switzerland. It is famous for its breathtaking natural environment and is located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, encircled by the towering peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Interlaken's great position makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities and adventures such as hiking, climbing, paragliding, skiing, and snowboarding.

<show-more> The town itself is gorgeous, with typical Swiss buildings, quaint streets, and lovely parks. The Aare River flows through Interlaken, adding to its beautiful charm. Höheweg, one of the main streets, is studded with hotels, cafés, and boutiques, many of which give stunning views of the Alps.

Interlaken’s location between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is what gave the town its name, literally meaning “between lakes.” Being sandwiched between these two lakes has made Interlaken a haven for nature lovers, particularly for water sports during the summer. Aside from its own natural attractions, Interlaken is the gateway to the Jungfrau region, making it a popular base for exploring some of the most spectacular Alpine scenes including Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Interlaken is also home to the famous St. Beatus Caves. If just by looking at its pictures you get fairytale vibes, then you are right on point! Legend has it that these caves were once home to a dragon, which was slain by St. Beatus and thrown into Lake Thun. Whether you believe in the legend or not, you will be fascinated by this hidden world of stone and water.

The Interlaken area was originally known for its Augustinian monastery, which was established in the 12th century. The monastery grew during the 13th and 14th centuries, but its force and popularity gradually declined around the 15th century. The monastery no longer exists, but its influence on the development of Interlaken is still commemorated and celebrated.

Interlaken has been a busy destination since the early 19th century. The Unspunnenfest, a festival celebrating Swiss culture, was a big success in 1805 and 1808 and introduced people from all over the world to the cleansing mountain air, blue waters, and spa treatments. Thanks to the Unspunnenfest, Interlaken became one of the first resort towns in Switzerland.

Having the world-famous high hills and mountain peaks, it was inevitable that Interlaken would become a favorite destination for adrenaline junkies. In the winter, you can ski or snowboard down its snowy peaks. In the summer, the options are even more numerous, including skydiving, bungee jumping, paragliding, river rafting, canyoning, and many more activities for daredevils! There are, of course, calmer options, with endless hiking trails at your disposal.

Once in Switzerland, something you can’t miss and can’t get enough of is, of course, Swiss chocolate. This chocolate, rich in quality, flavor, and craftsmanship, owes its fame largely to Switzerland’s high-quality dairy products. Swiss cows grazing on Alpine grasslands create rich, creamy milk, which adds to the smooth texture and rich flavor of Swiss chocolate. So Interlaken offers sweet views, sweet feelings, and plain old sweets! </show-more>

From Zurich to Interlaken: travel tips

How to get from Zurich to Interlaken

Due to the popularity of Interlaken, the route between Zurich and Interlaken is a most traveled one. Therefore, there are several options which you can choose from including traveling by train, a private car or driving. Choosing one of these depends on how much time you’d like to spend on the way, how comfortable you’d like to be and whether you’d like to enjoy the stops between Zurich and Interlaken.

Things to do when you get to Interlaken

After safely traveling from Zurich to Interlaken, you will arrive in the town “between lakes.” Interlaken has so much to offer, so much to experience and undoubtedly will leave everyone visiting in awe, during the stay and after. What makes Interlaken so fascinating is that it is located between the world’s prettiest lakes and greenest mountains.

Whether you are a daredevil who is in search of some adventure, a hiker who likes to explore doable trails or someone who just wants to spend a relaxing time surrounded by dramatic scenery, Interlaken will have something for you. <show-more>

The best base for exploring the region

Interlaken is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding area. The first and most essential trip you need to take from Interlaken is visiting Jungfraujoch, a saddle which connects two major Bernese Alps, the Jungfrau and the Mönch. Getting to this extremely high point is easily possible by taking a train ride through Jungfrau Railway.

This railway is the highest one in Europe! On this ride, you will feel blessed by the magnificent views of the Swiss mountains. Your train will take you to Jungfraujoch, and you will be able to observe the Aletsch glacier, which is 13 miles (21 km) long and 2,450 feet (747 m) thick of ice stretching in front of you.

Another must-visit around Interlaken is Harder Kulm. It is a funicular station that overlooks the Jungfrau region, Interlaken and another town Unterseen. The panoramic view from here offers a one-of-a-kind experience, where the fascinating nature lies in front of you with its greatness. Taking the funicular up here alone is a wonderful experience showcasing unforgettable scenes. For exploring more around here on foot, Harder Kulm makes a perfect start or finish point for hikes.

Bring out the adrenaline junkie inside of you

It is not possible to talk about the Swiss Alps and great mountains and not mention skiing. Mürren, Wengen and Grindelwald of the Jungfrau Region are the well-known ski resorts close to Interlaken. By buying a “Top Ski” lift ticket, you can explore many different runs according to your level.

Let’s say skiing is not crazy enough for you. No worries! Around Interlaken you can enjoy skydiving, paragliding, bungee jumping, hang gliding, canyoning or river rafting. For instance, there is no better place to skydive than in front of the Eiger mountain. If you still want a thrill but prefer to walk, head over to the Schilthorn and take the 656-foot (200 m) Thrill Walk. Enjoy a breathtaking perspective from glass and steel walkways, as well as an 8-meter-long steel tunnel.

Absorb all the natural beauties

While Interlaken offers all kinds of activities to its visitors, it is simply possible to take your time, to take in all the beauties around and just enjoy a relaxing time exploring. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, for example, are perfect destinations if you want a rather calmer time. These stunning waters are popular destinations for swimming and cooling off during the summer season. You can also take a lake cruise for more scenic views.

Choose a nice neighborhood for your stay

Especially if it’s your first time visiting Interlaken, it is better to stay in the center. It is alive both during the day and night and makes a good starting point for your trips around. If you are looking for a calmer and low-cost stay, Matten bei Interlaken is a better choice. It is only 12 minutes away from the center and has a relaxed atmosphere.

</show-more> ## When’s the best time to visit Interlaken?

The ideal time to visit Interlaken is partly determined by the activities you enjoy. For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the summer months of June to August are excellent. During this time, the weather is at its hottest, averaging between 64°F and 82°F (18°C-28°C), allowing for a variety of activities such as hiking, paragliding, and water sports on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The sceneries are lush and green, and the extended daytime hours allow plenty of opportunity to explore the breathtaking surroundings.

Autumn, which runs from September to November, has a particular appeal due to its spectacular fall colors, less crowds, and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for those seeking a more quiet experience. The weather begins to decrease, particularly in late October and November, so pack appropriately.

Winter, from December to February, transforms Interlaken into a snowy paradise, drawing skiers, snowboarders, and those seeking to experience the charm of Swiss winter. Premier ski resorts surround the location, and the snowy scenery is stunning. It's the ideal time for winter sports fans and those who appreciate the festive mood of Christmas markets.