If Switzerland were a film, the car trip from Munich to Interlaken would be the star of the show. The blockbuster natural beauty, coated with gaping v-shaped valleys and soaring snow-capped peaks, would win awards as the best movie plot without breaking a sweat.
These surreal views begin just moments after you twist around the endless pillars and spires scattered throughout Munich's old town. Bavaria's iconic landscape stretches further than the eye can see. But you can make out the half-timbered villages nestled in the vibrant green rolling hills.
The further you drive, the higher the mountainous terrain shoots into the heavens. This jagged landscape turns the gentle cruise into a rollercoaster, zig-zagging between pristine cliffs and alongside bodies of water dancing in the sunlight. It's a continuous trail until the dominating Jungfrau peak stands at the finishing line, overlooking Interlaken.
This bucket-list road trip seems too good to be true. But you can turn this dream into a reality if you know how to travel in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Fortunately, we created this comprehensive guide for traveling from Munich to Interlaken in 2024!
About Interlaken
After a magic drive from Munich to Interlaken, you'll arrive at one of Switzerland's prettiest towns. The area is small and has a population of under 24,000. But for every resident, the town receives 74 visitors. Its location in the Bern region contributed to its popularity and title. Interlake literally means "in-between lakes", as it sits between Brienz to the east and Thun to the west.
Interlaken developed as a small settlement around a newly built monastery in the 12th century. Although it proved a vital trading hub in the Alps during the Middle Ages, it never sparked into a bustling metropolis like other European cities. It took until the 19th century to gain popularity as a resort for adrenaline junkies or those seeking tranquility away from the growing industrialization in parts of the continent.
Switzerland was neutral during World War 2. Therefore, Interlaken offered humanitarian services for refugees fleeing the war, and you can still feel this warm hospitality today. Once the war ended, Interlaken returned to the spotlight as a tourist hotspot. It avoided destruction, unlike its neighboring countries. So, it could put its vast fortunes into a robust tourism infrastructure with additional hotels and transportation links.
In the 21st century, Interlaken has one of the world's best travel facilities. The area has various tourist information centers, multilingual staff, and tour operators. It focuses on sustainable travel by preserving natural wonders and encouraging travelers to visit responsibly. Throughout all its efforts to provide modern services for visitors, it manages to retain its city charm with its rustic chalets and traditional Swiss lanes.
Language: Romansh, French, German, and Italian
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Climate: temperate oceanic
Time zone: GMT+1
Plug types: C and J
Peak tourism: June–August and late December–early January
From Munich to Interlaken: travel tips
The Alps mountain range, 270 miles, and at least a 5-hour car journey stand on the road from Munich to Interlaken. So, you'll need to learn a few insider travel tips for comfort and enjoyment before setting off!
### Prioritize comfort
No matter how beautiful the views are from your window, a 5-hour drive can spoil the taste of adventure. A private door-to-door with no loud passengers, modern convenience, and reclinable seats is an ideal way to travel.
However, you can still prioritize comfort when traveling by public transportation. Consider spending an extra few euros for a seat with extra legroom or a first-class seat. Finally, pack a light bag with a few essentials, such as earplugs and a neck pillow.
### Stop for sightseeing
On a trip through the German, Austrian, and Swiss Alps, it's no surprise there are endless points to stop and explore en route. Most tourists bypass these hidden treasures, but when you ride with Daytrip, you can create a unique road trip.
Some of the unmissable attractions along the way include Mount Rigi, Europe's oldest alpine railroad, and Lindau Island, the ideal place to stretch your legs on an extensive voyage.
### Consider the weather
The European Alps reliably provide plenty of scenery and sightseeing opportunities. However, they also have unreliable weather.
Check the forecast before leaving Munich if you plan on sightseeing. Even if it's sunny when you leave the bustling streets of Munich, that doesn't guarantee it's bright on the other side of the mountain.
In the summer, you'll need sun protection. And rain gear is vital during the fall or winter in case of a sudden shower.
How to get from Munich to Interlaken
Due to the robust public transport network from Munich to Interlaken, you're spoiled for choice when traveling between the cities. But first, you should uncover which carrier will cater to your needs and references!
Train from Munich to Interlaken
The train is the most popular way to travel from Munich to Interlaken, despite being slightly more expensive than the bus. However, the extra euros will get you a more comfortable seat, a spacious environment, and modern conveniences such as wifi and an onboard cafe.
The downside is that no direct train runs from Munich to Interlaken. Instead, when you purchase a ticket from München Hauptbahnhof to Interlaken Ost, you'll need to change trains at Zurich, Bern, Basel, or all three, depending on the time of day. Book your tickets online with Deutsche Bahn or Schweizerische Bundesbahnen 30 days in advance for the lowest fares.
### Bus from Munich to Interlaken
If you're traveling Europe on a budget, the bus from Munich to Interlaken is for you. It's the cheapest mode of transportation, with seats starting as low as €26 when booking in the off-season or more than a month before your departure. A secret tip is to change your location to Germany when booking a ticket online for the best offers.
A handful of companies offer their services on parts of this route. However, Flixbus is the most convenient, as it's the only direct company from Munich to Interlaken. Even with an indirect trip, you can purchase one ticket and transfer to another coach. But something to acknowledge is that this service arrives at Interlaken East, not the main train station.
Cheapest/average cost of tickets: €26-€31
First/last bus departure: 9:50 AM–1:20 PM
Shortest/average duration: 7 hours, 50 minutes–11 hours, 20 minutes
Average daily buses: 2
### Daytrip private car service from Munich to Interlaken
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the easiest and most comfortable way to transfer from Munich to Interlaken. It's also the fastest mode of transportation, where your English-speaking driver can escort you from your hotel in Munich to your new one in Interlaken in only five hours.
But five hours is just an ordinary cruise from A to B, so why not add C and D to your once-in-a-lifetime adventure? En route, you can sample some of Europe's most mouthwatering culinary delights in the foodie cities of Lucerne and Vaduz. Or you can venture deep into Germany's dark past and show respect for the lives of over 200,000 people that the Dachau Concentration Camp swallowed up.
Seats from: €138
Help with luggage
Equipped for children or those with limited mobility
Sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
24/7 customer service
Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
Things to do when you get to Interlaken
After a stunning drive from Munich, you'll find countless things to do when you get to Interlaken. With its stunning natural setting, it should come as no surprise that many of them are outdoor activities!
### Climb Jungfraujoch
Known as the "Top of Europe," Jungfraujoch is a majestic saddle in the Alps. You can take a scenic train journey through tunnels carved into the mountains to reach this breathtaking destination in around 1.5 hours.
Once here, panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, the Aletsch Glacier, and the Sphinx Observatory will leave you in awe. It's an unforgettable experience to stand atop the viewing platform, surrounded by the magnificence of the Alps.
### Tour Haarige Kuh Brauerei
Interlaken is an outdoor paradise. So Haarige Kuh Brauerei is a great activity for a rainy day.
This humble brewery is home to some of the nation's top craft beers. After visiting, you can sample the flavors and experience their unique tastes. Not only will you try plenty of their beers, but you can also participate in a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the fascinating techniques of making these beverages.
### Explore St. Beatus Caves
St. Beatus Caves are less than 4.5 miles from downtown Interlaken. You can take a picture-perfect walk along its turquoise lake or jump on bus line 21, and it will drop you directly outside the setting in just 16 minutes.
A visit to one of Switzerland's 10 largest caves encapsulates everything great about the region. Natural beauty, adventurous tunnels, gushing waterfalls, and welcoming staff add to this spectacular attraction. But don't forget to wear shoes with quality traction, as the paths can get slippery.
### Hit the lakes
It's almost impossible not to be drawn in by Lake Thun and Brienz's sheer size and magnificence. You'll come for the views, but the various water activities will keep you returning for the duration of your stay.
The best part is that there are plenty of activities, whether in the spring, summer, fall, or winter. In the warmer months, you can indulge in river rafting and waterskiing, while in the cold season, you stay dry on a boat cruise or risk kayaking!
When is the best time to visit Interlaken?
There's never a bad time to go from Munich to Interlaken. Each month brings its own unique traits. But due to the abundance of outdoor activities, the warmer months of the year are the best time to travel.
The hot season begins in late May and finishes at the beginning of October. August is the hottest month when temperatures can rise to 87° Fahrenheit. The slightly cooler months of fall or spring may be more pleasant for hiking and taking tours.
Since Interlaken sees harsh winters, locals come out in force and create a carnival atmosphere along its streets and outdoor eateries. The arrival of tourists and the seasonal events also add to the festive ambiance!
The shortest road distance from Munich to Interlaken is 270 miles, which can take 5 hours without disruptions. However, leaving Munich's rush hour traffic between 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM or during icy conditions in the winter could add an extra hour to the duration.
You can travel from Munich to Interlaken by private car, train, or bus. Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest, easiest, and most comfortable mode of transportation. The bus is a budget-friendly method, and the train is a scenic way to embark on the voyage.
Overall, Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the best way to get from Munich to Interlaken. It's the fastest and most comfortable mode of transportation that will pick you up at your hotel in Munich and drop you off at your new one in Interlaken. Additionally, you can stop to explore cities you may never have heard of or visit UNESCO-listed sights en route!
As of 2024, no direct train runs from Munich to Interlaken. Most trains require 2-3 changes at either Zurich, Basel, or Bern. However, some trains that run through Zurich require only one change and can take 5 hours and 34 minutes.
There is no direct flight from Munich to Interlaken. In fact, Interlake doesn't have an airport. The closest airport is in Bern, 32 miles northwest of the town. Due to the cost, duration, and lack of convenience, a flight isn't recommended when traveling from Munich to Interlaken.
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France
2019年11月21日
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United States
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Kathleen G.
2018年10月9日
"We really enjoyed this service as it was stress free and the easiest way to get to our destination without the hassle of trains or airports. Tomas went above and beyond and was an excellent driver. He was informative when we asked him questions and was very accommodating with a clean and comfortable car. I would recommend Tomas to future travelers."
