Zurich to Interlaken Train Location

1. Purchase your tickets online in advance

Purchase your tickets online in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season (summer and winter) to secure your seats.

2. Packing Tips

• Pack layers of clothing suitable for changing weather conditions, especially in spring and fall.
• Sturdy hiking boots are essential for exploring the mountains.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a raincoat.
• Pack a swimsuit if you plan on visiting any spas or pools.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your activities.Walking shoes are essential for exploring the park grounds. Dress appropriately for the chosen season.

3. Take advantage of a guided tour

These tours are led by experienced guides, offering valuable insights and information to enrich your experience, ensuring a more comprehensive and enhanced visit. To book such a tour, check out our tickets & tours section.

4. Take advantage of an audio guide

If you wish to explore Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe” on your own, an Audio Guide is your perfect companion. It will undoubtedly enhance your experience by providing detailed information. Multilingual audio guides are available to download from the Apple Store and Google Play. Just klick and get started!

Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”
https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/jungfraujoch-top-of-europe/smartguide/ 

5. Photography & Video Recording

The majestic scenery of Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Zermatt provides fantastic opportunities to capture stunning photos and videos. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best shots while respecting the environment and local regulations:

Lighting

• Early mornings and evenings: The golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers the best lighting for capturing landscapes with warm hues and dramatic shadows.
• Flat midday light: Can create harsh shadows and washed-out colors. Consider using a tripod and adjusting exposure settings for better results.
• Overcast days: Can create a diffused light that works well for capturing waterfalls, forests, and other scenes with a moody atmosphere. 

Drone Regulations

• Drone use is heavily regulated in Switzerland. Be sure to register your drone with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) if its take-off weight exceeds 500 grams [invalid URL removed].
• Always check for no-fly zones around airports, military bases, and nature conservation areas.
• Respect privacy and avoid flying your drone over private property or near people without their permission.

6. Rules

Here’s a breakdown of some common rules and etiquette to follow in trains, cable cars, mountain stations, as well as in the villages Interlaken, Grindelwald, Zermatt, and surrounding areas:

Trains

• Tickets: Always validate your ticket before boarding by stamping it at the designated machines located at train stations. Keep your ticket readily available for inspections.
• Seating: Most trains have designated seating, so find your assigned seat or look for empty seats in non-reserved areas.
• Luggage: Place large luggage in designated luggage racks or overhead compartments. Smaller backpacks can be kept on your lap or under your seat.
• Noise: Be mindful of noise levels and avoid loud conversations or phone calls that might disturb other passengers.
• Food and Drinks: Eating and drinking are generally allowed on trains. However, avoid bringing strong-smelling foods or littering.

Rules (cont.)

Cable Cars

• Queues: Line up orderly and wait for your turn to board the cable car.
• Standing: Standing is usually allowed if there’s space available, but give priority to those who need to sit (elderly, people with disabilities).
• Large items: Check if there are any restrictions on bringing bulky items like skis or bikes on the cable car.
• Dogs: Leash your dog and keep it under control during the ride. Some cable cars might have specific regulations regarding pets, so check beforehand.

Mountain Stations

• Safety: Follow all safety instructions and signage posted around the station.
• Weather: Be aware of weather conditions, especially at high altitudes. Dress appropriately and wear proper footwear.
• Restaurants: Many mountain stations have restaurants and cafes. Follow any specific guidelines regarding waiting for tables or ordering food.
• Restrooms: Use restrooms responsibly and dispose of waste properly.

Villages

• Pedestrians: Most villages in these areas are pedestrian-friendly. Be aware of pedestrians and give them the right of way.
• Parking: Parking can be limited in these areas. Pay attention to parking signs and restrictions.
• Noise: Respect the tranquility of the villages. Avoid loud music or late-night noise that might disturb residents.
• Waste disposal: Look for designated trash bins and dispose of your waste responsibly.

7. Kid’s fun

The villages and mountains of Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Zermatt offer a plethora of activities to keep your children entertained and engaged. Here are some ideas categorized by location:

In the Villages

• Adventure Playgrounds: Most villages have designated playgrounds with slides, swings, climbing structures, and sandpits, perfect for letting off steam.
• Family-Friendly Restaurants: Look for restaurants with outdoor seating, children’s menus, and highchair availability.
• Leisurely Strolls: Explore the charming car-free villages, browse local shops selling souvenirs and traditional crafts.
• Cultural Activities: Visit museums or historical sites that offer interactive exhibits or guided tours for families. In Spiez at Lake Thun, explore the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum) or take a scenic boat tour on Lake Brienz or Thun. Grindelwald offers the fascinating Grindelwald Museum with its local history exhibits.
• Miniature Golf: Many villages have miniature golf courses, a fun activity for the whole family.

Kid’s fun (cont.)

On the Mountains

• Hiking Trails: Choose family-friendly trails with gentle inclines and stunning scenery. Many areas offer themed trails specifically designed for children, like the “Marmot Trail” near Grindelwald.
• Themed Activities: Many mountain stations have organized activities for children, such as treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, or face painting.
• Water Activities: In summer, some areas offer lake swimming or designated paddling pools for children.
• Animal Encounters: Certain mountain stations might have petting zoos or offer opportunities to learn about local wildlife.
• Playgrounds at Mountain Stations: Many mountain stations have dedicated children’s play areas with slides, climbing structures, and sandpits.
• Panoramic Gondola Rides: Enjoy scenic gondola rides to viewpoints, offering breathtaking views and a fun way to access different mountain areas.

Kid’s fun (cont.)

Additional Tips

• Plan Activities Based on Age: Consider your children’s ages and interests when choosing activities. Younger children might enjoy playgrounds and shorter hikes, while older children might prefer more challenging trails or adventure activities.
• Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes for your children. Pack layers of clothing as weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
• Involve Your Children in Planning: Let your children have some input on choosing activities, making them more invested and excited about the trip.
• Take Breaks: Schedule breaks for snacks, bathroom stops, and to admire the scenery.
• Embrace the Adventure: Be prepared for unexpected detours or changes in plans. Maintain a positive attitude and focus on creating lasting memories with your children.

8. Accessibility

In trains

• Most modern trains in Switzerland are equipped with low-floor carriages and wheelchair lifts, making boarding easier for people with limited mobility.
• Designated spaces: Look for wheelchair symbols on trains to identify dedicated areas for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
• Assistance: Consider requesting assistance from train staff when boarding or disembarking, especially at stations with larger gaps between the platform and train doors. You can usually contact them through designated help buttons or by informing station personnel in advance.

In cable cars

• Accessibility varies: Not all cable cars are wheelchair accessible. It’s best to check with the specific cable car operator beforehand to confirm if they can accommodate wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
• Some cable cars might offer alternative transport options for people with disabilities, like a special transfer vehicle to access the cable car cabins.

Accessibility (cont.)

At mountain stations

• Level access: Many newer mountain stations have elevators and ramps to ensure accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Accessible restrooms: Look for designated restrooms with wider doorways and grab bars for added accessibility.

In villages

• Generally pedestrian-friendly: Most villages in these areas are car-free with cobblestone streets, which can be challenging for wheelchairs.
• Limited sidewalks: Be aware that some villages might have narrow or uneven sidewalks, making navigation with a wheelchair more difficult.

Here are some resources to help you plan your trip with accessibility in mind:

>>Swiss Travel System – Accessibility

>>Interlaken Tourism – Travel Tips for People with Reduced Mobility

>>Grindelwald – Accessible Grindelwald

>>Zermatt – Accessible Zermatt

9. Souvenirs

Buying souvenirs in Switzerland, including in villages such as Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Zermatt, is a popular activity for visitors looking to take home a piece of Swiss culture and craftsmanship. Some common practices and considerations when buying souvenirs include:

• Variety of Souvenirs: Swiss souvenirs range from traditional items such as Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, and Swiss chocolates to local crafts, textiles, and artisanal products. Visitors can find a wide variety of souvenirs to suit different tastes and preferences.
• Authenticity: Look for souvenirs that are made in Switzerland and reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. Handcrafted items and products made from local materials are often prized for their authenticity and quality.
• Souvenir Shops: Villages like Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Zermatt have numerous souvenir shops catering to tourists. These shops offer a diverse selection of souvenirs, including locally-made goods, clothing, accessories, and gifts.
• Markets and Festivals: Local markets and festivals are excellent places to find unique and authentic souvenirs. These events often feature local artisans and craftsmen selling their handmade products, providing visitors with an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind items directly from the creators.

10. Maps/Brochures/Flyers

>>Interlaken Map
>>Grindelwald Map
>>Zermatt Map
>>Switzerland in general Map

11. Current weather

>>Interlaken Weather
>>Grindelwald Weather
>>Zermatt Weather
>>Switzerland Weather in general

12. Local currency

The currency of Switzerland is the franc. Consider exchanging some cash for smaller purchases and for places that may not accept credit cards and other debit cards.