Winter Magic in Switzerland: My 5‑Day Interlaken & Meiringen Adventure

If you are dreaming of a winter escape with a little adventure and a lot of comfort, this is a fantastic place to start.

The trip began in Zurich, where we boarded the train to Interlaken. Swiss rail really does live up to its reputation: clean, comfortable and precisely on time. Both first and second class are very good, so it is easy to match the journey to different expectations and budgets.

Arriving into Interlaken West, it was just a short walk to our first hotel, with crisp alpine air and snow‑capped mountains appearing between the buildings as a tantalising preview of what was to come.

Our base for the first nights was the modern, minimalist Hey Hotel Interlaken. Rooms were a good size, spotless and thoughtfully designed. The public areas have a playful, quirky feel, from the full‑sized multicoloured horse in the foyer to contemporary art pieces in the lobby. It is ideal for guests who enjoy a contemporary, slightly offbeat style and a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

We also visited the more traditional Hotel Beau‑Rivage, with beautifully refurbished rooms and wonderful views towards the Jungfrau and surrounding peaks. This suits couples looking for that classic Swiss hotel experience: elegant, comfortable and very much focused on the scenery.

A gentle stroll through Interlaken gave us time to soak up the mountain views, watch horse‑drawn carriages clip‑clop through town and get a feel for the easy going winter vibe.

Raclette on Lake Brienz

Our first evening showcased just how imaginative a Swiss winter itinerary can be. We boarded a small boat on Lake Brienz for a raclette dinner on the water. Raclette is a classic Swiss dish of melted cheese served with potatoes and accompaniments, and enjoying it out on the lake felt wonderfully atmospheric.

The evening was clear and calm, with the sun setting on one side and the moon rising on the other as we glided across the glassy water, wine in hand. It was simple, cosy, memorable and a lovely way to start the trip.

Snowshoeing & Chocolate Making

Day two took us higher into the mountains. After a short transfer and a ride on the ski lifts, we clipped into snowshoes and headed out across the winter landscape. Snowshoeing is a brilliant option for non‑skiers: you are right in the middle of the snowy scenery without needing any technical skills, and it is easy to adjust the pace to suit different abilities.

We crossed a frozen lake where local fishermen had drilled holes through the ice and were patiently ice fishing. It was moderately hard work, especially uphill, but very achievable for most reasonably fit travellers and a lot of fun. A relaxed mountain lunch and an unusual but tasty alcohol‑free milk drink rounded off the outing.

Back in Interlaken, we had a little free time to browse the shops before an evening of chocolate making. In a specialist chocolate shop, we were taken through the process from bean to bar, then invited to blend and decorate our own creations. Everyone left with personalised Swiss chocolate to take home, making this a fantastic activity for couples, friends or families.

That night we dined at the Italian restaurant in the very grand Victoria‑Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa: beautiful rooms, polished service and excellent food, ideal for a special evening or celebration during a stay in Interlaken.

Hot Tubs & Handcrafted Toys

On day three the group split between two very different experiences. Some chose a floating hot tub on the lake, a wood‑fired jacuzzi kept at around 38°C and gently towed across the water as you relax and enjoy the mountain views. It is an unusual, indulgent way to experience the landscape and a fun option for couples or small groups.

Others, myself included, visited a traditional woodcraft centre famous for its hand‑carved toys. Surrounded by shelves of charming wooden pieces, I had the chance to carve and paint my own small Swiss cow, a hands‑on way to connect with local craftsmanship and bring home a unique souvenir.

From there we continued by bus and train to Meiringen in the Bernese Oberland, best known for its Sherlock Holmes links and the nearby Reichenbach Falls. The journey showed just how easy it is to move around Switzerland by public transport, with smooth connections and scenic views throughout.

Our base here was the charming, family‑run Hotel Alpbach. It has a warm, traditional feel and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Rooms are very comfortable for couples, and there are excellent options for families too, making it a lovely base for exploring the area in winter.

That afternoon we took the cable car up the mountain, donned helmets, picked up sledges and set off down a dedicated sledging track. This was no gentle nursery slope. The route followed a proper mountain road, with bends and occasional steep drops at the side, making it fast, exhilarating and enormous fun. It is a great choice for anyone who fancies some winter adrenaline without committing to skiing lessons.

Our final full day was dedicated to skiing. After collecting equipment in town, we took a combination of lifts up to the higher slopes, where the snow line sat late in the season. Conditions were cold, with hard‑packed, slightly icy snow, but the views were superb and it felt fantastic to be back on skis. We enjoyed a morning of satisfying runs, then regrouped at a high‑altitude restaurant for a scenic lunch before heading back down to Meiringen for some last‑minute shopping.

That evening we rounded off the trip with a beautiful three‑course dinner at the Victoria Alpine Boutique Hotel. With its stylish, intimate feel and excellent cuisine, it was a perfect final‑night treat and a great recommendation for anyone looking for something a little special in Meiringen.

Scenic Journey Home & Who This Trip Suits

The journey back to Zurich included a particularly beautiful panoramic train segment, offering sweeping views of lakes, valleys and alpine villages as we headed towards our final connection and flight home. In Switzerland, even the travel days feel like part of the holiday.

This type of Swiss itinerary in and around Interlaken and Meiringen works especially well for:

Active couples or friends who enjoy trying new things like snowshoeing, sledging or skiing

Families with older children or teens who want a blend of activities and relaxed time together

Non‑skiers in winter who still want that magical snowy mountain experience, scenic rail journeys and alpine views

Food and culture lovers who appreciate local specialities, chocolate workshops and characterful hotels

With the flexibility of the Swiss rail network and a range of hotel styles from quirky modern to classic grand and cosy boutique, there is huge scope to tailor a trip like this to your interests, pace and budget.

If this has sparked ideas for your own Swiss escape, contact me and I will design a personalised itinerary with handpicked hotels, rail passes and experiences to match exactly how you like to travel.