This inland itinerary threads through some of Switzerland's most celebrated alpine scenery, beginning in Gstaad, a refined winter resort long favored by well-heeled travelers, where chalet-lined streets sit beneath green foothills. The route continues to Interlaken, one of the country's oldest resort towns, set on a narrow strip of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with views toward the Jungfrau massif. A short drive further leads to Grindelwald, a glacier village framed by the Eiger's north face.
Each stop offers a different facet of the Bernese Oberland, from Gstaad's polished mountain elegance to Interlaken's lakeside promenades and Grindelwald's dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Free time in Interlaken allows for an easy walk through its town center, making it a practical base for admiring the surrounding alpine panorama without a strenuous itinerary.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Gruyere Area-Gstaad-Interlaken-Grindelwald.
Sample Gruyère Cheese and Chocolate
The nearby Gruyère region is famed for its namesake cheese and historic dairies; a stop at a local creamery or the medieval hilltop village offers a quick taste of Swiss dairy tradition before continuing into the mountains.
Gaze Up at the Eiger's North Face
Grindelwald sits directly beneath the Eiger's sheer 6,000-foot wall, one of alpine mountaineering's most storied faces; a short stroll through the village provides unobstructed views without any climbing required.
Ride a Funicular Above Interlaken
For those with extra time, the Harder Kulm funicular climbs from central Interlaken in about 10 minutes to a viewpoint overlooking both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Jungfrau massif beyond.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Click a cruise line to see its Gruyere Area-Gstaad-Interlaken-Grindelwald sailings and Pavlus pricing.
