Interlaken Top Autumn Hikes

The Interlaken holiday region is particularly beautiful in autumn. The deep blue sky, the pin-sharp contours of the cloud patterns and nature’s moods are amazingly intense. Experience the golden season with all your senses and discover Interlaken's seasonal culinary delights, such as game specialities and the summer’s fresh cheese straight from the mountains. Go on adventurous hikes or take a leisurely stroll along the shores of the lakes or across alpine pastures through rustling, colourful autumn leaves.

Here are our top tips for stunning autumn hikes to help you make the most of this beautiful region.

1. Smell the mountain flowers on Schynige Platte

The lovely alpine garden at Schynige Platte ©  Interlaken

If you think flowers only bloom in spring, then you've never been on the Schynige Platte in autumn. If you love colourful plants and flowers as much as we do, autumn is the best time to be here. Some 700 alpine plants now grow in the Alpine Garden on Schynige Platte. The robust plants living on this rugged mountain landscape, blossom well into autumn. Their colours are stunning!

2. Take in the spectacular mountain views on Oberberghorn

Fantastic views as you go up to Schynige Platte © Interlaken/ Jeroen Seyffer

Schynige Platte is a great startig point for numerous mountain hikes. One of the most spectacular is the short hike up the Oberberghorn peak - if you are sure-footed and would like to stand on a rocky peak just once in your life, this hike on a steep mountain trail is a must. You'll be rewarded with one of the most stunning 360-degree panoramas you'll ever see: the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau amid the Bernese Alps on one side, with the deep blue Lake Thun and turquoise Lake Brienz on the other. Get your cameras ready - you’ll want this on your Insta!

3. Autumnal hike to the magical Lake Hinterburgseeli

Hinterburgseeli, a charming little lake high up in the mountains ©  Interlaken

Want to experience golden autumnal moments on foot? We recommend the circular route that takes you to Lake Hinterburgseeli on the Axalp. On the way to the green alpine lake in the nature reserve, the «Schnitzlerweg» (woodcarving trail) passes hand-carved wooden sculptures. As you go on, your perspective of the shimmering turquoise tones of Lake Brienz continually alters. Complete your walk by stopping off at the Hilten restaurant for delicious Swiss herdsman’s rösti, served with stunning views.

4. Have a gourmet hike: the Stockhorn Culinary Trail 

One of the cozy restaurants on the Culinary Trail ©  Interlaken

Stockhorn is a gorgeous hiking spot in the region of Interlaken and with this Culinary Trail you can enjoy the views even more. This trail is basically guilt-free and delicious dining - you'll hike from Chrindi midway station to the Stockhorn Panorama Restaurant and back. Each stop is another meal (plus coffee and a delicious surprise), all made with local ingredients. 

5. Best spots for wildlife watching

Maybe you'll spot an ibex on the Niederhorn © Interlaken

Early risers and wildlife watchers? You’ve just found your happy place. Autumn is hunting season in Switzerland, when entire herds of clever chamois and ibexes retreat to no-hunting zones. You can spot them year-round on the ridge trail between the Niederhorn and Gemmenalphorn. You can also see marmots and eagles near this fascinating mountain path. The earlier you get up, the greater your chances of spotting a large number of wild animals.

Either way, the views across the landscape and down into the valleys are majestic. When the sun slowly rises behind the Bernese Alps, bathing the world-famous Three Peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in red, the sight is almost indescribable. To the other side, sheer rock faces plunge into the beautiful Justis valley, where dozens of deer gather every autumn. Early each morning, you can hear the roaring of stags for miles around.

6. Try an adventure trail through the Spiez vineyard

Wonderful views of Spiez vineyards © Switzerland Tourism/ Andreas Gerth

It is not only the trees that change colour by Lake Thun, but the vineyards too. The Spiez Vineyard Sensory Adventure Trail is highly educational on the subject of alpine viniculture; grape and vine specialities are available on site. The view of the glassy Lake Thun and the peak of the Niesen is simply incredible. You can even order a picnic basket for your outing from the local bakery. Treat yourself to some tasty regional cheese and sausage along with fine Spiez wine.

See you soon in Interlaken

Whether it's the Schynige Platte or Stockhorn, Niederhorn or Spiez, you'll surely be rewarded with amazing views and stunning autumn landscapes. 

Find out below more autumn inspiration for hikes in the beautiful region of Interlaken.