In early September of this year (2023), we will be traveling by train to Lauterbrunnen. We are interested in exploring Interlaken.Several questions: Is the Open-Air Museum at Ballenberg worth an entire day? What other sights are important? If only one lake to see, which is recommended? We will either hop off the train at Interlaken to explore and then get back on the train to get to Lauterbrunnen, or set aside a day to return to Interlaken to explore. Your recommendations?
Posted by
Chicago
2682 posts
You can easily combine a trip to the Open-Air Museum at Ballenberg with a boat ride on Lake Brienz. And still have time to visit the Hotel Geissbach and waterfalls if interested. That’s what I did this past June. From my trip report:
For my second full day in Wengen, I took an early train/bus to the
Ballenberg outdoor museum. I enjoyed walking around and looking at and
taking pictures of all the old buildings. I arrived before any of the
demonstrations started, so I missed those. It was a nice setting,
mostly in the woods. After a couple of hours, I took the bus to Brienz
to have lunch and wait for the boat to Hotel Geissbach to see the
hotel and waterfalls. What I wasn’t prepared for was the incredible
color of the water. A sight to see in person as pictures just can’t do
it justice. I debated walking to Iseltwald or taking the boat to
Interlaken. I decided I had to get back on that lake, so the boat ride
won out.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-switzerland-my-trip-report
The boat ride on lake thun is also nice with the castles. I did that one the previous year. But the water color of Lake Brienz is really something you have to see in person.
Posted by
Kansas City
268 posts
We were in the area in mid-May 2019. We spent part of a day seeing Interlaken, visiting the Ballenberg Museum and taking a boat ride on Lake Brienz. Those activities were all OK. I didn’t find Interlaken all that interesting. If I had the opportunity to visit in early September, I would rather spend time walking up in the mountains.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8463 posts
You pretty much have to hop off the train in Interlaken, in order to change to the train to Lauterbrunnen. Once you go up the valley (Interlaken is at the foot of the mountains, not in them) I wouldn't go back there until leaving. It's a good logistics stop, but not scenic itself. But thats just my opinion.
Posted by
West Michigan
156 posts
My husband and I spent an entire day at Ballenberg Open Air Museum. Weather permitting, we plan to return there in early May. We enjoyed walking the grounds and looking at all the buildings and exhibits. In addition, we had fun observing the farm animals. Our visit was in October and the weather was cool enough to make the walking pleasant but not so cool we felt cold when we stopped to watch a demonstration. I will add that I have family roots in canton Bern dating back to the 1600s so I am sure that factored into my interest in the historical exhibits.
Whatever you decide to do, have a great adventure!
Traveler Girl