- Interlaken Switzerland
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The short answer is: Absolutely. While the Jungfrau Region is a world-class skiing destination, it is also a “Winter Wonderland” for those who prefer boots over bindings. However, to make the most of your trip, you need to know a few local secrets about the weather and location..
The biggest challenge of staying in Interlaken during winter is the “Hochnebel” (high fog). Due to the lakes, Interlaken can remain under a gray, overcast blanket for weeks.
Local Pro Tip: Don’t let the gray skies in town fool you. We highly recommend booking your stay in higher-altitude, car-free villages like Wengen or Mürren. Sitting at over 1,200m–1,600m, these villages are often bathed in brilliant sunshine above the cloud line, offering crisp air and “infinity” views while the valley below is in the dark.
Mürren: Best for a quiet, authentic mountain village vibe.
Wengen: Best for easy access to mountain railways and a slightly sunnier atmosphere.
Even if you never touch a pair of skis, the Jungfrau Region offers bucket-list experiences that are actually better in the winter.
The crown jewel of any visit is the Jungfraujoch. At 3,454 meters, it is the highest railway station in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Experience: You take the ultra-modern Eiger Express tricable gondola from Grindelwald, cutting the travel time significantly. You’ll stand on the Aletsch Glacier, explore the Ice Palace (tunnels carved directly into the glacier), and get a 360° view of the Alps.
Why Winter? The air is much drier and clearer in winter, meaning your visibility from the Sphinx Observatory is often much better than in the hazy summer months.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley, famous for its 72 waterfalls, undergoes a magical transformation. When temperatures drop, the massive falls like Staubbach freeze into giant, turquoise ice sculptures. Walking through the valley in winter feels like stepping into a movie set—cold, quiet, and spectacular.
Sledging is not just for kids here; it’s a national sport. The Jungfrau Region boasts over 50km of dedicated sledging runs.
The “Big Pintenfritz”: Located in Grindelwald-First, this is one of the longest sledging runs in Europe (15km!).
Night Sledging & Fondue: Many local huts offer a “Night Sledging” package. You take a cable car up, enjoy a traditional Swiss cheese fondue, and then sledge down the mountain by starlight. It is the ultimate Swiss winter experience.
Interlaken is the Adventure Capital of Europe, and the flight schools operate year-round. Tandem Paragliding in winter offers incredibly stable air and a snow-capped perspective of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau that skiers never get to see.
Car-Free Serenity: Wengen and Mürren are only accessible by train or cable car. In winter, the absence of cars makes the “crunch” of snow under your boots the only sound you hear.
Winter Hiking: There are over 100km of groomed winter hiking trails in the region. These are specifically packed down so you can walk in regular hiking boots without sinking into the snow.
The Vertical Drop: The Schilthorn (near Mürren) features the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant. In winter, the view of the “Big Three” peaks is often so clear you can see all the way to the Black Forest in Germany.
Get the “Jungfrau Hiking & Sledging Pass”: Don’t buy a standard skipass! There is a specialized pass for non-skiers that gives you unlimited access to the trains and gondolas at a much lower rate.
Dress in Layers: Even if it’s -10°C, the mountain sun is incredibly strong. You will want to be able to peel off layers when sitting on a sunny terrace.
Check the Webcams: Always check the local webcams in the morning. Even if it looks miserable and gray in Interlaken, it might be a blue-bird day up in Wengen.
Winter in Switzerland is about more than just skiing; it’s about the cold air, the hot cheese, and the world’s most beautiful train rides.