Interlaken's central location in the Bernese Oberland makes it an excellent base for day trips. Bern is an hour by train, Lucerne ninety minutes, and the mountain villages of Grindelwald and Brienz are right on the doorstep.
Take the funicular up Beatenberg-Niederhorn for panoramic views, or hike in the Grindelwald-First area past crystal-clear alpine lakes. Brienz is worth a half-day for its old village, lake promenade and the Giessbach Falls. The Emmentaler cheese dairy to the north offers tastings, farm equipment displays and a full day out.
In warm weather, boat cruises run on both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, including evening sailings. The small fishing village of Iseltwald on Lake Brienz is known for its fresh fish restaurants.