Hike the Many Sustainable Alpine Trails

To plan your trip, review Jungfrau - Top of Europe.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Interlaken Tourism.

For a vertical challenge, try the steep walk up to the Harder Kulm viewpoint. The trail is well-maintained to prevent soil erosion in the delicate alpine zone. Always stay on marked paths to protect the vital local flora and fauna. These trails are open daily and offer various difficulty levels for all visitors.

Pack a reusable water bottle to refill at the many pure mountain springs. Drinking fresh Swiss water helps you avoid single-use plastic bottles during your hike. Remember to carry all your trash back to the town for proper recycling. Most hiking paths are easily accessible from the town center within ten minutes.

Enjoy Solar-Powered Boating on Lake Brienz

Lake Brienz is famous for its turquoise water and peaceful, natural atmosphere. Choosing solar-powered or electric boat rentals is a great way to stay green. These quiet vessels do not disturb the local fish or underwater plants. You can find several eco-friendly rental shops located near the Interlaken Ost station.

Kayaking at the nearby village of Bönigen is another excellent low-impact lake activity. Professional guides offer tours that teach you about the lake's unique glacial ecosystem. Paddling yourself is a healthy way to see the waterfalls and steep cliffs. Expect to pay around 35 CHF for a two-hour guided kayak session.

Swimming in the designated public areas is a wonderful, zero-waste summer activity. The water quality in Lake Brienz is exceptionally high throughout the entire year. Visit the Burgseeli natural lido for a warmer swimming experience in a protected moor. This area focuses on biodiversity while providing a fun space for families.

Discover Local Farm-to-Table Food Experiences

Eating locally is essential for any green trip to the Bernese Oberland region. Visit the weekly markets in Interlaken to buy organic produce directly from farmers. You can find fresh alpine cheese, seasonal fruits, and artisanal bread every Saturday. This practice supports the local economy and reduces your travel carbon footprint significantly.

Many restaurants now focus on local farm-to-table dining in Interlaken for their 2026 menus. These establishments use ingredients grown within a few miles of the kitchen. Look for the Bio-Suisse certification logo to ensure the highest organic standards. Meals usually cost between 25 and 50 CHF per person in town.

Try visiting a traditional alpine hut to see how mountain cheese is made. These huts often use renewable energy sources to power their small dairy operations. Purchasing cheese directly from the maker ensures the farmers receive a fair price. It is a delicious way to learn about centuries-old Swiss agricultural traditions.

Use Electric Rails for Mountain Access

Switzerland is a global leader in sustainable public transport and mountain rail systems. Most trains in the region run on hydroelectric power generated from mountain meltwater. Using the SBB CFF FFS network is much greener than driving a car. You can reach high-altitude villages like Mürren using only electric cable cars.

The Interlaken Guest Card provides free local bus travel for all overnight visitors. This initiative encourages tourists to leave their vehicles at their hotels or hostels. Learning how to travel Interlaken without a car makes your trip more relaxing. The buses run frequently and connect all the major tourist sights efficiently.

Take the historic Jungfrau Railways for an unforgettable ride to the Eiger Glacier. These trains use regenerative braking systems to feed energy back into the grid. It is an engineering marvel that prioritizes environmental protection in the high Alps. Tickets can be booked online to save time and reduce paper waste.

Visit the Alpine Garden on Schynige Platte

The Alpine Garden on Schynige Platte is a must-see for nature lovers in 2026. It features over 700 species of plants that grow naturally in the mountains. This garden plays a vital role in protecting endangered Swiss alpine flower species. Visitors can walk along the easy paths to see Edelweiss and Gentian.

Education is a core part of the mission at this unique botanical site. You can learn how climate change affects the delicate balance of mountain ecosystems. The garden is open from July to late September when flowers are blooming. Entry is usually included with your train ticket to the Schynige Platte summit.

Supporting these conservation efforts helps keep the Swiss Alps vibrant and healthy. Detailed signage explains the medicinal and cultural uses of many local mountain plants. By visiting, you contribute to the ongoing research and preservation of high-altitude biodiversity. Take the vintage cogwheel train from Wilderswil for a truly nostalgic, green experience.