Switzerland is expensive. There is no way around that. And budgeting can be a challenge!
Food is very expensive. Mountain gondolas are out of this world. And train journeys are not cheap either!
These tips will help you save a little money in the Interlaken Region.
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1. Grab A Regional Pass
One of the best ways to save money is to spend it. And a regional pass in the Interlaken/Jungfrau Region can save you boatloads of money.
There are two main options for those of you staying for 3 days or more:
- Berner Oberland Pass – offers extensive free travel on public transport and most of the mountain excursions (click on the link for detailed information which ones)
- Jungfrau Travel Pass – is more focused on Interlaken but includes the lakes as well
2. Use The Interlaken or Jungfrau Guest Card
If you are staying in or around Interlaken (many of the nearby regions are included) then you are entitled to the Interlaken Guest Card. This card offers you free travel in the Interlaken region (not to Grindelwald etc) as well as lots of discounts on local attractions and some reasonable discounts on certain mountain excursions.
There is also a similar card from the Jungfrau Region. Yes, I am confused too. But the more discounts the better, right>
It may not equal the Regional Passes I mentioned above, but it is a good start! Don’t forget to ask your accommodation for one!
3. Book The Early Jungfraujoch Trip
One of the most expensive things you can do in Interlaken or even Switzerland is a trip up the Jungfraujoch.
Although the Regional Passes above go a long way to helping with that, not all of you will buy one.
So, if you are only doing the Jungfraujoch excursion then consider the early bird tickets, which are the first three trains up in the morning. They call it the Good Morning Ticket, although given how early you have to get up, I am not sure I would call it that :>
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4. Pack a Picnic
One of the easiest ways to save money when traveling in Switzerland is to bring your own food.
Restaurants are expensive and for at least one big meal a day you can skip them and bring your own picnic.
Head to the supermarket before you start your day and grab some snacks, bread, cheese, salami, crackers, drinks, or anything else you fancy for your picnic. You could also grab a Swiss army knife from Migros (cheaper than the souvenir stores!) to help with the preparation!
Trust me – this is what we locals do when we are in the mountains!
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5. Do Free Activities
Although many of the best things in the Interlaken/Jungfrau area are paid (Jungfraujoch, First, Schilthorn, etc.), there are still many things you can do for free.
I have written a whole post on free things to do in Interlaken, including free local attractions, easy and free hikes, and other options that will save you tonnes of money!
6. Use The Bus Or Train (Not A Taxi)
Taxis are expensive in Switzerland, but in most cases, they are unnecessary!
Instead of jumping in a taxi at the Interlaken Ost/West train station see if you can walk (check Google Maps and click the walking man icon) or try the local buses.
Make good use of Google Maps as a pedestrian as the trains and walking times are on there. Here is an example:
7. Cook Your Own Meals
Another money-saving tip for food is to cook for yourself. At least some of the time.
The best way to do this is to ensure you have a kitchen in your accommodation. So, instead of staying at a hotel, look for :
- Airbnb
- Aparthotels
- Local chalets with kitchens
- Hostels (which have kitchens)
