3 Days in Switzerland: A Scenic Road Trip Around Lake Thun, Interlaken & Beyond

If you're dreaming of a short yet unforgettable escape to Switzerland with your family, this 3-day itinerary is for you. We rented a car and stayed near Lake Thun, which made the perfect base to explore mountains, lakes, and charming alpine towns at our own pace. With an international driving permit, driving was easy and flexible—especially helpful when traveling with kids. We visited in October, and honestly, it was the best decision. The weather was crisp but not too cold, the autumn colors were absolutely stunning, and the crowds had thinned out. There's a quiet charm to Switzerland in the fall. Everything feels more peaceful, more golden, more yours. Day 1: Schynige Platte & Interlaken We kicked off the trip with one of the most scenic rides in Switzerland: the cogwheel train to Schynige Platte. It slowly climbed through pine forests and meadows, and by the time we reached the top, the view opened up to a full 360-degree panorama of the Alps. It felt like we were on the edge of the sky. We had lunch at the mountaintop restaurant with the peaks all around us—it was peaceful and surreal. In the afternoon, we returned to Interlaken, strolled through the town, and let the day wind down with a view of the lakes and mountains from below. That contrast—from the heights to the valley—was part of what made the day so special. Day 2: A Day of Grounding at Lake Blausee The second day was all about nature and quiet. We drove to Lake Blausee, a tiny lake tucked into the forest near Kandersteg. It’s honestly the clearest water I’ve ever seen. You can spot an old tree trunk lying perfectly still at the bottom, like a silent witness from hundreds of years ago. We walked through the forest trails, let our daughter play among the leaves, and just breathed. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, where you naturally speak softer and move gentler. Blausee was more than just beautiful—it felt sacred, like a place meant for stillness and connection. Day 3: Interlaken & Harder Kulm We spent our last day exploring Interlaken. The town is peaceful, with charming streets, cozy cafés, and mountain views at every turn. After a slow morning walk and a bit of souvenir shopping, we took the funicular up to Harder Kulm. The ride up was short, and the view from the top was breathtaking—lakes on both sides, and the famous trio: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau standing tall in the distance. We stepped out onto the viewing platform, took it all in, then relaxed with coffee at the panoramic restaurant. It was the perfect way to end the trip—easy, beautiful, and close to everything. Simple Travel Tips * Renting a Car: Make sure you have an International Driving Permit. Having your own car lets you stop whenever you want, which is perfect for spontaneous views or snack breaks. * Budget Meals: Groceries from Coop supermarket are great for quick lunches or picnic-style dinners. And honestly, McDonald’s can be a lifesaver when traveling with kids. * Souvenir Tip: Don’t underestimate the joy of postcards. We picked a few cute ones and mailed them to friends—and even sent one to ourselves as a little keepsake. #travel #switzerland #naturalwonders