Accommodation (5 nights): USD 719

Interlaken: 3 nights at USD 105/night

Lauterbrunnen: 2 nights at USD 202/night

Transportation: USD 582

Paris to Interlaken train: USD 252/person

Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen train: USD 9/person

Taxis & local transfers: USD 60

Activities: USD 971/person

Helicopter skydiving: USD 487

Paragliding: USD 240

Jungfraujoch rail & entry: USD 244

Extras: USD 42.55

Hot mini-donuts: USD 23.69

Lindt chocolate: USD 18.86

Total Trip Cost: USD 3,285
Per Day: USD 556
Per Person: USD 278

Budget Breakdown

Day-by-Day Adventure

1. Helicopter Skydiving with Skydive Interlaken
Hover above the Berner Oberland at 10,000 ft before stepping off a helicopter into the soft, still mountain air. Unlike a plane jump, the helicopter holds position so you can take in panoramic peaks—Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—before your exit. Book at least six weeks ahead (they fly year-round, weather permitting).

2. Tandem Paragliding over the Jungfrau Region
Drift silently above Lake Thun and Lake Brienz for about 15 minutes of pure awe. Pilots launch from Beatenberg or Harder Kulm, both offering easy shuttle connections from Interlaken Ost. Dressing in layers is key: it feels 10 to 15 °F colder at takeoff altitude.

3. Train to Lauterbrunnen & Staubbach Falls
The 20-minute BOB (Berner Oberland Bahn) route plunges you into a U-shaped valley dotted with 72 waterfalls. Staubbach Falls alone plummets 297 m off a limestone cliff, immortalized by poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Trains run every half hour; buy tickets in advance via the SBB Mobile app to save time.

4. Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”
Transfer at Kleine Scheidegg for the 100-year-old Jungfrau Railway’s final 7 km tunnel climb up to 3,454 m. Allow three to four hours round-trip and watch for the Eiger North Face on the way. At the summit station, explore the Ice Palace’s frost sculptures, taste Swiss chocolate at Lindt’s “Chocolate Heaven,” then step onto the Plateau observation deck—bring sturdy sunglasses and sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

Insider Tips & Planning Details

Swiss Travel Pass: Covers unlimited regional trains, buses, and boats for three to eight days, plus free entry to more than 500 museums. It often pays for itself if you’re doing Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch and the lakeside boat ride. Purchase online up to six months in advance.

Advance Bookings: Helicopter skydives and Jungfraujoch tickets sell out fast in summer, so reserve at least six weeks prior. Paragliding outfits typically allow last-minute bookings but have limited slots on sunny weekends.

Altitude Acclimation: Spend your first afternoon on a gentle hike around Interlaken (for example, Höhematte Park) to adjust. Drink plenty of water—Swiss tap water is glacier-fed and delicious—and consider carrying electrolyte packets.

Currency & Costs: Switzerland is not in the EU; prices are quoted in CHF, but most vendors accept USD at a marked-up rate. Withdraw CHF in town and use contactless cards where possible to avoid ATM fees.

Language & Culture: German is primary here; a friendly “Grüezi” goes a long way. Tipping is not required—rounding up 5 to 10 CHF is appreciated for exceptional service.

Packing Checklist:

Layered clothing (base, mid, shell)

Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots

Compact travel backpack (weatherproof)

Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm

Swiss-size power adapter (Type J)