New Year's Eve in Interlaken 2026/2027: Celebrations, Fireworks & Program

Welcome to the New Year's Eve 2026/2027 in Interlaken

Set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken marks the turn of the year with a three-day programme from 31 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. Local tourism calls it one of Switzerland’s longest New Year celebrations: hotel and restaurant parties on New Year’s Eve, the free open-air concert Touch the Mountains on 1 January along Höheweg and the Höhematte, and the traditional Harder-Potschete parade on 2 January. With the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch as a backdrop, the destination suits visitors who want alpine scenery, winter sports and festive nights in one trip.

Highlights & Attractions at New Year's Eve in Interlaken

• Official fireworks on 1 January 2027 at 19:45 on the Höhematte, with the Jungfrau massif behind the display
• Free Touch the Mountains open-air concert on New Year’s Day from 13:00 on Höheweg
• Trychler bell groups, folklore ensembles and food stalls along the promenade
• Harder-Potschete on 2 January 2027: masked parade with the Hardermannli, his companion and the Potschen
• New Year’s Eve dinners and countdown parties in hotels and restaurants around Höheweg
• Skiing and snowboarding in the Jungfrau Region, including Grindelwald and Wengen
• Views of two lakes, festive lights on the promenade and a classic Alpine skyline

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026/2027

31 December 2026 in Interlaken is mainly about hotel and restaurant celebrations. Many venues offer special menus and countdown evenings; tables sell out early. Unlike Zurich, Interlaken does not currently list a single, city-run midnight fireworks show as its main official programme. Private fireworks are generally permitted on New Year’s Eve under municipal rules, subject to weather, drought measures and any temporary bans. The festive focus is the Höheweg, the Höhematte park and the lakeshore setting between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

On 1 January 2027, Touch the Mountains opens the year on Höheweg beside the Höhematte. Food stalls start from 13:00, Swiss live acts take the stage, and Trychler plus folklore groups add local colour. The 2027 lineup had not been announced as of August 2026; previous editions featured well-known Swiss artists. The fireworks follow at 19:45. On 2 January 2027 the Harder-Potschete procession starts from Marktplatz, typically just after 14:00, travels via Unterseen and returns to the square for mask presentations before celebrations continue in local pubs. Always check interlaken.swiss for weather-related or permit changes.

Tickets & Admission for New Year's Eve Interlaken

Access to the promenade, the open-air concerts and the Harder-Potschete parade is free. Optional Golden Circle tickets for Touch the Mountains give a fenced spot in front of the stage. For the 2026 edition, advance prices converted to about 31 euros for children under 12 and about 42 euros for adults; confirm 2027 rates when presale opens. Hotel New Year’s Eve dinners are charged separately and can be expensive. Paid park-and-ride near JungfrauPark with a shuttle into the centre has been offered in previous years. Programme and ticket updates: interlaken.swiss and touchthemountains.ch.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Interlaken

• Arrive by train at Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost; Höheweg runs between the two stations and is walkable. Direct trains run from Zurich and Bern.
• Expect cold Alpine weather in late December and early January, often with snow and wind. Wear layers, sturdy winter shoes and gloves for the outdoor concert and fireworks.
• Hotels on Höheweg and properties with Jungfrau views book out quickly over New Year. Reserve rooms and festive dinners well in advance.
• If you plan to ski, add a day in the Jungfrau Region and check lift status, piste reports and public-transport times on 1 and 2 January.
• Claim a viewing spot on the Höhematte or Höheweg early for the fireworks. Avoid bulky bags and lighting fireworks in dense crowds; follow current municipal safety rules.