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For a first three days based in Spiez or Thun, leave a day for the lake, one for a mountain and one for Lauterbrunnen’s valley. That gives you a little time to get to know the place you are staying. The mountain takes whichever day has the clearest forecast; the numbered order below is yours to move around.
Day one: start close to the lake
Start with Spiez’s harbour and bay, or follow Thun’s old-town lanes down to the Aare and stop for lunch. Either is a good first morning after travelling. In clear weather, Sigriswil’s bridge is an optional afternoon outing. If you are content by the water, stay there. In Spiez, remember that the station is uphill from the bay; save a little energy for the return.
Day two: give one mountain your attention
Pick Grindelwald First or Oeschinensee, not both. First suits a day centred on a gondola and the open attractions. Oeschinensee still involves a walk after the gondola; check ascent reservations and choose a route suited to your group. Leave space for lunch, station changes and the last ride down.
If Jungfraujoch is your priority, replace this whole day. The complete journey from Lake Thun can exceed two hours each way. It is a poor add-on to First or a full Lauterbrunnen outing.
Day three: slow down in the valley
Explore Lauterbrunnen's waterfalls, with one walk and a proper lunch stop. Low cloud can still leave plenty to see in the valley. Heavy rain or storms call for a different plan, not a wet gorge. Blausee is a gentler alternative in suitable conditions: paid park entry, woodland paths and no swimming.
Staying four or five days?
Add Suldtal and Pochtenfall when the path and seasonal access are open. Give another day to Lake Brienz, choosing a sailing only after checking the return timetable. The two-lake comparison helps with that choice.
With small children, keep one main outing per day, carry lunch or snacks, and drop the afternoon extra first. A playground stop can be the afternoon. A fifth day is also useful for moving the mountain trip when the weather changes.