tourist map of interlaken switzerland

Map of Interlaken — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Interlaken, Switzerland for travelers! Check out Interlaken’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Interlaken? See our Interlaken Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Interlaken. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Interlaken map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Interlaken by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 16 attractions in Interlaken

Harder kulm, kunsthaus interlaken.

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Höhematte Interlaken

Schynige platte, interlaken tourismus, tourismuseum, casino interlaken ag, haarige kuh brauerei, galerie wydi, tell-freilichtspiele interlaken, alpenrose hotel and gardens, alpine wildlife park interlaken, heimwehfluh, naturschutzgebiet weissenau, burgruine unspunnen, top 10 restaurants in interlaken, little thai.

Hüsi Bierhaus

La terrasse, pizzeria horn, grand café-restaurant schuh.

Brasserie 17-Happy Inn Lodge

Aare korean bbq restaurant, asllanis corner, transportation in interlaken, nearby airports, zurich airport, highways and major roads.

• A8 motorway
• Brienzersee-Interlaken Expressway (Hauptstrasse 6)
• Lütschine-Interlaken Expressway (Hauptstrasse 11)
• Grindelwald-Interlaken Expressway (Hauptstrasse 381)
• Matten-Interlaken Expressway (Hauptstrasse 8)
• Wilderswil-Interlaken Expressway (Hauptstrasse 223)
• Zweilütschinen-Interlaken Expressway (Hauptstrasse 6)
• Aare-Interlaken Expressway (Route 1)
• Harder Kulm-Interlaken Expressway (Hauptstrasse 27)
• Lombachalp-Interlaken Expressway (Hauptstrasse 121)

Attractions

Popular road trips from Interlaken

What's the weather like in interlaken.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Interlaken for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Interlaken in January
• Weather in Interlaken in February
• Weather in Interlaken in March
• Weather in Interlaken in April
• Weather in Interlaken in May
• Weather in Interlaken in June
• Weather in Interlaken in July
• Weather in Interlaken in August
• Weather in Interlaken in September
• Weather in Interlaken in October
• Weather in Interlaken in November
• Weather in Interlaken in December

All road trips from Interlaken

• Interlaken to Paris drive
• Interlaken to London drive
• Interlaken to Rome drive
• Interlaken to Milan drive
• Interlaken to Barcelona drive
• Interlaken to Florence drive
• Interlaken to Amsterdam drive
• Interlaken to Venice drive
• Interlaken to Prague drive
• Interlaken to Berlin drive
• Interlaken to Munich drive
• Interlaken to Vienna drive
• Interlaken to Turin drive
• Interlaken to Budapest drive
• Interlaken to Brussels drive
• Interlaken to Zurich drive
• Interlaken to Lyon drive
• Interlaken to Geneva drive
• Interlaken to Genoa drive
• Interlaken to Verona drive
• Interlaken to Strasbourg drive
• Interlaken to Naples drive
• Interlaken to Nice drive
• Interlaken to Bologna drive
• Interlaken to Salzburg drive
• Interlaken to Pisa drive
• Interlaken to Cologne drive
• Interlaken to Marseille drive
• Interlaken to Frankfurt drive
• Interlaken to Hamburg drive

Explore nearby places

• Gsteigwiler
• Ringgenberg
• Sundlauenen
• Lauterbrunnen
• Kleine Scheidegg
• Aeschi b. Spiez
• Reichenbach
• Stechelberg
• Grindelwald
• Oberhofen am Thunersee

All related maps of Interlaken

• Map of Unterseen
• Map of Wilderswil
• Map of Boenigen
• Map of Gsteigwiler
• Map of Ringgenberg
• Map of Habkern
• Map of Sundlauenen
• Map of Beatenberg
• Map of Leissigen
• Map of Iseltwald
• Map of Merligen
• Map of Wengen
• Map of Lauterbrunnen
• Map of Sigriswil
• Map of Faulensee
• Map of Gunten
• Map of Aeschi
• Map of Kleine Scheidegg
• Map of Eriz
• Map of Muelenen
• Map of Aeschi b. Spiez
• Map of Hondrich
• Map of Murren
• Map of Spiez
• Map of Reichenbach
• Map of Stechelberg
• Map of Grindelwald
• Map of Kiental
• Map of Gimmelwald
• Map of Oberhofen am Thunersee

Interlaken throughout the year

• Interlaken in January
• Interlaken in February
• Interlaken in March
• Interlaken in April
• Interlaken in May
• Interlaken in June
• Interlaken in July
• Interlaken in August
• Interlaken in September
• Interlaken in October
• Interlaken in November
• Interlaken in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Interlaken?

Get inspired for your trip to Interlaken with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Interlaken Itinerary
• 2-Day Interlaken Itinerary
• 3-Day Interlaken Itinerary
• 4-Day Interlaken Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Interlaken Day Trip: Where to Go & What to See (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

Are you thinking of visiting Interlaken in Switzerland and wondering how to plan your Interlaken day trip ? Or maybe you’re looking for suggestions on what to see and do in Interlaken in one day or a sample Interlaken 1 day itinerary ?

This article features all the nicest places you can visit near Interlaken and will give you a good idea of how to spend a day in Interlaken . Find out!

TIP: If you only have one day for Interlaken in your Switzerland itinerary and don’t know where to start or don’t feel like planning everything, there are also nice day tours that you can consider instead. The most popular tours depart either from Zurich or from Lucerne and visit Interlaken and Grindelwald on the same day.

Visiting Interlaken – OVERVIEW

• What to know when planning a trip to Interlaken
• Lake Brienz vs. Lake Thun
• What to see and do on Interlaken day trip
• Additional suggestions
• 4 different Interlaken itineraries for 1 day
• Map of best places to see in Interlaken area
• Where to stay
• Practical information for visiting Interlaken

What to Know Before You Visit Interlaken

The first thing you may want to know when planning to visit Interlaken is that the town itself isn’t big. You can easily see all there is to see in Interlaken town in just an hour or so.

The second thing you should know is that Interlaken – just as the name suggests – is located between two amazingly beautiful lakes.

These lakes and the proximity to many natural landmarks offer countless sightseeing options when visiting Interlaken… However, it might get really overwhelming trying to decide where to go. Especially if you only have one day in Interlaken…

There is so much to see and do in the Interlaken area that you could create many different itineraries. And I’m not even talking about visiting Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Grindelwald, or Jungfraujoch…

This article focuses solely on visiting Interlaken town and the lakes , but if you have at least one day extra, I highly recommend visiting the nearby Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe as well.

We spent a wonderful day in Interlaken this summer. Below, you can read about our experience when visiting Interlaken and how we planned our Interlaken 1 day itinerary.

Further below you can also find the best alternative suggestions for a one day itinerary in Interlaken. As you will see, there is a lot to choose from!

At the bottom of this post, you can find a map and practical information for planning your visit to Interlaken.

Lake Brienz vs. Lake Thun (Brienzersee or Thunersee)

When researching what to see and where to go in Interlaken, you’ll find the two lakes – Brienzersee and Thunersee – mentioned all the time. It’s because a boat trip on one of the two lakes is an absolute must-do in Interlaken! Since the lakes are big and have more sightseeing options than you could possibly see in a day, you’ll have to decide which of the two lakes – Lake Brienz or Lake Thun – you will want to see.

Good to know: It is also possible to tour both lakes on the same day. While I don’t think it’s a good idea to try to see it all in a very short time, I understand that some people want to make the absolute most out of their Interlaken day trip. So if you really want to see the two lakes in one day, you can. In that case, I recommend that you start as early as possible and plan just one or two stops along the route.

There are regular boat trips on both lakes and they both have something different to offer. If you decide to visit just one lake, it might be hard to choose which one to explore. Here’s some info that might help you decide.

Round trip on the Brienzersee is about 2,5 hours , whereas round trip on the Thunersee , is about 3,5 – 4 hours , depending on the boat. You can choose to hop off and hop back on the boat at every stop along the way.

Boats for Brienzersee depart at Interlaken Ost , just near the Interlaken railway station. Harder Kulm funicular is also located just nearby. Whereas boats for Thunersee depart from Interlaken West , on the other side of town.

Both lakes can be visited the whole year-round, but in winter , there are just very few boat rides. For example, in December, Brienzersee boats only run on Sundays, whereas Thunersee has just one daily departure (two on Sundays).

We were told that a boat ride on Thunersee is a bit more varied than on Brienzersee and there is more to see. It’s mostly known for its castles: Schloss Oberhofen , Schloss Hünegg , Schloss Thun , Schloss Schadau , and Schloss Spiez .

You can visit (some of) the castles by hopping off and back on the Thunersee boat, but keep in mind that you’ll probably need the whole day for this and will be able to visit two or maybe three castles.

Brienzersee is a bit smaller and there are fewer attractions along the way. However, it’s really beautiful and more tranquil. It also has the amazing Giessbach Waterfall that’s well worth a visit.

Lake Thun is still on our bucket list, but for our Interlaken day trip this time, we opted to explore Lake Brienz . Since we visited Interlaken for just one day and wanted to see the town, visit Harder Kulm, and tour one of the lakes, this looked like a more relaxing option. And it was – we had an amazing day in Interlaken area. Further below, you can read about our experience.

Interlaken Day Trip – Our Experience & One Day Itinerary

If you are looking for a nice way to spend a day in Interlaken, then I can really recommend a combination of visiting the town, touring one of the lakes, the villages, and enjoying the views from Harder Kulm.

I have to admit that we didn’t know how to best spend one day in Interlaken and so we asked local guides for the best recommendations. The trip we ended up doing in Interlaken was recommended to us by two different people and it turned out to be a great choice. The scenery along Lake Brienz is amazing and this itinerary has lots of variation.

Below you can find our detailed one day Interlaken itinerary that includes visiting Harder Kulm – Top of Interlaken , a boat trip on Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) , a visit to the beautiful Giessbach Waterfalls , an easy lakeshore hike to the very picturesque village Iseltwald , and Interlaken town itself. Read on to find out how to see it all in one (relaxing) day.

This is a relatively easy Interlaken day trip that starts and ends in Interlaken town center. Further below, you can find some tips for alternative Interlaken itineraries that also start and end in Interlaken. Take a look!

Harder Kulm – Top of Interlaken

We started our day in Interlaken with a short ride on a steep funicular to Harder Kulm . This is one of the most popular Interlaken attractions. In my opinion, visiting Harder Kulm is one of the best things to do in Interlaken!

Harder Kulm is a viewpoint at 1,321 m height overlooking the towns of Interlaken and Unterseen and the two lakes of Interlaken – Thunersee and Brienzersee. The view is amazing and well worth visiting.

No matter how much time you have in Interlaken, make sure to go up to Harder Kulm!

Because it’s one of the best things to do in Interlaken and because it’s so easy to visit, Harder Kulm can get extremely busy. Especially if you come here in summer. We visited at 10 am on a weekday in August and it was already quite lively at the top…

On top of the mountain, there is a souvenir shop and a restaurant with a beautiful terrace. Phenomenal views included. This is a very popular place for sunset, but if you want the views without the crowds, it’s best to come early in the morning.

Practical info: Harder Kulm can be best reached by the funicular that’s located across the river, just near the railway station in the center of Interlaken. The funicular ride takes 10 minutes with departures every 30 minutes… It’s only operating from approximately mid-April till mid-December. In season, you can book your tickets for this funicular here .

You could also hike to Harder Kulm . It’s a short hike of just 4km (2,5 miles), but it’s very steep. It takes about 2.5-3 hours one way. You can choose to ride the funicular one way and hike back, but that would take you a good part of the day.

Boat ride on Lake Brienz

A boat trip on Lake Brienz is a nice experience in itself – the azure blue water and the surrounding mountains are a treat for the eye. Colorful picturesque villages along the lake make the scenery complete.

Accidentally, the boat we took was a historic paddle steamer. It goes a bit slower than the modern boats, but it’s an experience in itself. It was fun to see that some passengers were even dressed in Belle Époque-style clothing…

Below you can read about the places along the lake which we chose to include in our Interlaken one day itinerary after visiting Harder Kulm. Take a look!

Giessbach Waterfalls

Following advice from the locals, we took a boat from Interlaken to Giessbach where we disembarked. This part of the journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Giessbach is just a tiny place by the lake, there isn’t even a village here, just the beautiful historic Grandhotel Giessbach with a restaurant. You can have lunch on the terrace of the hotel or have a picnic on a beautiful lawn next to the hotel, as most people do.

When you arrive in Giessbach by boat, you’re at the lake level which is much lower than the hotel or the waterfall. The easiest way to get to the top is to take a steep funicular. A ride on this historic Giessbach funicular is an attraction in itself! Kids loved it and it saved us a steep walk uphill.

The main reason to visit Giessbach is the famous Giessbach waterfalls . It’s a really impressive waterfall, one of the best ones I’ve seen in Switzerland, that tumbles down in 14 stages till it reaches the lake below.

My pictures don’t do it justice because the sun made it impossible to get a really good shot of all the waterfalls at once, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. Giessbach waterfalls are really beautiful!

It is also possible to walk behind the Giessbach waterfall and that makes a visit even more special! Prepare to get a bit wet – no big deal, just a refreshing splash of water on a warm summer day.

Unless you go hiking in the area, you don’t need more than 30-45 minutes to visit Giessbach, maybe a bit longer if you also have lunch there.

Afterwards, you have several options. You can take a boat to Brienz, take a boat back to Interlaken, or to one of the smaller towns along the lake (more suggestions below).

We opted for yet another option and walked to the nearby village Iseltwald, following the scenic hiking path along the shore of the lake. From there we would take a boat back to Interlaken. Read on!

Giessbach to Iseltwald – Lakeshore Trail

There are several hiking paths connecting Giessbach with Iseltwald. The shortest, the easiest, and the most scenic one is the trail that follows the shore of the lake (so not the one higher up the hill that goes through the forest). It should take you 45-60 minutes to walk between the two places.

Now, I have to be honest with you, the lakeshore trail between Giessbach and Iseltwald is a really nice walk, but it’s not comparable to any other amazing hiking trails in the nearby mountains. So it’s something that is nice to do if you have an hour or two to spare when visiting Interlaken, but it’s definitely not a must if you are short on time.

The first part of this hike is quite boring, actually, but then about halfway, it gets really beautiful. The hiking trail follows a stunning coastline with the azure blue lake on one side and impressive rock formations on the other side. The closer you get to Iseltwald, the better the scenery… Take a look at the pictures below!

Iseltwald itself is a very picturesque village. In summer and weather permitting, you can go swimming in the lake, rent a boat or a kayak, and spend at least half a day just enjoying the ‘beach’.

We made this day trip to Interlaken at the beginning of August, but it wasn’t really swimming weather that day. Our kids took a quick dip in the water and quickly came out. Swimming at the mountain lakes in Switzerland is really only doable with air temperatures of at least 25° C and lots of sunshine…

Because of this short swim, we missed our boat from Iseltwald to Interlaken. This meant that we had about an hour extra in the village. Luckily, Iseltwald is not the worst place to be stuck in for a few hours, that’s for sure. We found a beautiful restaurant terrace near the harbor and enjoyed some drinks and ice cream. When the next boat came, we didn’t feel like leaving…

From Iseltwald, it takes about 35-45 minutes to get back to Interlaken, depending on which boat you take. In summer, there are boats running every hour during the day.

We have been to the Interlaken area so many times in the past but never heard of Iseltwald or Giessbach before.

I’m really glad that this time we took some time to explore these places. They are both really nice, so typically Swiss, and have little crowds. In any case, not much compared to the busy Interlaken town itself or the nearby towns of the Jungfrau region…

There isn’t that much to do in Interlaken town itself, but it’s a very pleasant place. Beautiful buildings, grand hotels built over a century ago, busy little streets lined with shops and restaurants, flowers everywhere, and horse-pulled carriages with tourists… This is what you can expect to find in Interlaken.

We decided to take a walk in town, have a drink, and just take it easy. It was the perfect way to end our day in the Interlaken area. Afterwards, we took a train back to our hotel in Wengen.

So, this is how our Interlaken day trip looked like. Below you can find some alternative recommendations for things you could do when visiting Interlaken. Further below, you can find four different Interlaken one day itinerary suggestions. Read on!

Alternative Sightseeing Options for Visiting Interlaken

As already mentioned, there are so many different ways to spend your day in Interlaken. Below are a few alternative suggestions for you.

Interlaken – Lake Brienz – Giessbach – Brienz

If you are not keen to go hiking or swimming in the lake, we have an alternative suggestion for your day from Interlaken.

In the morning, follow our trip itinerary up to Giessbach. After you visit the waterfall, get back down to the lake and take the next boat to Brienz. That way you can see the entire lake and also pay a visit to Brienz town .

If you take a boat all the way to Brienz, it will take you about 1,5 hours to get back to Interlaken. This would be another good option for your Interlaken day trip.

Lake Brienz – Giessbach – Interlaken – Thunersee

First, follow the same itinerary and visit Harder Kulm in the morning. Then take a boat on Lake Brienz and visit the waterfalls (same as above).

Then afterwards, take a boat from Giessbach back to Interlaken. Have lunch on the boat (to save time) and then take a boat trip on Thunersee in the afternoon.

If you want to see both lakes, I advise to start your day in Interlaken as early as possible and take the very first boat in the morning. Otherwise, just pick one stop on each lake and maybe don’t travel the entire length.

Interlaken – Thunersee

Thunersee is the second one of the two lakes of Interlaken. Just like at Brienzersee, there are also boat tours on Thunersee. In addition, there is a beach area close to the hotel Neuhaus in Unterseen as well. In summer, it’s a busy place…

Just as with Brienzersee, you could spend the whole day just exploring Lake Thun . There are some really nice castles along the shores of Thunersee: Oberhofen Castle, Hünegg Castle, Thun Castle, Schadau Castle, and Spiez Castle. If you take a boat, you can hop off and back on and visit several of these castles along the way.

Thun town is also a very nice place to visit if you have more time…

Good to know: If you decide to visit Thun, you should know that it’s also possible to return to Interlaken (or wherever you’re staying at) by train. This is a faster option than the boat.

Interlaken 1 Day Itinerary Suggestions

As you can see, there are countless ways to plan a day in Interlaken. To make it easier for you to plan your own day trip to Interlaken, I created some sample itineraries based on the suggestions above.

Pick any of these itineraries and you’ll have a great day in Interlaken area. Alternatively, use this for inspiration and create your own unique Interlaken day trip.

To not complicate things even more, all my suggested itineraries for one day in Interlaken start and end in Interlaken town. Take a look!

Option 1: Harder Kulm – Giessbach – Iseltwald – Interlaken (our itinerary)

• 10 AM Harder Kulm
• 11.07 AM Boat from Interlaken to Giessbach (Brienzersee)
• Visit Giessbach waterfall and have lunch in Giessbach
• Hike from Giessbach to Iseltwald
• Swim in Iseltwald
• 4.08 PM Boat from Iseltwald to Interlaken
• Interlaken town

Option 2: Harder Kulm – Giessbach – Brienz – Interlaken

• Harder Kulm (or leave it for in the evening)
• Boat from Interlaken to Giessbach
• Visit Giessbach waterfall
• Boat from Giessbach to Brienz
• Visit Brienz
• Boat from Brienz to Interlaken

Option 3: Brienzersee – Thunersee – Harder Kulm – Interlaken

• Boat trip on Brienzersee without any stops
• Lunch on the boat or in Interlaken
• Boat trip on Thunersee with 1 stop
• Harder Kulm

Option 4: Brienzersee – Giessbach – Thunersee – Harder Kulm – Interlaken

• Boat from Giessbach to Interlaken
• Boat trip on Thunersee
• Interlaken and Harder Kulm

Map of Interlaken Area

To help you get a better idea of where all these places are located, I created this map indicating all the places in the Interlaken area mentioned in this article. Take a look below.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Where to Stay

Interlaken has many nice hotels and other accommodation options. If you are looking for a really nice place to stay in town, one of the best luxury hotels is the historic Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa .

Here are some of the best-rated Interlaken hotels for all budgets:

$$$$ The HEY HOTEL . $$$ Hotel Interlaken . $$ Hotel Lötschberg .

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels, apartments, and short-term rental accommodations in Interlaken . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

Practical Information for Visiting Interlaken

• Boat: Here you can find timetables for boat trips on Brienzersee as well as Thunresee . On this website, you’ll also find more information about ticket prices. The holders of the Swiss Pass can travel on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz for free (in the same class as your pass).
• Tickets: If you have a Jungfrau Travel Pass of 5 days or more, boat tickets for both lakes, as well as Harder Kulm funicular fees are included. Since we were staying in the region longer, we bought this pass; it’s an amazing value and saves you so much money if doing lots of sightseeing.
• Discounts: There are discounts available for the holders of the Swiss Travel Pass and several others. Kids under 6 years old travel for free. For kids between 6 and 16, I really recommend getting Junior Travelcard .
• Harder Kulm: Funicular only runs from mid-April till the end of November. If you don’t have a Travel Pass and you need tickets, you can normally get them on the spot. If you want to get tickets in advance, you can also book them here . Booking in advance might save you a long wait if there’s a queue at the ticket desk.
• When to visit: Interlaken is a year-round destination and you can see most places in any season. However, there is much more to see and do if you come between April and November.
• Boats in the low season: There are many more boats in summer than in winter, so make sure to check the schedules when planning your visit. The high season is from the end of June till the beginning of September, shoulder season is June and September to mid-October. In the low season, there are daily boats on Thunersee, but not on Brienzersee.

READ ALSO: Swiss Travel Pass: Complete Guide

So, this is our guide to visiting Interlaken and the best way to plan your own perfect Interlaken day tour. I hope that you find this guide useful and that it will help you make the most of your trip to this beautiful part of Switzerland .

If you have any questions about visiting Interlaken that have not been covered in this article, don’t hesitate to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help.

TIP: If you have one more day in Interlaken area in the summer season, don’t miss Schynige Platte ! It’s one of the most beautiful and somewhat lesser-known mountain destinations in Switzerland, and just a short trip from Interlaken. Check it out!

READ ALSO: 10 Days in Switzerland – First-Timer’s Itinerary

Interlaken town is quite small and the biggest attraction that you have to see here is Harder Kulm which can be reached via the funicular. So you can easily visit Interlaken town center and Harder Kulm in 2-3 hours. So, one day is enough to see in Interlaken and also take a boat trip on one of the lakes.

There is so much to see and do near Interlaken that you can easily spend a week or even two weeks here and never get bored. However, as a minimum, try to plan 3 days in the area: 1 day for Interlaken town and one of the lakes, 1 day for a trip to Jungfraujoch in combination with Wengen and Lauterbrunnen, and 1 day for visiting Grindelwald and the Grindelwald-First area.

The best time to visit Interlaken is during the summer, from mid-May to September. That’s when everything is open and accessible in the mountains and the temperatures are pleasant for all the outdoor activities that this area has to offer.

Interlaken is a charming town, but what makes it special and worth visiting is its spectacular location and the stunning mountain scenery of the surrounding Bernese Oberland region. So while the town itself is worth an hour or two of your time, the real reason to visit Interlaken are the lakes and the mountains around it.

Interlaken town can easily be explored on foot or by bike. The two lakes of Interlaken are best explored by boat. The nearby mountain resorts of the Jungfrau Region can easily be accessed by train or by car, and once you are in the mountains, you can also go hiking!

Interlaken is centrally located for visiting many places in central Switzerland. It’s easy to get to by car and it also has excellent railway connections. So yes, depending on what you are planning to see in the area, Interlaken can be a good place to stay for exploring the Berner Oberland region.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Lucerne

More tips for your trip to Switzerland:

• Must see: Visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe and Mount Titlis
• But which one is better? Mt Titlis vs Jungfraujoch
• Grindelwald: Best Things to Do in Grindelwald-First
• Winter in this region: Jungfrau Region in Winter and Skiing in Wengen
• Skiing in other regions: Skiing in Switzerland on a Budget & Skiing in Engelberg
• Best cities: Things to Do in Geneva & Things to Do in Bern & Best Things to Do in Lucerne
• Zermatt area: Things to Do in Zermatt & One Day in Zermatt & Klein Matterhorn & Gornergrat
• Lucerne area: Best Day Trips from Lucerne & How to Visit Mt Pilatus from Lucerne & Pilatus Golden Round Trip

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Some of our favorite hikes in Switzerland:

• Matterhorn Glacier Trail (Zermatt)
• Hiking at Schynige Platte  (near Interlaken)
• Oeschinen Lake & Hike  (close to Interlaken)
• Four Lakes Hike in Engelberg  (near Lucerne)
• Bachalpsee Lake  (Grindelwald)
• Stoos Ridge Hike  (close to Lucerne or Zurich)
• Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge Hike  (near Zermatt)

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Tuesday 26th of March 2024

Hello. Thank you for sharing such wonderful information in your blog. In the Interlaken itinerary you shared, you said you visited Harder Kulm at 10:00 AM. Was that the time you took the funicular? How long did you spend at Harder Kulm? What time did you take the funicular back down to make the 11:07 boat on Brienzersee? Thank you.

Wednesday 27th of March 2024

Hi Brenda, we went up around 10 AM and were back down in town and already on the boat around 11 AM. I can't remember the exact schedule; this is based on the timestamp in my photos. The journey by funicular is just a few minutes and the walk from the funicular station to the viewing platform is also very short. Half an hour is plenty at the top, unless you want to do some extra hiking or sit down for some coffee at the restaurant. If you want to spend more time at Harder Kulm and take it easier, simply arrive a bit earlier than we did. Also, we didn't have to wait long for funicular, but you never know how busy it is on the day when you visit, so if you can foresee some extra time, you may want to do that. Hope this helps.

Sunil Chawla

Saturday 23rd of March 2024

Thanks for sharing such a informative blog with so many alternatives to travel. We have planned for 11 Nights in Switzerland from 21.06.2024 to 02.07.2024 Will be staying in Intelaken (Six Nights), Montreux (Three Nights) and Zurich (Two Nights) Information provided by you will be very much useful to us. We wish to make one day trip to Gstaad & Saanen. Please advice that we should plan this trip from Interlaken or Montreux ? We are senior citizens and will avoid hiking. Plan to do only one mountain trip i.e. Jungfrau from Interlaken. Also please suggest best day trips from Montreux. Thanks and Regards Sunil

Sunday 24th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thanks for your quick reply We will buy 15 days Swiss Travel Pass ( First Class ) and as advised by you we will visit Gstaad from Montreux. Since we have plenty of time in Interlaken and Montreux, please suggest more day trips Thanks

Hi Sunil, you didn't say how you travel - by car or public transport. Gstaad/Saanen can be visited from both places and by car there's not much difference. By train is a bit easier from Montreux. As for excursions from Montreux, you can visit Geneva, take a boat ride on the lake, and visit Lausanne, Vevey, etc. You can also drive to Chamonix in France or visit Glacier 3000. You can also find some nice guided tours from Montreux. Enjoy your trip!

Saturday 24th of February 2024

Hello Jurga Big fan of your blogs !! Need your guidance to plan one day in Lauterbrunnen with the train routes and bus routes/ numbers/stoos We will be coming from Lucerne or Interlaken.

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Hi Snehal, there are dozens of ways to plan a day in the area around Lauterbrunnen, so you'll have to do it yourself based on your interests. Decide what you absolutely want to visit and then see how to fit it all in. My advice would be to not visit two different mountain peaks in one day or you'll spend more time in transit than actually exploring AND it will cost you a fortune. So concentrate on one area - either Mürren/Schilthorn, or Wengen/Kleine Scheidegg/Jungfraujoch, or Grindelwald-First, or Schynige Platte. If you visit either Mürren or Jungfraujoch, you can also spend some time in Lauterbrunnen Valley and visit the waterfalls there (don't miss Trümmelbach Falls). We also have detailed guides for most of the top places in this area on our blog. So once you decide which place you want to visit, you can find more information on our blog (all except Mürren). See the overview in our Switzerland travel page. Hope this helps.

Friday 9th of February 2024

We only have 4 nights and three days in Zurich. We were thinking of doing Interlaken, Lucerne and ending in Zurich. Leaning towards renting a car. Does this seem doable? Would you suggest staying in Lucern and daytripping to Interlaken and then ending last two nights in Zurich? I really enjoyed stumbling on your blog, so much great information. Thank you, Liz

Saturday 10th of February 2024

Hi Liz, if you are mostly interested in cities and popular mountain destinations, then you don't really need a car - a train will likely be much easier. But if you want to visit many smaller places and villages, a car might be nice to have, but it's definitely not a must. As for how to plan the itinerary, there are so many ways. If you just want to stay in one central location, then Lucerne is likely the best option. You can just take a train to/from Zurich airport to Lucerne (via the city but you can skip it altogether). With just 4 nights in Switzerland, there are many better places to visit than Zurich ;). You may want to take a look at our guide to the best day trips from Lucerne. Even if you decide not to base yourself there and stay in Interlaken for a few nights, it will give you plenty of ideas of the best places to visit in that area. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Saturday 4th of November 2023

Scary. Holiday means for us to relax and don‘t have a look at the clock.

Everyone travels differently, Stephi... For many international visitors, a day is all they have in one or the other area. Most people only have a few weeks holidays per year and if they take an expensive trip to the other side of the world, they want to see as much as they possibly can in the time that they have... Our 1-day itineraries are written for those people and not for the locals who have weeks to spend in one place. Think of it this way - if you spend thousands of dollars to travel to the USA or Australia and you only have a week or two, you'll also visit some of the best national parks or cities in just a day or two and try to pack in as much as you can, while most locals will book a longer holiday in just one place and explore it to the fullest. PS There is no need to comment on every 1-day itinerary on our website saying that you could stay a week there and go back every year :). I know you can, even a few weeks. We usually do that too when we have the time and we have been to all these areas multiple times too. Once again, these articles are written for those people who don't have the luxury of time and want to see the best that each place has to offer in a day. Happy travels!

3 Days In Interlaken: The Ultimate Itinerary

Interlaken is a Swiss town named for its geographical location. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this wonderful town in the Bernese Oberland is the starting point for some of the best day trips in Switzerland. This is why I recommend spending three days in the area to soak it all up.

Schilthorn and Jungfruajoch are both easily accessible from Interlaken and countless villages and resorts in the Swiss Alps. In other words, three days in Interlaken means you will spend very little time in Interlaken itself and a lot of time exploring the stunning surroundings of the town!

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Explore Interlaken Area

Take it slow on day one; get to know the town and its lakes a little and visit Interlaken’s home mountain for striking panoramic views.

Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s home mountain, easily accessible from the town. A funicular can take you from Interlaken to the top of Harder Kulm in just 10 minutes, from where you can enjoy spectacular town views and the lakes on either side.

It’s also possible to hike from Harder Kulm down to Interlaken; the descent is only two hours and all downhill, so it’s suitable even for less experienced hikers. This is the best hike to do, both because it is not too exhausting and because it’s just short enough that you’ll have plenty of time to explore the other sights in town.

Lake Brienz

I don’t think it’s a secret anymore that Lake Brienz is my favorite of the two lakes at Interlaken. The mesmerizing turquoise color will win anyone over, even if Lake Thun is better for cruises and has more attractions along its shore.

The stunning Lake Brienz owes its color to glacial waters. The lake water is quite cold and not perfect for swimming unless you enjoy cold water. But what Lake Brienz is fantastic for are lake cruises. Ferries can take you to many other destinations along the lake shore:

• Brienzer Rothorn

Both are exceptional destinations. Iseltwald got famous quickly after being prominently featured in the TV series Crash Landing on You . It’s a charming little town with a few exciting things to see, but best known for the hiking trail along Lake Brienz that leads to the Giessbach waterfall.

The waterfall is also accessible by boat rides from Interlaken, so there’s no need to walk there if you don’t want to. But it’s worth it to travel to see the waterfall because it’s a stunning sight on the shore of Lake Brienz.

JUNGFRAU UNCOVERED: A FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE FOR 2024

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Detailed Insiders Guide

• Discover the best in the region
• Top destinations
• Popular activities
• Town details
• Regional Maps
• Insider tips

Interlaken & Unterseen

In the afternoon, take a boat (or bus) back to Interlaken and go on a little walk around the town. Interlaken isn’t a massive city, and there aren’t dozens of museums you can tour, but it has a certain charm you will start noticing once you’ve walked through its streets.

A proper tour of Interlaken should include Höheweg, the Interlaken Castle, and the iconic Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel . Casually stroll to Unterseen, the part of town separated from the train stations by the Aare River. Unterseen offers terrific views of the river and its islands. It also looks great in photographs, especially during the golden hour.

Many locals organize guided tours of Interlaken , which take anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours. If you want to learn more about the town, it’s not a bad idea to get someone to guide you around. But it’s also possible to do a self-guided tour and still catch a glimpse of all the top sights in Interlaken. 

Day 2 – A Day Of Adventure

The second day of a trip to Interlaken is an excellent opportunity to do something that will get your adrenaline pumping in the morning, followed by a spectacular mountain excursion.

Thrilling Activities (Paragliding, Bungee Jumping, Skydiving)

Interlaken is one of the best destinations for adrenaline junkies in Switzerland. The town has multiple companies that operate adventure sports, including:

• Paragliding
• Bungee jumping

If any of that sounds fun to you, head to the Swiss Activities website right now to arrange a fun excursion for your trip. These activities must be booked in advance; the earlier you book, the better deal you can get. 

Each adventure takes 2-3 hours from pickup to dropoff, sometimes even longer. A safety course is also included, and it’s worth noting that even first-timers are welcome to come on these adventures.

Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn

Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn are two of the most famous mountains in the area and not far from Interlaken. Deciding which one to visit will be daunting, so let’s start with a quick overview of some basic facts about the two summits.

Jungfraujoch is a mountain saddle with the European continent’s highest post office and train station. It’s accessible by cogwheel train from Eiger Glacier, which you can reach with the Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald.

Trains for Grindelwald depart from Interlaken every half an hour, so although it sounds like a lot, it’s super simple to travel to the mountain saddle.

The visitor’s complex at Jungfraujoch is named Top of Europe. It’s got quite a few unique attractions:

• Video exhibits on the Swiss Alps
• Views of Aletsch Glacier at Eismeer
• Tunnel under glacier with ice sculptures (Ice Palace)
• Sphinx observation deck
• Highest Lindt chocolate shop in the world

Can Schilthorn even begin to compare with such amazing sights? It can, so you might get a headache deciding between the two mountains.

Schilthorn is famous for the revolving restaurant atop the summit – Piz Gloria. The restaurant’s construction was completed for the James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service , and the entire mountain was prominently featured.

Nowadays, the restaurant is part of a more extensive visitor’s center with an exhibit on the James Bond film, which includes simulator rides in a bobsled and a helicopter.

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Schilthorn is accessible from Murren, a lovely mountain village. Cable cars take you from Murren to Birg first, where you can stand on an observation platform made from glass and walk across a steel walking path built into the cliffs. The next stop is Schilthorn in all its glory.

Day 3 – Lauterbrunnen Valley

The third day of this itinerary is reserved for hiking. Discover the best sights in the villages near Interlaken, strolling from one mountain village to the next. Head to the Interlaken Ost train station and board a train to Lauterbrunnen to begin the epic hiking adventures.

I personally love the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It is one of my favorite places in the Jungfrau area, and a highlight for anyone I have brought here.

Lauterbrunnen

Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen: 20 minutes

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is best known for its many waterfalls, a few of which are quite famous. The Staubbach Falls is streaming down the cliffs in Lauterbrunnen village, which looks best after a few rainy days.

Trummelbach Falls is euqally famous. It’s a system of waterfalls in a cave, just a short walk from the Lauterbrunnen village. A detour during the hike is worth it because the waterfalls are spectacular.

A hike through the valley will eventually take you to Stechelberg, a tiny village with a cable car, parking lot, and nothing else. It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg , not including the time necessary for the detour to Trummelbach Falls.

Stechelberg to Murren: 10 minutes via cable car

Murren is a charming Alpine village high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. A cable car from Stechelberg will take you to this lovely village, where you can see yet another magnificent waterfall, hike the Flower Trail at Allmendhubel, or even ride the gondola up to Schilthorn if you didn’t do it on day two.

The complete trip to the Schilthorn will take at least two hours, so keep that in mind when planning your day. Besides the majestic summit, Murren offers charming and tranquil landscapes with a spectacular via Ferrata, countless hiking trails, and striking summit views. But don’t stay too long in this village because there’s still loads to discover!

Tip: Just check that the Mürren or Schilthorn cable car is running when you go. They are currently reworking the whole system, and there might be some downtime in 2023-24. An alternative route is a bus back to Lauterbrunnen (12 minutes) and a cogwheel train to Grutschalp and then Murren (23 minutes).

Wengen – Kleine Scheidegg

Murren to Wengen: 45 minutes

Two mountain trains and a gondola can get you from Murren to Wengen in just 45 minutes. Wengen is a larger village with more options.

Kleine Scheidegg and Mannlichen are easily accessible by mountain trains and cable cars. Both summits are excellent destinations for hiking:

• Royal Walk at Mannlichen (easy, short, from cable car station to viewing platform)
• Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg (2-3 hours, uphill, for experienced hikers)
• Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Panorama Trail (1-1.5 hours, relatively easy and flat)

At Kleine Scheidegg, you can continue to Eiger Glacier, which will ultimately take you to the village of Grindelwald. Hiking from the glacier down to the village is a fabulous experience. You’re descending the north face of the Eiger mountain over the trail known as the Eiger North Face Trail .

A train can also take you from Kleine Scheidegg to Eiger Glacier in 15 minutes, and then the Eiger Express gondola takes you down to Grindelwald in 15 minutes. Or there are direct trains down from Kleine Scheidegg.

Grindelwald

Kleine Scheidegg to Grindelwald: 30 minutes

This exhausting day of hiking ends in Grindelwald, a Swiss resort with direct train access to Interlaken. It is a famous ski resort in Switzerland, known for its lively apres-ski scene, some truly fabulous restaurants, and spectacular mountain views.

If you’re not dead on your feet, consider a quick trip to Grindelwald First . The summit offers:

• Mountain carts

Alternatively, head to the train station in Grindelwald and head back to Interlaken. The train ride is approximately 45 minutes.

Where to Stay in Interlaken

Interlaken is a popular tourist destination in Switzerland, which translates to an abundance of hotels. It’s also one of the more affordable places to stay in the country, mostly because of the high volume of hotels. The competition benefits the guests, lowering the average nightly rate for a room in Interlaken.

Also, the town offers everything from budget hostels to luxury hotels, so everyone has options. Some of the best hotels in Interlaken are:

• Hostel Alplodge Interlaken
• Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken
• Hotel Bernerhof Interlaken
• Hotel Metropole
• Carlton – Europe Vintage Adults Hotel
• Hotel Central Continental
• Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel

Consider booking a hotel near the Interlaken train station for convenient access and easier travel around the region.

Map for a 3-Day Interlaken Itinerary

How to Get to Interlaken

Two train stations service Interlaken, and most trains for the lakefront town depart from Bern. It’s only an hour from Bern to Interlaken by direct train and the journey is quite picturesque, with views of the diverse landscapes of the Bernese Oberland.

Traveling from Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and even Lucerne will include taking a train to Bern first. The travel times are:

• Bern to Interlaken – 55 minutes
• Zurich to Interlaken – 2 hours
• Geneva to Interlaken – 3 hours
• Lucerne to Interlaken – 1 hours 50 minutes
• Basel to Interlaken – 2 hours

Interlaken is also accessible by boats from various towns on the shores of lakes Thun and Brienz. Reaching the town by ferry takes more time and money, but it’s undoubtedly the more scenic way of traveling.

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Interlaken

Written by Joni Sweet and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Interlaken is a fantastic base for seeing the best of central Switzerland's magnificent scenery while enjoying the comforts of a chic lakeside resort. Tourist attractions are all around it, with boat tours on Lakes Thun and Brienz at either side of the town and thrilling train and funicular rides to the spectacular surrounding mountain peaks.

Interlaken is one of the oldest, best known, and most popular summer holiday resorts in Switzerland. The first visitors arrived in the 17th century, and as transport facilities improved with the coming of the railroad, boat services on the lakes, and most recently the expressway, Interlaken became the major tourist center of the Bernese Oberland.

Day or night, you'll find plenty of things to do in and around Interlaken. Along with the almost endless variety of walks, climbs, and outdoor excursions, there are many other sports available for active travelers. On the right bank of the Aare, opposite the Kursaal, is a swimming pool, and visitors will find a golf course in Unterseen, as well as sailing and windsurfing on the lakes, paragliding, horseback riding, and tennis.

Above all, Interlaken is a perfect base for exploring the region and its spectacular mountains. You'll have no trouble finding places to visit using this handy list of the top attractions and things to do in Interlaken.

See also: Where to Stay in Interlaken

1. Harder Kulm

2. höhematte park & the höheweg, 3. hike the schynige platte trails, 4. cross the panoramabrücke sigriswil (sigriswil panorama bridge), 5. st. beatus caves and waterfalls, 6. unterseen, 7. paragliding, 8. swiss open-air museum ballenberg, 9. cruise on lake thun, 10. kayak on lake brienz, 11. giessbach falls, 12. niederhorn, 13. ride the historic brienzer-rothorn railway, 14. tourismuseum (museum of tourism), 15. walk to unspunnen castle, 16. interlaken monastery and castle, 17. day trip to jungfraujoch (top of europe), where to stay in interlaken for sightseeing, interlaken, switzerland - climate chart.

After making the journey to Interlaken, stretch your legs out on the Harder —a 1,322-meter mountain that overlooks the resort town and its sparkling lakes.

It's possible to hike to the summit via a steep path from the Harderbahn station, but unless you're an avid trekker, you might be better off saving your energy and zipping to the Harder Kulm station on a century-old funicular in just 10 minutes. The near-vertical railway incline will make you appreciate you took the ride instead of hoofing up on foot.

From there, you can start your walk on a short, uphill brick path with magnificent views of the scenery. It's hard not to smile when you see the whimsical wooden statues of people yodeling in traditional mountain garb and waving the red-and-white Swiss flags that flank the walkway. Plus, they make postcard-worthy photo subjects.

At the end of the brick path, bear right to begin the Harder Kulm Circular Path . The hour-long hike takes you through a shady mountain forest, where morning mist hovering over the moss and leaves creates a dreamy atmosphere. The trail eventually opens up to an expansive panorama of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and the Alps, before taking you back to the trailhead. It's the perfect introduction to the "Adventure Capital of Europe."

It's worth taking the hike shortly before lunchtime because the trail drops you off right in front of the castle-like Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant , where you can fuel up with cheese fondue, potato rosti, grilled meats, and Alpine-style macaroni.

From here, you can also stand atop the Zwei-Seen-Steg (Two Lakes Bridge) viewing platform and snap the perfect Interlaken selfie. Don't just look out, though—look down as well. The glass-bottomed floor will give you another vantage of the lakes below.

Want to see some of the local animals who make this landscape their home? Swing by the Alpine Wildlife Park near the base of their Harderbahn. The free zoo gives tourists the chance to get up close to stately ibex and fuzzy marmots.

An area of 14 hectares in the heart of Interlaken that belonged to the Augustinian convent was acquired in 1860 by a group of 37 hotel owners and private citizens to be left as an open space, a remarkable example of farseeing town planning.

Through its length runs the Höheweg, a splendid avenue between the east and west rail stations that affords a magnificent view of the Jungfrau , surrounded by hotels and flower beds. Alongside it is the Kursaal , with a theater and a café and beautiful gardens with a flower clock, as well as a number of hotels, including the 150-year-old Victoria Jungfrau Hotel , itself a local landmark.

Next to the Hotel Interlaken, you'll find the small Garden of Friendship , the first Japanese garden in Switzerland, a peaceful spot with flowering plants, water, and koi carp. The garden was a gift from Interlaken's Japanese sister city, Ōtsu.

The park is the preferred landing spot for hang gliders —one of the most popular of the many adventures you can enjoy in Interlaken. For the less adventurous, horse-drawn carriages park along the street in front of the park.

In the winter, the Höhematte transforms into Ice Magic , with five rinks connected by ice ramps. Rinks are for all levels of skater, with an ice-skating rink that's comfortable for beginners, but with plenty of space for faster skaters and a curling rink where you can try your hand at this sport that's very popular in Switzerland.

From Wilderswil, a five-minute walk from the Interlaken Ost railway station, you can take a rack-railroad that has been carrying sightseers up to the Schynige Platte—a mountain flank that gets its name from its reflective wall of slate—since it opened in 1893. The hour-long ride is a series of ever-changing Alpine panoramas, and at the top, you'll find one of the finest panoramic views of the Alps, encompassing the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks as well as Lake Thun.

The views get even better from the trails that begin at the top. The easiest of these, with a succession of spectacular views, is the 45-minute hike to the Daube Viewpoint . Lake Thun lies far below, surrounded by snowcapped peaks. Take a picnic and savor the moment before continuing the rest of the loop, bringing you back to the Schynige Platte station.

The Oberburghorn Trail continues from the Daube Viewpoint, making an even longer -- about three-kilometer - loop along a mountain ridge with 360-degree views. This easy-to-moderate trail is fairly level, and the views are even better than the shorter loop. There's a steep wooden staircase to the viewpoint at the very top, well worth the climb. A third loop, the Loucherhorn Trail , adds about three kilometers and more views, circling a bit lower past green Alpine meadows and grazing Brown Swiss cows.

Near the station is a beautiful Alpine Botanic Garden , with 600 species of flowers and other plants that can survive and thrive in this high-altitude environment. It puts 720 individual plants on display in 16 distinct habitats, ranging from lime-free soils and windy corners to little snowy valleys. If you're lucky there may be locals playing traditional Swiss Alphorns at the Schynige Platte station.

The view down into the Gummischlucht gorge, 182 meters (600 feet) below, as you cross the new suspension footbridge is one you won't forget. The bridge above Lake Thun is 330 meters (more than 1,000 feet) long, and is one of three suspension bridges on the popular Lake Thun Panoramic Circular Trail connecting mountain and shoreline paths around the lake.

Panoramic views from the bridge and trail include the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and surrounding peaks of the Bernese Alps. The villages of Sigriswil and Aeschlen, at either end of the suspension bridge, are both charming places to visit, as well.

There's a lovely farm stand just over the bridge in Sigriswil, where you can pick up local snacks and fresh produce for a picnic.

More than one kilometer of walkways lead through the chambers and passageways of the hillside St. Beatus Caves , where legend holds that a dragon took shelter when hunted by the monk, Beatus, whose hermitage was nearby.

But the geology is no legend, and you can tour these underground caverns to see mirror lakes, underground waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites accompanied by a guide or at your own speed using a descriptive app. The entire area is quite beautiful, with a series of waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

You can get here by bus from Interlaken (it's about a 10-minute walk from the bus stop) or by boat from Interlaken West station, but it's quite a steep climb from the lake to the caves.

St. Beatus Caves regularly hosts interesting events, like concerts and candlelit raclette dinners, so check the calendar to see what's coming up during your trip.

Address: Sundlauenen, Interlaken

The Marktgasse runs northwest from the Interlaken post office and across the Spielmatten islands and the river to the little hamlet of Unterseen, at the foot of Mt. Harder. This is one of several villages that form Interlaken, and in this old part of town is the 1471 parish church, with a Late Gothic tower.

In this neighborhood, you'll find some beautiful wooden chalets of the kind you'd expect to see in tiny mountain villages, not in a busy resort center like Interlaken. Set in green gardens, these may even have farm animals grazing on the lawns. Small restaurants around the pretty Stadthausplatz serve traditional Swiss dishes.

You won't be in Interlaken long before you'll see the bright-colored parachutes of paragliders in the sky or landing in Höhematte Park. Flying through the Alpine air with a 360-degree panorama of the snow-covered Alps above the lakes and lush green meadows is an unforgettable experience. It's no wonder it is one of the most popular things to do in Interlaken.

You'll have your choice of several paragliding outfitters, and if this is your first flight, you will be paired with an experienced guide. Try a Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken . Taking to the air is simple: from a mountainside slope, you simply run downhill until the wind lifts you off the ground. The mountains are all around, and Interlaken stretches below as you glide.

Those who prefer their aerial adventures a little closer to the ground can find thrills at Interlaken Ropes Park , where ziplines, swings, wooden bridges, and rope courses provide fun for families in a forest setting.

A 20-minute drive or 40-minute train ride from Interlaken is one of Europe's finest living history museums. Ballenberg spreads across 124 acres of alpine countryside in a series of village and farmstead groups representing different Swiss regions and their traditional ways of life.

Historic houses, barns, shops, and other buildings were brought here from their original sites, with their furniture, decorations, utensils, and implements. Old crafts and traditional customs are revived here, and in a visit, you may see everything from woodcarving and cooperage to lace- and cheese-making demonstrations.

The homes represent all styles from the most modest cabins and rustic farmhouses to elegant homes of the well-to-do, but the focus is on how people lived, how they produced their own goods, and how they traded and shared within their communities. Special exhibits may examine one facet of life in detail, such as child labor on farms or a particular craft and its evolution.

You could easily spend an entire day seeing all the buildings and exhibits in this fascinating look back in time. Ask at the Interlaken Tourist Office for information on packages that include boat and bus travel from Interlaken to Ballenberg.

Address: Museumsstrasse 131, Hofstetten bei Brienz

On the west side of Interlaken is Lake Thun, a long, narrow lake surrounded by mountains. The best way to explore the lake is on one of the cruise boats that operate from Interlaken year-round or in the summer on the beautifully restored historic paddle steamer.

At the western end of the lake, you can stop in Thun with its medieval Old Town and lakeside castle with a striking keep that overlooks the lake. It was built in 1191 and enlarged in 1492, and today houses a historical museum with 14th-century arms and armor, tapestries, furniture, and prehistoric and Roman artifacts.

Other castles and several Romanesque churches are in villages that dot the shore of Lake Thun. Schloss Shadau , easy to spot right on the water, is a smaller replica of Chateau Azay-le-Rideau, on the Loire in France.

On Interlaken's east side is Lake Brienz, a narrow body of water that's really an enlargement of the valley of the River Aare. Lying between the limestone ridge of the Brienzer Grat and the Faulhorn mountains, it is seven meters higher than Lake Thun, on Interlaken's west side.

Like Lake Thun, Brienz is popular with boaters of all sorts, and you can rent kayaks, row boats, and pedalos to explore the lakes on your own. Or you can see the lake from one of the five boats that connect Interlaken to towns around its wooded shores.

The most atmospheric of these boats is the restored steamer the Lötschberg, built in 1914; other boats offer special dining cruises with Swiss food specialties.

To reach Giessbach Falls, take the Lake Brienz boat to the Giessbach See landing stage and either climb for about 20 minutes or take the oldest funicular railway in Europe. The Giessbach tumbles down the beautifully wooded hillside to the lake from a height of 500 meters, in a series of 14 falls over successive rock ridges.

The best view is from the terrace in front of the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach, about 100 meters above the lake. There are footpaths up both banks to the highest of the three bridges, where the stream emerges from a narrow gorge and plunges into a rock basin 60 meters deep.

From the town of Beatenberg, a short bus ride from Interlaken, you can reach one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Bernese Oberland (which has plenty of them to offer). A cable car takes you up to a halfway station, where a funicular continues up the Niederhorn to a restaurant and view across Lake Thun and the Alps.

Along with its scenery, the Niederhorn is known especially for its nature and wildlife. It's home to ibex, marmots, mountain goats, golden eagles, deer, and even the rare cuckoo. Weekly wildlife tours guided by a local wild animal specialist include visiting wild ibex colonies. You can rent unique stand-up scooter-type bicycles for the descent, and the Niederhorn is a favorite place for hang gliding, as well.

The lakeside town of Brienz is the center of the Oberland craft of woodcarving, examples of which you can see in shops and studios and on houses with beautifully carved friezes on the facades. Above the town rises the 2,350-meter Brienzer Rothorn, reached in about an hour via Switzerland's oldest steam rack railway, the Brienz-Rothorn Railway .

From the top are views of the Appenzell, Uri, Engelberg, Berne, and Valais Alps extending from Säntis to the Diablerets. Wear hiking boots, and you can take a four-hour hike to the Brünig Pass , returning to Brienz by the Brünigbahn . Built in 1888, this is the smallest rack-and-pinion railroad of the Swiss network.

The history of tourism in the Jungfrau Region is shown at the Tourismuseum in three floors of exhibits that cover everything from early transport and hotels to travel clothing and skiing. Housed in a lovely restored 17th-century timbered house, the museum includes models of early postal coaches, rack railway locomotives, bicycles, and lake steamers, as well as actual historical carriages and vehicles.

Exhibits also use historical photos and art to show how tiny, often remote villages were able to develop and thrive by attracting tourists to experience their landscapes, folk traditions, geological wonders, and even local flora and fauna. Many of the exhibits are labeled in English.

Address: Obere Gasse 26, Unterseen, Interlaken

An easy walk of about 1.5 kilometers from Wilderswil train station, and only about three kilometers from central Interlaken, is the romantic ruin of Unspunnen Castle. Its history is recorded back to the early 1200s, and although its builder is unknown, it was the center of a baronial fief in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Along with the nearby Rothenfluh, Unspunnen guarded the medieval Lütschinenbrücke bridge at Gsteig. Some sources hold that these ruins inspired Lord Byron to write his poem Manfred , and it is true that much of it was written during his travels through the Bernese Alps in September of 1816.

You can walk on to Rothenfluh Castle , which was built into the side of a cliff. There is very little left of it, but signboards explaining its history are in English.

Interlaken's former Augustinian monastery dates to the 12th century. You can see the 14th-century bell tower along with a Gothic cloister and remains of a chapel dating from 1452. Notice especially the variety of window designs in the castle church.

Before the property was turned over to the state in the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation, the monastery was an important hostel for pilgrims headed to the former hermitage of Saint Beatus, believed to have been in the caves above Lake Thun. These caves were a stop for pilgrims on the Way of St. James , known in Switzerland as the Jakobsweg, leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Interlaken is just a short ride away from one of Switzerland's top attractions , Top of Europe (also called Jungfraujoch). Take the 45-minute train ride to Grindelwald (or opt for the Jungfruajoch Top of Europe Day Trip from Interlaken Tour ) to hop on the Eiger Express, a highly sustainable tricable gondola that opened in late 2020, to make your way to the highest railway station in Europe.

At the top, you can step out onto a snowy expanse more than 3,450 meters above sea level and gaze out upon the magnificent Swiss Alps and the Aletsch Glacier, just as tourists have done since the railway station opened in 1912.

Between the thin air and the awe-striking vistas, it's a dizzying experience that will stick with you. Don't miss out on other things to do at the Jungfraujoch, including slipping your way through the Ice Palace , which is frozen from floor to ceiling and filled with ice sculptures; and seeing the museum-like exhibitions on how miners built this railway using relatively simple handheld tools more than a century ago.

The best place to stay in Interlaken is along the Höheweg, the avenue that runs through expansive green space and connects Interlaken's East and West train stations. Many of the best hotels lie along this lovely stretch, which offers beautiful views of the Jungfrau. Within walking distance of the town of Interlaken, over a bridge across the Aare River, the little village of Unterseen also makes a popular base. Here are some highly-rated hotels in these convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• In a prime position on the beautiful Höheweg and a short walk from Interlaken East train station and the town center, Hotel Royal St. Georges Interlaken - MGallery Collection occupies a beautiful old building.
• A lovingly preserved 1897 villa set in a romantic garden and stylishly decorated with a mix of antique, modern and contemporary furniture and artworks, Maison Bergdorf is a six-minute walk from the Höhematte and several restaurants.
• In Unterseen, a seven-minute walk from Interlaken West train station, Hotel Goldey is known for its friendly staff and lovely setting on the River Aare. Breakfast and parking are included in the rates.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the center of town and equidistant from two lake stations Hapimag Resort Interlaken has spacious rooms with large balconies and views of the Alps. Especially good for families traveling with children are the two-room suites, and the pool with water jets and a slide.
• On the Höheweg, the Hotel Interlaken sits a short walk from Interlaken East train station and the town center and offers cozy guest rooms behind its charming green-shuttered facade. Breakfast and parking are included.

Budget Hotels:

• Also on the Höheweg, the Art Nouveau-style Carlton-Europe Hotel is a short stroll away from Interlaken East train station, as well as many restaurants.
• Hotel Chalet Swiss in Unterseen is a few minutes' walk from Interlaken West station and close to several restaurants. Relax in the sauna/hot tub or explore Interlaken on the complimentary bicycles.
• Also in Unterseen, Hotel Roessli has helpful staff and clean, comfortable rooms, as well as complimentary breakfast and parking.

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Home » Travel Guides » Switzerland » 15 Best Things to Do in Interlaken (Switzerland)

15 Best Things to Do in Interlaken (Switzerland)

Couched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Highlands is the fabled resort of Interlaken. With a whole network of trains, funiculars, boats, cable-cars at your disposal, Interlaken can be your springboard for journeys into the formidable Bernese Alps, ruled by three immense peaks: Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch.

You can ride the highest railway in Europe up to Jungfraujoch to see these monsters and the Aletsch Glacier in all their majesty. And in the resort there’s a mountain of things to do like steamboat trips to waterfalls, hikes, kayaking, swimming, canyoning and even paragliding, all in front an awe-inspiring backdrop.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Interlaken :

1. Harder Kulm

Interlaken’s own mountain can be ascended in little more than ten minutes via a funicular.

In that short space of time you’ll climb more than 730 metres in a car with large windows showing the full beauty of the mountainous landscapes.

At the upper station, at an elevation of 1322 metres an exhilarating scene will be laid out before you, from Lake Brienz and Lake Thun far below to the nearby Emmental Alps and the sky-scraping Bernese Alps like Eiger and Jungrau in the distance.

The viewing platform projects over the slope and has a glass floor, and there’s also a panoramic restaurant up here in a Romantic medieval style.

2. Schynige Platte

Wilderswil on the southern fringe of Interlaken is the northern terminus for a 115-year-old rack railway that winds into the Bernese Alps.

Despite its age the Schynige Platte Railway is still one of the highest lines in Switzerland, and needless to say the vistas of peaks and mountain pasture are breathtaking.

The end goal is Schynige Platte, a ridge at 2,000 metres on the Schwarzhorn mountain.

There are ample reasons to make the trip: To come to look down on Interlaken, which seems tiny from up here, and to view mountains like Schreckhorn, the northernmost European peak over 4,000 metres.

There’s also an Alpine garden, with 650 flowering plants, another panoramic restaurant, and the ridge is the trailhead for short and long hikes to see more of Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch.

3. Lake Brienz

Lake Brienz to the east of Interlaken has a turquoise tone and mountain views.

Steamboats have been chugging across this lake since the 1830s and there’s now a small armada of five vessels from the first decades of the 20th century.

These set off for destinations around the lake, like Giessbach, site of the castle-like Grand Hotel Giessbach and a waterfall that plunges 500 metres to the lake.

The hotel is served by a funicular that goes back to 1879. And if you’re feeling fresh you could take a memorable walk or bike ride back along the southern shore of Lake Brienz in a few hours, or cross to Oberried and catch the train to Interlaken.

4. Lake Thun

In the west is Lake Thun, which has a deep blue colour and catches the prevailing breeze.

So no wonder this lake is favoured by windsurfers and sailors, while the shore, enveloped by woodland, is dotted with bathing areas to entice you in summer.

Out on the water, free of any obstruction you can bask in the superb panorama of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

This is a sight that needs to be contemplated slowly, so catch a steamboat over the lake and spend some time in Thun.

There’s much to love about this historic town, from the stately Schadau Park and Thun Castle to the cute Altstadt around a town hall from the 1500s.

5. Jungfraujoch

Interlaken Ost railway station is the departure point for a train ride of epic scope.

Amazingly, the Interlaken Line is more than 100 years old, and will lift you in stages through landscapes that almost beggar belief, up to the Jungfraujoch saddle at 3,466 metres.

This final railway station is the highest in Europe, at the culmination of a seven-kilometre tunnel through the mountain.

From there you can enter the Top of Europe Building, which overlooks the permanently frozen expanse of the Aletsch Glacier in the UNESCO Natural World Heritage property of Jungfrau – Aletsch – Bietschhorn.

There are restaurants and attractions inside, and you can then ride the elevator to the Sphinx Observatory for jaw-dropping 360° indoor and outdoor views.

6. St Beatus Caves

Right above the northeastern of Lake Thun is a karst cave system that got its name from the 6th-century Irish monk, Beatus.

He is claimed to have lived here, and according to legend ousted a dragon when he moved in.

The caves have a kilometre-long walkway, impressive chambers where you’ll come across strange concretions, dark chasms and underground waterfalls.

Also on the site is the Cave Museum, documenting the history of the caves, how they were explored in modern times and explaining their wildlife and geology.

The restaurant is in a loggia gazing out over Lake Thun and its mountain backdrop.

7. Unterseen

West of Interlaken and on the shore of Lake Thun is this pretty medieval town, which has a quieter, less touristy character.

Unterseen is essentially a suburb of Interlaken, across the Aare by Interlaken West Train Station.

On Marktbrunnen, the old market place, stands the rustic tower of a 13th-century church, as well as the Stadthaus.

Now a restaurant, this used to be the town hall, but actually started as an inn for cattle drivers in the 15th century.

Also on the square is a museum about the birth and growth of tourism in Interlaken from the 18th century on.

Amble around the streets for a while, checking out the chalets and their exaggerated eaves and calling in at local amenities like bakeries.

8. Summer Activities

Come to Interlaken from June to September and there’s a dizzying amount of things to do outside.

Top of your list should be to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for Lake Thun or Brienz, and there are lots of companies to consult for this.

On land you might be ready for something more exciting than a simple hike.

The terrain around the lakes couldn’t be better suited to canyoning: You’ll don safety gear and a neoprene suit and rappel down waterfalls and gorges.

The sharp drops that encircle Interlaken’s lakes are a launch pad for paragliders, whose colourful chutes are a common sight in summer.

This isn’t an activity for the faint of heart but is worth every penny if you can muster the courage for a tandem flight.

This street and promenade is like the backbone of Interlaken, diagonal and parallel to the Aare as it flows from Lake Brienz to Lake Thun.

Walking in the direction of Unterseen, the left side of Höheweg has been kept free of construction.

There’s a line of flower gardens and parks like Höhematte which leaves clear views to the Bernese Alps.

And on the right side is a string of high-class hotels interspersed with boutiques, bars and cafes, as well as Interlaken’s casino.

10. Ice Magic

In winter it’s normal for towns to set up temporary ice rinks, but Interlaken goes way beyond that.

On Höheweg from the middle of December to the end of February, Ice Magic is a small world of ice.

There are five rinks at Ice Magic, all interconnected by 450 metres of ice ramps.

In the evenings you can hire a lane at the Bavarian curling rink.

Unlike the Olympic sport this game is easy to pick up and more like bowling on ice.

After a fun couple of hours zipping around the ice you can warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine, or share fondue at the chalet-style eatery.

11. Weissenau Nature Reserve

Away from the tourist trail and souvenir shops you find a moment of peace and solitude on the east shore of Lake Thun, just outside Unterseen.

The Weissenau Nature Reserve is a wetland site blessed with sumptuous views of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Not many people make it to this corner of the lake, so when it’s warm can trail over the wooden walkway and admire the lake, birdlife and wildflowers in your own time.

The reserve also holds the ruins of Weissanau Castle, a Swiss national heritage site, dating back to the 1200s and which you can scale to survey the tree canopy and Lake Thun.

12. Justistal Alpine Dairy

Get up bright and early and take the twisting mountain road to Beatenberg for a tour of an authentic Alpine dairy.

Tours are only given first thing in the morning, starting at 07:15. You’ll strike out on an invigorating walk in the pasture to view the herd with a guide, before meeting the “dairyman”. He’ll show you behind the scenes of a real Emmental dairy, and the cheese made here will be waiting for you on the table for a communal breakfast at the end of the tour.

Visits takes place on Tuesdays from June to September, and Fridays on request.

13. Winter Sport

Now, Interlaken isn’t a ski resort per se, but its amenities, location and transport connections make it a good place to plant yourself for day or two of skiing or snowboarding in winter.

The Jungfrau Ski Region is on the radar and incorporates Grindelwald First, Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen and Mürren-Schilthorn.

Even closer is Beatenberg-Niederhorn to the north of Interlaken, which has slopes that will suit families and newcomers to skiing.

Here on the north side of Lake Thun and at Spiez to the south there are also cross-country trails, many overlooking the lake.

If you’re willing to go the extra mile there’s an awesome 15-kilometre toboggan run from the Faulhorn peak down to Grindelwald.

On Lake Thun’s south shore, Spiez is a picturesque town wrapped in vineyards and reached by car, train or boat in a matter of minutes from Interlaken West.

The town is crested by the powerful square keep of its castle, which was first built in the 13th century and gained its current appearance in the 1600s.

This is well worth a visit, along with the 1,000-year-old Romanesque church, and has information in three languages about the succession of noble families that owned the castle under the Kingdom of Burgundy and Habsburg Empire.

There’s also a museum about Spiez’s winemaking history, and trails begin right in the town and wind off into the Niederhorn Range.

15. Panoramabrücke Sigriswil

This new panoramic footbridge on the above Lake Thun is part of a plan to make the lakeshore even more accessible for pedestrians.

Three of seven bridges have been constructed so far, and Panoramabrücke Sigriswil is the most impressive to date.

It soars 180 metres over the Gummi Gorge and is 330 metres in length.

You’ll never tire of the view of the Bernese Alps looming over the deep blue of Lake Thun, no matter how many times you admire it, and this bridge is the one of the best spots to do exactly that.

The bridge is on a path that will carry you down to the charming town of Oberhofen, which has a beach and a castle on the water.

15 Best Things to Do in Interlaken (Switzerland):

• Harder Kulm
• Schynige Platte
• Lake Brienz
• Jungfraujoch
• St Beatus Caves
• Summer Activities
• Weissenau Nature Reserve
• Justistal Alpine Dairy
• Winter Sport
• Panoramabrücke Sigriswil

A Complete Guide for Visiting Interlaken, Switzerland

• Post last modified: August 19, 2024
• Post author: Danielle Zito
• Post published: March 7, 2024
• Post category: Europe

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There are so many epic and exciting things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland, which is exactly what makes it such an incredible destination.

As one of the top popular tourist hot spots in the country, we're here to help you make the most of visiting Interlaken.

In this guide we're going to share how to get there, the best ways to get around, and all of the best things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland, so that you can have as epic of a trip as we did!

*Please note that this blog post may contain some affiliate links, which we make a small profit on, at zero cost to you.  Links are only used on products & services that we've used and believe in, to give you the best buying experience.  Purchasing from these links helps us to continue providing free travel guides for you- so thank you for your support!

Where is Interlaken in Switzerland?

Interlaken is located in the heart of Switzerland in the Bernese Highlands. The town is situated between two large lakes, Lake Brienz to the East, and Lake Thun to the West.

How to Get to Interlaken, Switzerland

Now that you know where Interlaken is in Switzerland, let's look at the different options for traveling there.

What is the Best Way to Get to Interlaken?

Being so centrally located, Interlaken is actually very well-connected with many cities in Switzerland, and can most easily be reached by train.

Here are some of the most popular routes to Interlaken, Switzerland:

• Bern to Interlaken (1 hour)
• Zurich to Interlaken (2 hours)
• Basel to Interlaken (2 hours)
• Geneva to Interlaken (3 hours)

How Do I Get to Interlaken From the USA?

In order to get to Interlaken, Switzerland you can fly into either Geneva or Zurich  directly from the US. Geneva has direct flights from  New York  and Washington DC, while Zurich has flights from Boston,  Chicago ,  Las Vegas ,  Los Angeles ,  Miami ,  New York , Philadelphia, San Francisco, Tampa, and Washington DC.

Flight Tip:  Using Skyscanner you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for Switzerland flights!

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Entry Requirements for Interlaken, Switzerland

Now that you know how to get to Interlaken, Switzerland, let's look at the requirements for entering and staying in the country.

Visa Entry Requirements for Switzerland

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Zone, which means that  if you plan on visiting as a tourist to Europe for an extended period of time you will need to keep the 90/180 rule in mind.

The 90/180 Rule

The 90/180 rule states that all countries which belong to the Schengen Zone have free travel amongst one another. Tourists (those not from the Schengen Zone) can visit for a total of 90 days within a 180-day period. 

This is important to keep in mind because if you go to other countries which are inside the Schengen Zone before Switzerland, you will have to subtract those days from your travel allowance.

For example:  you are going on a road trip, and spend 75 days traveling through  France ,  Spain , and  Italy (which are all in the Schengen Zone).

You now only have 15 days left in the Schengen Zone, or days that you could potentially stay in Switzerland. After leaving the country, if you have used all 90 of these days, you will then have to spend 90 days outside of the Schengen Zone before you will be able to re-enter.

We spend a lot of time in Europe every year, so we always use the Schengen Visa Calculator to make sure that we are staying within the allowed time period. (It is a serious offense if you spend even 91 days within the 180-day period, so it's crucial that you stay in compliance).

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Local Adjustments for Interlaken, Switzerland

One of the most important parts fo traveling is making sure that you know the basics for visiting before you go! Things such as the language, currency, and tipping culture are included in all of our travel guides for this reason. Here are a few of the local adjustments for visiting Interlaken, Switzerland.

Language in Interlaken, Switzerland

The offiical language in Interlaken, Switzerland is Swiss German.

Do They Speak English in Interlaken?

As Interlaken, Switzerland is heavily trafficked by tourists, it's quite common to find people who do speak English. It definitely helps if you do pick up some of the basics of German though.

Currency in Switzerland

The currency used in Interlaken, Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). It is a very strong currency, and worth more than both the euro and the dollar. Currently, (March 2024) 1 CHF is equivalent to $1.13 USD, 1.05 EUR, or .90 GDP.

Can You Use Euros in Interlaken?

Euros are typically not accepted in Switzerland. However, there are certain places that may be willing to accept euros if you are luckily. Most things in Interlaken can be paid by credit card, but if you need cash we suggest withdrawing money from a local ATM.

Is it Expensive in Interlaken?

Interlaken, Switzerland is very expensive to visit. But, that doesn't mean you can't do it on a budget! We have a few tips for saving money while visiting Switzerland, as well as other pricey countries in one our article " how to travel to expensive countries on a budget ".

Electrical Plugs in Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland uses the same plug types as the rest of Europe , which are types C (with 2 round pins) & J (with 2 round pins and a third underneath). The standard voltage in Switzerland is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz.

If you are coming from the US, the UK, or Australia, you will need to get a travel adapter for Switzerland.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Interlaken?

Switzerland has some of the cleanest drinking water in the world! Bottled water is quite expensive in Interlaken, and is completely unecessary. We definitely suggest bringing a reusable water bottle with you, and filling up from the tap.

Are Your Expected to Tip in Switzerland?

It is not customary to tip in Switzerland, as servers make a regular wage. Many restaurants in Interlaken, Switzerland do however add a service charge on the bill, which is typically around 10%.

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Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland

Now that you know the basics, let's go over all of the fun things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland.

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Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #1: Take in the Views from Harder Kulm

The number one tourist attraction, and a major reason people visit Interlaken is for the views at Harder Kulm. Located right in the heart of town, this is one of the most popular viewpoints for tourists visiting Switzerland.

Harder Kulm has a large triangular platform, which overlooks the entire city of Interlaken, and has panoramic views of both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. It can be reached by funicular from right between the lakes, or you can hiking up to it.

Harder Kulm offers some of the best views of Interlaken.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #2: Visit Beatus Caves

Just outside of the town of Interlaken town you can find a true hidden gem of Switzerland, St Beatus Caves.

The system of caves is really unique, as it has tunnels, chambers, and waterfalls coming down from it. Not only that, but it has gorgeous views of Lake Thun below it, as well as a museum you can check out.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #3: Check out Oberhofen Castle

In our opinion, this is the most beautiful castle in Switzerland when it comes to architecture.

Located right along Lake Thun, you can admire the castle from a variety of different angles, including a swim in the waters right in front of it!

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #4: Explore Spiez Castle

Also located on Lake Thun (the other side of the lake), is Spiez Castle, which is another of our favorites in the area.

It has incredible views, large gardens, and a beautiful outdoor cafe that you can enjoy. You can also pay to enter inside and tour the castle itself, which has various exhibits for all ages.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #5: Stroll Around the Town of Thun

Thun Lake has plenty of beautiful spots along it, but our absolute favorite is the town of Thun itself. It is full of flowers, bridges, and charming streets hugging the lake, and it also has a castle worth visiting.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #6: Take a Scenic Boat Ride

One of the best ways to explore the scenery around Interlaken is to go on a boat ride. You can take a scenic boat ride on Lake Brienz or sign up for the boat cruises day pass to experience the best of both of the lakes.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #7: Go on a Bicycle Tour

Another one of the great ways to explore all around the lakes and Interlaken is by bicycle. We found a great bicycle tour that has a local guiding you along the lakes and through the forests to experience the variety of nature that the area has to offer.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #8: Go Paragliding

With such stunning views around Interlaken, it really is special seeing everything from above. Paragliding is the perfect activity for those that want a bit of adventure, and to appreciate the Swiss landscapes from a different perspective.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #9: Take a Kayak Tour

While we love a good boat tour, we really enjoy kayaking, and find that it is a really serene way to enjoy the different sites around Interlaken, Switzerland. The kayaking tour along Lake Brienz is really peaceful, and is inclusive of all different skill levels.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #10: Visit the Waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen

If you're looking for one of the most pictureque places in Switzerland, then you won't want to miss out on Lauterbrunnen! 

Known as the village of waterfalls, the adorable town is tucked between the mountains, and of course, is surrounded with waterfalls. This place seriously looks like it came straight out of a fairytale, and is a must-visit for your trip to Interlaken, Switzerland.

Lauterbrunnen is just 15 minutes south of Interlaken, and can easily be reached by either train or one of the various day trips below.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #11: Do an Epic Via Ferrata in Murren

Another incredible village south of Interlaken is Murren, which is known for being home to one of the most epic via ferratas in the world! The iconic views and long suspension bridge from one mountain to another make it a true bucket list spot.

You can reach the town of Murren a really beautiful cable car ride from Lauterbrunnen, followed by a scenic train ride. Despite being a journey to get to, it is truly one of our top recommendations while in Interlaken, Switzerland. Just make sure you book your via ferrata equipment in advance.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #13: Go Canyoning

Canyoning is a sport which combines several outdoor sports like rock climbing, hiking, swimming, and rappelling. It's a popular activity in Interlaken, and is the perfect excursion for those looking for a bit of adventure during their trip.

Here are a few different canyoning excursions you can sign up for in Interlaken, Switzerland:

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #13: Try a Canyon Swing in Grindelwald

See those awesome pictures above? Well, that's a popular activity you can find called a canyon swing, and it can be done most popularly in Grindelwald. If you don't want a full day excursion canyoning, you can skip to the wild part and sign up for the Grindelwald Canyon Swing , which is a 90-meter freefall at 120 km per hour between the canyon walls.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #14: Visit the "Top of Europe"

Experience the "top of Europe" right outside Interlaken, Switzerland. The Jungfraujoch is a saddle connecting the Monch and Jungfrau, which are two of the major 4,000ers within the Bernese Alps. It has a super iconic view, and is definitely one for the bucket list!

We're going to be honest though- this is the most expensive cable car you'll ever take. At 200 euros, we decided to sit this one out. However, if you have the cash to blow, it's definitely one of the best things to do near Interlaken.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #15: Go White Water Rafting

Looking for some more fun on the water? Well, Interlaken offers a variety of white water rafting excursions, from family-friendly rafting to intense rapids for the adventure enthusiasts.

Here are a few of the most popular rafting tours you can take:

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #16: Try Skydiving

There is no shortage of adventure in Switzerland! If paragliding is too relaxed for you, then you can take it to the next level by going skydiving in Interlaken . It's the perfect mix of adrenaline and gorgeous views.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #17: Take the Kids to the Rope Park

Looking for more family-friendly activities? Well, the Interlaken Rope Park is great for kids, and has 9 courses including a forest playground with wooden bridges, Tarzan swings, and zip lines.

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland #18: Take a Day Trip to One of the Stunning Lakes Nearby

It's no secret that Interlaken, Switzerland has some pretty incredible nature. Well, after exploring Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, there are a couple more nearby lakes that will blow you away with their beauty.

Two of these are the Blue Lake and Oeschinen Lake, which can combined on this Lake Hiking Tour.

If you don't want a tour though, you can also go there on your own like we did! Check out our Oeschinen Lake travel guide to learn more.

Oeschinen Lake is a great day trip from Interlaken.

Local Food & Drink in Interlaken, Switzerland

As you can see, there are so many great things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland! Not only are there a variety of activities and natural site to see, but they are also known for a few different Swiss specialties that you can experience.

What Food is Interlaken Known For?

Interlaken is a great place to be able to enjoy special culinary experiences. Here are a few musts while you are in the area!

The Swiss love their cheese, and there are a ton of local cheeses that you can indulge in while in Interlaken. Check out the cheese factory tours , take a Swiss Fondue class , go raclette rafting , or have dinner at a local's home . There are so many great cheese experiences in Interlaken, and if you're there in the fall make sure to check out the Autumn cheese festival!

Switzerland has some of the best chocolate in the world, and trying a chocolate fondue is a must! Well, Interlaken has a pretty unique chocolate experience that you can't find elsewhere, and it's a chocolate fondue float !

As if delicious chocolate and cheese weren't enough, Interlaken also is known for having some great wineries around it. Enjoy the vineyards of Oberhofen, Hilterfingen, Merligen-Stampbach, Thun, Steffisburg, Gunten, Wilderswil and Spiez, which are all right around Interlaken, Switzerland, and have fantastic views.

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How Do You Get Around in Interlaken, Switzerland?

Now that you know all of the great things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland, it's time to go over how to get around the area!

Is Interlaken Walkable?

The town of Interlaken itself is walkable, and doesn't require any transportation. However, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are very large, and in order to explore all that the area has to offer, you will certainly need another form of transportation.

Do You Need a Car for Interlaken?

For the town of Interlaken itself, it definitely isn't necessary to have a car. However, we really loved having a car for having the flexibility of visiting all of the nearby attractions.

That being said, parking is a bit difficult in and around Interlaken, so we would recommend using the train system in Switzerland instead, unless you plan on visiting areas out in nature or traveling a bit more off the beaten path.

The Swiss Pass

If you do want to see a lot outside of Interlaken, and don't want to rent a car, you should definitely look into getting the Swiss Pass, which includes unlimited train rides, as well as discounts on a lot of activities and attactions around the country.

Here are some of the packages you can purchase for the Swiss Pass:

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Interlaken, Switzerland: Where to Stay

If you don't have a car, we definitely suggest staying in the center of Interlaken. This way you can easily walk to different points of interest, as well as be close to the train station to visit all of the nearby attractions.

If you want a quieter and more quaint stay, or do have your own car, we would suggest staying along one of the lakes outside of Interlaken.

Interlaken, Switzerland: Best Hotels to Stay at

Here are some of the top recommendations we have for Interlaken, Switzerland, for a variety of traveler and budget types.

• Happy Central Apartment : the most affordable hostel, which is centrally located
• Funny Farm Backpackers : a hotel with both shared and private rooms which offers an array of activities such as golf, horseback riding, canoeing, and tennis
• Loveroom : a romantic apartment ideal for honeymooners with a jacuzzi inside
• Post Hardermannli : a traditional Swiss style chalet
• Hotel Beausite : a beautiful centrally-located hotel with a terrace, garden, playground, and daily afternoon tea time inluded
• Grand Hotel Beau Rivage Interlaken : A 5-star property with an indoor pool, spa, and breakfast included
• The Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa : the most stunning luxury hotel with an incredible spa

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Is Interlaken Safe?

Interlaken, as well as the whole country of Switzerland is very safe, with low crime rates. It has actually been rated one of the safest countries in the world, and it is very well set up for tourism, especially in Interlaken.

Is it Safe to Walk in Interlaken at Night?

Interlaken does not have a lot of action at night, but it is very safe, so there is no problem walking around as a tourist after the sun has gone down.

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Other Things to Know About Visiting Interlaken, Switzerland

Now you almost have all of the info you need for visiting Interlaken, Switzerland! But don't go anywhere, because we have a few other things to share with you so that you can plan the perfect trip.

Weather in Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken, Switzerland experiences all 4 seasons, with mild and sunny summers, and cold, snowy winters.

The weather in Switzerland is honestly one of the craziest you can experience. As it is surrounded by mountains, it can be hot and sunny one minute, and cold and windy the next.

The weather changes so much actually, that Swiss people don't rely on the traditional weather apps like the majority of us do. They actually have their own app! We suggest downloading it once you get there, so that you can plan your outdoor activities around Interlaken accordingly.

Which Month is Best for Interlaken?

Interlaken, Switzerland is beautiful to visit year-round! It really depends on what kind of trip you are looking to have, but we think the two best seasons to visit Switzerland in general are either in the winter or the summer.

We particularly like the summer for Interlaken though, as this is when there is beautiful weather and is the perfect time for hiking, and swimming in the lakes. If you'd like fewer crowds though, we would suggest visiting Interlaken, Switzerland in either June or early September.

Interlaken is a great destination for the summertime.

Packing For a Trip to Interlaken, Switzerland

Here are some of the things we brought on trip to Interlaken, Switzerland, that we think will be helpful for you as well.

• Sunscreen  (if you visit in the summer)
• Reusable Water Bottle  (we use  this water bottle from Cafago  because it holds the temperature)
• Umbrella  and a  Poncho
• Sneakers  (for the hikes)
• Hiking Shoes (for the bigger hikes like Murren)
• Bathing Suits  
• Athletic clothing
• Jacket and layers
• Zippered Bag or Backpack  (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these  backpacks for travelers!
• Power Bank  (we use  Anker power banks , as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Drone  (We use the  Mavic Mini Pro 3  because it's super light and has incredible quality. We would also suggest getting  Mavic 3 Pro  for up in the mountains due to the wind)
• Action Camera  (we use the  Insta 360 X3  because it's small & waterproof)
• Travel Adapter

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Is Interlaken Worth Seeing?

Even though Interlaken can get a bit touristy, we definitely think it is worth visiting! It is full of incredible views, beautiful castles, and a perfect location for visiting a lot of other cool spots around Switzerland .

How Many Days in Interlaken is Enough?

You could honestly do most of the highlights in Interlaken in a full day trip. However, you could also easily spend up to a week there if you have it as a base and choose to really enjoy all of the different activities it has to offer.

We suggest spending 2-3 days in Interlaken, Switzerland, so that you can get a real taste of what the area has to offer.

There are so many places to see around Interlaken, Switzerland.

So are you ready to visit one of the most popular places in Switzerland? We know you'll love Interlaken, as well as all of the other amazing places to visit in Switzerland .

Want to explore some other places in Switzerland? We have a ton of  Switzerland destination guides  for you to check out. Make sure to  subscribe to our newsletter  to hear about our newest travek guides, and to receive exclusive content and discounts on our shop.

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Once Interlaken made the Victorians swoon with mountain vistas from the chandelier-lit confines of grand hotels; today it makes daredevils scream with adrenalin-loaded activities. Straddling the glacier-fed Lakes Thun and Brienz and capped by the pearly white peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the town is the gateway to Switzerland's fabled Jungfrau region and the country's hottest adventure destination bar none. If the touristy town itself leaves you cold, the mountains on its doorstep will blow your mind, particularly if you’re abseiling waterfalls, thrashing white water or gliding soundlessly above 4000m summits.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Harder Kulm

For far-reaching views to the 4000m giants, take the eight-minute funicular ride to 1322m Harder Kulm. Many hiking paths begin here, and the vertigo-free…

Bernatone Alphornbau

It doesn't get more Swiss than the alpenhorn, that fabulous-looking instrument often played by bearded Alpine men with ruddy cheeks and a good set of…

St Beatus Caves

Sculpted over millennia, the St Beatus Caves are great for a wander through caverns of dramatically lit stalagmites, stalactites and underground lakes…

Heimwehfluh

A nostalgic funicular trundles up to family-friendly Heimwehfluh for long views across Interlaken. Kids love the bob run down the hill – lay off the…

Tourist Museum

This low-key museum sits on a cobbled, fountain-dotted square in Unterseen. The permanent exhibition presents a romp through tourism in the region with…

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Foolproof Visitor’s Guide to Interlaken Switzerland

An Ultimate travel Guide for Interlaken, Switzerland!

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The stunningly pristine alpine village of Interlaken, Switzerland is one that visitors to Central Europe must add to their destination bucket list. Nestled between two alpine water lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and epic views of snow capped Alp mountains, this area of the Canton of Bern, Switzerland continues to be a breathtakingly beautiful stop for visitors. It is also home to one of the world’s thrill-seeking capitals. Imagine having access to turquoise waters for windsurfing and kayaking, and being in proximity to major Alp mountains like the Jungfrau, for extreme sports. With so much to see, do and explore in Interlaken I guarantee you’ll leave wanting to come back to this paradise in central Switzerland.

How to get to Interlaken

No matter what destination you are coming from, getting to Interlaken is quite easy. By taking one of Switzerland’s timely and efficient trains, you can arrive to the center of the town of Interlaken and begin your exploring soon after.

There are two train stations in Interlaken – Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. Interlaken Ost is closer to the Old Town part of the city, while the Interlaken West station is closer to Lake Thun. I visited Interlaken after a long weekend in Zurich , and with one easy to make connection in Bern , found ourselves at the Interlaken Ost train station (as it was closer to our AirBnb ) marveling at the beautiful mountains right behind the train station. Which were dripping in natural waterfalls and springs. You can look up Swiss train schedules here .

There is also an airport in the area called Belp Airport. However, it is typically much cheaper to fly into a major airport, like Zurich International, and take a train, rather than spend an exorbitant amount on a flight to a smaller airport like the Belp Airport.

And of course you can reach Interlaken by car. Depending on where you are staying this may be a great option so that you don’t have to rely on public transportation (however, public transportation in Switzerland is very reliable). You can utilize the Sepp app to find and pay for parking in Switzerland, and here is a map of where you can find parking in the central part of Interlaken.

Where to Stay in Interlaken

Deciding on where to stay can be a challenging feat for any trip. You want to have balance between great location, price, value and more. Since Interlaken is known for more beyond its city lines, such as outdoor adventure sports, there is an overwhelming amount of options. Here are quite a few options for travelers on different budgets visiting Interlaken:

Looking for traditional Swiss architecture?

Stay in Interlaken City. This is the urban part of Interlaken, and is very walkable. This is also where a lot of the adventure sport companies will have visitors meet near.

Lodging in Interlaken City

Looking for lake views?

Stay on one of the lakes that hug Interlaken, Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. We stayed at a beautifully renovated AirBnb that had stunning views of Lake Thun (and heated bathroom floors, second best feature next to the lakeside views!)

Looking to stay outside of Interlaken?

Here are a few options for wanting to stay somewhere that isn’t in the main part of Interlaken:

• Lauterbrunnen- only a few kilometers south of Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen is best known for its quintessential Swiss chalet style homes, and beautiful landscape views.

Lodging in Lauterbrunnen

• Grindelwald- the mountain village of the Eiger mountain, there are lots of activities to participate in here for both summer and winter months.

Lodging in Grindelwald

• Thun- the main town that Lake Thun was named after. Thun felt much more traditional Swiss than the (quite frankly) over touristed area of Interlaken City. It also felt like there was much more to see if you weren’t doing outdoor adventure activities during your entire time to this area of Switzerland.

Lodging in Thun

Looking for convenience to travel elsewhere?

Stay near Interlaken Ost, which is the east side of the town. It is close to the larger train station. It is also near the touristy areas; meaning lots of souvenir shops and over-priced/under value eateries.

While I could link to multiple different hostels, hotels and B&Bs, I understand that it’s important to look at all of your options, so instead I would suggest making your own independent decision (as you know your travel style better than I ever could). I typically book through AirBnb or Booking.com.

Hafen Lodge, AirBnb

Where to stay in Interlaken, Switzerland

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When should you go to interlaken.

The best Time of Year to visit Interlaken

The best part about Interlaken is that it’s always a good time to visit! It really depends on what you want to do while you are there. If you’re looking for winter sports, then you can’t beat skiing or snowboarding in the Swiss Alps. If you want to be able to casually walk around and enjoy the european charm and beautiful landscapes then springtime and summer are great. And yes, it does warm up in Interlaken, even though it is near the Swiss Alps. It can get up to the mid-70s during the summer months.

I would suggest that you keep your budget in mind when deciding when to visit Interlaken (or any part of Switzerland for that matter). It is a fairly expensive country, and can become even more expensive during busy seasons such as mid-summer months and major holidays like Christmas.

How many days should you stay/visit Interlaken?

Similar to the best time of year to visit Interlaken, the number of days you should spend in this area is dependent on what you want to while there and your preferred travel style. You could spend a solid three days there and be able to explore Interlaken, have an adventurous excursion, like paragliding, and enjoy half a day on a boat cruise of one of the lakes.

If you prefer a slower paced travel experience, then I would suggest taking a week here. That way you can enjoy going to the top of Jungfrau (which you would want to wait to do until the sky is clear, see more about this below). As well as be able to spend an entire day exploring the town of Thun (my favorite place during my trip to Interlaken). You would also have time to go on a few hikes, and feel as if you have experienced all that Interlaken city has to offer.

How to get around Interlaken & the surrounding areas

Interlaken is conveniently compact so exploring the city center is easily done so on foot. However if you are staying outside of the city center you will be able to take their local bus lines.

In order to find which route/s to take I would suggest using Google Maps or Rome2Rio . For all of our travels we use these two options. The best part is that most hotels will have free bus cards for their visitors, so be sure to ask the front desk when you check in. Even our AirBnb host had bus cards for us to use. There are of course taxis you can take around as well, but the buses were always on time, and conveniently close to everything we needed.

Don’t forget that Interlaken is situated between those two shockingly turquoise watered lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. There are boats that you can take around the entirety of the lakes with multiple stop off points that I would highly recommend (keep reading to find those below!). You can purchase tickets for the boats at the tourist office or at their docks. Here is a map of the stops on both lakes.

• If you want to explore Lake Thun, then you would board near the Interlaken West train station
• It takes about two hours to get to the town of Thun
• Best stop off points: Oberhofen Castle, St. Beatus Caves, Spiez
• Not every boat that departs from Interlaken West will be a multi-stop boat, so be sure to ask which one will stop at each spot
• Map of Lake Thun boat docks here
• Boats operate year round, so you can enjoy a round about boat trip on Lake Thun even in the winter

LAKE BRIENZ

• If you want to explore Lake Brienz, then you would board near the Interlaken Ost train station
• It takes about one and a half hours to get to the town of Brienz
• Not every boat that departs from Interlaken Ost will be a multi-stop boat, so be sure to ask which one will stop at each spot
• Map of Lake Brienz boat docks here

Why should I go to Interlaken?

Check out this blog post that includes

Eight Reasons why you NEED to visit Interlaken, Switzerland

Things to do in & around Interlaken

Interlaken is known as an adventure seekers destination, so there is no shortage of things to do in this area of Switzerland.

• Spend time outdoors on a scenic hike

Hiking is an all time favorite travel activity of mine, and an excellent way to burn off those vacation meal calories when traveling. Interlaken has so many options when it comes to their hikes. You can find ones that are range in length and difficulty. Wherever I’m traveling to, I almost always use the All Trails app to research and choose which hike/s I want to go on. Download the app here !

Cost: Free!

Each morning you’ll be able to see paragliders swinging lightly through the clouds down to the center of Interlaken. So, why not be one of them? This fairly carefree adventure is great for those just beginning to go outside of their comfort zone (which I can say from experience, as I’ve tended to lean towards the safe side until I went paragliding in Interlaken).

After reviewing a few companies (based on price, reviews, years in service & level of professionalism) we chose to book with Paragliding Interlaken . Their staff were very accommodating and we loved our guides. Push past those fears of heights and enjoy a birds eye view of Interlaken!

Cost: 170 CHF

Step up your game & be a daredevil

While paragliding is a wonderful activity, if you’re feeling up for an even greater adrenaline rush, Interlaken also has companies that offer skydiving, canyoning, white water rafting, ice climbing and bungee jumping. Luckily Paragliding Interlaken has lots of options for the adventurous type. *Add in Tripadvisor link if approved for their affiliate program

Cost: depends on activity, ranges from 40 CHF to 400+ CHF

See if the legend is true, by visiting St. Beatus Caves

There is a legend that says Saint Beatus defeated a dragon that was living inside of these caves. You’ll have to see for yourself if you believe it to be true, but either way you’ll be greeted with stunning waterfalls both in and outside of the caves. The caves are open from March to November. Find more details about visiting here .

Cost: 18 CHF

Take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Interlaken is great for providing ways to view this beautiful country from both above the clouds and on the shorelines. A lake cruise is a wonderful way to spend your day and they offer plenty of hop on/off stops for further exploring.

Lake Thun cruises depart from the ferry dock near the Interlaken West station, while the Lake Brienz cruises depart of the ferry dock near the Interlaken Ost station. Both are easy to find once you’re at the train stations. You can find the timetables here . The more difficult decisions you’ll make is which lake to cruise on. Both feature turquoise waters and stunning views of the Alps. If you have time consider going on both! Cruises are offered April through October, and there are winter cruises on Lake Thun (only).

COST: starting at 35 CHF

Since you’re already going to take a Lake Cruise (which is my number one suggestion for those visiting Interlaken!), you might as well stop off from the Lake Thun cruise to explore the Oberhofen Castle.

My standards for visiting a museum and castle have become somewhat particular … after plenty of travels, I’ve seen quite a few and have decided to spend my money wisely when visiting, as not all are created equal … and I would definitely recommend walking through Oberhofen Castle.

We found this 13th century castle and museum to be informative, engaging and loved the way the interior has been maintained. There are also English gardens outside that you can walk around in, for picture perfect moments with loved ones (unlike these hilarious attempts we made here… not quite sure what we were trying, but sleep deprivation probably had something to do with us thinking it was a good idea, haha).

Overall it is an enchanting lakeside with beautiful architecture, and remains one of my favorite stops while we were in Interlaken, Switzerland.

Cost: 10 CHF, Oberhofen Castle Visitor Information

Put your fancy pants on & enjoy a cocktail at Interlaken’s finest hotel, the Victoria Jungfrau Hotel. In between all of your outdoor adventures, be sure to treat yourself to a high class atmosphere. The Victoria Bar offers traditional English tea times on the weekends as well.

Cost: depends on what you order

Walk around Interlaken Old Town

There are two sides to Interlaken’s town centre, the main street and the streets north of the main street leading to the river.

The Main street is strictly shopping and mostly for tourists. I wouldn’t skip past it too quickly but you don’t need to spend too much time here. If you’re looking to buy some Swiss chocolate, Swiss Army Knives or souvenir type items then this is where to go.

After you’ve finished with your shopping, head north through the small collection of streets that lead to the river. Here you will find more traditional buildings decorated with baskets of flowers and colourful window shutters, including the Interlaken Monastery and castle.

Cost: free!

Explore the top of a lesser known Swiss Alp, the Neiderhorn

Below are the top Swiss Alps to visit when you’re near Interlaken, Switzerland. However, I’ve come to love exploring the lesser known places while traveling and you will not be disappointed by taking half a day (or a full day if you want to hike up) experiencing the top of the Niederhorn. This was suggested to us by our AirBnb host, as was the restaurant that is located at the midway point.

You can either hike from the bottom to the top, or take the funicular. In fact, you can ride the funicular to different heights of the mountain. So if you want to ride halfway up and hike the rest (or vice versa) you can!

Cost: the cost has varied since we visited, I would ask your local lodging to find this for you

Soak up another breathtaking view at Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm is a viewpoint in Interlaken. People call it Interlaken’s own mountain as the view looks down directly over the town. Visitors take a quick ten minute cable car up to the top, and can walk out over the extending platform to spectacular views of Interlaken and Unterseen from above.

*The cable car cost is a bit pricey, so be sure to plan to go only on a clear sky day. I would suggest visiting around sunset is best. There is also a panoramic restaurant with a glass viewing platform.

Cost: (for the funicular) 38 CHF

Visit the beautiful Giessbach Waterfalls

On the south side of Lake Brienz are the Giessbach Waterfalls. Arrive either by ferry or bike, then take the funicular to the Grand Hotel Giessbach, which has incredible views. Of course you can always hike up or down instead of taking the funicular, if you want to spend more time outside enjoying Switzerland’s hikes.

For more details on the hike, check out this blog post .

Cost: 10 CHF

Day Trips from Interlaken

Just as it’s smart to have a somewhat planned out itinerary for things to do in Interlaken, there are so many beautiful places around the area that you should consider as well.

Be enthralled with Thun Switzerland

Enjoy your lake cruise on Lake Thun over to the town that the lake was named after, Thun. You can enjoy your time walking through the colorful town, and the uphill walk to the Sleeping Beauty-esque castle, Thun Castle. You may even catch some surfers riding the structured tides at the wooden bridges in the town center. Yes, that’s right, Thun has wooden bridges just like Lucerne !

Step back in time at Unterseen

This medieval town is walkable from Interlaken, and worth half a day trip for those who enjoy meandering through charming European towns.

Explore the famous mountain of Jungfrau

Visitors can hop into a cogwheel train all the way to the top of the mountain and take in breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. There is a Snow Park open during the summer months, which is great for snow tubing, skiing or snowboarding.

It takes two hours to get to Jungfrau from Interlaken, and I don’t believe there are any restrooms on the trains. It’s accessible 365 days a year. There is also a Jungfrau pass that’s great for those who want to explore more than one mountain town near Interlaken, as it will save you money if you want to participate in many of those activities. You can purchase the Jungfrau Travel Pass HERE .

Battle your adventure fears in Grindelwald

No, I don’t mean the J.K. Rowling (author of the Harry Potter novels) evil Grindelwald, I mean the outdoorsy, very popular mountain town, Grindelwald. Not only is the main town of Grindelwald postcard worthy for Switzerland, there are also lots of outdoor activities for both summer and winter months. Here are more details on what to do in Grindelwald .

Take postcard worthy images in Lauterbrunnen

You’ve probably seen snapshots of this Swiss town with its iconic waterfall falling near the main town. Visitors can easily take a train or car from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, and capture pictures you will cherish for years.

Take a scenic train ride

There is something magical about train rides that weave you through the countryside, especially a countryside as adorably picturesque as Switzerlands. Take the Schynige Platte cogwheel train from Wilderswil. Only a ten minute drive or bus ride from Interlaken. *Be sure to check the weather forecast before choosing which day to do this, because if it’s cloudy outside then you won’t see the wonderfully beautiful scenery, which makes this trip worth it.

FUN FACTS about Interlaken, Switzerland

Both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are turquoise and blue due to glacial particles. These tiny particles drip down the Swiss Alps and sink to the bottom of the lake, purifying the water as they go on their descent.

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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I visited Interlaken when I was in college and your post and beautiful photos make me eager to return!

I’ve heard Interlaken is beautiful! Definitely on my to-do list!

This is such a detailed guide. I enjoyed reading it. Pinned it for future reference

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Things to do in Interlaken: 13 best Attractions

If you want to experience the heart of what Switzerland has to offer in terms of magnificent scenery, Interlaken is an excellent place to begin your journey with. Nestled neatly between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Highlands, this spectacular town is surrounded by spectacular views wherever you look. 

To make it an all-around perfect destination, Interlaken is a haven for explorers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. From thrilling train rides and paragliding to adventurous trips to the waterfalls and the different hiking trails, there is no shortage of things you can do here. 

Whether you are visiting Switzerland for the first time or the 10 th , including Interlaken in your travel plans can do you no wrong. 

In this comprehensive guide to Interlaken, you will find the 13 best tourist attractions in this beautiful city to help you get the most out of your visit.

About Interlaken

With a central location in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is one of the oldest and best-known cities in the country, with tourists as well as Swiss locals flocking to the area.

It is located in the alluvial land of Bödeli between the lakes of Thun and Brienz, and alongside the Aare River that flows between them. In fact, the term “Interlaken” translates to “between lakes.” 

With plenty of mountain excursions at its core, Interlaken is home to the famous mountains of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. But the beautiful scenery is just one of the numerous amazing aspects of this great city. 

Blooming with an endless variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, canyoning, and most recently the expressway, Interlaken is one of those cities where you will always have something to do whether it’s day or night.

While the town itself is located in the plains, Interlaken is encompassed by the Bernese Alps from where you can easily view the famous Jungfrau peaks. 

Probably one of the best reasons why Interlaken serves as a great base for tourists to start with is due to its location. It is ideal for people who want to explore as much as they can without traveling long distances. Unlike many villages situated in or around mountains, Interlaken is not isolated. 

It has two main railway stations that cover a large region. You would have absolutely no difficulty reaching all the stunning neighboring locations. In fact, if you make it a day trip, you will be able to travel to fairly far-off locations  and come back in time as well. 

You might think that a town as nature-bound as Interlaken won’t provide the buzz of city life. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Interlaken is, in fact, a lively town with a wide array of shops, restaurants, and hotels containing world-class facilities. One would be remiss if they didn’t make the most out of this great city!

Things to do in Interlaken: Attractions and Activities

1. harder kulm.

Situated at an elevation of 1,322 meters, Harder Kulm is basically Interlakens “Home Mountain”. Standing above it, you will be able to experience the spell-binding views of the Bernese Alps, such as Jungfrau and Eiger, and the two surrounding lakes. 

Once at the top, you will also see an Art Nouveau-style building which is the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant as it provides panoramic views of the surrounding areas. In addition, there is also a children’s playground, the Two Lakes Bridge, and several walking trails. 

How to Get to the Top

The mountain is easily accessible with a funicular that is located a short 5-minute walk from the Interlaken Ost Station. It will only take you mere 10 minutes to go from the plains to the summit via the funicular. In that short span, you will be able to climb more than 700 meters, allowing you to experience the stunning views before your eyes.

If you are the hiking type, it would take you no more than 2 hours to reach the heights of Harder Kulm. You can also opt to go up through a cable car during the summers, allowing you to take in the stunning sunset if you time it just right.

Returning Downwards

You can return from the Harder Kulm mountain via the Hardermannli lookout pavilion and the Hohbühl pavilion. Ensure to give the Harder Alpine Wildlife Park a quick visit to see the marmots and ibexes, with the latter being a beautiful mountain animal that was successfully reintroduced after extinction in this wildlife park.

2. Discover Interlaken and the Höhenmatte

Located centrally in Interlaken, Höhenmatte is a lush green park that offers impressive views to the Jungfraujoch while you stroll along it. It provides you with the perfect canvas to sit and have a relaxing day with your near and dear ones. 

Höhenmate serves as a connection between the Interlaken West and Interlaken East – both railway stations that afford you splendid scenery of the Jungfrau mountain decorated with quaint hotels and flowerbeds along its curves.

You will also find the Kursaal along Hohenmatte, which is a theater and a café accompanied by beautiful gardens. 

Furthermore, there are various hotels here, including the vintage Victoria Jungfrau Hotel that dates back 150 years and serves as a popular Swiss landmark. 

Along with the views, you can also fulfill your touristy desires to the fullest at Interlaken by getting your hands on Swiss souvenirs, chocolates, and much more in one of the many shops that the town features.  

Höhenmatte is also where you can enjoy one of the most popular adventures of Interlaken: paragliding. If, however, you appreciate the serene things in life, a horse-drawn carriage can take you along the streets of the park. 

If you visit during the winters, you will find an ice-skating rink called here “Ice Magic” that is ideal for both novice and expert skaters alike.

3. Heimwehfluh, Toboggan Run and the Rope Park

Another prominent attraction in Interlaken, that you should ensure not to miss, is the Heimwehfluh. 

Similar to Harder Kulm, Heimwehfluh can also be accessed via either a cable car or a funicular. The Heimwehfluh funicular has a significant history attached to it, with the railway car functioning since 1906. 

Only taking about 4 minutes to reach about 662 meters high, the funicular affords you plenty of entertainment once you reach the top. To accompany the great views, you can have great food at the panoramic restaurant above. There is also a children’s playground, and a toboggan run. 

While there, don’t forget to visit the High Ropes Adventure Park. With wooden bridges, ziplines, and Tarzan swings, this park is a must-visit for adults and children alike. The best part is, you won’t have to worry about the safety of you and your loved ones as ample care is taken by the staff to ensure nothing goes wrong. All you have to do is loosen up and let the fun begin!

4. Visit Unterseen

When you’re done with the exhilarating activities of the mountains, you can unwind by seeking out a much more relaxing experience in the medieval town of Unterseen.

Situated across the Aare River, Unterseen is a suburb of Interlaken. The quiet town consists of an old marketplace – known as Marktbrunnen – where you will find the rustic church building dating back to the 13 th century in addition to the Stadthaus. 

If you are a history buff, there is also a museum that you can pay a visit to that outlines the growth of Interlaken throughout the centuries. While taking a stroll, grab a bite at any one of the local bakeries or enjoy traditional Swiss dishes at any one of the quaint restaurants in Stadthauspatz. 

One of the significances of Unterseen is its charming wooden chalets that seem pleasantly out of place in a busy tourist place like the Interlaken. Surrounded by lush green gardens, you may even find farm animals having a grave on the lawns around these chalets. 

5. Fall in love with Lake Thun

One of the best things to do in Interlaken is to visit the mesmerizing lakes it is surrounded by, one of which is Lake Thun. Having one look at this lake, you will likely be left speechless by its stunning beauty and impressive color. 

At Lake Thun, you can engage in water activities, go on a boat cruise, or simply take a stroll along the beautiful lake. Our suggestion is to explore the lake by taking a cruise boat or opt for the historic paddle steamer if you like.

The east shore of Lake Thun gives you a chance to get away from central tourist spots and enjoy some quiet time to yourself. You won’t find many people visiting this side of the lake, allowing you to take a walk along the wooden walkway and admire the nature around you. 

At the west shore, you can stop in Thun and take a look at the lakeside castle. Built in 1191, this castle now houses a historical museum.

While here, don’t forget to visit one of the top attractions – the Weissenau Nature Reserve, which provides views of the Mönch, Jungfrau, and Eiger.

6. Discover the St. Beatus Cave and Waterfalls

Somewhat elevated above Lake Thun are the St. Beatus caves, which are just waiting to be discovered. A network of more than a kilometer of footpaths winds through various caverns and provides a view of underground streams, stalagmites and stalactites. Legend has it that a dragon lived there and was slain by the nearby monk Beatus. 

You can reach the caves by bus from Interlaken or by boat. From the lake it is a steep walk to the caves, but you can always enjoy beautiful views. From the bus station you can reach them in 10 minutes on foot. 

7. See Lake Brienz, Iseltwald and the Giessbach Falls

With its unique turquoise colored water (because it is fed mainly by sediment-laden glacier water), Lake Brienz is a feast for the eyes, especially on sunny days. The best thing to do is to make a short round trip on one of the many different course boats. The most impressive is probably the restored steamship “lötschberg”. With this, you can visit the small lakeside village of Iseltwald in style and enjoy freshly caught fish against an impressive backdrop.

Then hike along the lakeshore through fairytale forests towards the Giessbach Falls. If you have eaten a little too much, you can of course hop on a boat again and travel to the landing stage “Giessbach See” and from there reach the Giessbach Falls on foot or by funicular. The waterfalls can be explored on various hiking trails and bridges, one trail even leads behind the Giessbach Falls. Once you have discovered everything, it is best to end the day on the terrace of the impressive Historic Grandhotel Giessbach. From there you have a magnificent view of the waterfalls, Lake Brienz and in summer you can enjoy the sunset with a cool drink. 

8. Enjoy the outdoors sports capital of Europe, Interlaken

Interlaken is considered by many to be the outdoor sports capital of Europe– and rightfully so! Here are some of the best things you can do here:

Paragliding

Interlaken is arguably the best destination to go paragliding, especially if you are a beginner. While paragliding in Interlaken , you would be able to enjoy the amazing mountain views from the sky, giving you a sensation that is hard to beat.

You can also skydive at Interlaken. Given the spectacular views the town affords you, it only makes sense to skydive here. You can either jump from a plane or a helicopter – whatever tickles your fancy.

Kayaking 

Adding to the long list of outdoor sports in Interlaken, you can also test yourself against the rapids, thanks to the many lakes and rivers here. 

You will have an experienced instructor to guide you along the thrilling ride. However, that does not take away from the exhilarating experience of riding the currents.

Canyoning 

If you like more of a challenge, canyoning might be the ideal activity for you! You would be hard-pressed to find an activity that is as exciting as sliding down the impressive waterfalls of Switzerland and plunging into the icy pools. 

Boat Riding

Interlaken is a water-loving individual’s dream. Another great outdoors water activity here is the action-packed jet boat ride. Cruising across Lake Brienz, these boat rides last anywhere from 35 to 75 minutes.

Rest assured, your heart would be racing as you make your way across the highs and lows of the blue water before you. 

Rope Swinging

In Switzerland, you can experience new heights of beauty – both literally and metaphorically. To satisfy the adrenaline junkie in you, we suggest going to the Grindelwald Canyon Swing ­– considered by many as the world’s scariest swing.

You will start off with a platform that is 90 meters high, swinging towards a glacial river below with only a rope attached to you. The best (for some, the worst) part? You will be traveling at a speed of about 120 kilometers per hour, giving you an adrenaline rush like never before!

9. Explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley

The Lauterbrunnen valley floor only stands at about 800 meters with 4,158 meters of Jungfrau stretching directly above it. This staggering 3358 meter (11’000 feet) difference and the huge rock walls that rise up hundreds of meters and surround the valley, both contribute to the impressive scenery and make it one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland. Some even call it the small Yosemite Valley of Switzerland.

The Lauterbrunnen valley features over 72 waterfalls, for which it is famous, a place you have to see to believe it.

Mountain Excursions near Interlaken

Probably the only downside that comes with visiting Interlaken is deciding which beautiful mountain to visit first. Every mountain is unique in its own right and brings with it something special. 

To make it a little easier for yourself, read on below to get a brief summary of the most popular mountain excursions of the region.

10. Reach the Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch

A trip to the Jungfrau region would not be complete without a trip up to the Jungfraujoch. One of the most popular Swiss peaks, Jungfraujoch does definitely not disappoint.

It is situated at an altitude of 3,434 meters in the Bernese Alps. A cable car ride and cogwheel train journey can take you there in around 90 minutes. The railway track leads through the mountains of Eiger and Mönch up to the highest railway station of Europe, therefore the name “Top of Europe”.

Jungfraujoch neatly sits between the Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, in the center of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage site “Jungfrau – Aletsch – Bietschhorn.” It affords its visitors some of the most spectacular views, making the trip to the summit well worth it. 

Once at the top, there are numerous activities waiting for you to take part in. There is an ice palace, the Sphinx Observatory, shops, restaurants, and snow activities to indulge in.

11. Feel like James Bond on Piz Gloria – Schilthorn

Schilthorn is a summit 2790 meters above the ground that provides exquisite views of the Swiss Skyline ­- Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The top is reached through cable cars or a combination of train and cable car. Doing so provides ample opportunity to get a nice view of the passing waterfalls and the jagged rock faces.

The Schilthorn peak is the place where an original 007 James Bond movie was filmed back in 1969 from where it got its name, Piz Gloria. You will find James Bond memorabilia here along with other Bond-themed activities. 

If you’re the adventurous type, take a stop at Birg while on your way to Schilthorn. You can also take a walk on the Thrill Walk, which is a 200-meter-long cliff pathway that is built into the side of the mountain range. Walking on a wire mesh is surely not something for the faint of heart!

At the base of Mount Schilthorn, in Mürren, is the Stechelberg Gondola Station through which you can reach all the way up to the Piz Gloria.

12. Hike the Schynige Platte Trails

Schynige Platte is a small mountain ridge that stands at an impressive 2,076 meters above sea level. It is one of the best attractions of Interlaken with some of the most outstanding views. 

What sets Schynige Platte apart is the contrasting viewpoints it offers on either side. 

On the one hand, you have the amazing Swiss Skyline (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau), which doesn’t require a hike – only a funicular. On the other end, you have the views of Thun and Brienz lakes that require a short 20-minute hike from the funicular station. 

The funicular ride begins in Wilderswil, which is a 5-minute walk from the Interlaken Ost railway station. This railway runs on locomotives that date back to the 1800s. 

As you move up the Schynige Platte Trails, the views tend to get more and more stunning. If hiking, enjoy a relaxed picnic in the middle as you head up to make sure that you are able to savor the beauty around you.

13. Ride the Historic Brienzer-Rothorn Railway

Above the lakeside town of Brienz rises the 2,350-meter Brienzer-Rothorn. It can be reached by traveling on one of Switzerland’s oldest steam rack railways for an hour or so.

As you reach the top of Brienzer-Rothorn, you will witness spectacular sceneries of the Appenzell, Engelberg, Berne, Uri, and Valais Alps stretching along the Säntis to the Diablerets. 

Hikers will find this location ideal as they can engage in a 4-hour hike towards the Brünig Pass and return to Brienz via the Brünigbahn, the smallest rack-and-pinion railroad in Switzerland.

From Interlaken to Brienz, it is a 20-minute ride by train.

Where to stay in Interlaken

Apart from a vast abundance of beautiful mountains, Interlaken also calls itself home to a number of prestigious and stunning hotels. 

Actually we have a guide about the Best Hotels in Interlaken

In fact, the hotels themselves make a part of one of the best attractions in Interlaken. One of the more luxurious hotel options that you will find in this city is the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. If you are the fancy type, this would be the lodging space for you. 

Another option that you cannot go wrong with is the beautiful 4* Grandhotel Giessbach. Its not situated in Interlaken itself but at the shore of Lake Brienz about 20 minutes from Interlaken. This hotel sits at the foot of the Giessbach Waterfalls and offers views that are hard to beat in their beauty and uniqueness.

For those of you on a budget, staying at one of the many hostels in Interlaken would be a great choice. You may find that the hostels here have a higher price tag here than usual. However, considering the beauty around you, it will be quite worth it.

Another great place to stay in Interlaken is along the Höheweg, the stretch that connects the east and west train stations. You will find some of the best hotels with unbeatable views of the Jungfrau along this expanse.

How to get to Interlaken

The city is situated in the Canton of Bern towards west-central Switzerland, which makes Interlaken easy to reach from all corners of the country through transportation. 

For perspective, here are travel times from some of the major Swiss cities to Interlaken:

• Zurich to Interlaken – 120 kilometers | 1h:58 by train
• Lucerne to Interlaken – 70 kilometers | 1h:51 by train
• Bern to Interlaken – 45 kilometers | 1h by train
• Geneva to Interlaken – 216 kilometers | 2h:20 by train 

Surrounding mountainous villages are also easily accessible from Interlaken, thanks to Switzerland’s state-of-the-art railway system. Most intercity trains function from the Interlaken Ost (East) Station. 

If you do need to use the Interlaken West stations, a quick journey of 3 minutes from Interlaken Ost or a 25-minute walk is all that will be needed.

How to get around Interlaken

People without access to a car don’t have to worry about getting around in Interlaken. The public transportation in and around Interlaken is one of the best in the world with buses and trains traveling frequently and punctually. 

Often, you even get access to an Interlaken Guest Card that provides you with free bus rides within and around Interlaken. 

Interlaken’s roads and streets are well-paved, making driving safe and easy. A little caution should be practiced while driving on mountain roads. However, even the mountainous roads are wide enough to take a stop and admire the scenery before you.

I'm an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for Switzerlandical. Let's go on this adventure together as we explore Switzerland. We'll conquer epic trails, soak in jaw-dropping vistas, or stroll down a cobbled street in one of the many beautiful cities. I'll do my best to curate an unforgettable travel experience that leaves you with memories you'll cherish forever.

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Interlaken is your starting point for unforgettable excursions to the Bernese Oberland and a world leader in adventure sports. Lakes, mountain villages and the Bernese Alps with their glaciers await you here – all accessible all year round by rail, road and mountain railway.

Jungfraujoch

Wonderland of ice, snow and rock

Harder Kulm - Top of Interlaken

Interlaken’s mountain with panoramic view

Schynige Platte

Hiking in untouched nature

BLS Interlaken Lake Cruise

Welcome aboard!

St. Beatus Caves

Stalactite caves high above Lake Thun

Photo Spot Höhematte Interlaken

The picnic and paraglider meadow

Interlaken at a glance

This is interlaken, discover interlaken, lakes thun and brienz, adventure sports in the interlaken region, around interlaken, experience interlaken for less.

Impressions

• From 30 Aug Seaside Festival 2024 Spiez, 30.08. - 31.08.2024
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• From 12 Jun Greenfield Festival Interlaken, 12.06.2025 - 14.06.2025
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