InterlakenvsLauterbrunnen
Can't decide between Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Interlaken
Interlaken is Switzerland's adventure capital, dramatically set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz beneath the Jungfrau peaks. This adrenaline hub offers paragliding, skydiving, canyoning, and access to the famous Jungfraujoch—the "Top of Europe."
Known for
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is a Swiss valley of 72 waterfalls cascading from sheer cliffs. This stunning U-shaped glacial valley inspired Tolkien's Rivendell and offers access to Mürren, Wengen, and the Jungfrau region's most spectacular scenery.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
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Culture & History
Interlaken offers Jungfraujoch Railway, Paragliding, Harder Kulm Viewpoint
Lauterbrunnen offers Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls, Mürren & Schilthorn
Food & Dining
Interlaken is famous for its local dining scene
Lauterbrunnen is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Interlaken offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Lauterbrunnen offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
June to September, December to March (skiing)
June to September
Weather
Summer: 22°C, Winter: 0°C
Summer: 20°C, Winter: -2°C
Top Attractions in Interlaken
- 1Jungfraujoch Railway
- 2Paragliding
- 3Harder Kulm Viewpoint
- 4Lake Thun & Brienz
- 5Schilthorn (James Bond)
- 6Adventure Sports
Top Attractions in Lauterbrunnen
- 1Staubbach Falls
- 2Trümmelbach Falls
- 3Mürren & Schilthorn
- 4Wengen
- 5Jungfraujoch Access
- 6Valley Floor Walks
Interlaken is Popular With
Lauterbrunnen is Popular With
Hidden Gems
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Hidden Gems in Interlaken
- 1
Weissenau Nature Reserve
A protected delta where the Aare River meets Lake Thun, known for its stunning, milky-turquoise glacial waters and peaceful walking paths.
- 2
Justistal Valley & Lake
A remote, high Alpine valley above Sigriswil on Lake Thun, accessible by a narrow, thrilling mountain road (or a long hike), leading to a small, pristine mountain lake.
Hidden Gems in Lauterbrunnen
- 1
Obersteinberg
A remote, traditional mountain hotel and dairy farm, only accessible by a 3-hour hike from Stechelberg.
- 2
Suppenalp
A tiny, rustic mountain restaurant located on the hiking trail between Mürren and Gimmelwald.
Neighborhoods to Explore
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Top Areas in Interlaken
Central Interlaken (Höheweg)
The bustling tourist heart, centered on the grand Höheweg promenade.
Unterseen
Located across the Aare River from Central Interlaken, this is the original medieval town.
Top Areas in Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen Village Center
The main village hub sits directly on the valley floor, dominated by the stunning Staubbach Falls.
Wengen
Perched on a sunny terrace 400 meters above Lauterbrunnen, this car-free village is reached only by cogwheel train.
Budget Comparison
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Budget in Interlaken
Budget in Lauterbrunnen
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Interlaken
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Book Activities in Lauterbrunnen
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Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Interlaken
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Find cheap transport to Lauterbrunnen
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Our Verdict
Both Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen are incredible destinations. Interlaken excels in Jungfraujoch and adventure sports, while Lauterbrunnen stands out for 72 waterfalls and Staubbach Falls.
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