InterlakenvsLucerne
Can't decide between Interlaken and Lucerne? 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
Lucerne
Lucerne is a picture-perfect Swiss city where medieval architecture meets stunning Alpine scenery. Set on the shores of Lake Lucerne with Mount Pilatus as a backdrop, this charming town offers covered bridges, cobblestone squares, and easy mountain excursions.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Interlaken offers Jungfraujoch Railway, Paragliding, Harder Kulm Viewpoint
Lucerne offers Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), Lion Monument, Lake Lucerne Cruises
Food & Dining
Interlaken is famous for its local dining scene
Lucerne is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Interlaken offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Lucerne offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
June to September, December to March (skiing)
May to October
Weather
Summer: 22°C, Winter: 0°C
Summer: 23°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 Lucerne
- 1Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
- 2Lion Monument
- 3Lake Lucerne Cruises
- 4Mount Pilatus
- 5Old Town
- 6Mount Rigi
Interlaken is Popular With
Lucerne 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 Lucerne
- 1
Bourbaki Panorama
A monumental 360-degree circular painting depicting the French Eastern Army's internment in Switzerland during the Franco-Prussian War.
- 2
Natur-Museum Luzern
A charming natural history museum focusing on the wildlife, geology, and ecology of central Switzerland.
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 Lucerne
Altstadt (Old Town)
The historic heart of Lucerne, divided by the Reuss River into the more commercial Kleinstadt and the quieter, hill-backed Altstadt.
Neustadt & Bahnhofviertel
The modern city center revolving around the main train station (Bahnhof Luzern).
Budget Comparison
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Budget in Interlaken
Budget in Lucerne
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Interlaken
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Book Activities in Lucerne
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Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Interlaken
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Find cheap transport to Lucerne
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Our Verdict
Both Interlaken and Lucerne are incredible destinations. Interlaken excels in Jungfraujoch and adventure sports, while Lucerne stands out for Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne.
Best destination for:
families
Lucerne
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