InterlakenvsZermatt
Can't decide between Interlaken and Zermatt? 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
Zermatt
Zermatt is the car-free resort town at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. This Alpine paradise offers year-round skiing on the highest slopes in Europe, world-class hiking, charming wooden chalets, and views of one of the planet's most recognizable mountains.
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
Zermatt offers Matterhorn Views, Gornergrat Railway, Glacier Paradise
Food & Dining
Interlaken is famous for its local dining scene
Zermatt is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Interlaken offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Zermatt offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
June to September, December to March (skiing)
June to September (hiking), December to April (skiing)
Weather
Summer: 22°C, Winter: 0°C
Summer: 18°C, Winter: -5°C
Top Attractions in Interlaken
- 1Jungfraujoch Railway
- 2Paragliding
- 3Harder Kulm Viewpoint
- 4Lake Thun & Brienz
- 5Schilthorn (James Bond)
- 6Adventure Sports
Top Attractions in Zermatt
- 1Matterhorn Views
- 2Gornergrat Railway
- 3Glacier Paradise
- 4Car-Free Village
- 5Year-Round Skiing
- 6Five Lakes Walk
Interlaken is Popular With
Zermatt 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 Zermatt
- 1
Hinterdorf (Old Village)
A maze of tiny, centuries-old wooden barns and granaries (called 'mazots') huddled together behind the main street.
- 2
Gornerschlucht (Gorner Gorge)
A dramatic, narrow gorge carved by the glacial Gornera river, featuring wooden walkways and bridges over turquoise waters.
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 Zermatt
Zermatt Dorf (Village Center)
The historic heart of Zermatt, centered around the main Bahnhofstrasse.
Winkelmatten
A quieter, more residential area located on a sunny plateau south of the river Vispa.
Budget Comparison
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Budget in Interlaken
Budget in Zermatt
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Interlaken
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Book Activities in Zermatt
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Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Interlaken
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Find cheap transport to Zermatt
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Our Verdict
Both Interlaken and Zermatt are incredible destinations. Interlaken excels in Jungfraujoch and adventure sports, while Zermatt stands out for Matterhorn and car-free.
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