Best Time to Visit
June to September, December to March (skiing)
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Language
German
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
Discover Interlaken
Interlaken isn't just a town; it's a launchpad for Alpine dreams. Wedged between the turquoise waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, its entire existence is framed by the staggering triumvirate of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. This geography dictates life here, where the morning commute might be a paragliding flight from Beatenberg and the afternoon journey is a century-old cogwheel train climbing to the icy, otherworldly plateau of Jungfraujoch.
Beyond the adrenaline, Interlaken is a masterclass in Swiss efficiency and charm. The Höheweg promenade, lined with grand hotels and flower gardens, offers a genteel contrast to the rugged mountains. It’s a place where you can savor a fondue while watching BASE jumpers float down to the grassy Höhematte park, a unique juxtaposition of serene tradition and heart-pounding adventure that defines this iconic destination.
Why Visit Interlaken?
Unrivaled Alpine Access: Ride the historic Jungfrau Railway to the 'Top of Europe' at Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station, for year-round snow and panoramic views. Take the cable car to Schilthorn for the 360° Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, famed from the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'.
Adventure Capital: Experience world-class paragliding from Beatenberg or Niederhorn, landing softly on the Höhematte. Go canyoning in the Saxeten Gorge, skydiving over the lakes, or bungee jumping from the Stockhorn. In winter, ski the vast Jungfrau Region slopes accessible from Grindelwald and Wengen.
Stunning Lake & Mountain Vistas: Ascend the Harder Kulm funicular for the iconic 'Two Lakes Bridge' view over Interlaken and both lakes. Cruise on a historic paddle steamer on Lake Brienz to the Giessbach Falls or take the scenic train to Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to 72 waterfalls.
Impeccable Swiss Transport Hub: Interlaken is the central node for the Bernese Oberland's legendary transport network. Experience engineering marvels like the steep cogwheel train to Schynige Platte, the modern cable car to Grindelwald First, and the nostalgic Brienz Rothorn steam train.
Year-Round Scenic Beauty: Summer offers hiking through wildflower meadows at Männlichen and boating on emerald lakes. Autumn transforms the landscape with golden larch trees. Winter brings magical Christmas markets and access to ski resorts, while spring sees blooming gardens and rushing waterfalls.
Charming Swiss Town Atmosphere: Stroll the Höheweg, visit the 14th-century Unterseen old town across the Aare River, and enjoy traditional music and yodeling at local festivals. The town perfectly blends its Victorian-era tourist heritage with authentic local culture.
Interlaken is Known For
Ready to explore Interlaken?
Interlaken Neighborhoods
Central Interlaken (Höheweg)
The bustling tourist heart, centered on the grand Höheweg promenade. This area is lined with historic hotels like the Victoria-Jungfrau, chic boutiques, and manicured gardens, with the vast Höhematte park at its core where paragliders land. The vibe is elegant, lively, and quintessentially Swiss.
Highlights:
Best for:
Unterseen
Located across the Aare River from Central Interlaken, this is the original medieval town. With cobbled streets, traditional timber-framed houses, and the picturesque town square, it offers a more authentic, local, and tranquil atmosphere away from the main tourist bustle.
Highlights:
Best for:
Matten & Interlaken Ost
A more residential and transport-focused area centered around the Interlaken Ost (East) railway station. This is the primary hub for trains to the Jungfrau Region and boats on Lake Brienz. The vibe is practical, less crowded, and offers easy access to nature.
Highlights:
Best for:
Bönigen (Lake Brienz Shore)
A peaceful, postcard-perfect village on the southern shore of Lake Brienz, just a short bus or bike ride from Interlaken. It's characterized by charming chalets, a quiet lakeside promenade, and direct access to water activities, offering a serene escape.
Highlights:
Best for:
Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Buy a Jungfrau Travel Pass for unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, and most cable cars in the region for 3-8 days. It offers massive savings compared to individual tickets to places like Jungfraujoch.
- •For the best Jungfraujoch experience, take the very first train in the morning (around 7-8 AM from Interlaken Ost) to beat the crowds and have the clearest skies.
- •The Harder Kulm funicular is free with a Swiss Travel Pass, but go late afternoon for sunset views and fewer tourists. The restaurant at the top is a great spot to wait for the lights of the town to come on.
- •Skip the expensive hotels for lunch; head to a local Migros or Coop supermarket for delicious and affordable pre-made sandwiches, salads, and Swiss chocolate for a picnic by the river or lake.
- •If paragliding is on your list, book directly with a local operator (like Skywings or Paragliding Interlaken) for potentially better prices than through your hotel. Morning flights often have calmer winds.
- •Visit the St. Beatus Caves on Lake Thun. While known, they're often less crowded than other attractions and feature impressive limestone formations, waterfalls, and a museum, all with stunning lake views.
- •For a unique free activity, walk the 1.5-hour signed path along the Aare River from Interlaken to the stunning turquoise waters of the Weissenau Nature Reserve, a local favorite swimming spot.
- •In summer, take the local bus (#103) to Iseltwald on Lake Brienz. It's a tiny, gorgeous fishing village with a famous pier (from the K-drama 'Crash Landing on You') that's quieter than the main towns.
- •Always carry some Swiss Francs (CHF) in cash. While cards are widely accepted, smaller kiosks, mountain huts, and public toilets often require coins.
- •Check the live webcams for Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and other peaks on the Jungfrau Region website before you go. If it's cloudy at the top, it's not worth the high price—opt for a lower-altitude hike or lake cruise instead.
Interlaken Food Scene
Interlaken's food scene blends hearty Alpine classics with international influences catering to its global visitors. Expect rich, comforting dishes like cheese fondue and rösti, often enjoyed in rustic wood-paneled stübli (traditional pubs) or with million-dollar mountain views from terrace restaurants.
Must-Try Dishes
Traditional Swiss
- • Fondue at Restaurant Schuh
- • Rösti at Goldener Anker
- • Berner Platte at Hotel Oberland
Fondue is typically a dinner dish. Don't drink cold water with it—opt for white wine or herbal tea to aid digestion.
Mountain View Dining
- • Piz Gloria at Schilthorn
- • Restaurant Harder Kulm
- • Bergrestaurant Männlichen
Always reserve a window table in advance, especially for sunset. Menus are pricier but the views are part of the experience.
Casual & International
- • Pizza at Hüsi Bierhaus
- • Burgers at Johnny's Pub
- • Asian at Sapori
The Hüsi Bierhaus has a great local atmosphere and a large outdoor seating area perfect for people-watching on the main street.
Sweet Treats & Bakeries
- • Pastries at Backerei-Konditorei Schuh
- • Ice cream at Gelateria di Berna
- • Swiss chocolate from any local Coop/Migros
For the best local breakfast, grab a fresh 'Gipfeli' (croissant) and a coffee from a bakery rather than paying hotel prices.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Interlaken
Spring
April to May sees melting snow, rushing waterfalls, and blooming flowers. The mountains are still snow-capped, but lower valleys turn green. Some high-altitude attractions like Jungfraujoch are open, but some cable cars may be under maintenance.
Pros:
- + Fewer tourists
- + Lush, vibrant landscapes
- + Lower accommodation prices
Cons:
- - Unpredictable weather (rain/snow mix)
- - Not all hiking trails or activities are open
- - Lakes can be too cold for swimming
Summer
June to September brings warm, sunny days perfect for all adventure sports, hiking, and lake activities. This is peak season, with long daylight hours, bustling streets, and all attractions fully operational.
Pros:
- + All activities and transport are running
- + Ideal hiking and adventure weather
- + Vibrant atmosphere and events
Cons:
- - Highest prices for flights and hotels
- - Crowds at major attractions
- - Need to book everything well in advance
Autumn
October to November offers stunning foliage, especially golden larch trees at higher altitudes. The weather cools, crowds thin, and a misty, atmospheric mood sets in. It's a photographer's dream.
Pros:
- + Beautiful autumn colors
- + Significantly fewer crowds
- + Good deals on accommodation
Cons:
- - Shorter days and cooler temperatures
- - Some cable cars and boats switch to reduced winter schedules
- - Higher trails may close due to early snow
Winter
December to March transforms Interlaken into a snowy wonderland and gateway to world-class skiing. The town is festive with Christmas markets, and while some summer activities close, winter sports take center stage.
Pros:
- + Access to ski resorts like Grindelwald-Wengen
- + Magical Christmas markets
- + Jungfraujoch is a guaranteed winter wonderland
Cons:
- - Cold temperatures and limited daylight
- - Some hiking trails and adventure sports are unavailable
- - Potential for travel disruptions due to snow
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Day Trips from Interlaken
Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren
30 min by train to Lauterbrunnen, then 15 min cable car/funicular to Mürren
Journey into the heart of the Alps to the iconic Lauterbrunnen Valley, a deep U-shaped valley with 72 waterfalls, including the 300m Staubbach Falls. Then, take a cable car to the car-free cliffside village of Mürren for breathtaking, up-close views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Grindelwald & Grindelwald First
35 min by train to Grindelwald
Visit the famous Alpine resort village of Grindelwald, nestled directly under the north face of the Eiger. From here, take the modern cable car to Grindelwald First for thrilling cliff walks, mountain carts, trottibike scooters, and the iconic First Flyer zipline.
Thun
30 min by train or 1.5 hours by boat
Explore the historic city of Thun at the western end of Lake Thun. Wander its picturesque old town with a castle overlooking the Aare River, shop along the unique arcaded streets, and enjoy a more urban, cultural contrast to Interlaken's natural focus.
Interlaken Budget Guide
Interlaken is one of Switzerland's more expensive destinations, but costs can be managed with planning. Major expenses are accommodation, mountain transport, and dining out.
Budget
€80-120 (CHF 75-110) per person for hostels, supermarket meals, and limited paid activities.
per day
Mid-Range
€180-300 (CHF 170-280) per person for a private hotel room, some restaurant meals, and a few key attractions like Jungfraujoch.
per day
Luxury
€400+ (CHF 370+) per person for luxury hotels, fine dining, private guides, and all premium activities.
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •The Swiss Travel Pass or regional Jungfrau Travel Pass is the single best way to save on transport and offers discounts on attractions.
- •Book accommodation months in advance, especially for summer and winter peaks, to secure better rates.
- •Self-catering from supermarkets (Migros, Coop) for breakfast and lunch can cut food costs by 50%.
- •Many beautiful hikes (like around Lake Brienz or to Harder Kulm on foot) are completely free.
- •Look for 'Guest Cards' from your hotel which often provide free local bus travel and small discounts.
Interlaken Hidden Gems
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.
It's a serene, less-visited spot perfect for a picnic or a swim away from the crowds, with incredible colors that rival famous glacial lakes.
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.
It feels like stepping into a secret, untouched Alpine world with grazing cows, traditional chalets, and absolute peace, offering a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
Rugen Gorge (Rugenschlucht)
A short, dramatic gorge walk starting near Wilderswil, featuring wooden walkways clinging to cliffs alongside a rushing turquoise river.
It's an easy, inexpensive (small fee), and spectacular 30-minute walk that most tourists miss, offering a taste of canyoning scenery without the gear or guide.
Oberhofen Castle Gardens
The stunning lakeside gardens of the fairy-tale Oberhofen Castle on Lake Thun, featuring exotic trees, vibrant flower beds, and direct lake access.
While the castle is known, the gardens are often overlooked. They provide a tranquil, beautifully manicured escape with one of the best photo spots on the lake.
Balmers Herberge Tent Village
Not just a hostel, but a unique summer-only tent village and igloo bar in the garden of the famous Balmers Hostel.
It offers a fun, communal, and affordable accommodation experience with a great social atmosphere that's unique to Interlaken, popular with younger travelers.
Interlaken Culture & Customs
Interlaken's culture is a blend of traditional Bernese Oberland farming heritage and a modern, international adventure tourism hub. Respect for nature, precision, and quiet efficiency are key. Sundays are still largely reserved for family and rest, with most shops closed.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Greet shopkeepers with 'Grüezi' (hello) when entering and 'Adieu' (goodbye) when leaving.
- •Be punctual for tours, trains, and restaurant reservations—Swiss time is precise.
- •Keep noise levels down, especially in residential areas and on public transport after 10 PM.
- •Always separate your recycling; it's taken very seriously.
- •When hiking, greet fellow walkers with a friendly 'Grüezi' or 'Hoi'.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Interlaken
Is Interlaken worth visiting if I don't like adventure sports?
Absolutely. Beyond adrenaline, Interlaken is a premier hub for breathtaking scenic train rides, leisurely lake cruises, world-class hiking for all levels, charming village exploration, and simply relaxing amidst some of the planet's most iconic mountain vistas. The beauty is accessible to everyone.
How many days do I need in Interlaken?
A minimum of 3 full days is recommended. Dedicate one day for a major mountain excursion (e.g., Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn), one for adventure or lake activities, and one for exploring the town and a shorter trip like Lauterbrunnen Valley. A week allows you to fully explore the region.
Is Jungfraujoch worth the high price?
It depends on weather and personal interest. On a clear day, the views from the highest railway station in Europe and the Ice Palace are unforgettable and unique. If the summit is cloudy, it's not worth it. Always check the live webcams before purchasing tickets. Consider cheaper alternatives like Schilthorn for similar high-Alpine views.
Can I visit Interlaken without a car?
Yes, and it's highly recommended. Interlaken's public transport is exceptional. Trains, buses, boats, and cable cars connect everything seamlessly. A car is more of a hassle due to limited parking, high costs, and the fact that many top villages like Mürren and Wengen are car-free.
What is the best way to get from Interlaken to Zermatt?
The scenic train journey via the Lötschberg Base Tunnel is the best option. It takes about 2.5 hours with a change in Visp. The route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. There is no direct road as you must go around the mountains, making the train faster and more relaxing.
Is Interlaken good for skiing?
Interlaken itself is not a ski resort, but it's a perfect base for accessing the massive Jungfrau Region ski areas (over 200 km of slopes) in Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You can take a train or bus to the ski lifts within 30-60 minutes. It offers more variety and après-ski options than staying in a single resort village.
Do I need to speak German?
No. While the local language is Swiss German, English is widely spoken in all tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and at attractions. Learning a few basic greetings like 'Grüezi' (hello) and 'Merci' (thanks) is appreciated but not necessary for communication.
When is the best time to see the Alps with the least snow?
For hiking on high trails with minimal snow, aim for late July through September. By mid-July, most snow has melted from popular hiking paths like the North Face Trail or the hike to Bachalpsee. Early June can still have significant snow patches at higher elevations.
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