travel and leisure interlaken

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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The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Interlaken Itinerary

Last Updated on December 17, 2023

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Interlaken is in one of the most famous regions of Switzerland, and for good reason. With towering mountains on either side and a bright blue river running through it, planning a 2 or 3 days in Interlaken itinerary is the perfect introduction to exploring the Swiss Alps.

This charming Swiss mountain town is a favourite destination for those visiting Switzerland. However, it is not quite as popular as some of the surrounding towns and cities which makes it the perfect balance of famous and off-the-beaten-path itineraries.

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Interlaken and spending a few days here is perfect for nature lovers looking to experience some of the most beautiful scenery and activities on offer in the Swiss Alps.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Interlaken?

Step one in planning your itinerary is determining how many days to spend in Interlaken. It’s very possible to explore just the town of Interlaken in one day.

One day in Interlaken is enough to explore the town itself and see the town’s main attraction, Harder Kulm. One day might also be long enough to take a boat out on one of the lakes.

However, should you want to use Interlaken as your home base to explore more of central Switzerland, you’ll want at least 2 days in Interlaken.

For those who have a little more time to spare, 3 days is really ideal if you want to take advantage of all there is to do on a trip to Interlaken.

3 days is really ideal if you want to venture out of Interlaken and continue comfortably exploring the many sights and towns of central Switzerland – such as to Wengen, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen or Iseltwald. 

Getting To & Around Interlaken

Interlaken is located in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. It’s situated between two lakes, Brienz and Thun, with the river Aare running between them and through the town. Due to its small size, Interlaken is very walkable.

Most hotels and accommodation options offer paper maps to help guide your exploration of the town. Otherwise, just set out on foot and see where the day in Interlaken takes you! While the official language is German, a local dialect of Bernese German is most commonly spoken. However, because Interlaken is frequented by tourists, many locals you encounter will know some English.

Interlaken doesn’t have its own airport, which most likely means you’ll be taking the train from a nearby city, such as Geneva , Zurich or Bern . However, once you hop on that train, you’ll be in awe of the view. From Bern , the train takes 45 minutes to a little over an hour.

Coming from Zurich , the train ride is closer to two hours. While renting a car is an option (you can check car rental options here ), the train is a convenient and comfortable mode of transportation that most visitors opt for.

Make sure to reserve a seat on your train, and maybe even a spot by the window, for excellent views of Switzerland’s iconic landscape as you travel between destinations. Click here to view train schedules.

If you plan on taking the train frequently on your trip to Switzerland, consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass as it can end up being very cost-effective. You could also opt to use the bus instead of the train to save cash, however, it’s not as comfortable nor as scenic.

Arriving and departing Interlaken might be some of the most stunning–the train zig-zags up or down a mountainside, through small villages, to showcase some of the best scenery the country has to offer. 

1, 2 or 3-Day Interlaken Itinerary

Whether you have one day or three days, you’ll be in awe of the sites to see. Interlaken is centrally located, which makes it a good home base for exploring much of the region.

Keep in mind that you can organise your itinerary with an array of these ideas so it fits your interests. Take a read through some of the best activities to fill your time while visiting Interlaken and the surrounding area. 

Day 1 – Interlaken Town Highlights

Explore interlaken town.

Make sure you reserve at least three hours for exploring the town of Interlaken. This charming historic town is a pleasure to walk through, marvelling at the architecture that is unique to the region.

Visit Hoheweg Street for some afternoon shopping or to stop for a bit to eat. Here is a good place for an afternoon break or to wander after dinner. While you’re exploring the main street, stray off just slightly to take a stroll through the Old Town Centre.

Here is where you’ll find some of the most historic buildings that are now shops, cafes, and lodging. Pair this up with a walk along the river trail to really take in the vibrant color of the water. 

Save some time to visit the Interlaken Monastery and Abbey. It was home to an Augustinian Canons convent from around 1133 to 1528. It quickly made Interlaken into a destination for pilgrimages and played a central role in the religious life of Switzerland.

Harder Kulm

Here is where you’ll want to visit for stunning views of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains. If you thought the lakes and river Aare were blue up close, just wait until you see them from above.

The best time to visit Harder Kulm is when the sky is mostly clear. This will offer the greatest views.

To reach the viewpoint, you can hike to the top or take the funicular for about ten minutes. In those ten minutes, you’ll climb 730 metres, while looking over your shoulder for exceptional views. The higher you get, the better the views become. You can pre-book tickets here.

Take a boat ride on the lakes

Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are the two lakes on either side of Interlaken. With their clear, turquoise waters, it’s well worth your time to reserve a boat ride out on one of the lakes. If you want to stay a little more off the beaten path, you can also opt to reserve a night or two at a lodge along the lakeshore.

On Lake Brienz, check out Giessbach, an old hotel that looks like a castle, and a 500-metre waterfall. Lake Thun, on the other hand, has several swimming options for those visiting in the summer.

From the water, you’ll get an unobstructed view of Jungfrau and Eiger, so make sure to take your time if you hop a steamboat on Lake Thun. You can also visit Thun Castle. You can buy a lake pass here or, alternatively, it is also possible to organise a kayak tour here on Lake Brienz.

Day 2 – Adventure Sports & Jungfraujoch

Go bungee jumping or skydiving.

As you might imagine, Interlaken is a great destination if you’re looking for some outdoor adventuring. Should you find yourself itching to see Interlaken from high above, explore bungee jumping or skydiving.

There are several local outfits for both activities and with each, you’ll be rewarded for your bravery with outstanding views. When bungee jumping, you’ll leap from a cable car toward a mountain lake 134 metres below.

Skydiving offers views of the mountains surrounding Interlaken that only a select few get to experience.

And if skydiving or bungee jumping is a bit too out of your comfort zone, there is no shortage of activities for visitors seeking a little rush of adrenaline in their Interlaken itinerary. Some popular options include this paragliding experience and this canyoning tour.

Visit Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe”, is a railway station built high in the mountains above Interlaken. It sits at 3,463 metres above sea level and overlooks the Jungfrau-Aletsch mountains.

At the top, there are several panoramic restaurants, shops, exhibitions, and even a post office. There are countless places to get some of the best views of the Swiss Alps available to visitors. There are hiking trails along a crevassed glacier that lead to Monchsjoch Hut.

The Sphinx Observatory can also be reached from Jungfraujoch by taking a short elevator ride. It’s the second-highest observatory in Switzerland and is home to one of the Global Atmosphere Watch’s research stations.

Coming from Interlaken, you’ll first take a train to Grindelwald before hopping the Eiger Express gondola to the Top of Europe. You can go independently or take this full-day tour from Interlaken.

Day 3 – Day Trip from Interlaken

Grindelwald.

Due to its close proximity and variety of things to do, Grindelwald is a popular day trip from Interlaken. One of the most famous sights is the First Cliff Walk. This viewpoint is not for those who are afraid of heights.

This metal walkway protrudes from a cliff side over a 450-metre straight drop. For adventure seekers, there are opportunities for zip lining and bungee jumping. The Eiger trail is a six-kilometre hike that takes hikers toward Eiger’s north face while Bachalpsee is a stunning alpine lake. 

If you want more outdoor activities, consider choosing Grindelwald. If you want to spend more time exploring a quaint village, add Lauterbrunnen to your trip.

Lauterbrunnen

If you’re taking your time, you probably won’t have time to visit both Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. The first is most likely one of the most popular day trips from Interlaken, and maybe one of the most photographed regions in Switzerland.

Staubbach Falls cascades down the mountain and into the Lutschine River and creates a picturesque backdrop to this quaint village. The waterfall is 300 metres and is one of 72 in the area that you can explore.

Lauterbrunnen is famous for its collection of towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, and rolling green hills surrounding the charming town. 

Trummelbach Falls

Trummelbach Falls is the largest subterranean waterfall in Europe and a must-see during your trip to Interlaken. The waterfall is accessible by a tunnel, stairs, and lighting built in 1913. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perhaps one of the most stunning places to visit.

A common trip from Interlaken to Trummelbach Falls includes a stop at Staubbach Falls. Visitors walk along a thin underground path to witness the waterfall, erosion, and river that all exist underground. 

The falls are fed by water melted off the glaciers on Eiger, Monck, and Jungfrau. It’s estimated 20,000 litres of water per second are pushed down the waterfall and out to the valley. The highest drop is about 290 metres, with the total drop at 400 metres.

The trail takes visitors through 10 sections of the falls. You can also opt to take an elevator to the base of the upper falls, but it’s well worth your time to walk if possible. The best time of year to visit is during the summer when the snow melt is at its highest, sending large amounts of water gushing over the falls. Try also to visit early in the day before tour groups arrive. 

While you may not have time to visit each of these places during your 3 days in Interlaken, it’s well worth your time to create an itinerary that includes at least one.

To start, Murren is another small yet impressive town that’s located at 1160 metres above sea level. It’s popular for skiing and walking tours as it’s one of the few places in Switzerland that doesn’t allow cars.

The train from Interlaken only takes about an hour. Keep in mind that this town has a population of only around 500, but it’s always full of tourists, making it one of the most trafficked day trips from Interlaken. 

Next, consider paying a visit to Schilthorn. It sits at 2970 metres above sea level in the Bernese Alps and offers amazing views of the surrounding landscapes. There is a popular restaurant, Piz Gloria, at the top that offers a menu of regional cuisine. Try to plan your visit to Schilthorn on a clear day for the best views possible. 

Where to Stay in Interlaken

Swiss Inn & Apartments – This three-star hotel located in a quiet, residential area of Interlaken is a great option for mid-range travellers. They have a range of rooms and furnished apartments to choose from, as well.

Hotel Interlaken – For those looking for a luxury stay in this Swiss town, then this plush hotel is a great choice. There are a number of luxe rooms available, plenty of amenities and a fabulous location in the centre of Interlaken.

Interlaken City Apartments – If you’d like to have your own space while visiting Interlaken, then these apartments are a good option. They have a range of sizes available to suit all kinds of groups and a fantastic location for exploring all the town and region has to offer.

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof – If you’re on a tight budget in Switzerland or are travelling solo, this hostel is an excellent option in Interlaken. They have a range of both private and dorm beds available and breakfast is included in the nightly rate, as well.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Interlaken hotels!

No matter how long you’re spending in Interlaken, you can use these ideas to create an itinerary that ensures a memorable trip. Your time in and around Interlaken will be filled with some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe. Make sure to take your time and enjoy everything that Interlaken and central Switzerland have to offer. 

Are you planning to visit Interlaken? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

ok thanks, we may probably cut Lucerne and also we have one full day at interlaken on our 1st day, 2nd day is when we go to Jungfrau.

Can you change my name in the previous comments to just “SK” please.

Thank you so much for a detailed and awesome review. We are planning to arrive to Interlaken at night from a train from Paris thru Basel. Spend the 1st day at interlaken, 2nd day to Jungfrau and any other place before going to Lucerne either on the 2nd night or 3rd morning. We have 4 days total for our trip and was thinking doing Lucerne on the 3rd and Zurich on 4th. Our flight to Zurich is on the 5th. Do you think this itineary will work?

That itinerary sounds doable, but it could be a bit rushed. You may find it a bit more relaxing if you cut out a destination 🙂

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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!

Interlaken, Switzerland

The perfect 4 days itinerary.

Interlaken, a charming city nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz , and surrounded by the towering peaks of the Eiger , Mönch , and Jungfrau , is the gateway to Switzerland's Jungfrau region . Known for its adventure sports, stunning alpine scenery, and tranquil lakes, Interlaken is a paradise for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike. Let's dive into the itinerary for your 4-day trip to this breathtaking city.

What to do in Interlaken?

This 4 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Interlaken. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Interlaken

Start your day with a leisurely stroll around the city center, taking in the charming Swiss architecture. Visit the Interlaken Monastery and Castle , a historical site dating back to the 12th century.

Take a boat tour on Lake Thun , enjoying the stunning alpine scenery. Visit the St. Beatus Caves , a network of caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Enjoy a traditional Swiss meal at a local restaurant, trying specialties like raclette and fondue.

Day 2: Adventure in the Jungfrau Region

Take a train to the Jungfrau region , home to the highest railway station in Europe. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Eiger , Mönch , and Jungfrau peaks.

Try your hand at some adventure sports. The region offers activities like hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.

Return to Interlaken and relax at one of the city's spas, enjoying a traditional Swiss massage.

Day 3: Discover the Beauty of Lake Brienz

Take a boat tour on Lake Brienz , known for its turquoise waters. Visit the Giessbach Falls , a series of waterfalls that cascade into the lake.

Explore the Ballenberg Open Air Museum , where you can learn about Swiss rural life and traditions.

Enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Brienz , followed by a lakeside dinner.

Day 4: A Day of Leisure and Shopping

Visit the Schynige Platte , a mountain ridge offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and lakes. Take a leisurely walk along the botanical trail.

Head to the Höhematte , a large park in the center of Interlaken, perfect for relaxing and people-watching. Visit the Swiss Watch Shop for some shopping.

End your trip with a visit to the Casino Kursaal , where you can try your luck at the tables or simply enjoy a drink at the bar.

Discover more Interlaken itineraries

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Luzern–Interlaken Express.

Adventure trip in the heart of Switzerland.

Lucerne and Interlaken – two of the most popular destinations in Switzerland, connected by the Luzern–Interlaken Express, our panorama train in a class of its own. Between the top destinations, idyllic villages, roaring waterfalls and a fantastic Alpine panorama await.

You are here: 

• Luzern–Interlaken Express

Jump mark navigation

• Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
• Seat reservations

The highlights of the route.

Lucerne. enchanting..

Home of the world-famous Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. Both charming and lively in equal measure. Whether in the historic old town, on a steamboat trip on Lake Lucerne or on Lucerne’s landmark mountain, Mount Pilatus, Switzerland’s most beautiful city will charm and enchant you on every tour of discovery.

Sarnen. Take a deep breath.

Embedded in forests, meadows and flood plains. Surrounded by jagged mountain ranges. Situated directly on Lake Sarnen. Sarnen is a place to relax and recharge. Among its many places of interest are Landenberg Castle, former seat of the medieval reeves, the village square and the Historical Museum. 

Brünig-Hasliberg. The high point.

At 1,001 metres above sea level, the highest point on the route. Be ready with your camera or mobile phone, as the view here opens up onto an impressive panorama of the Bernese Alps and their roaring waterfalls. The Giessbach waterfalls plunge 400 metres into the depths – a breathtaking sight.

Brienz. Pure Switzerland.

This is a typical Swiss chalet village, situated by the idyllic turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and known for its long tradition of wood carving, where you will find alleys and chalets straight out of a picture book. Brunngasse alley has been recognised as the most beautiful in Europe.

Interlaken. Imposing.

Destination and starting point at the same time. This world-famous town between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun invites you to stroll around and enjoy dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing, in one of its many cafés. The panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains will inspire you. And if you’re looking for sport and adventure, then this is just the right place for you.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. 

Explore the magical facets of Switzerland on the Grand Train Tour. Covering more than 1,280 kilometres, you will travel in comfort on panorama trains to 11 large lakes, through four national language regions and to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour combines impressive panoramic routes and allows you to hop on and off as you please. Discover the beauty of Switzerland from the comfort of the train.

The route is also part of the famous GoldenPass Line from Lucerne to Montreux. Find all the information on the GoldenPass Line page.

Relax as you travel with a guaranteed seat.

Reserve a seat in 1st or 2nd class on the Luzern–Interlaken Express, our ultra-modern panorama train, to guarantee yourself a seat for your adventure trip between Lucerne and Interlaken.

Reservation fees

• 10 December 2023 to 8 May 2024: CHF 12 
• 9 May 2024 to 27 October 2024: CHF 16
• 28 October 2024 to 9 December 2024: CHF 12

The rolling à la carte restaurant.

Enjoy your train journey in our bistro. Start your day with a delicious breakfast, discover our seasonal menus or indulge yourself with one of our themed culinary experiences.

Frequently asked questions.

When does the luzern–interlaken express run.

• Luzern–Interlaken Ost: every hour from 06:06 to 21:06
• Interlaken Ost–Luzern: every hour from 07:04 to 20:04
• Journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• You can find the current timetable at SBB.ch .

Do I need a special ticket for the Luzern–Interlaken Express?

No. Buy a normal train ticket for the entire route or the section of the route that interests you. This route is also fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass / GA Travelcard.

Which seats offer the best views?

The seats on the right-hand side in the direction of travel from Lucerne or Interlaken. Seat reservations can be confirmed at Timetable and ticket purchase (luzern.com) . 

As an individual traveller, can I also get off at stations such as Lungern or Brienz?

Yes. The next train will arrive an hour later.

Can I get food and drink on the Luzern–Interlaken Express?

Yes, in the bistro restaurant in the middle of the train, where the team will spoil you with fine menus and beverages.

Is the Luzern–Interlaken Express wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the trains have low-floor access and wheelchair spaces in the middle of the train in coach number 3.

Are there toilets on the Luzern–Interlaken Express?

Is there air conditioning on the luzern–interlaken express, up for more adventure trips in the heart of  switzerland  .

Oli & Livia. A journey of discovery between Lucerne and Interlaken.

Luzern–Engelberg Express. Sit back and relax.

Driver’s cab rides. Book your front seat.

37 Incredible Things To Do In Interlaken, Switzerland

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

On our recent trip to the adventure capital of Europe we managed to fit in so many incredible activities and attractions! In our personal list of the top things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland, we’ll take you to underground waterfalls and caves along epic hiking routes, boat cruises, adventure sports, and more!

Look, there’s just no other way to put it. Interlaken, Switzerland is one of the best places to visit in the world for adventure lovers.

Full of lakes, canyons, mountains, forests, and quaint villages, there is so much natural beauty to explore.

Last year we travelled to this mind-blowing destination as part of the GoPro Creators Summit, a massive event where the world’s best GoPro creators and athletes get together for a few days of adventure and workshops.

So if Interlaken is good enough for GoPro to hold this exclusive event, trust us when we say it’s pretty special!

Interlaken literally translates to “between lakes”, so you already have an idea of what the location will be like – A beautiful spot sitting between the gorgeous Lake Thun and Lake Brienz on either side of the town centre.

There are also countless incredible local tour companies that offer adventure sports and outdoor activities in the area.

You can go bungee jumping, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, sky diving, hang gliding, and so much more.

Interlaken is also a charming town that has delicious local food, cozy hotels and interesting shops.

So even if you’re not a huge fan of outdoor adventures, you will still have plenty of things to do when you visit Interlaken.

Whether you’re looking to skydive over the Jungfrau ski region, or indulge in the best Swiss chocolate at Funky Chocolate Club, here are the best things to do in Interlaken!

Table of Contents

1) Get Wet and Go Canyoning

2) visit a castle, 3) go kayaking or sup boarding on lake thun or lake brienz, 4) walk the sigriswil panoramic bridge, 5) go paragliding over interlaken, 6) make swiss chocolate at funky chocolate club, 7) go hang gliding, 8) hike in the mountains, 9) go for a jet boat ride on lake brienz, 10) visit the interlaken monastery, 11) try a canyon swing, 12) walk through glacier canyon grindelwald, 13) visit the town of unterseen, 14) do a sunrise hike & fly experience with skywings, 15) ride the cable car up to heimwehfluh, 16) go to the highest railway point in europe, 17) see the aletsch glacier, 18) ride the historic brienzer-rothorn railway, 19) go bungy jumping.

• 20) Sled Down Grindelwald First

21) Go Skydiving

22) see a swiss cow at the justistal alpine dairy, 23) simply relax and explore interlaken downtown, 24) e-biking around interlaken, 25) try via ferrata, 26) boat tour on lake thun and lake brienz, 27) sample some local cuisine, 28) do a ropes course, 29) go waterfall chasing, 30) tour the st. beatus caves.

• 31) Visit the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum
• 32) Head up to Harder Kulm Viewpoint

33) Take a Gondola Up to the Summit of Mt. Pilatus

34) do the first cliff walk, 35) visit the rosenlaui glacier gorge, 36) go mountain biking at the bike park, 37) water activities on lake thun, best hostel in interlaken – backpackers villa sonnenhof, best hotel in interlaken – hey hotel, getting to interlaken, the best things to do in interlaken, switzerland.

When visiting Interlaken, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities.

Dine at a panoramic restaurant, hike in the nearby mountains, tour the St. Beatus Caves, or go on a boat ride on the two lakes next to town.

This article will explore the best Interlaken attractions that are suitable for all types of travellers!

Canyoning is one of the top adventure activities to try in Switzerland.

Not sure what canyoning is? You literally explore canyons in any way possible.

Whether that is by climbing, rappelling, sliding, swimming, or rafting, you get to travel through massive gorges with a local guide.

We went with Outdoor Interlaken and had two awesome guides, Steph and Emil. They provided all the gear and waterproof suits so we could explore the canyon safely.

This is a great half day trip that takes around 4-5 hours, and the company does pick ups from your accommodation too.

• Company –  Outdoor Interlaken
• Address –  Hauptstrasse 15, 3800 Matten bei Interlaken
• Opening Hours –  8am – 6pm

Aside from the majestic peaks of the alps, central Europe is also known for its castles.

There are a few historic castles to visit near Interlaken, which is a great sightseeing activity for those who want to take it easy between those action-packed days.

Burg Unspunnen is a castle from the early 12th Century. Though it is now in ruins, the castle is surrounded by lush green meadows and overlooks the city of Interlaken.

There are also five castles around Lake Thun: Castle Hunegg, Castle Thun, Castle Oberhofen, Castle Schadau, and Castle Spiez.

Castle Oberhofen is the most photographed castle on Lake Thun. Spend some time exploring the gorgeous castle grounds and the panoramic views of the lake.

While visiting Interlaken, you absolutely have to get out on the deep blue waters of Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.

These two stunning lakes sit on either side of Interlaken town centre, so it’s super easy to book any water activity.

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are two of the most popular water sports to try.

Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are both very calm and peaceful, so you can leisurely paddle on the water and admire the views of the surrounding mountains.

If you’re visiting Interlaken in winter, your company will equip you with heavy-duty wetsuits so you can stay dry.

• Company  – Hightide Paddlesports
• Address –  Lütschinenstrasse 24, 3806 Bönigen
• Opening Hours –  Friday – Wednesday, 9am – 6pm (Closed Thursday)
• Website –   hightide.ch

One of the best things to see in Interlaken is the jaw-dropping view from the Sigriswil Panoramic Bridge.

This impressive suspension bridge hangs over a deep gorge, and measures 340 meters long and 180 meters high.

The bridge connects two villages: Aeschlen and Sigriswil. While walking across the bridge, you’ll get spectacular views of Lake Thun and the stunning scenery.

• Address  – Raftstrasse 31-33, 3655 Sigriswil, Switzerland

Paragliding is another one of the top activities to try in Interlaken, and it was one of our absolute favourite things to do in the country!

Imagine soaring over the beautiful scenery of Switzerland like a bird, with views of the two lakes and the mountains, all with complete silence around you.

This is what paragliding is like, and it’s truly addictive.

There are a number of paragliding companies in Interlaken , but we went with Alpine Air Paragliding. Jarryd’s pilots were Remy and Hayden (he went twice, lucky duck!), and Alesha’s pilot was Christian who was brilliant.

It takes about half hour to drive up the mountain where they leave from, and it’s a lovely trip.

You’ll get a safety briefing too, but really all you need to do is sit back, listen to your pilots and enjoy the ride.

If you’re feeling really adventurous you can even take control for parts of the flight!

After a 10-20 minute flight, you will land at Höhematte Park, right in the heart of the town.

• Company  – Alpine Air Paragliding
• Opening Hours  – Tours run everyday
• Contact Number  – +41 79 583 83 83
• Website  –  https://alpinair.com/

Very few tourists leave Interlaken without stopping at the Funky Chocolate Club.

This chocolate shop, cafe, and workshop is a must-see in Interlaken.

You can take a chocolate-making workshop with experienced local teachers and learn all about the craft and process of making Swiss chocolate.

Be sure to grab some chocolate souvenirs on your way out, and definitely try some of the fresh strawberries coated in melted chocolate!

• Company  – Funky Chocolate Club
• Address  – Postgasse 10, 3800 Interlaken,
• Opening Hours  – 2pm – 10pm Wednesday – Sunday (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
• Website  –  https://funkychocolateclub.com/

Hang gliding is another awesome unique activity to try in Interlaken!

If you want to soar over the natural beauty of Switzerland, but you’re not up for something intense like sky diving, hang gliding is an excellent option.

Bumblebee Hang Gliding is one of the best local tour companies in Interlaken.

Toby and his team will pick you up and get you sorted with all your gear and preparation.

Then they will take you flying over the beautiful Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains of the Bernese Alps. You can also see Lake Brienz and Lake Thun while you fly.

• Company  – Bumblebee Hang Gliding
• Address  – Postgasse 11, 3800 Interlaken
• Website  –  https://bumblebee-hanggliding.com/

Another one of the best things to do in Interlaken is hiking.

Hiking is best done in the spring, summer, or autumn when the trails are dry and the weather is clear.

If you’re visiting Interlaken in winter, the weather conditions for hiking can be a bit more unpredictable and snowy, so make sure you are prepared!

But hiking in the Swiss Alps is incredible.

Schynige Platte Mountain has lots of awesome hiking trails that suit all levels. The Panorama Ridge Trail is great for families, the Hike to First is the most challenging hike, and the Daube Viewpoint is the most popular trail.

The Valley of Lauterbrunnen also has lots of epic trails with waterfalls. Grindelwald is a small ski resort town in the Jungfrau region that also has amazing hikes, but you have to take the train to get up there.

Book the train to Jungfraujoch Mountain here.

Take your Interlaken sightseeing to the water with an epic jet boat ride.

Boat tours are one of the best ways to see the mountain views of the Bernese Alps from the water.

Outdoor Interlaken has an awesome jet boat tour on Lake Brienz. Your local guide will take you over the turquoise waters of the alpine lake while educating you about the local history and culture.

You can even do boat trips in the winter. The company will provide you with high-quality gear to keep you warm while you explore Lake Brienz in winter.

• Website –   https://outdoor.ch/en

Another one of the best things to do in Interlaken is visit the monastery.

The Interlaken Monastery was originally a monastery in the early eleventh century but has served many purposes over the years such as a convent, a hostel, and a palace.

Check out this unique piece of Swiss history and admire the stained glass windows and the historic significance of the church.

READ MORE: Travelling elsewhere in Switzerland? Check out our guide to all the best things to do in Geneva !

A canyon swing is another heart-pumping, adrenaline-filled activity for those who are daring enough.

Similar to bungee jumping, the canyon swing involves free falling from a 90-meter drop. Your harness will stop you from falling and swing you back and forth through an incredible canyon.

Local favourite, Outdoor Interlaken, is the best company to go with for a canyon swing. Guides Anna and Sue are so helpful and make you feel super comfortable.

Both Jarryd and I did this activity during our trip, and trust us when we say IT WAS AWESOME!!!!

I don’t really know how else to put it. Just go do it. It’s the most thrilling, scary and exciting thing I’ve ever done. Check out my video below haha!

• Website –   https://outdoor.ch/en/outdoor-activities/canyon-swing/

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One of the coolest things to see in Central Switzerland is Glacier Canyon near Grindelwald.

This jagged canyon above the Lütschine River is filled will tunnels, caves, and rock formations that took over 250 million years to form.

There are some fascinating trails inside the canyon that you can walk through.

If you have a car you can head out there and walk the canyon yourself. You just need to purchase the entry ticket .

If not, you can go on a tour with Outdoor Interlaken.

• Website –   https://outdoor.ch/en/outdoor-activities/glacier-canyon-grindelwald/

Unterseen is a gorgeous little town near Interlaken worth visiting during your trip.

Translating to “Lower Lake”, Unterseen is located right on Lake Thun and is just a quick, 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk from Interlaken.

The historic town centre is full of antique churches and monuments, as well as incredible restaurants and shops.

Spend an afternoon exploring Unterseen and admiring the architecture and the views of the Bernese Alps.

One of the coolest Interlaken activities to try is a sunrise hike and fly experience.

Skywings Paragliding is an awesome local company that runs these incredible tours. They do pick up at your accommodation, and get you all geared up and ready to fly.

Paragliding is similar to hang gliding, but you have a bigger parachute and you fly more slowly.

So if you want to fly over the picturesque village of Interlaken and the mountains of the Jungfrau region at a more relaxed pace, this is the tour for you.

Jarryd had an awesome time flying with Skywings Paragliding, captained by his pilot Hayden.

The whole experience is so different to doing it downtown too.

You start super early, take the cable car up the mountain and then hike for a few hours to the launch spot.

The scenery is out of this world, then when you reach near the peak you strap in and head off for a really long flight!

Jarryd was up in the air for nearly 45 minutes, which is absolutely crazy! He also got such a different view of Interlaken being so high up and approaching from a different angle.

After the flight, you will land at Höhematte Park. Before setting off to enjoy the rest of your day, enjoy the views from Höhematte Park because they are beautiful. 

• Company  – Skywings Paragliding
• Address  – Höheweg 56, 3800 Interlaken
• Opening Hours  – Tours run every day
• Website  –  https://skywings.ch/

An easy, scenic excursion to take when you visit Interlaken is the ride up to Heimwehfluh.

This funicular cable car takes you up to the summit at Heimwehfluh at 662 meters above sea level.

You can find the cable car just a few minutes walking distance from Interlaken West Train Station.

After a quick 4-minute funicular ride up the mountain, you will find yourself in Heimwehfluh where there is a playground for kids and a panoramic restaurant for adults.

This is a nice, easy way to soak in the views of the Jungfrau peaks and the surrounding natural beauty.

• Address:  Heimwehfluh 60, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
• Hours:  10am – 5pm
• Ticket cost:  23 Swiss Francs for adults, 14 for kids

The Jungfraujoch Railway Station is the highest railway station in Europe, situated at around 3,500 meters above sea level in the Swiss Alps.

From Interlaken Ost Railway Station in the central town of Interlaken, you can catch the train up to Jungfraujoch Railway Station .

The Interlaken Line is more than 100 years old! So not only are you seeing stunning mountain scenery on this day trip, you are on a train that is an important piece of history.

Ride the cogwheel train up into the Jungfrau Region, and stop off at the Top of Europe Building high in the Swiss Alps. It is an incredible experience.

For an epic day out of the town centre, take an Interlaken day trip up to the Aletsch Glacier.

Covering 31.5 sq. miles, this meandering ice mass is the largest in the Alps. It is also a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site .

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to explore the glacier!

You can drive or take the train to Fiesch, then ride the gondola to Fiescheralp where the hiking trails to the Aletsch Glacier begin.

Enjoy your day trip out of Interlaken hiking on the largest glacier in the Alps!

For more scenic railways rides in the Interlaken region, hop on board the Brienzer-Rothorn Railway.

This tourist track leaves from Brienz Railway Station and chugs through the mountains for 7.6 km.

If you’re not keen on hiking or paragliding or anything like that, this train ride is a relaxing way to see some of the best views of the area.

One of the most extreme adventure activities to try near Interlaken is bungy jumping.

Outdoor Interlaken offers the most epic bungy jump experience where you go out to the stunning location in the Swiss Alps via gondola.

Once you arrive, you get to fling yourself off of the platform for a 134-meter jump.

The Stockhorn Bungy Jump is not for the faint-hearted! But if you love a thrill, this may be one of the coolest things you ever do.

• Website –   https://outdoor.ch/en/outdoor-activities/bungy-jump-stockhorn/

20) Sled Down  Grindelwald First

Just 40 minutes away from Interlaken by train is the charming town of Grindelwald.

There are so many mountains around here that are perfect for skiing or snowboarding, but the best thing to do in the area is visit Grindelwald First.

Mount First is a mountain of the Bernese Oberland. The best way to experience the mountain is the First Mountain Cart, which is like a cross between a sled and a go-kart.

You can ride around the mountain over different types of terrain on wheels! The cart was created because sledding on the mountain is too much fun to only do it in winter.

• Company  – Rail Info Interlaken
• Address  – Höheweg 35, 3800 Interlaken
• Opening Hours  – 10am – 12pm, 1:30pm – 6pm on Mondays – Fridays OR 10am – 1pm, 1:45pm – 5pm on weekends
• Website  –  https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/grindelwaldfirst/first-mountain-cart/

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For the adrenaline junkies out there, skydiving is one of the best things to do in Interlaken!

And Interlaken is arguably one of the best places in the world to skydive.

The Jungfrau region is so beautiful and full of mountains, lakes, and rich natural colors. So while you’re soaring through the sky, you’ll get to see some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery.

Skydive Switzerland is the best company in the country, and that’s exactly who Jarryd booked his experience with.

Their experienced staff will organise your pick-up and then help you prepare for your 12,000 feet jump. You can dive out of a plane knowing you are in safe hands!

• Company  – Skydive Switzerland
• Address  – Hauptstrasse 26, 3800 Matten bei, Interlaken
• Opening Hours  – Tours run daily from 8am – 5pm
• Website  –  https://www.skydiveswitzerland.com/tandem-skydiving/

Seeing the daily life of an alpine dairy farmer is a super interesting way to spend a morning in Interlaken.

On this unique tour, you will wake up early and hike to a cabin in the countryside.

Here you will learn all about the cheese making process and have the opportunity to ask questions to the local dairy farmer.

You’ll also get to taste some delicious cheese and check out the rural countryside.

This tour is an awesome way to learn about the culture and cuisine of this area of Switzerland.

• Company  – Beatenberg Tourismus
• Address  – Spirenwaldstrasse 168, 3803 Beatenberg, Schweiz
• Hours  – Tours run on Tuesdays from June to September
• Website  –  https://www.beatenberg.ch/gaesteprogrammsommer

While most of the adrenaline activities are found in the surrounding mountains, just spending time in the charming village of Interlaken is something that all travellers need to experience.

Check out the souvenir shops, buy some local chocolate from a sweet shop, stroll through the parks, and just soak it all in.

Eat at some local restaurants, admire the quaint architecture, and if you’re visiting in winter, admire all the Christmas decorations!

Interlaken is beautiful, so do some shopping, dining, and sightseeing in between all your adventure activities.

A great way to sightsee around Interlaken is renting an electric bike.

Flying Wheels is a reputable company in downtown where you can rent a bike from Frank and his team.

They offer standard town bikes as well as mountain bikes, so you have options for whatever you are planning for the day.

You don’t need to do an organsed tour, so you can ride your bikes as little or as long as you want to. Go for a leisurely ride around town or bike around Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.

• Company  – Flying Wheels
• Address –  Höheweg 133, 3800 Interlaken
• Opening Hours –  7 days a week from 9am – 6pm
• Website –   flyingwheels.ch

Via Ferrata is an exciting way to experience the natural beauty of Interlaken.

Translating to “Iron Path”, Via Ferrata is like rock climbing but you are wearing a harness which you can strap into the metal rungs and wires that are permanently fixed into the rock.

So you are climbing cliffs and mountains, but you are safely strapped in and you feel safer than just freely rock climbing.

The Via Ferrata tour with Outdoor Interlaken takes you through the Lauterbrunnen Valley. As you climb, you’ll get gorgeous views of the village of Mürren below.

• Website –   https://outdoor.ch/en/outdoor-activities/via-ferrata-muerren/

Taking a boat tour on Lakes Thun or Brienz is easily one of the best things to do in Interlaken.

The lakes are so beautiful that you really can’t appreciate them until you are actually out on the water. Glide over the crystal clear water and admire the views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountain peaks in the background.

There are lots of incredible tours to choose from on the official Interlaken tourism website.

I recommend visiting their website and browsing through all the boat tours available. There are winter cruises, steamboat cruises, evening cruises, fondue cruises, and more.

You can even ride on a historic paddle steamer across the lakes. 

You have to try some of the local cuisine while staying in Interlaken! Swiss cuisine has influences from neighbouring French and German cuisines; the food is hearty and filling.

Probably the most famous part of Swiss cuisine that you have to try is cheese fondue.

Picture a huge pot of thick, melted cheese where you can dip various breads, pickles, veggies, and more. It’s so delicious and you can’t leave Switzerland without trying it.

Hotel Bahnhof, Restaurant Taverne, Restaurant Baren, Balmer’s Hostel, and Fondue Villa & Garden are some of the best places to get an authentic cheese fondue as well as other classic local dishes.

A challenging outdoor ropes course is another awesome way to spend an afternoon in Interlaken.

You can do this at Ropes Park located just outside of central Interlaken.

After listening to the safety instructions from the staff and getting all the gear and equipment you may need, you can spend a few hours enjoying all the different challenges.

The ropes course is basically a forest playground with wooden bridges, Tarzan swings, and zip lines. There are 9 courses of varying difficulty and height, and there are more than 120 different challenges from ground level up to 20 meters.

If you’re looking for one of the top things to do in Interlaken with kids, this is a great place to check out!

• Company  – Outdoor Interlaken
• Location  – Adventure Park Interlaken
• Opening Hours  – 2pm – 10pm Wednesday – Sunday (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
• Website  –  https://outdoor.ch/en/outdoor-activities/ropes-park-interlaken/

In the nature around Interlaken, you can find some beautiful waterfalls hidden amongst the forests and mountains.

Giessbach Falls is right near Lake Brienz. You can access these falls by boat and watch the waterfall tumble right into the bright turquoise water.

Trummelbach Falls is about a 25-minute drive outside Interlaken. This gorgeous series of glacier-fed waterfalls are inside a mountain and you can only access them via tunnel.

Staubbach Falls is a tall waterfall in the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Highlands. It is fed by the Aare River and is almost 300 meters in height.

Those are just a few of the waterfalls you can visit on an Interlaken day trip!

St. Beatus Caves near Lake Thun is a well-known attraction in this corner of the Bernese Oberland.

Descend into a fascinating underground world and see stalactites and stalagmites scattered throughout the caves.

After exploring the wonders of St Beatus Caves, head up to the cave museum and restaurant featuring fresh local food and produce.

• Address  – Staatsstrasse 30, 3800 Sundlauenen, Switzerland
• Hours  – 9am – 6pm (Close at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
• Website  –  https://www.beatushoehlen.swiss/en/

31) Visit the  Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum

A great way to step back into the history of Switzerland is by visiting the Swiss Open-Air Museum known as Ballenberg.

The grounds of this outdoor museum are full of traditional buildings and homes. All the architecture is well preserved and has been transported here from its original locations.

Walk through historic buildings, gardens, and fields and feel like you’ve stepped back in time!

• Address  – Museumsstrasse 100, 3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz, Switzerland
• Hours  – 10am – 5pm
• Ticket cost  – 28 CHF for adults, 14 CHF for kids
• Website  –  https://www.ballenberg.ch/en/

32) Head up to  Harder Kulm Viewpoint

Anyone wondering what to see in Interlaken for the best views of the scenery should definitely head up to Harder Kulm .

This viewpoint in the Bernese Oberland is about 1,322 metres high and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys, mountains, villages, and lakes.

The view is gorgeous at any time of day, though sunset is particularly popular.

You can reach Harder Kulm Viewpoint by taking a 10-minute funicular from Interlaken. It is located near Interlaken Ost Station.

• Website  –  https://www.jungfrau.ch/de-ch/harder-kulm/

For more stunning views of the Swiss Alps, drive about an hour out of Interlaken to Mt. Pilatus.

This jagged mountain peak overlooks the Swiss town of Lucerne. Take the cable car ride up the mountain with ease and enjoy all the views.

From the town of Kriens you can board the gondola and glide over the Alps towards Fräkmüntegg station.

It’s an easy way to see some unforgettable views.

• Website  –  https://www.pilatus.ch/en/discover/panorama-gondolas

If you visited Grindelwald First to go sledding on the First Mountain Cart, you also have to walk along the Cliff Walk.

While you’re out there, the First Cliff Walk is one of the most scenic things you can do near Interlaken.

It’s a suspended metal walkway that towers high above the ground. It isn’t for those who are afraid of heights, but it offers some of the most spectacular views.

Take the 25-minute gondola ride from Grindelwald to First Mountain, and then walk along the 300-meter First Cliff Walk. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk the pathway in one direction.

• Address  – Bergstation First, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
• Hours  – 10am – 4:30pm (opens at 9am on weekends)

To witness an incredible natural phenomenon near Interlaken, take a trip out to Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge.

The gorge is part of UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch site, and it’s truly a sight to see.

Follow the path through the gorge and admire waterfalls and whirlpools made of glacial water. See unique rock formations and witness the power of nature.

It’s just under an hour’s drive from Interlaken.

• Address  – Rosenlaui, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
• Hours  – 9am – 6pm
• Website  –  https://rosenlauischlucht.ch/en/Holidays/Glacier_Gorge

In order to see all that Interlaken has to offer on two wheels, consider going mountain biking!

All around Lake Thun there are plenty of biking trails that are run and maintained by Bikepark Thunersee.

The trails suit bikers of all different levels, and there are even shuttles and buses to help you get around.

This is a super fun way to get some exercise and enjoy the natural scenery around Lake Thun.

• Company  – Bikepark Thunersee
• Address  – Berntorgasse 10, 3600 Thun, Switzerland
• Hours:  10:15am – 4:15pm on Saturdays and Sundays
• Website  –  https://bikepark-thunersee.ch/

If you’re itching to try more fun water sports on the turquoise lakes of Interlaken, head over to Lake Thun and try something new!

Honu Water Sports is a beloved local company that specialises in all things water sports.

Try windsurfing, wake surfing, windsurfing, foiling, canoeing, SUP-ing, and more.

There are so many fun ways to get out on the water, so definitely give one or two of these activities a try.

• Company  – Honu Wassersport Thunersee
• Address  – Strandweg 5, 3604 Thun, Switzerland
• Hours  – 10am – 8pm (Closes at 7pm on weekends)
• Website  –  https://www.honu.ch/

Where to Stay in Interlaken

Interlaken has a huge number of fantastic guesthouses, hotels and accommodation options to stay in, but we’ll be honest with you – they are expensive!

Even a budget dorm bed in a hostel will set you back up to 60 Swiss Francs (60 Euro or USD$67), so be prepared for that.

Still, it’s the price to pay in order to hang out in probably the best town in Europe for adventure and nature lovers.

Discover the best hostel in Interlaken, Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof , offering a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and adrenaline-pumping activities.

Revel in the stunning Swiss Alps with adventures like skydiving and paragliding, while enjoying top-notch accommodation, free Wi-Fi, breakfast, linen, towel, lockers, and access to local attractions.

Their welcoming, multilingual staff will help make your stay unforgettable. With a new co-working space, climate-neutral commitment, and no age restrictions, Backpacker’s Villa is your ideal home away from home.

Experience the best alternative, centrally-located hotel in Interlaken at the HEY HOTEL .

Unwind in newly renovated, air-conditioned and heated rooms, and savour scrumptious meals, including vegetarian options, at the on-site Lisi restaurant.

Located just 400m from Interlaken-West Train Station, HEY HOTEL offers a blend of Swiss ambiance and modern design, catering to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

This is where we stayed on our trip to Interlaken, and we would 100% recommend it and stay here again!

The easiest way to get into Interlaken from elsewhere in Europe is by train or bus.

Interlaken doesn’t have an international airport, though you can fly into Zurich or Basel and then take the train or bus to Interlaken.

There are plenty of buses and trains that go right to Interlaken from other European cities.

Interlaken Ost Railway Station is the main railway station in town. If you’re traveling to Interlaken from elsewhere in Europe, your train will most likely bring you here.

Interlaken West Station is a slightly smaller station and will probably only be used for short train journeys within the region.

If you buy a  Swiss Travel Pass , you can book your pass for unlimited travel for a certain number of days. That means you can travel by train, bus, or boat as many times as you want for the days your pass is valid.

You can also rent a car, which is a great way to travel around Switzerland!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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5 Amazing Places You Need to Add to your Interlaken Itinerary

A mountain-surrounded hidden town in the central region of Switzerland, Interlaken is one of the best nature enthusiasts attractions and adventurers destinations in the country. With various jaw-dropping activities, the Interlaken itinerary should be a must on your Europe tour.

Why Shoulder Season Is The Best Time to Visit Interlaken

In my experience, the best season to visit Interlaken is the shoulder season. It actually lasts from September to November  and from March to May . The rates are fairly cheaper during the shoulder period than the peak season, with less crowd blocking your merry-time.

Note that the peak season is from December to February for skiing and June to August for outdoor activities. Therefore, those might not be the best times for your Interlaken itinerary if you want to have the region all for yourself.

To be honest, the shoulder season provides the best scenic views of Interlaken. You will be welcomed by greenery and blooming flowers on every nook (from March to May ) or by the golden season (from December to February ), and the mountain caps will be covered with snow. 

During the time that I suggested, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging anywhere between 7°C to 17°C.

Why Avoid Interlaken in Winter

Winters are the least enjoyed seasons in the region because of the freezing climate, with the temperature dropping to as low as -10°C sometimes. The cold gets unbearable, so the town encounters the least number of visitors during this time.

However, if you love to ski, many snow games are waiting for you. Make sure you cover your body with a good number of layers, and you’re good to go.

Why Avoid Interlaken in Summer

Honestly, the weather in summer is great, and you could enjoy many activities, like hiking, trekking, paragliding, and boating. However, exploring the city and the neighborhood during summers might not be the best idea for you as the whole region will be overcrowded with mass tourists.

Besides, accommodation and leisure costs are much more expensive during this peak season. Honestly, I don’t enjoy myself when I spend too much money in an overcrowded place.

The Best Way To Get Around Interlaken

Interlaken itself is not a huge town, and you can easily explore it, even on foot in one day. However, while you are there, you should explore the whole region because it has much more to offer. In addition, you will have options to get around:

By public transportation

In Switzerland, the public transport connections are great. But the fares are costly. And you will not be so flexible because you have to plan your day depending on transportation availability, which can be tricky sometimes. 

If you have no other option, you should buy a transportation pass. Then you will be more flexible taking whatever train or bus you want for your Interlaken itinerary. The 3-day Swiss travel pass costs about 220€.

If you are traveling in a small group, you should definitely rent a car in Interlaken . It is way cheaper than public transportation. And you will be really flexible in planning your itinerary. Car rentals in Switzerland usually cost about 70 to 90€ per day.

What You Really Have To Include in Your Interlaken Itinerary

1) lake brienz.

On the east side of Interlaken lies Lake Brienz, which extends to the valley of River Aare. Surrounded by mountain-capped Brienzer Grat and the Faulhorn mountain, the greenish-blue-colored lake defines natural beauty.

The Lake, which extends to up to 15 kilometers, is famous for cruising in the steamboats, available from April to October. These boats have been functioning since the 1830s. Also, five vessels take you on the tour of the lively Giessbach village, Castle-like hotel Giessbach and the neighboring waterfalls.

What you can also do in this beautiful region is going for a hike or rent a bike. Cycling at the lake is a great thing in Interlaken. It will help you discover some hidden gems in the region like Ilesfeld.

Where to Stay near Lake Brienz?

If you really wanna enjoy the lake to the fullest and also from your room. We suggest Hotel Carpe Diem . It is a little costly, but it has one of the unique views of the lake.

Alternatively, B&B Brienz is a good, more affordable option. It also has a great location (and a delicious breakfast!)

2) Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen is a beautiful village sitting on the laps of the Alps. You have to include it in your Interlaken itinerary. It lies in the Interlaken-Oberhasli district and is about 12 kilometers away from Interlaken. Lauterbrunnen is a land of waterfalls with 72 falls. The most famous of them are the Staubbach Falls.

Although there are so many things to do in Lauterbrunnen , such as great day hikes, we stayed one night in this beautiful village as we still have several hundreds of kilometers ahead of us. We woke up by sunrise the next day, and we took all the pics we wanted from the famous instagrammable places in Lauterbrunnen.

There are also great day hikes in Lauterbrunnen . The whole region is a natural wonder and is worth spending another day or two exploring the neighboring mountains and the waterfalls.

Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen?

Lauterbrunnen is a small village and accommodation here might be sold out very quickly. That is why you should book as soon as possible. Waterfall Apartments are a great and affordable option (if you find one left).

Otherwise, your backup plan will be the Valley Hostel . It is not that cozy, but the price is really affordable.

3) Grindelwald

Grindlewald is one of the best swiss villages in the country, and it looks like heaven on earth and is definitely one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing places in Interlaken. We loved the region and enjoyed walking around and contemplating the massive mountains which surround the village. 

One of the main activities you could do is to go up by cable cars to enjoy one of the most scenic views I ever had. Then you can hike to Bachalpsee lake.

The hike takes around 30 minutes and is really worth it. The lake has a view of one of the greatest mountains of the region and offers you a magic reflection when there is no wind.

Where to Stay in Grindelwald?

Grindelwald is a famous and touristy town in Switzerland. So you might not find suitable options in the center if you book last minute. But you will find great alternatives nearby. And that was our case.

Chalet Graben is a great cottage where you can spend quality time in the middle of nature.

Ferienwohnung im Grünen is also a great holiday apartment (as the name suggests in German) where you can enjoy a great view of the whole region.

4) Blausee Lake

Blausee Lake is about 30 minutes drive from Interlaken. It is a great aqua-greenish lake and a beautiful romantic destination for couples. Unlike the other lakes in Interlaken, it is a forest lake. A thick forest surrounds it, making the place perfectly gorgeous and dream-like.

With a mysterious history, a landslide created the lake about 15,000 years ago. The water is also fed by underground hot springs that maintain the temperature of the lake.

Where to Stay near Blausee Lake?

The lake itself is not far from the main road leading to Bern. Therefore, the lake itself gets quite busy during the day. For this reason, you should book a stay as close as possible to the lake so that you can have it all to yourself and take amazing pictures.

Restaurant Felsenburg offers affordable stays and is also famous for its breakfast.

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and it is 45 minutes away from Interlaken. So I guess you will need to drive through it during your Interlaken itinerary. The city was built on the sandstone ridge and is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site.

Rich in culture and art, the capital city has magnificent architecture and hosts a few world-famous festivals like the Jazz Festival and Gurten festival. 

Actually, Bern is among the top 10 best cities to live in and a must-see on your Switzerland road trip . We saw why when we visited it spontaneously on our way home and after finishing our Switzerland road trip. The city is compact and gorgeous, with hills surrounding it and the Aare river flowing throughout it.

Where to Stay in Bern?

Well, I guess you won’t have trouble finding a suitable stay in the capital of Switzerland. On our road trip, we tried Boutique Hotel Belle Époque , and we can only recommend it. The hotel is quite affordable (depending on the season) and has free parking (a big advantage in Bern!)

Think Twice Before You Include Those Attractions

Jungfraujoch.

What is Jungfraujoch? It is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is situated in Interlaken. It is the highest railway station in Europe. Jungfraujoch is a snow-covered station and is also known as the ice palace. 

Although the views up there are awesome, you can find comparable ones in Grindelwald and save a lot of money at the same time. The rail trip to Jungfraujoch is costly and costs about 150€.

Also, the place is very famous and always overcrowded with visitors. Therefore, it is not worth the money, and you can take it off your Interlaken itinerary.

Lake Thun is on the west side of Interlaken. Although there are nice cruises in Lake Thun that take you to stunning castles dating back to the 12th century. It is not as beautiful as Lake Brienz.

So if you need to pick one of them to include in your Interlaken itinerary, go for Lake Brienz. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

What To Pack for your Interlaken Itinerary

Here are some things that you must definitely fill your backpack with whenever you’re traveling to Interlaken.

• Interlaken is a beautiful town that is surrounded by high mountains. I know you will bring your camera, but think about bringing about a wide-angle lens and learning about some photography tips in Switzerland , so that you don’t miss the best shots of the beautiful snowy peaks of the mountains.
• Bring a credit card that has a good foreign currency exchange rate . For example, Euro to Swiss Franc conversion can cost you extra money if you ignore the exchange rate.
• Interlaken is a mountain city. So, make sure to pack warm clothes along , even when you are traveling in summer.
• Take a first aid box along with you, together with magnesium pills. The pills are great for cramps after a long day of hiking in the sun.
• Switzerland is insanely expensive. Restaurants are really pricey, and groceries from the supermarket as well. So if you are on a tight budget, bring your own food with you.
• In case you want to hike, carry your hiking shoes. Otherwise,  the path uphill might get slippery.

Check these Must-Eat Foods In Interlaken

Although the food in Switzerland is expensive, some meals are just worth the try. Moreover, Interlaken is home to some of the best Swiss delicacies in terms of food and munchies. A few of them are:

Cheese Fondue

Switzerland is famous for its phenomenal Cheese Fondue. A feast for your stomach, it is surely the creamiest and the tastiest fondue you’ll ever have. A few restaurants you can try the special fondue are Bebbis, Des Alps, and Laterne. Also, Gasthof Hirschen is an authentic restaurant that dates back to 1666 and makes the best fondue ever.

Many restaurants offer cheese fondue without wine, like one for Muslim people.

While in Interlaken, taste another authenticity of the Swiss culture, Rosti. It is a dish with sweet potato as the main ingredient, together with eggs and tomatoes. The dish looks a bit like a potato pancake, but better! Swiss have it usually in the form of morning breakfast, but you can also have it for dinner.

Switzerland is one of the top destinations in Central Europe . Interlaken is a must-visit when you visit it, and you have to include it in your itinerary. The region is one of the richest in the country in terms of nature. It is one of the best places I have seen in the world.

If you guys have been there and have other suggestions or recommendations, do let me know in the comments! I will then update this post accordingly. Also, if you are looking for more travel inspiration, look at On A voyagé Pour Vous on Instagram .

Happy traveling!

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Rym is the cofounder of Walk Beside Me Blog. With a knack for connecting with people and cultures, she's explored more than 70 countries over the last 10 years. Rym's passion for travel blogging shines through in her 50+ blog posts on Walk Beside Me, making her a true travel expert.

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Interlaken, Switzerland

Mt. Jungfrau Gateway to Bernese Oberland Mt. Schilthorn Swiss Alps GoldenPass Express

Interlaken Switzerland - Vacation Guide

Interlaken is centrally located in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland as a popular vacation destination for many international visitors as well as Swiss citizens. The city lies on an alluvial plain between the crystal clear lakes of Thun and Brienz. Interlaken is presided by its three major mountains, which include the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The city features various hotels and mountain tours making it a gateway to the beautiful Jungfrau region. Our Interlaken Switzerland vacation guide can help you get the most out of your visit to this world class destination.

The city’s surrounding mountains present visitors with plenty of year round attractions and activities. The Jungfrau region’s mountain railways have allowed many Interlaken visitors to create memorable experiences. Interlaken’s popularity has been on the rise ever since the completion of railways such as the Bernese Oberland Railway in 1890. Today Interlaken’s visitors have access to over 45 mountain railways, cable cars, chair and ski lifts.

The Jungfraujoch, Mt. Schilthorn and Schynige Platte all offer amazing mountain top experiences as they are in close proximity to Interlaken. From Interlaken, travelers can easily explore the beauty of the Bernese Oberland whether it is by the water, mountains or scenic train route. Interlaken serves as an ideal starting point for to achieve an endless amount of excursions and unforgettable experiences.

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Things to do in interlaken, visit interlaken.

Interlaken is mainly a vacation destination and resort, and features many shops for typical Swiss goods such as watches, chocolates and Swiss souvenirs. The Höheweb promenade connects Interlaken West with Interlaken East. Strolling alongside a large park and always the famous Jungfrau mountain range as the backdrop you will quickly understand why it has been popular for such a long time.  Its sophisticated network of transportation allows visitors to explore 200 km/124 mi of ski slopes and summer hiking trails. Explore the Bernese Oberland with unforgettable and adventurous experiences. Contact our Interlaken Switzerland vacation guides today at 1-800-33-SWISS

Mountain Tours in Interlaken

Jungfraujoch Travel to Europe’s highest station located at the Jungfraujoch with an altitude of 3454 m/11,332 ft. The Jungfrau railway has pleased its visitors for more than 100 years of operation and adventure. The railway journey consists of a 7 km/4 mi tunnel passage and marvelous views of the Eiger North Face. The Jungfraujoch experience begins by taking a 40 minutes train ride to Kleine Scheidegg from Interlaken.

Schilthorn The Schilthorn is another wonder of the Bernese Oberland with its magnificent 360 ° panoramic views and elevation of 2970 m/9744 ft. The Schilthorn can be reached from Interlaken in 2 hours via train and bus. At the summit enjoy a delicious meal in the revolving restaurant of Piz Gloria with views of Mount Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The summit features a revolving restaurant titled Piz Gloria as well as an interactive James Bond exhibition.

Niederhorn Visit the Niederhorn from Interlaken with a scenic rides aboard a Lake Thun cruise ship, funicular train and aerial cableway to the mountain’s elevation of 1963 m/6440 ft. This popular Bernese Oberland vantage point offers spectacular views over Lake Thun, the Aare Valley, Brienz ridge, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. This mountain excursion in Interlaken also offers sightings of an Ibex colony, a sun terrace restaurant and Beatenberg scooter rides.

Schynige Platte The Schynige Platte mountain station is located at the heart of the Jungfrau region at an elevation of 2076 m/6811 ft. A ride aboard the historic cog railway entails a truly nostalgic experience with its wooden benches and 19 th century vintage rolling stock. This Interlaken tour begins with a railway trip from Interlaken Ost to Wilderswil, where a cog railway will bring visitors to Schynige Platte.

Harder Kulm Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s local mountain making it easily accessible for guests to visit its summit at elevation of 1322 m/4337 ft in just ten minutes. The panoramic funicular train departs near the Interlaken Ost station leading passengers through a charming forests and wildlife park. In addition to a restaurant, the summit also features a glass platform for visitors to feel afloat while gaining deep sights and views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Heimwehflue The Heimwehflue’s valley station is a short walk from Interlaken West and still uses technology from 1906 to bring visitors up to an elevation of 669 m/2195 ft. The Heimwehflue’s vintage funicular climbs the hilltop exposing passengers to views of Interlaken and Lake Thun. Additional attractions include a toboggan run and model railway exhibition. The station’s central location to Interlaken makes it an ideal half-day excursion.

City Tours from Interlaken to other cities in Switzerland

Berne The Swiss Capital of Berne is less than an hour away from Interlaken. It has a beautiful Old Town including of medieval magic, and is listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. Attractions include shopping under arcades, the famous clock tower and the new bear park which is home to Berne's heraldic animals.

Lucerne Lucerne is probably Switzerland’s most popular destinations and is reachable via Golden Pass scenic train in just under 2 hours. Famous for being wedged in between mountains and lakes, it includes a beautiful Old Town and the Chapel Bridge. Visitors can take also take a cruise on Lake Lucerne and will find excellent shopping possibilities.

Rail Tours in Interlaken

Zermatt As a popular full day excursion from Interlaken, visit the typical mountain village of Zermatt elevated at 1620 m/5310 ft. From Brig, the route runs along the sunny southern flank of the Lötschberg Mountain and provides a great first impression of the Valais. The route to Zermatt staggers through the beautiful valley landscape and eventually leads to the Matterhorn Mountain. Extend this excursion by taking a cogwheel railway up to the 3089 m/10134 ft. Gornergrat peak.

Montreux Montreux is located on Lake Geneva and is 1 hour and 30 minutes west of Interlaken via train. This excursion is exceptionally unique in that travellers cross a border between the German and French speaking parts of Switzerland. The journey to Montreux runs along Lake Thun and via Zweisimmen and Gstaad, bringing passengers to the shores of Lake Geneva.

Other Tours in Interlaken

Golden Pass The Golden Pass Line is panoramic train route that spans from the shores of Lake Lucerne to the vineyards of Lake Geneva. The train stops in Interlaken between Lucerne and Zweisimmen. The entire route spans 191 km/118 mi travelling from Western to Central Switzerland in about 5 hours. Visitors to Interlaken, Switzerland can embark on this journey to enjoy another Swiss region on a comfortable and scenic train ride.

St. Beatus Caves The St. Beauts caves’ subterranean waterfalls, stalagmite and stalagmite formations are a spectacular sight that can be explored 1000 m/3280 ft in depth. These caves are located on Lake Thun, just 11 minutes from Interlaken via train. Visit Switzerland’s first and only underground cave museum as a half or even full day excursion.

Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Cruises The Bernese Oberland Navigation has a fleet of 12 cruise boats and 2 paddle steamers that navigate either Lake Brienz or Thun year round. The cruises depart from Interlaken Ost and West offering guests with a unique perspective of the Bernese Oberland on the water. Enjoy a leisurely cruise during the day or evening with entertainment and beautiful views.

Our Interlaken Switzerland vacation guides can help you make the most of your trip to Switzerland. Call us today at 1-800-33-SWISS or visit our Switzerland trip planner to plan your custom vacation.

Summer Sports in Interlaken

Hiking Interlaken and its surrounding area features over 500 km/310 mi of marked footpaths for hikers to explore. There is an extensive network of hiking routes on Mt. Niederhorn, which also serves as a habitat for ibexes, chamois and marmots. Visit Interlaken’s local tourist office for more detailed hiking maps and suggestions.

Biking Biking can be done almost anywhere in Switzerland however is exceptionally beautiful in and around Interlaken. The city of Interlaken Switzerland and its streets are very accessible by bike. Visitors can rent either a 7-gear country bike or 21-gear mountain bike depending on desired routes.

Rafting The Lütschine River is located in Interlaken and has a rapid current making it one of Switzerland’s best rafting experience. This alpine river originates from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau glaciers.

Other Summer Sports Interlaken offers an endless amount of summer sports with its excellent location and facilities. A few additional summer sports available in Interlaken include bungee jumping, canoeing, ice climbing, glacier hiking, sailing, skydiving and much more.

Winter Sports in Interlaken

Skiing and Snowboarding Interlaken’s central location in the Jungfrau ski region is highly beneficial to its winter visitors and offers 200 km/124 mi of slopes. Mürren—Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg—Männlichen and Grindelwald—First are Interlaken’s top three ski locations. Daily ski bus transfers connect Interlaken visitors to these ski regions and their 45 mountain lifts.

Other Winter Sports Interlaken visitors interested in cross-country skiing or tobogganing also have plenty of options to do so in the area. There is a total of 220 km/137 mi of winter walking paths available in Interlaken, Beatenberg, Axalp-Brienz, Habkern and Wilderswil.

Entertainment in Interlaken

Casino Kursaal Interlaken’s Casino Kursaal is a unique complex with spacious rooms, elegant gardens, restaurant, inviting hospitality and atmosphere. The Casino’s gaming offer includes American roulette, blackjack, poker and slot machines. Interlaken’s guests are invited to enjoy a night of leisure and fun at the Casino Kursaal.

Shopping in Interlaken

As the Bernese Oberland’s central city, Interlaken has numerous good quality stores that vend everything from souvenirs to locally made Swiss watches. Höheweg is Interlaken’s main street on which visitors can browse for hand made crafts and sports equipment.  Another good shopping area is around Interlaken’s West train station.

Museums in Interlaken

Tourism Museum for the Jungfrau region Interlaken’s Tourism Museum presents the historical development of the Jungfrau’s regions tourism and is located in the city’s Untersee old town. The museum explains a 250-year-old story of alpine tourism through a traveller’s perspective and experiences. This regional museum invites visitors on an exciting journey to better understand alpine tourism and its role in Interlaken’s development.

Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum Interlaken’s visitors can reach the Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum in 1 hour via car or train. This open-air museum is 66 hectares of traditional Swiss chalets, partly wooded paths and cares for 250 different farm animals. The Museum Ballenberg and its interactive area is an ideal experience for Interlaken’s visitors to uncover the origins of the Swiss lifestyle.

Model Railway Exhibition The Swiss Federal Railway Foundation presents its historical models of transportation and trains. This museum visit is ideal for Interlaken’s visitors interested in Swiss engineering and train models. The exhibition illustrates more than 150 years of Swiss railway history with many laid out tracks and miniature landscapes. This attraction is located near the Interlaken West train station.

Read our blog post about the CLOY shooting locations

Interlaken Location and Map

Interlaken is located in Central Switzerland, close to other major Swiss cities including Zürich, Geneva, and Berne. Interlaken’s nearest airport is 122 km/76 mi away located in Zürich with a travel duration of about 2 hours via car or train. Interlaken is 217 km/135 mi east of Geneva and 56 km/35 mi south of Bern. When visiting this city travelers can take international train connections to Interlaken Ost. Our Interlaken vacation guides can help you plan your trip to this beautiful city. Call us today at 1-800-33-SWISS !

Interlaken Switzerland

Central Switzerland Population: 5,659 Elevation: 567 m/1860 ft

Interlaken One Day Itinerary: Alpine Adventures!

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Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? Dive into our ultimate guide to conquering Interlaken in just one day and make the most out of every moment!

Ready to explore one of Switzerland’s most incredible spots but only have a day to spare?

You’re in the right place!

As someone who thrives on planning perfect yet wallet-friendly adventures, I’m here to help you make the most out of your Interlaken one day itinerary.

With years of experience in crafting tailor-made trips and a keen eye for those hidden gems that don’t break the bank, I guarantee your day in Interlaken will be nothing short of spectacular.

So, lace up those walking shoes, pack your enthusiasm, and let’s conquer this charming Swiss town together!

SBT Highlights

• Interlaken is a versatile destination offering a balanced mix of serenity and adventure.
• A strategic one-day itinerary in Interlaken can include lake excursions, mountain views, and cultural sights.
• Efficient planning for transportation and timing is essential to experiencing the best of Interlaken in a single day.

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Interlaken in One Day

Tucked away in the heart of Switzerland’s majestic Alps, Interlaken is a picturesque paradise waiting to be discovered, even if you only have one day at your disposal.

This bustling town, nestled between the pristine waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, serves as a gateway to the region’s natural wonders.

Your  one-day itinerary in Interlaken  can be as diverse and vibrant as the landscape itself.

It offers everything from leisurely boat trips on cerulean lakes to jaw-dropping panoramic views from nearby mountain peaks.

Embarking on a journey in Interlaken means indulging in a mix of adventure, tranquility, and cultural experiences.

Start your day absorbing the charms of this enchanting Swiss town, then set off for morning explorations that might include a scenic cruise or a cogwheel train to sky-high vistas.

As the afternoon unfolds, choose between an adrenaline-pumping adventure, a peaceful retreat into nature, or a stroll through cultural landmarks.

Strategic transportation tips will help you maximize your time. As evening approaches, the town’s serene ambiance offers a perfect backdrop to reflect on a day well spent.

One Day Interlaken Itinerary

Ah, Interlaken! Nestled between crystal-clear lakes and embraced by the majestic Swiss Alps,  you’re  about to experience the quintessence of Switzerland in just one day.

Grab your most comfortable shoes—and maybe a Swiss chocolate bar for the road—because  your  adventure starts now!

8:00 a.m. – Begin your day sipping coffee at a charming local café. Feel the gentle town vibe as  you  prepare for an uplifting ride.

9:00 a.m. – Hop on the train to  Harder Kulm . Yes, that’s the panoramic mountain that promises you views making even the edelweiss sing with envy.

12:00 p.m. – After  your  mountain rendezvous, descend to town for a quick lunch. Try an authentic Swiss dish, but save room—there’s still so much more to taste and see!

1:00 p.m. – Board a boat to the  Giessbach Falls . Hear the roar? That’s Mother Nature saying ‘Grüezi!’ as  you  approach this spectacular site.

3:00 p.m. – Post-waterfall wonder, it’s time to roam the quaint town of Iseltwald (take the boat to get there).

5:00 p.m. – Take the boat again, this time back to Interlaken. Snag that souvenir shot by the Yash Chopra Statue, mingle with the locals, and yes, maybe one more chocolate.

6:00 p.m. – As the sun sets, unwind at the  Höhematte Park . Witness paragliders making their graceful descent as  you  reminisce about your own lofty day.

7:30 p.m. – Satisfy  your  appetite at nearby Hüsi Bierhaus, then top off your day with more chocolate at Funky Chocolate Club!

Semi-Budget Travel Custom Travel Itineraries!

Did you know that you can now have me design a custom travel itinerary especially for you? Simply click the “Custom Travel Itinerary Request” box, fill out the contact form, and we’ll get started right away on a unique vacation that caters to your personal travel style and preferences!

Starting the Day: Interlaken’s Charms

In the early morning light, you’ll find the town of Interlaken waking up to its quintessential Swiss beauty.

Tucked between two alpine lakes, this charming getaway is the perfect starting point for a day filled with historic allure and lush parkland strolls.

Discovering the Main Street and Historical Center

Make your way to Main Street in  Interlaken West , where the heart of Interlaken beats with life.

As you wander, classic Swiss architecture frames the street; each historical building seems to have a story to tell.

Enchanting shops beckon you inside, offering a taste of local crafts and chocolates — don’t resist the temptation to indulge!

A Stroll in Höhematte Park

After you’ve gotten your fill of the local culture, step into the serenity of  Höhematte Park .

This 14-acre haven is like the living room of Interlaken, complete with a magnificent panorama of the Jungfrau massif.

Stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens, find a spot to picnic, or simply recline and watch paragliders gracefully descend from the azure sky. It’s the breath of fresh air you’ve been longing for — literally!

Morning Adventures: Lake Excursions

Set sail on a refreshing morning journey across the stunning lakes of Interlaken.

You’ll be treated to crystal-clear waters and mountain vistas that are straight out of a Swiss fairytale.

Get ready to embrace the serenity of Lake Thun and the captivating sights around Lake Brienz as you start your day with a splash of adventure.

Cruising on Lake Thun

Cast off for a  memorable boat trip  on Lake Thun, a body of water flanked by imposing peaks and historic castles.

You might find it enchanting to glide over the glassy surface as the early sun sparkles on the waves.

The array of sightseeing cruises available offers you a chance to witness awe-inspiring landmarks from a unique vantage point.

Don’t miss the opportunity to snap pictures of the medieval castles, including the famed Schadau & Oberhofen Castles, as they stand proudly against the panoramic backdrop.

Exploring the Beauty Around Lake Brienz

As your vessel cuts through the blue waters of Lake Brienz, prepare for a spectacle—the vibrant turquoise hue is unlike anything you’ve witnessed.

I love cruising on Lake Brienz!

This area, renowned for its color, also hosts a variety of boat cruises tailored to your morning adventure.

Whether you opt for a leisurely paddleboat or wish for the speed of a kayak, every stroke through the water feels refreshing.

And let’s not forget, docking briefly at the Giessbach Falls to capture the water tumbling down the cliffs is a must-do!

Panoramic Vistas: Mountain Highs

Preparing to be wowed, are we? Well, you’re in for a visual feast, because Interlaken is not your average landscape.

Imagine viewing platforms where the earth meets the sky, mountains that wink at you with their snowy caps, and cable cars gliding like quiet birds in the great blue.

Ascend to Harder Kulm

Consider Harder Kulm as Interlaken’s own crowning glory.

You’ll find the funicular railway as charming as it is efficient, whisking you up 1,322 meters without a hitch.

At the top, your reward is a viewing platform that offers the kind of spectacular views you write home about.

Feast your eyes on scenes worthy of a Swiss postcard—crystal lakes, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in the proud distance. Don’t just stand there; let your camera go click-crazy!

• Altitude : 1,322m
• Highlight : Viewing Platform
• Tip : Sunrise and sunset offer the best light

Scenic Cable Car Rides

Now let’s glide over to the cable car adventure, because if Harder Kulm was eye candy, this is the whole chocolate factory.

These scenic cable car rides offer you a front-row seat to the surrounding mountains’ majesty.

As you ascend, each panoramic sweep is more breathtaking than the last.

With the wind as your companion, gaze down at the lush valleys—so green, you’ll wonder if someone turned up the saturation.

Afternoon Delights: Cultural Touches

In the heart of Switzerland lies Interlaken, your playground of cultural gems and enchanted places waiting to be explored.

Your afternoon is poised to be a delightful brush with history.

Mystical St. Beatus Caves

Next, you’ll be captivated by the  St. Beatus Caves , an underground phenomenon steeped in legend.

As you traverse walkways within this natural wonder, an  interactive exhibit  reveals the mystical origins associated with the caves.

Engage with the history of the monk St. Beatus, and let your imagination take flight as you follow the path lit by captivating lighting within these ancient caves.

Remember to partake in a  city tour  to infuse your journey with more local knowledge and hidden stories – it’s a way to see Interlaken through an insider’s lens.

Nature Escapes: Walks and Trails

Imagine equipping yourself with comfy shoes and a sense of adventure, because Interlaken’s natural walks and trails are calling your name.

Within this verdant swatch of Switzerland, the opportunity for a leisurely jaunt or an invigorating hike is just outside your door.

Leisure Walk Along the Aare River

If your idea of bliss is a tranquil stroll, the Aare River is your picturesque companion.

Step onto a leisurely walk  path that meanders with the gentle flow of the river.

The serene stretch isn’t just a quaint short walk; it’s a brush with beauty, offering you the charming scenery of Interlaken and its calming waters.

Take a moment, breathe in, and let the natural elegance of the surroundings embrace you.

Hiking Trails in the Bernese Oberland

Craving more of an adrenaline kick? Lace up for hiking trails that are a patchwork quilt of natural beauty spread across the Bernese Oberland.

You’re not just walking; you’re on an adventurous storytelling journey with every step:

• Schynige Platte:  Embark on a trail that offers eye-candy views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
• Harder Kulm:  Challenge yourself to a hike that rewards with panoramic vistas of Interlaken wedged between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
• Lauterbrunnen Valley:  Trek through the Valley of 72 Waterfalls, with nature’s dramatic water features creating an orchestra of sounds and sights.

Those hiking boots of yours will thank you for the chance to tread on some of Switzerland’s most coveted paths, all the while being serenaded by the sublime beauty that defines the Bernese Oberland.

Thrill-Seeking Afternoon: Adrenaline Rushes

In the heart of the Bernese Alps, your afternoon is poised for an adrenaline-fueled escapade.

As an adrenaline junkie, you’ll find that Interlaken is the Swiss army knife of adventure, packing a punch of outdoor activities suitable for every thrill level.

Adventurous Outdoor Activities

Your taste for adventure will meet its match in Interlaken, a vibrant playground of exhilarating experiences.

• Paragliding : Swoop and soar like an eagle over the stunning Lake Brienz. Your spirit will skyrocket as you glide with a picturesque backdrop of snow-dusted peaks and emerald valleys.
• Skydiving : Launch yourself from a helicopter and experience a rush like no other freefalling through the crisp alpine air. Seconds will stretch into moments of pure, heart-pounding bliss as the Swiss landscape unfurls below.
• Canyoning : For those who prefer a mix of water and adrenaline, canyoning offers an invigorating journey through the gorges of Interlaken. Prepare to slide, jump, and rappel down water-polished rocks straight into the swirling, crystal-clear pools.
• Bungee Jumping : Secure your harness and leap from the ledge at Stockhorn, challenging yourself in a way only the sight of the jagged horizon can inspire. Your whoops of excitement will mingle with the echoing mountains, a symphony of your daring spirit.
• Jet Boating : Hold on tight as your jet boat surges through the winding rivers of Interlaken, twisting and turning at high speeds. The stunning scenery will be a blur as you ride the waves and feel the wind in your hair.
• Whitewater Rafting : Grab a paddle and brave the rapids of the Lütschine River, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. You’ll need teamwork, quick reflexes, and nerves of steel to navigate through this thrilling adventure.
• Via Ferrata : Ascend the rugged rock walls of Interlaken with the help of iron rungs, cables, and ladders. Admire the breathtaking views as you challenge yourself physically and mentally, reaching new heights with every step.

Remember, your afternoon is a ticket to unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re fueling your adrenaline-seeking soul or simply stepping out of your comfort zone, Interlaken’s array of outdoor activities caters to the daring side of every travel mom.

Tranquil Endings: Peaceful Retreats

Before the sun sets on your bustling day in Interlaken, afford yourself the luxury of winding down amidst some of Switzerland’s most serene landscapes.

Let’s head to places where the only agenda is relaxation and revival.

Visit to Schynige Platte

You’ve been on your feet all day, but the final stretch demands something special.

Board the nostalgic  railway ride  from Wilderswil to  Schynige Platte , a vantage point that doesn’t skimp on the wow factor.

The ascent treats you to a medley of alpine meadows and rugged mountain faces.

Once at the top, stroll through the  small village  and let the  stunning views  over the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau coax your spirit into a state of pure contentment.

Dining with a View at the Panorama Restaurant

End your day by indulging in a taste of the high life at the  Panorama Restaurant at Harder Kulm .

With a Swiss menu that competes only with the breathtaking panoramas, you’ll feast your senses both visually and gastronomically.

Imagine slicing into your Rösti while the alpenglow caresses peaks in the distance – a perfect alliance of flavor and sight, poised to make your palate as happy as your heart.

Getting Around: Transportation Tips

When in Interlaken, your Berner Oberland Pass will be your golden ticket, and train travel your trusty steed.

Let’s ensure you get from A to B with a breeze and some Swiss efficiency.

Navigating with the Berner Oberland Pass

Your Berner Oberland Pass isn’t just a ticket; it’s the  best way  to journey through the captivating scenery without the fuss of buying individual tickets.

With this pass,  unlimited travel  in the region is yours for the taking, and yes, that includes trains, buses, cable cars, funiculars, and even boats!

Be sure to check its validity on all public transportation, as this can vary.

Interlaken’s Train Stations

Interlaken boasts two main train stations:  Interlaken Ost  and Interlaken West.

Think of Interlaken Ost as your gateway to the alps; it’s the  easiest way  to kickstart your  mountain adventures .

• Interlaken Ost : Main hub, connection to mountain destinations
• Interlaken West : Closer to the town center, hotels

While Interlaken West is closer if you’re staying in the center of town and is handy for those quick hops to nearby cities, always remember that Ost is best for those breathtaking train rides up to the likes of Jungfrau Region.

Plan Your Visit: Timing and Budget

Preparing for a splendid day in Interlaken means considering when to go and how much cash to stash.

It’s all about seizing the day wisely and spending your Swiss Francs sensibly.

Best Seasons for Visiting Interlaken

Summer Months:  You’ve hit the jackpot if you’re eyeing June through August. Interlaken blossoms with activities and the weather is just right for outdoor enthusiasts.

Expect to share the sights with crowds, though – you won’t be the only one with this brilliant idea!

Winter Months:  Prefer a wonderland vibe? December to February has you zipping up your ski suit for some world-class slopes.

Be prepared for chilly days and keep an eye on those shorter daylight hours – they’ll sprint past faster than your sledge!

SBT Recommendation : If possible, visit toward the end of the season (think end of August/beginning of September). The weather is still pleasant and the crowds have thinned out, giving you a more peaceful experience.

Managing Your Expenses

Accommodation : Looking for a place to crash? Budget hotels aren’t an urban legend here – they exist and they’re snug as a bug.

Or, for a European vacationer experience, check out one of the many “camping” sites.

Daily Spend : A full day in Interlaken, and how much time you’ll spend opening your wallet, varies.

It correlates directly with how many additional excursions you purchase and what kind of meals you prefer (expensive sit-downs vs. grocery store fly-bys).

Semi-Budget Travel Booking Resource!

If you’d like even more options, take a look at this map! It combines hotels and vacation rentals all in one place. Super convenient! It’ll even help you find experiences and restaurants, too! Just use the drop-down menu, and check it out! (NOTE: On mobile, you might need to turn your phone sideways to see the drop-down menu.)

Evening Farewell: Nighttime in Interlaken

As the daylight fades, you’re in for a treat. Interlaken transforms at dusk, offering lakeside tranquility and lively nocturnal adventures.

Relaxing by the Lakes

Picture yourself unwinding by  Lake Thun  or  Lake Brienz . These beautiful bodies of water become serene havens as the evening sets in.

Just a stone’s throw from the  Interlaken Ost Station , a visit here is both logistically simple and soul-soothing.

You can stroll along the promenades, find a cozy bench, and watch the alpenglow cast its pink hue onto the surrounding peaks.

Experiencing Interlaken at Night

After soaking up the lakefront tranquility, it’s time to dive into  Interlaken Town ‘s vibrant nightlife.

Sure, it’s not the size of a metropolis, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up in sheer charisma.

The town buzzes with activity and can be easily traversed from  Interlaken East .

Options range from quirky pubs where you can share stories with locals to clubs that promise a chance to dance the night away.

You’re bound to find the perfect spot to cap off your one-day Interlaken escapade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dive into these quick answers to help you make the most of your whirlwind romance with Interlaken.

Can I explore Interlaken and its natural wonders in just 24 hours?

Absolutely! While a longer stay is always nice, you can still experience the essence of Interlaken in one day.

Start with a funicular ride to Harder Kulm for breathtaking views and end your day by strolling along Lake Brienz.

How can I pack the essence of Interlaken into a single day’s adventure from Zurich?

It’s simple – catch an early train to maximize your daylight hours.

Once there, prioritizing natural landscapes like the awe-striking First Cliff Walk in Grindelwald will give your senses a feast to remember.

Are there any one-day tour packages that showcase the highlights of Interlaken?

Yes, there are numerous tour operators offering packages to help you hit all the high points.

This can include guided visits to spots such as the Harder Kulm, Lake Thun, and more, making sure you don’t miss out on the top sights.

• Interlaken: Waterfalls Day Tour
• From Interlaken: Beatus Caves, Blue Lake, and Lake Thun Tour
• Interlaken: Lauterbrunnen & Mürren Village Small Group Tour
• Iseltwald, Aare Gorge, and Lake Brienz Experience
• From Interlaken: Swiss Alps Minibus Tour and Waterfall

What scenic spots should I not miss when visiting Interlaken for a day?

Don’t depart without visiting the Harder Kulm viewpoint and taking a boat on Lake Brienz.

These sights will have your camera clicking non-stop and create memories that stick.

Why do travelers gravitate towards Interlaken, and should it be a day trip or a longer stay?

Interlaken’s magnetic pull is thanks to its spectacular landscapes sandwiched between two lakes and framed by mountains.

A day is just a teaser – a longer stay in Interlaken ensures a deeper dive into its adventures and aura.

Consider extending your stay; Interlaken is more than a one-hit-wonder.

We packed a lot into our several days there, and we still want to go back again!

SBT Summary: Interlaken One Day Itinerary

Immerse yourself in the alpine charm of Interlaken with a day trip you won’t soon forget. Here’s how to conquer Interlaken in just  one day :

• Start with a sunrise jaunt to  Harder Kulm , also known as  Top of Interlaken , giving you those brag-worthy panoramic views. A perfect backdrop for that coveted new profile picture!
• Next, board a boat for a tranquil cruise on  Lake Brienz , where the serene turquoise waters will have you questioning your city life choices.
• Pick a cozy lakeside spot in the village of  Iseltwald . Munch on local Swiss treats and bask in the peaceful ambiance at this postcard-worthy locale.
• Venture through the streets of Interlaken, visiting the  Höhematte  for a stretch on its lush lawns.
• Pose with the  Yash Chopra Statue , a nod to the Bollywood movies shot in this picturesque town.
• Sample delightful Swiss chocolates or grab a scoop of  artisanal  gelato.
• Cap off your day with dinner at a local gem like  Hüsi Bierhaus —because who doesn’t love a good schnitzel in the heart of Switzerland?

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Best 10 Things to do in Interlaken [Updated 2024 Travel]

Blog section.

Interlaken, which literally means between two lakes, is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is an essential part of every Swiss itinerary . The many things to do in Interlaken offers an amazing number of attractions due to its proximity to the lakes, and the formidable Alps that surround it.

Make sure you have slotted at least 3 to 4 nights in Interlaken if you want to cover all the major attractions, which are all easily doable with your Swiss Travel Pass

Here are the best things to in Interlaken that Swiss locals would suggest:

• Jungfraujoch

Harder Kulm

• Jetboat Ride
• Boat rides on the lakes
• Adventure sports
• St. Beatus Caves
• Interlaken town
• Giessbach Falls
• Ballenberg Museum

Grindelwald First

1.jungfraujoch.

Travel from Interlaken Ost station via 3 trains that take you to the highest railway station of Europe. With your Jungfraujoch tickets , make your way to the open-air platform to get the best views of the Aletsch glacier surrounded by four thousand metre peaks.

Make sure to visit the Ice Palace with its amazing ice sculptures and try some sledding if you have the time. You can either travel independently with your or take a Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe guided tour.

Travel Tip: Make sure to get out at the viewing stops that the train makes along the way. This helps you to be acclimatized to the rarer air as you go higher. Chewing on a few sour sweets also helps in case you feel a bit giddy headed.

2. Harder Kulm

Get the best view over Interlaken, its lakes and the imposing trio of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.Often called Interlaken's own mountain, the funicular to the Harder Kulm can be accessed from Brienzerstrasse just a short walk away from the Interlaken Ost station.

It takes just 10 minutes to take you to the peak at 1322 metres above sea level. The lovely Panorama restaurant offers a great selection of local cuisine, which you can enjoy whilst enjoying the breathtaking views.

Walk along the Two Lakes Bridge and take a photo with the luckiest cow in Switzerland who stands there mesmerized by the view. Visiting Harder Kulm is one of the best things to do in the Interlaken area.

3. Jetboat Ride

Enjoy 45 minutes of high-speed cruising and 360 degree spins that will have you holding on to your seats.

The ride passes by some beautiful scenery and gives you a close up view of the cascading Giessbach Falls. You will be provided with a splash coat and life jacket so all you need are your courage and your wits!

4. Boat ride on the Lakes

The best way to see the small surrounding towns around Interlaken would be via a boat cruise.

Both lakes Thun and Brienz have regularly departing boats that take you on a leisurely journey of the surrounding areas.

Get off in Thun and walk through the medieval town and visit the lakeside castle, visit Ringgenberg and take a dip in its very own little Burgseeli and walk along the wooded areas.

5. Adventure Sports

Interlaken is a mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts. There is a plethora of activities to do in Interlaken, and you will be sure to find something that caters to your level of skill and thrill.

Whether your preference is the sky or the water, you will have plenty to choose from.

White water rafting, canyoning, hang-gliding, paragliding and skydiving are some of the activities that you can opt for.

A day reserved for the thrill of sport is sure to be one of the highlights of your stay in Interlaken.

6. St. Beatus Caves

Walk through a kilometer of well-lit pathways through this geological site. Walk into the depths of the mountain and discover an ethereal world of stalactites and stalagmites formed by nature millions of years ago.

Legend has it that a dragon took residence in these caves whilst being pursued by the 6th century monk St Beat.

Nevertheless, dragon or not, the caves and the cascading waterfalls around it are definitely worth a visit.

You can take a bus, which you can travel for free with Swiss Pass , from Interlaken and then walk a short way to the caves or take a boat and climb your way up if you feel more energetic.

7. Interlaken Town

The town of Interlaken is an attraction in itself. Spend some time walking the beautiful Hoheweg, the main street that links Interlaken East and West stations and abounds with watch, jewelry and souvenir shops and plenty of cafes and restaurants that suit any taste and budget.

Walk through the Hohematte, a green centre of town spread over 14 hectares of land. The green park is also a favorite spot for the landing of hang gliders and para gliders.

Visit the Garden of Friendship, which is the first Japanese garden in Switzerland.

If you feel it's your lucky night, visit the Casino Kursaal and try your hand at table games, or blackjack - one of the most exciting things to do at night in Interlaken. Wish you luck!

8. Giessbach Falls

Giessbach falls is another attraction that will have you gasping at its beauty. Take a short boat cruise and then a funicular up to the Grand Hotel Giessbach to get a full view of these falls.

To see the falls up close you can even hike all the way. Some sections even take you behind the waterfalls where you can actually feel the spray and hear the roar of the falls as they thunder downward.

If your kids are not up to the hike, there is also a small playground nearby. Instead of taking the funicular down, you can also walk back so that you get a good view of the falls from a lower level.

9. Ballenberg Museum

A unique living history museum, the Swiss Open Air Ballenberg museum is a must visit for adults and children alike - it's a thing to do in Interlaken with family.

The museum started in 1978, with just 16 characteristic Swiss buildings. Today the museum stands over 66 hectares and houses authentic Swiss bake houses, barns, shops and residences most with their original equipment and amenities.

Since almost the last 50 years any old structures that are to be destroyed due to development are dismantled stone by stone or brick by brick and brought to the museum to be recreated.

The museum offers a unique insight into Swiss culture, traditions and rural ways of life. Added bonus: It is free with the Swiss Travel Pass, one of the many benefits of Swiss Travel Pass .

10. Grindelwald First

Last but definitely not the least is a thing to do in Interlaken in one day trip by visiting the Alpine village of Grindelwald, which can be accessed via train in just 35 minutes from Interlaken.

Once in Grindelwald, spend some time exploring the little village and then head off for some excitement to the Grindelwald First .

Reach the peak at 2166m above sea level and take in the amazing views. Then be prepared for the most exciting descent down any mountain!

Take the First Glider or the First Flyer (zip line) to Schreckfeld, then continue downwards by mountain cart and finally trottibike back down to the village.

No other mountain descent is as thrilling as this one.

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28 Best Things to Do in Interlaken in 2024

Written By: Sara Oprasic

Switzerland

Published On: March 30, 2024

Centrally located between lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s home to tall mountains, lovely lakes, and endless hiking trails that allow you to explore some of Central Switzerland’s best landscapes. These are just a few of the reasons we have returned to Interlaken three times. We can’t get enough of it.

One of the first things you will notice is that you don’t go to Interlaken for the tourist attractions and landmarks. You come here for outdoor activities and once-in-a-lifetime adventures to the best and tallest summits in the Swiss Alps. And if that sounds like a trip you would enjoy, then you’ll enjoy all of these superb things to do in Interlaken! 

This guide takes you from the best chocolate shops in Interlaken to the most charming Alpine lakes in the mountains high above it. Climb to Jungfraujoch so you can say you’ve visited Top of Europe, or head to Schilthorn to experience a gondola ride straight out of a James Bond movie. All the while, you’re traveling on mountain trains and cable cars, some of which are several centuries old. 

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore all the top things to do in Interlaken and its surroundings!

Table of Contents

Best Things To Do In Interlaken

Interlaken is an excellent town for outdoor fun. If your idea of a good time includes biking, Alpine climbing, rafting, paragliding, and indulging in cheese and chocolate, you’ll love it here. The town doesn’t have many traditional landmarks and attractions, but it offers so many fun things to do that it’s impossible not to enjoy your trip. 

Best of Interlaken Quick Guide

• Must See: Jungfraujoch, Mount Schilthorn, Schynige Platte, Thun Castle, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Lake Brienz, Harder Kulm 
• Where To Stay: Interlaken Youth Hostel , Metropole Swiss Quality Hotel , Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
• Fun To Do: Paragliding, Rafting, Canyoning, Boat rides
• Day Trips: Thun, Grindelwald , Lucerne, Bern
• Must Try Foods: Fondue, Raclette, Rosti, Chocolate. Make sure to check out our Swiss food guide .

1. Walking Tour of The Town 

First things first – book a walking tour of Interlaken and get acquainted with the lovely Swiss town. Guided tours of the town usually take up to 2 hours, although longer tours are available. The main difference is that the longer tours include a trip to Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s home mountain. 

A classic walking tour of Interlaken will take you past the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and the Hohematte Park, to the Interlaken Castle, and over the river into Unterseen. Local guides will tell you the history of the town’s best landmarks and offer inside information on their favorite places to eat. 

Practical Information: Walking tours of Interlaken usually take 1-2 hours. 

2. Eat Copious Amounts of Cheese

Switzerland is famous worldwide for its delicious cheeses, and a trip to Interlaken is an excellent opportunity to see what the hype is about. You can eat cheese for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus you can book fondue cruises and even raclette rafting experiences. The Swiss don’t joke around with their cheeses!

Interlaken has loads of local restaurants that serve all the staples of Swiss cuisine . Raclette and fondue are the best-known cheese dishes, and I highly recommend you begin your culinary exploration with the latter. Dip pieces of toasted bread into a bucket of hot, melted cheese, as you sip on a dry white wine. It’s what dreams are made of. 

You can even take it a step further and attend a fondue workshop if you want. Fondue Villa is a local cooking class in Unterseen, where you can learn how to make the Swiss national dish. And when you’re done, you get to eat the fondue, which is by far the best part of the workshop. 

Practical Information: Fondue is a dish meant to be shared, and it’s usually 30-40 CHF per person. The fondue cooking class lasts two and a half hours and costs 99 CHF. 

3. Stroll Around Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a picturesque village roughly 40 minutes from Interlaken, accessible by direct trains. We have visited Grindelwald three times and absolutely love it. In the winter, it is a popular ski resort with countless luxury hotels and a fabulous apres-ski scene. Grindelwald is also the starting point for many hikes in the region, the most notable of which are the trails leading up to First and Eiger. 

On top of that, the trains to Jungfraujoch depart from here, and I highly recommend you take at least a couple of hours when returning from the mountain saddle to explore the charming village. Grindelwald is also a popular base for skiers in the winter. No surprises there, as it offers hundreds of kilometers of excellent ski pistes in the Jungfrau Ski Region. 

Practical Information: Grindelwald is a 40-minute train ride from Interlaken. Tickets are 11 CHF. 

4. See The Waterfalls In The Lauterbrunnen Valley 

With 72 waterfalls, it’s no surprise that the Lauterbrunnen Valley is better known as the Valley of Waterfalls. Board a train at Interlaken, and in about 20 minutes, you will arrive at the Lauterbrunnen village, where the discovery tour begins. Staubbach Fall is one of the valley’s best-known waterfalls, dramatically rushing down the cliffs in the backdrop of the village, and you’ll spot it as soon as you exit the train station. 

It takes a little more than an hour to walk from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg . During the walk, you’ll see dozens of waterfalls and even pass by Trummelbachfalle. This system of cave waterfalls, which I’ll tell you more about later, is absolutely a worthy detour. Buses can take you back to Lauterbrunnen from Stechelberg. 

Insider Tip: Staubbach Waterfall is the most spectacular shortly after rain. 

Practical Information: Lauterbrunnen is a 20-minute train ride from Interlaken. Full-priced one-way tickets are 7.80 CHF. 

5. Tour Thun Castle 

Thun Castle is the most famous landmark in the namesake town. Situated on the far west shore of Lake Thun, the town is one of the best places to visit on a day trip from Interlaken. You can travel there by bus, train, or boat – I highly recommend that last mode of transport because it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a cruise on Lake Thun. 

The castle towers over Thun’s Old Town, offering epic views of the city’s red rooftops and the lake in the background. Visit the castle museum to learn more about its more than 900-year history. 

The museum exhibit spans six floors, beginning at the castle cellar. The tour ends at the towers, which offer the best panoramic view in the city. When you’re done touring Thun Castle, head down to the Old Town to wander around the cobblestone alleys before you need to return to Interlaken.  

Practical Information: Thun is a 30-minute train ride from Interlaken. Tickets are around 15 CHF. 

6. Enjoy The View From Harder Kulm 

Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s home mountain, accessible by hiking trails and funicular rides from the town. The funicular is quicker and easier, but hiking is better if you don’t want to overspend in Switzerland. It takes roughly four hours to hike up the mountain and back. 

The trail is steep and challenging, so it’s recommended only for intermediate and experienced hikers. Beginners should stick to the funicular and maybe attempt to hike back down the mountain and into Interlaken. 

The view from Harder Kulm is magical. You can see the entire town, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and many surrounding mountains. It’s an excellent spot for a romantic Fondue dinner with a wonderful panoramic view, Dave and Deb approved! 

Practical Information: The funicular to Harder Kulm departs from Interlaken Ost train station. Tickets are 38 CHF, and the ride is 10 minutes. 

7. Walk In The Footsteps Of James Bond At Piz Gloria

Piz Gloria is a revolving restaurant at the top of Mount Schilthorn. The place is famous for serving as Blofeld’s lair in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service . In fact, the restaurant’s construction was rushed for filming purposes, and nowadays, there’s an entire museum dedicated to James Bond at the top of the mountain. 

Eat a 007 burger and get a martini – shaken, not stirred, of course! You can even try the flight simulator that will make you feel like the man himself for a couple of moments, and even experience a simulated bobsleigh ride. Don’t forget to go outside onto the viewing platform, to enjoy the sight of 200+ peaks in the Swiss Alps. 

I must also mention Birg, the only station where the gondola stops before Schilthorn. It’s absolutely worth it to get out here for the views and the Birg Thrill Walk, which will have you standing on a glass platform above the abyss. 

Practical Information: Interlaken to Schilthorn via Lauterbrunnen takes about an hour and 20 minutes. Return tickets are 132.80 CHF. 

8. Hike The Mannlichen Panorama Trail

Mannlichen Panoramaweg (panorama trail) is one of the best easy hiking trails near Interlaken. Hike from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg for roughly an hour and a half while you enjoy captivating views of the Swiss Alps towering above you. 

The hike can be done in either direction, but it’s easier if you start at Mannlichen because you will be walking downhill (this is the way we did it). The trail is mostly a wide gravel path that is very easy to follow and features no technical difficulty. It’s suitable even for total hiking newbies, and it will make you wish you could be at this majestic mountain every weekend. 

The trailhead is at the Mannlichen gondola station, which is accessible in about an hour from Interlaken. First, you take a train to Grindelwald, where you board a gondola that takes you to the Mannlichen summit. 

Practical Information: One-way tickets from Interlaken to Mannlichen are 45 CHF. The hiking trail is 4.5 kilometers long in one direction. 

9. Visit St. Beatus Caves

Situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Thun, St. Beatus Caves is another spectacular natural landmark close to Interlaken. The place is accessible by bus, but also by various walking and cycling paths from the heart of the town. 

Lit walkways guide you through the caves as you wander from one chamber into the other. This is one of the ten largest cave systems in Switzerland, spanning an area of roughly 14 kilometers. Only one kilometer is open for public tours, but it’s enough to impress visitors with its magnificence. 

Practical Information: Tours of St. Beatus Caves are available seasonally, usually from 9 AM to 6 PM. Tickets are 17-19 CHF for adults.  

10. Discover Trümmelbach Falls

I’ve already mentioned Trümmelbach Falls briefly, but this is such a great attraction that it deserves its own entry on the list. Situated just some 40 minutes from Interlaken, this cave system of glacial waterfalls is one of the best natural landmarks in central Switzerland. 

Ten glacial waterfalls are hidden inside the mountain, and you can discover all of them by following the dedicated walking paths. Glacial waters from Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch are drained in these waterfalls, and sometimes as much as 20,000 cubic liters per second rush through the mountain. It’s no surprise that Trummelbach Falls is designated a UNSECO World Heritage Site, as they’re truly one of the most captivating natural landmarks near Interlaken. 

Insider Tip: The walking paths at Trummelbach Falls are often slippery, so wear sturdy shoes. 

Practical Information: Between April and November, Trummelbach Falls is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. The entrance fee is 14 CHF. 

11. Paragliding Over The Lakes

Interlaken is very popular for paragliding. I don’t think most travelers understand just how popular until they arrive at the town and notice the amount of parachutes constantly visible in the sky. Hohematte Park is the usual landing spot in the town and the best place to hang out if you want to watch the paragliders in action. 

If, on the other hand, you want to experience the adrenaline rush that can only come from soaring high above a town, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Interlaken. The best operator in town is Paragliding Interlaken. Arrange a flight with them to soar over the lakes and experience a birds-eye view of this picturesque town. You’ll depart from Beatenberg and spend 10-20 minutes in the air before you land at Hohemate Park.

Longer flights are also available, but they’re usually double the price of regular ones. It’s worth the money if you enjoy being in the air because hardly anyone does tandem paragliding, as well as the Swiss. 

Practical Information: Paragliding in Interlaken is available in the summer and winter. The average price of a 10-20-minute flight is 180 CHF.  

12. Lake Oeschinen

Lake Oeschinen is one of the prettiest mountain lakes in Switzerland and probably the only reason to rent a car in Switzerland. It’s only a 45-minute drive from Interlaken to the gondola’s bottom station in Kandersteg, but traveling by train takes at least an hour.

Oeschinensee features beaches, hiking trails, and surreal views all around. In the summer, you can ride boats or rush down the toboggan from the top gondola station. There are so many ways to stay busy at this lake, even if you’re traveling with children. And if you happen to be at Oeschinensee in the winter, you can enjoy skiing, ice skating, and sledding. 

Practical Information: It takes about 2 hours to travel to Oeschienen Lake from Interlaken by public transport (train to Kandersteg via Spiez and gondola to the lake). Full-priced tickets are 52 CHF, and various discounts are available. 

13. Ride a Cogweheel Train to Schynige Platte 

Cogwheel trains have transported passengers from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte since the late 19th century. They operate only in the summer, and riding the train up the mountain is a fabulous experience in Switzerland. Widlerswil is a village south of Interlaken, just a 5-minute train ride away. 

The mountain plateau is most popular for hiking and paragliding. There’s also an Alpine Botanical Garden with an interesting collection of plants native to the region. The entrance is free for anyone who buys tickets for the cogwheel train. 

Also, Alphorn players entertain the travelers daily. The instrument is a crucial element of Swiss culture, especially in the mountains, so the free concert is an excellent opportunity to better understand the local traditions. 

Practical Information: It takes roughly an hour to travel from Interlaken to Schynige Platte. Tickets are 71.2 CHF. 

14. Visit Jungfraujoch, The Top of Europe

Jungfraujoch is a mountain saddle roughly 90 minutes from Interlaken. It is one of Switzerland’s best-known attractions and a fabulous place you need to visit if you’re already in Interlaken. The mountain saddle is best known for Top of Europe, a visitor’s complex that’s home to the highest train station and post office on the continent. 

As you ride the trains up to Jungfraujoch , you will get to experience magical views of the Swiss Alps. Before you arrive at the destination, the train makes one five-minute stop, so you can see the Aletsch Glacier from a viewing room. 

Top of Europe features an observation deck, an ice palace, and an Alpine fun park with summer skiing. The visitor’s center also has shops and restaurants, including Europe’s highest Lindt store, where you can observe expert chocolatiers at work. Also, the views of Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch from the visitor’s center are out of this world. 

Insider Tip: Bring postcards so you can mail them to friends and family from Europe’s highest post office. 

Practical Information: It takes 90-120 minutes to travel from Interlaken to the Top of Europe. Full-priced return tickets (with Eiger Express Gondola ride) are 224 CHF, and discounts are available with various travel passes. 

15. Day Trip To Bern 

Bern is a wonderful city just an hour from Interlaken by train. It is the de facto capital of Switzerland, and its old town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, Bern offers many traditional landmarks and tourist attractions, and it’s a great place to visit if you want to tour museums, walk around cobblestone alleys, and see some classic Swiss landmarks. 

Bern’s top landmarks include fountains scattered throughout the old town, the Zytglogge clock tower, the bear with (with actual bears), the rose garden, and the Käfigturm tower. Einstein House is the best museum in town; it’s the flat where the famous scientists once lived and still features many of its original furnishings. 

A walking tour of Bern is the best way to get acquainted with the city and discover all the top sights on a day trip from Interlaken. 

Practical Information: Bern is roughly a one-hour train ride from Interlaken. One-way tickets are 31.2 CHF.

16. Ride Mountain Carts at First

First is a mountain summit accessible by train and gondola via Grindelwald. There are quite a few fun things to do at the top of the mountain, including a thrilling zipline and the iconic First Cliff Walk. 

But the mountain carts at the Schreckfeld station are by far the most fun. You’ll follow the curvy mountain road down the mountain to the gondola’s bottom station. It’s a perfectly safe activity suitable even for children, and I think renting the carts might be cheaper than paying for the gondola ride down the mountain. 

Practical Information: Mountain carts at First are available from May through October. The cost for adults is 21 CHF per mountain cart. 

17. Make Chocolates At The Funky Chocolate Club

Funky Chocolate Club is an artisan shop in Interlaken that organizes workshops. Experienced chocolatiers teach you the ins and outs of their craft. You can participate in the chocolate-making process, and at the end of it, you can eat the fruits of your labor. 

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this is one of the most fun things to do in Interlaken. You’ll learn a new skill, and you’ll have handmade chocolates to bring home as gifts for friends and family. Well, if you can stop yourself from devouring them on the spot. Even if you don’t like the idea of making chocolates, stop by the Funky Chocolate Club for coffee and dessert.

Practical Information: The Funky Chocolate Club offers a chocolate-making workshop thrice daily. The cost is 69 CHF per participant. 

18. Scenic Boat Ride on Lake Brienz

The picturesque Lake Brienz is my favorite in Switzerland, thanks to its gorgeous turquoise color. The lake actually owes its color to glacial waters that drain from the nearby mountains, which also means that its water is always on the chilly side. 

Boat rides on Lake Brienz are not only a fabulous tourist experience but also a legit way to travel from one town on the shore to the next. So, head to the harbor in Interlaken and board a BLS-Schiff boat.

Ride it all the way to Brienz to see as much of the lovely lake as possible, or get off at one of the earlier stations. Iseltwald is a lovely little town on the shore with a castle and lots of walking paths. Giessbach is also a worthy detour, thanks to the impressive Giessbach Waterfall. 

Practical Information: Boat rides on Lake Brienz are available throughout the year but are most common in the summer season. Travelers with the Interlaken Guest Card can get a 20% discount on day passes for cruises. 

19. Skiing in The Jungfrau Ski Region

Although Interlaken is best experienced in warm weather when you explore all the hiking trails and embark on fun water adventures, the region is immensely popular even in the winter months. That’s because of the Jungfrau Ski Region, which is one of the best in the entire country. 

It encompasses three resorts: Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First , and Mürren-Schilthorn. That’s more than 200 kilometers of ski pistes, with everything from easy blue runs to extremely challenging black runs. Even the Lauberhorn ski pistes are part of the Jungfrau Ski Region, and that’s one of the most popular events of the Ski World Cup. 

A ski bus is available to transport passengers from the villages and towns to the pistes in the Alps. Anyone who buys the Jungfrau Ski Pass gets to ride the bus for free. 

Practical Information: The Jungfrau Ski Region ski pass starts at 75 CHF for a daily pass and goes up to 428 CHF for a weekly pass.  

20. Attempt the Mürren-Gimmelwald Via Ferrata

This summer adventure is reserved only for experienced climbers, so skip to the next activity if you don’t have lots of experience with rock climbing. The Mürren-Gimmelwald Via Ferrata is a three-hour trail over the cliffs of Murren. 

It’s a very challenging climbing route with some of the best views in central Switzerland. You’re treated to interrupted vistas of the Swiss Alps and the tiny villages in the valley. Just ensure you’re not distracted by those panoramic views because you can’t afford to take one wrong step. 

If it’s your first via Ferrata, it’s best to do it with an experienced local guide. Otherwise, feel free to attempt the climb on your own; it’s actually not that difficult if you know what you’re doing, and much of the path is just hiking through the forest. 

Practical Information: Gear rental is available at Intersport Murren for 30 CHF. 

21. Oberhofen Castle

Oberhofen Castle is another grand chateau on the shore of Lake Thun. It dates back to the 13th century and features opulent rooms with period furnishings. The castle’s highlight is the oriental smoking parlor on the top floor, which was inspired by Count Albert de Pourtalès’s time in Istanbul. 

Touring the castle is a wonderful experience that offers insight into Bernese culture. The Castle Park is equally impressive, with beautifully landscaped gardens and waterfront walking paths. The park is also accessible longer, as it only closes for visitors in the winter months. 

Practical Information: Oberhofen Castle is open for tours from May to October, usually from 11 AM to 5 PM. Admission to the castle museum is 14 CHF. 

22. Go Canyoning 

Canyoning is another classic Interlaken adventure that will get your blood running. The local operators offer three different canyoning experiences depending on skill levels. Canyoning in Interlaken is easiest, Grimsel Canyon is for adventurers with some previous experience, while Chli Schliere Canyon can increase the heart rate of even the most experienced canyoners. 

In Interlaken, canyoning is done with the help of local guides who provide all the necessary gear. You will jump, slide, and rappel down the rock faces as you traverse through the narrow gorges. This activity is suitable even for complete beginners, and it’s an excellent way to spend an afternoon if you want to try something new and exciting in Interlaken. 

Practical Information: Canyoning in Interlaken is available between April and October. The price for a three-hour adventure is 150-230 CHF, depending on the canyoning destination.  

23. Try Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is the best thing to do in Interlaken for travelers who love having fun on the water. It might not be as thrilling as canyon swings or via Ferratas, but it’s certainly an exciting experience that you’ll remember forever. 

Rafting on the Lütschine River is even suitable for families, so it’s a lovely way to spend a day if you’re traveling with kids in Switzerland and you can’t exactly take them paragliding. Rafting adventures usually include 2 hours of time on the water, plus the transport to and from Interlaken. 

And for those of you who aren’t really looking for an adrenaline rush, it’s worth noting that even Raclette Rafting is a thing in Interlaken. It’s exactly what it sounds like – you charter a boat for eight people and you’re treated to a Raclette dinner as you slowly glide along the water from Bönigen to Interlaken.  

Practical Information: Rafting in Interlaken is available from May to September. The prices start at 135 CHF per person. 

24. Excursion To Lucerne

Lucerne is my favorite city in Switzerland , and if you’ve never been before, this is the perfect opportunity. It’s only a two-hour train ride from Interlaken, but the landscapes you see through the window are captivating enough to make that time pass in the blink of an eye. 

When you exit the train station in Lucerne, cross the iconic Chapel Bridge into the old town. Admire the pastel buildings and stand at the square in front of the Rathaus. Head west to climb onto Museggmauer – the old city wall with towers that offer epic panoramic views of Lucerne’s skyline. 

Don’t miss out on the Lion Monument, either, as it’s one of the city’s most famous landmarks. It’s close to the Glacier Garden and the Bourbaki Panorama, both fabulous museums that will keep you busy for an hour or two. 

Practical Information: Lucerne is a two-hour train ride from Interlaken. One-way tickets are 34 CHF. 

25. Hike The Eiger Trail 

Head to the Eigergletscher station to set out on one of the best hikes in central Switzerland . Follow the path along the north face of the Eiger mountain, enjoying mesmerizing vistas as you descend towards Alpiglen. 

The trail can be walked in either direction, but it’s much easier to do it from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen because it’s almost entirely downhill. Avid hikers will be glad to know that they can combine this hike with the Mannlichen Panorama Trail for an epic afternoon full of adventure. 

Practical Information: The easy version of the trail is 6 kilometers long and takes roughly 2-3 hours to complete.

26. Dip Your Toes in Fallbodensee

Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are both stunning, but they lack the charm of quaint Alpine lakes. This is precisely why you should visit Fallbodensee, a tiny mountain lake at the foot of the Eiger. 

Enjoy the view of the tall summits reflected in the lake’s still surface, and dip your toes in the cold water if you dare. I say pack a picnic and secure a spot on the shore because the majestic scenery of the Alps makes any food taste a thousand times better. 

Also, if you’re someone who enjoys hiking a lot, you should know that you can easily hike from Kleine Scheidegg to Fallbodensee in roughly 30 minutes. If you continue towards Eigerglestcher, you can even do the Eiger Trail in the same afternoon. 

Practical Information: Fallbodensee is accessible by hiking trails from Eigergletscher and Kleine Scheidegg. 

27. Discover The Allmendhubel Flower Trail

The Allmendhubel Flower Trail is an easy hike from Murren. Accessible from Interlaken by train in roughly an hour, the village is tucked away in the mountains above Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg. 

The trail begins at the Mürren train station and follows the path up the mountain for about three kilometers. It’s an easy hike that takes an hour to complete and with minimal elevation gain. Along the way, you’ll spot fields of wildflowers, but only if you do this hike in late spring or summer. 

There’s a playground at Allmendhubel, making this hike a wonderful family-friendly activity. There’s also a restaurant where adults can sit down to enjoy some Swiss delicacies while their little ones play around. 

Practical Information: The Allmendhubel Flower Trail is a moderately difficult hike doable in spring and summer. It takes about an hour to reach the trailhead in Mürren from Interlaken, and train tickets are 20 CHF. 

28. Cross The Sigriswil Panoramic Bridge

Suspension bridges are quite common in Switzerland, and of course, there’s one near Interlaken. The Sigriswil Panoramic Bridge stretches for 340 meters, connecting Sigriswil with Aeschlen. It offers fabulous views of the surrounding mountains, and the vista includes Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. 

However, if you’re not comfortable with heights, you might want to skip this activity. The bridge allows you to cross the Gummischlucht Gorge, and the sight of the abyss below might be terrifying for some. As you walk across the bridge, you can see the bottom of the gorge roughly 180 meters below. 

Practical Information: The Sigriswil Panoramic Bridge is open year-round. There is a fee of 8 CHF to cross it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2 Days Enough In Interlaken? 

In two days it’s possible to explore the town of Interlaken, visit Harder Kulm, go on a boat ride, and do one excursion to a nearby village or mountain. But it’s not enough for a thorough exploration of the Jungfrau region. 

Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?

Yes, Interlaken is absolutely worth visiting. Thanks to its abundance of outdoor activities, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. 

Why Is Interlaken So Famous?

Interlaken is famous because of its proximity to some of Switzerland’s best-known tourist attractions. Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, Trummelbachfalle, and Schynigge Platte are all close to Interlaken, and the town is an excellent base for exploring central Switzerland. 

What is the prettiest part of Interlaken?

Harder Kulm is the prettiest part of Interlaken. The mountain offers a magical view of the town, lakes Thun and Brienz, and countless mountain summits in the backdrop. 

Where To Stay In Interlaken

Interlaken is a small town, and no matter where you stay, the top attractions and things to do will be close. What you need to consider the most when choosing a hotel in Interlaken is your budget. Switzerland is very expensive , and a night at one of the cheapest hotels in Interlaken is comparable to at least a mid-range hotel elsewhere in Europe. 

There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in this town, and you’ll be spoiled for choice if you want to be pampered during your stay. Here are some of the best hotels in Interlaken for all budgets: 

• Interlaken Youth Hostel is one of the most affordable options in the town, situated right next to the Interlaken Ost train station. 
• Metropole Swiss Quality Hotel is an excellent mid-range hotel on Höheweg, the main street in Interlaken.
• Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is the city’s best five-star hotel with luxury rooms and premium service. 

Tips And Information For Visiting Interlaken

Best Time to Visit

Summer is the best time to visit Interlaken, especially if you want to hike in the Swiss Alps. In the winter, much of the region is covered with snow, making the trails inaccessible. Mountain trains also stop running for the winter, drastically reducing the number of things to do in Interlaken and its surroundings. 

Late spring and early fall are also good times to travel to Interlaken, especially if you want smaller crowds. Just double- and triple-check that everything you want to visit is open, and accept that you likely won’t be able to swim in the lake. 

Getting There

Zurich Airport is the busiest one in Switzerland but also the closest to Interlaken. It’s roughly a two-hour train ride from the airport to the town, and this is by far the best and most convenient way of arriving at Interlaken. Direct trains to Interlaken depart from the airport and a one-way ticket costs 77 CHF. 

The second-best option is to fly into Geneva airport, which is the second busiest in the country. The standard travel time from Geneva to Interlaken is 3 hours. This is a good option if you want to explore the towns on the shore of Lake Geneva over a couple of days. 

Getting Around

Swiss trains are legendary for their efficiency and punctuality and they’re by far the best ways of traveling in the region. Several villages near Interlaken are entirely car-free, plus driving is often much slower than taking the train, so car rental rarely makes sense in Switzerland. 

Also, the region around Interlaken is home to many wonderful mountain trains, gondolas, and funiculars. Riding in those is often an incredible experience, so just stick to public transport in Switzerland. Get yourself a Swiss Travel Pass to save money on train tickets, and use the SBB app to check for upcoming train connections. Interlaken is serviced by two train stations – Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost, both of which offer connections to many other towns and cities in Switzerland. 

Additionally, you should know that anyone who stays in accommodation registered with the Interlaken Tourist Board (hotels, hostels, some apartments, etc.) should get the Interlaken Visitors Card. This grants you free rides on the regular trains and busses in the region, as well as discounts for mountain trains and boat rides.  

How Much Time Do You Need

How long you should stay in Interlaken depends largely on what you want to do in the region. A shorter stay of 3-5 days is enough to visit the major tourist attractions. 

But if you want to thoroughly explore the Jungfrau region and all of its thrilling hiking trails, you need at least a week. The same goes for ski trips, especially if you want to go to multiple resorts and check out as many pistes as possible. Overall, it doesn’t matter if you book a stay of three days or three weeks in Interlaken as you’ll have plenty of things to do in the region. 

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Sara Oprasic

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17 Best things to do in Interlaken: Museums, History and Travel Guide

February 24, 2024 | Posted in: Switzerland

Interlaken is a small town and popular tourist destination in central Switzerland situated between Lake Brienz to the east and Lake Thun to the west. The coordinates of Interlaken are 46.6863° N, 7.8632° E. The name Interlaken translates to “between lakes” in German, an apt description of its exceptionally scenic setting in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The town sits on a flat alluvial plain known as Bödeli. Interlaken offers postcard views of the famous Alpine peaks Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger in the distance to the south. Interlaken has played a significant role in Switzerland's booming tourism industry over the past century and a half. As of the latest census, Interlaken had an estimated population of 5,924.

Interlaken has a long history rooted in its scenic location between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun in central Switzerland. The first known settlements in the area date back over 5,000 years to the Neolithic era. Interlaken, as it is known today, traces its origin to 1133 when the Augustinian monastery of Interlaken was founded in the area. The monastery brought commerce and authority to the rural valley community that had developed around it. It became the center of local government for the surrounding region. Interlaken gained official market rights in 1365 from the Lord of Unspunnen, which boosted trade, with significant growth followed over the next few centuries. Interlaken was an affluent community by the early 1500s due to revenue from bridge tolls, transportation of goods and its monastery. A fire in 1528 led to the monastery falling into disrepair and abandoned by the end of the century. Its buildings were converted into administrative offices and eventually demolished in the early 1800s. Interlaken reverted to a quiet rural town for several centuries, with the monastery's significance diminished. Its tourism potential started gaining recognition in the 1700s from European visitors attracted to the area's natural alpine scenery. It was not until the late 1800s and early 1900s that Interlaken emerged as a popular tourist destination when the opening of railways provided access to the mountain landscape. The local population grew more than five-fold over the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hotels sprung up to accommodate wealthy Victorian travelers arriving by train to enjoy Interlaken's clean air, incredible views and mountain adventures.

Tourism remains vital to the town's economy and identity today. Interlaken continues to enchant visitors as the gateway to the majestic Jungfrau region with its glacier-capped peaks, quaint mountain villages, hiking trails, lakes and abundant outdoor activities. Interlaken is in the Central European Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC +01.00). It observes Central European Summer Time from late March through late October, two hours ahead of UTC (UTC +02.00) during Daylight Saving Time.

Listed below are the best things to do in Interlaken.

• Tandem Paragliding. Tandem Paragliding in Interlaken, offers an aerial adventure over the Swiss Alps. Conducted by professional pilots, the activity begins in Beatenberg, a 20-minute bus ride from Interlaken. Flights last between 10 to 20 minutes, showcasing views of the Jungfrau massif and Lake Thun. Participants can opt for additional experiences like spiral dives and high wing-overs. Photos and videos of the flight are available for purchase. The activity is suitable for families, solo travelers and adventure enthusiasts, with a moderate challenge level that requires no prior paragliding experience.
• Jungfraujoch. Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe”, is a year-round destination in Switzerland, known for its high altitude of 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) above sea level. It's part of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage site and houses the highest railway station in Europe. The area, located between the cantons of Bern and Valais, offers views of the Swiss Mittelland and the Aletsch Glacier. Visitors can explore the Sphinx Observatory, one of the world's highest astronomical observatories and enjoy a 360-degree video about the Jungfrau. Hiking trails and the Mönchsjoch Hut are available for outdoor enthusiasts. Special precautions are advised for children under two, pregnant individuals and those in poor health.
• Canyoning. Interlaken, Europe's adventure hub, offers thrilling canyoning experiences. This activity involves exploring gorges and waterways by rappelling, sliding and jumping. The local canyon is an ideal starting point for beginners, while the Grimsel trip, with a 50-meter rappel and a zip line, provides a more challenging adventure. Canyoning is suitable for a wide range of participants, from families to solo travelers and groups. Different tours cater to varying skill levels. Swimming ability is beneficial but not mandatory. Good health is a prerequisite for participation.
• Grindelwald. Grindelwald, a Swiss village in the Interlaken-Oberhasli district of the canton of Berne, is a notable tourist destination. At an elevation of 1,034 meters (3,392 feet), it's encircled by the Bernese Alps. First mentioned in 1146, it has become a tourist hotspot since the 19th century's alpinism boom. Grindelwald offers 300 kilometers (186.41 miles) of walking trails, including a high-altitude walk from Grindelwald-First to the Faulhorn Mountain Hotel. Other attractions include the First Cliff Walk by Tissot, Bachalpsee Lake, Maennlichen and Pfingstegg. Grindelwald is ideal for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers and families, offering a variety of outdoor activities.
• Höhematte Park. Hohematte Park, situated in Interlaken, spans 14 hectares (35 acres). The park, translating to “high meadow”, offers views of the Swiss Alps, including Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. It serves as a gathering spot for locals and tourists, with facilities for picnics, walks and outdoor games. The park features a bandstand for performances and is a landing spot for paragliders. In winter, an ice skating rink is available. The park caters to a wide range of visitors, from families to solo and business travelers.
• Interlaken Castle. Interlaken Castle, known as Interlaken Monastery, is a Swiss heritage site located at Lindenallee 10, 3800 Interlaken. The site, first documented in 1133, was an Augustinian monastery before being converted into a hospital post-reformation around 1525. Today, it serves as the district administrative office of Interlaken-Oberhasli and houses the registry office for Oberland Ost. The castle complex features a 14th-century steeple, a Gothic cloister gallery and a chapel from 1452. Visitors can explore the monastery site, the cloister gallery and the chapel. The castle grounds offer a peaceful setting for a stroll.
• Tourismuseum. The Tourismuseum, located in Unterseen-Interlaken, is a unique institution dedicated to the history of tourism. Opened in 1980, it presents the evolution of alpine tourism over 500 years across three floors. The museum showcases artifacts like vintage skis, sleds and bicycles and provides insights into the souvenir industry, transport, mountaineering and the hotel industry. It hosts special exhibitions on tourism-related topics and is suitable for a wide range of audiences. The Tourismuseum offers an educational and engaging experience on the development of tourism.

1. Tandem Paragliding

Tandem Paragliding in Interlaken, is a thrilling aerial activity that offers participants a unique opportunity to soar high above the scenic landscapes of the Swiss Alps. The activity is conducted by professional pilots who guide participants on a tandem flight, providing a safe and exhilarating experience. The flights take off from Beatenberg, 20 minutes away from Interlaken by bus. The flight duration ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, during which participants can enjoy breathtaking views of the Jungfrau massif, Lake Thun and the enchanting town of Interlaken. Visitors can experience the thrill of flying high above the Swiss Alps and enjoying panoramic views of the mountains, lakes and Interlaken. Visitors can opt for additional experiences like spiral dives and high wing-overs for an adrenaline rush. Pilots capture photos and videos during the flight, purchased as a keepsake of the unforgettable experience.

The journey to the take-off site for Tandem Paragliding in Interlaken typically begins with a comfortable bus ride from Interlaken to Beatenberg Amisbühl, which takes 20 minutes. The cost of a Tandem Paragliding experience in Interlaken varies depending on the duration of the flight. A flight offering 12 to 30 minutes of airtime costs €149 ($168, £127), while a shorter flight with 5 to 10 minutes airtime costs €130 ($147, £111). Tandem Paragliding in Interlaken is for families, solo travelers and adventure enthusiasts. It offers a moderate challenge level, making it accessible to all, regardless of their previous paragliding experience.

2. Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe”, is a unique year-round mountain destination in Switzerland. It is famous for being the highest accessible point in Europe. Jungfraujoch is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site called Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, the highest railway station in Europe, situated at an elevation of 3,454 meters (11,332 feet, 37,77.34 yards) above sea level. The Jungfraujoch is a glacier saddle, on the upper snows of the Aletsch Glacier and part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch area, situated on the boundary between the cantons of Bern and Valais, halfway between Interlaken and Fiesch. The Jungfraujoch offers a high alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock, with breathtaking panoramas of the Swiss Mittelland towards the Vosges and the Aletsch Glacier, lined with four thousand meter peaks. Visitors to Jungfraujoch can enjoy a variety of activities. Visitors can visit the Sphinx Observatory, one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world, which provides an additional viewing platform at a height of 3,572 meters (11,719 ft). Visitors can experience the Jungfrau Panorama, a 4-minute, 360-degree video about the Jungfrau in all types of weather. Visitors who enjoy outdoor activities can hike through secured hiking trails on the crevassed to the Mönchsjoch Hut.

Visitors can reach Jungfraujoch by train. Visitors can travel to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald Terminal via the Bernese Oberland Railway from Interlaken Ost station. The journey time from Interlaken Ost via the Eiger Express is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Visitors can take the train from Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren or Gimmelwald, to Kleine Scheidegg and board the Jungfraubahn for a 35-minute ride to Jungfraujoch. The standard Jungfraujoch ticket price from Interlaken is €220 ($248, £187) return per adult during peak season, June 1 to August 31). Jungfraujoch is suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families, solo travelers and business travelers. Special precautions apply to children under two years old, as well as people who are pregnant or in poor health. It is advisable to consult a doctor before visiting areas over 2,500 meters (8,202.10 feet, 2,734.03 yards).

3. Canyoning

Canyoning in Interlaken, is an exhilarating outdoor activity that allows visitors to explore the region's gorges and waterways. Interlaken, known as the adventure capital of Europe, is ideally situated amid a landscape of mountains and lakes, making it a prime location for canyoning. The activity involves rappelling, sliding and jumping down rocks and waterfalls into white water-filled canyons. Several canyoning options are available, including the local canyon, a great introduction to the sport and the Grimsel trip, which offers a more challenging experience with a 50-meter (54.68 yards) rappel and a zip line.

Visitors can reach Interlaken by train, car or plane, with the nearest international airport being in Zurich. From there, it's a two-hour train ride to Interlaken. The canyoning locations are a short drive from the town center, with the local canyon being just a ten-minute drive away. The cost of canyoning in Interlaken varies depending on the tour and group size. A single seat for the local canyon €138 ($156, £118), while a private group, maximum 12 seats, costs €1480 ($1672, £1264). The Grimsel trip costs €166 ($188, £142) per person. Canyoning in Interlaken is suitable for a wide range of people, from families to solo travelers and groups. It is popular among adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Different tours offer varying levels of difficulty, from beginners to experienced canyoners. Swimming ability is recommended, but not required. Participants should be in good health.

4. Grindelwald

Grindelwald, a village and municipality in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, is a significant tourist destination. It is situated at an elevation of 1,034 meters (1,130.80 yards, 3,392.39 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by the Bernese Alps, creating a natural barrier. The village, first mentioned in 1146, has grown into a popular tourist spot since the golden age of alpinism in the 19th century. Visitors to Grindelwald can engage in a variety of activities. The area has 300 kilometers (186.41 miles) of walking trails, with the high-altitude walk from Grindelwald-First along the Bachalpsee to the Faulhorn mountain hotel being one of the region's most beautiful hikes. Other top attractions include the First Cliff Walk by Tissot, Bachalpsee Lake, Maennlichen and Pfingstegg.

Visitors can embark on a scenic coach journey through the countryside and over the Brünig pass to Interlaken, then continue to Grindelwald. Visitors can take a public train from nearby cities such as Unterseen, Interlaken or Meiringen to reach Grindelwald. The cost of entering Grindelwald varies depending on the activities chosen. The Adventure Package at Grindelwald-First, which includes cable car rides and additional activities, offers different pricing options. Grindelwald is best suited for nature lovers, adventure seekers and families. The area offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to adrenaline-rushing adventures, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an active holiday.

5. Hohematte Park

Hohematte Park, known as “Höhematte”, is located at Hohematte, 3800 Interlaken, a public park in the heart of Interlaken. It covers an area of 14 hectares (35 acres). The park offers spectacular views of the Swiss Alps, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. The name “Hohematte” translates to “high meadow”, reflecting its elevated position and lush open fields. The park is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists, offering ample space for picnics, leisurely walks and outdoor activities. It features a bandstand for live performances and is a landing ground for paragliders. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in Hohematte Park. Visitors can stroll along the well-maintained pathways, admire the meticulously arranged floral displays and enjoy live performances at the bandstand. The park's open fields are perfect for playing outdoor games and its benches provide a relaxing spot to read a book, meditate or appreciate the natural beauty. In winter, visitors can find an ice skating rink in the park.

Visitors can reach Hohematte Park by various means of transportation. Buses 21, 102, 103 and M42 stop at Interlaken, Kursaal, near the park. The park is an 18-minute walk from the city center of Interlaken. There is no entrance fee to visit Hohematte Park. Hohematte Park is suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families, solo travelers and business travelers. Its diverse attractions and activities make it a captivating destination for all ages.

6. Interlaken Castle

Interlaken Castle, known as the Interlaken Monastery and Castle, is located at Lindenallee 10, 3800 Interlaken. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. The castle grounds and the former Augustinian double monastery are between the Höhematte and the Japanese Garden. The old Augustinian monastery of Interlaken, first documented in 1133, was acquired by the state of Bern following the reformation around 1525 and converted into a hospital. Today, it serves as the district administrative office of Interlaken-Oberhasli and houses the registry office for Oberland Ost. The castle complex is an architectural gem, featuring a steeple from the early 14th century, a Gothic cloister gallery in the old courtyard and a chapel dating from 1452. Visitors can explore the ancient monastery site, admire the Gothic cloister gallery and visit the chapel dating from 1452. The castle grounds offer a peaceful setting for a stroll and the historic buildings provide a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Visitors can reach Interlaken Castle by foot from the center of Interlaken in just a few minutes. The town of Interlaken is well-connected by public transport, making the castle easily accessible for visitors. The search results do not provide specific information on the admission cost for Interlaken Castle. Admission to the Interlaken Monastery and Castle is free. The site is open to the public and currently serves as a district administrative office and registry office. Some areas are not accessible to visitors. Interlaken Castle is suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families, solo travelers and history enthusiasts. The castle's rich history and architectural features offer a fascinating insight into the region's past, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in cultural and historical exploration.

7. Tourimuseum

The Museum of Tourism, known as the Tourismuseum, is a unique institution in Unterseen-Interlaken, specifically at Obere Gasse 28, Stadthausplatz 3800. This museum, opened in 1980, is the first and one of its kind, dedicated exclusively to the history and development of tourism. It offers a fascinating journey through 500 years of alpine tourism history, showcasing vintage skis, sleds, old bicycles and other artifacts. Visitors to the Tourismuseum can explore the evolution of travel for pleasure in the Jungfrau region across three floors. The museum offers insights into various aspects of tourism, including the souvenir industry, transport, mountaineering and the hotel industry. It hosts special exhibitions on tourism-related topics.

Visitors can reach the Tourismuseum by local bus or car, with parking available. It is just a few minutes on foot from the center of Interlaken and the Höheweg path. The admission cost for adults is €7.50 ($8.50, £6.50) and for youths up to 16 years, €3.75 ($4.25, £3.25). The Tourismuseum is suitable for a wide range of audiences, including families, solo travelers and history enthusiasts. It provides a unique perspective on the development of tourism, making it an educational and engaging experience for all visitors.

8. Kunsthaus Interlaken

Kunsthaus Interlaken, known as the “Art House, ” is at Jungfraustrasse 55, 3800 Interlaken. It is a modern art gallery that showcases a variety of rotating exhibits, live music events and workshops. The gallery is a cultural hub in Interlaken, bringing to life the local culture through music, theater, dance, literature and film. The artwork displayed usually focuses on the period from the 18th century to the present, including works of painters such as Johann Ludwig Aberli, Lory and Franz Niklaus König, who helped make the region famous as a tourist destination. The Kunsthaus Interlaken enables visitors to encounter significant regional, national and international art from the 19th century to the present in four changing exhibitions. Visitors can explore artworks, participate in workshops and attend live music events. The exhibitions and events change annually, offering a fresh experience for repeat visitors.

Visitors can reach Kunsthaus Interlaken by taking buses 21, 102 and 103 to the bus stop at Interlaken, Jungfraustrasse or buses 102, 105 and M41 to the stop at Interlaken, Zentralplatz. The admission cost for Kunsthaus Interlaken is €7.5 ($8.5, £6.4). Students can enter for €4.7 ($5.3, £4) and children up to 16 years can enter for free. Kunsthaus Interlaken is best suited for art enthusiasts, families, solo travelers and cultural explorers.

9. Niederhorn

Niederhorn, a prominent mountain in the Bernese Alps, is situated in the region of Interlaken, specifically in Beatenberg, Switzerland. Standing at an elevation of 1,963 meters 2146.763, it offers panoramic views that extend from the Justistal Valley to Jura, over the Aare Valley and as far as the Blüemlisalp and snow-capped giants in the Bernese Oberland. The mountain is known for its diverse range of activities, including hiking, alpine orienteering, observing wild animals, Trotti biking and hang gliding. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities at Niederhorn. Visitors can explore the mountain through hiking or alpine orienteering, observe local wildlife through guided tours or experience the thrill of Trotti biking and hang gliding. Visitors can enjoy the unique panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the deep blue waters of Lake Thun.

Visitors can reach Niederhorn by taking a bus or boat to Beatenbucht, followed by a scenic funicular to Beatenberg and a group orbit rail to Niederhorn. Visitors can take the line 101 bus to Beatenberg Station and then walk to Beatenberg. The cost of admission to Niederhorn varies depending on the type of ticket and the visitor's age. The price ranges from €24.80 to €27.00 ($28 to $30 or £21 to £23) for adults and €15.50 to €16.00 ($17 to $18 or £13 to £14) for children under 16 years. Niederhorn is suitable for a wide range of audiences, including families, solo travelers and adventure enthusiasts. Its diverse range of activities and breathtaking views make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.

10. Trail-running

Trail-running in Interlaken is a popular outdoor activity that involves running on trails in the mountainous regions surrounding the town. Interlaken is in the Canton of Bern and is a hub for four different ridges, each requiring well over 1000-meter climbs. The trails offer a variety of experiences, from steep climbs to ridges with views of 4000-meter peaks and glaciers. The most popular and challenging trail is the Harder Kulm Loop Trail. The trails are well-maintained and marked for runners to navigate. Visitors can engage in trail running, exploring the diverse and scenic routes of the region. Visitors can participate in organized trail-running events like the Jungfrau Marathon and Eiger Ultra Trail. The trails offer a variety of experiences, from steep climbs to ridges with views of 4,000-meter (4,374.45 yards) peaks and glaciers.

Visitors can reach Interlaken by train from major Swiss cities like Basel, Zurich and Geneva. Connecting trains to trail-running locations like Grindelwald are available from Interlaken. Visitors can drive to Interlaken from Basel, Zurich and Geneva via Bern or Luzern over the Brünigpass. There is no specific admission cost for trail running in Interlaken, as the trails are open to the public. Some trails start from locations that require a ticket for a mountain railway or a cog train, such as the Schynige Platte to Grindelwald trail. Visitors can check on the respective service providers' websites for the ticket cost. Trail-running in Interlaken is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers and fitness enthusiasts. It is suitable for individuals who enjoy nature and scenic landscapes. Trail running is not for young children, elderly individuals or those with certain health conditions due to the physical demands and potential risks associated.

11. Boat Cruises

Boat cruises in Interlaken, offer a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Interlaken, a popular vacation resort, is situated between two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, in the Bernese Oberland. The cruises navigate these lakes, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. The cruises depart from Interlaken West station and offer experiences, including viewing the colorful sunsets over the mountains, exploring the small villages around the lakes and enjoying fine cuisine onboard. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lakes and mountains, explore the small villages around the lakes and indulge in fine cuisine onboard the boat. Visitors can marvel at the impressive Giessbach waterfall and other streams that flow into Lake Brienz.

Visitors can reach the boat cruises in Interlaken by departing from Interlaken West station. The public transport system in Switzerland is well-organized, making it easy for visitors to get around. The cost of a boat cruise in Interlaken varies depending on the type of ticket and class of service. A 1-day ticket for Lake Thun and Lake Brienz costs €67.00 ($75.00, £57.00) for 2nd class and €99.00 ($111.00, £84.00) for 1st class. A family day ticket costs €101.00 ($113.00, £86.00). Boat cruises in Interlaken are suitable for a wide range of people, including families, couples, solo travelers and groups, ideal for those seeking a peaceful and scenic outing.

12. Summer Stage Interlaken

Summer Stage Interlaken, known as Openair Stage Kunsthaus, is a series of free open-air concerts that take place weekly from June until September in Interlaken. The concerts are held at Kunsthaus Interlaken, at Jungfraustrasse 55, 3800 Interlaken. The event showcases beautiful Swiss traditions, performed by local and regional outfits and takes place in dry weather. The uniqueness of Summer Stage Interlaken lies in its ability to bring together a diverse range of musical performances in the open air, allowing visitors to enjoy music while taking in the scenic beauty of Interlaken. Visitors can enjoy an evening of music and tradition at Summer Stage Interlaken. The concerts feature a variety of performances by local and regional outfits, offering a unique insight into Swiss musical culture. The open-air setting provides a unique ambiance, allowing visitors to enjoy the performances amidst the natural beauty of Interlaken.

Visitors can reach Interlaken by flying to Zürich or Basel. From Zürich airport, they can take a train to Bern and change for Interlaken. From Basel, they can take a bus from the airport. Alternatively, the Luzern–Interlaken Express offers a scenic train ride of roughly two hours from Lucerne to Interlaken. The concerts at Summer Stage Interlaken are free of charge, allowing visitors to enjoy the performances without any admission cost. Summer Stage Interlaken is suitable for a wide range of audiences. It is an ideal activity for music lovers, families, solo travelers and anyone interested in experiencing Swiss culture and tradition in a unique open-air setting. The concerts offer a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere appreciated by locals and tourists.

13. Interlaken Trucker & Country Festival

The Interlaken Trucker & Country Festival, known as the International Trucker & Country Festival, is an annual music festival held in Interlaken, established in 1994. The festival takes place at Flugplatz Interlaken, 3800 Interlaken. It is one of the largest country music festivals in Switzerland, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. The festival is known for its Western-themed activities, including line dancing performances and a display of over 1100 highly-polished trucks. The festival features a Western Village with authentic buildings, a saloon and a show stage, creating a unique Wild West atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the festival. Visitors can listen to country music from international musicians, admire the impressive trucks and participate in line dancing. Visitors can visit the Western Village, watch performances and interact with truck owners.

Visitors can reach the festival by traveling to Interlaken. The festival happens at Flugplatz Interlaken, accessible by public transportation or car. The cost for a 3-day festival pass is €93 ($105, £79) and admission to the Western Village is €28 ($31, £24). The festival is suitable for music lovers, particularly fans of country and Western music. It is an event for truck enthusiasts, families and individuals who enjoy Western-themed activities. The festival's friendly and relaxed atmosphere makes it a fun experience for all ages.

14. Swiss Knife Center

The Swiss Knife Center, known as “Swiss-Knife” Center, Simone Piaget Keller, is a specialty store located at Höheweg 125, 3800 Interlaken. This store is known for its extensive collection of Swiss Army Knives, offering a full range of Victorinox and Wenger knives. The Swiss Knife Center is unique because it provides free name engravings on the knives, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking personalized souvenirs. Visitors can explore Swiss Army Knives, including pocket knives, hunting knives and multipurpose tools. They can have their names engraved on the knives for free, creating a unique and personalized memento of their visit. The cost of purchasing a knife can vary, with a simple knife starting at €14 ($16, £12).

Visitors can reach the Swiss Knife Center by walking along the main street of Interlaken, as it is in the town center. The Swiss Knife Center is suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families, solo travelers and business travelers. It particularly appeals to those interested in Swiss craftsmanship and those looking for unique, personalized souvenirs.

15. Swiss Chocolate Chalet

Swiss Chocolate Chalet, located at Höheweg 95, 3800 Interlaken, is a boutique store offering Swiss chocolate specialties since 2004. The chocolates are handcrafted in small quantities, using high-quality Swiss milk and cocoa beans and are exclusively sold at the Swiss Chocolate Chalet. The store offers a variety of chocolates, including table chocolates, pralines and truffles. The packaging, developed by Swiss Chocolate Chalet, is designed to convey the typical characteristics of high-quality specialties – Swiss quality, tradition, luxury and sweet temptation. Visitors can indulge in a wide range of chocolate specialties, including truffles, mixed fruit bars and cocoa bars ranging from 70% to 100%. The store offers an experience with a workshop where visitors can learn about the origin of chocolate, sample different types and even make their own chocolate bars.

Visitors can easily reach the Swiss Chocolate Chalet as it is on the main boulevard in Interlaken, adjacent to Hohematte Park. The admission cost for Swiss Chocolate Chalet workshops in Interlaken is €64 ($72, £54) for adults and €55 ($62, £47) for kids aged 3-13 years old. The workshops allow participants to learn about the origin of chocolate, sample different types and create their own chocolate bars. The Swiss Chocolate Chalet is suitable for all types of visitors, including families, solo travelers and business travelers. It offers a unique experience for chocolate lovers of all ages.

16. Bucherer

Bucherer in Interlaken, is a luxury watch and jewelry store located at Höheweg 43, 3800 Interlaken. This store is part of the Bucherer Group, a Swiss company founded in 1888, known for selling high-end timepieces and fine jewelry. The Interlaken branch is one of the 15 Bucherer stores in Switzerland. It offers a wide range of brands, including Rolex, Bucherer Certified Pre-Owned, Bucherer Fine Jewellery, Carl F. Bucherer, Cartier, Chopard Jewellery, Chopard Watches and many more. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of luxury watches and jewelry. The store is known for its impressive inventory, making it a worthwhile visit for watch enthusiasts.

Visitors can reach Bucherer in Interlaken by using public transport services. The Interlaken guest card offers free travel on scheduled public transport services. There is no admission cost to enter the Bucherer store. Visitors are free to browse the collection at their leisure. Bucherer in Interlaken is best suited for luxury watch enthusiasts, jewelry lovers and shoppers interested in high-end brands. It is a great stop for tourists exploring the city of Interlaken.

17. Seilpark Interlaken

Seilpark Interlaken, known as Interlaken Ropes Park, is an adventure park in Interlaken, at Wagnerenstrasse 3800 Matten bei Interlaken. This forest playground offers a thrilling experience with treetop courses of varying difficulty, featuring swings, bridges and zip lines. The park has nine courses, providing over 160 obstacles for beginners and adrenaline seekers. Visitors can challenge themselves with heights up to 20 meters and more than 90 challenges. Visitors can spend an exciting day with friends or family, testing their physical and mental abilities at Seilpark Interlaken. The park provides all necessary equipment, including harnesses and helmets and offers safety instructions to ensure a fun-filled experience.

Visitors can reach Seilpark Interlaken by walking for 15 minutes from Interlaken West train station, following the signs towards Heimwehfluh and then the “Seilpark” signs. Visitors can take advantage of special prices offered by Bödeli Taxi from Interlaken, Matten or Unterseen to Seilpark Interlaken. Admission costs for adults are €39 ($44, £33), while children under 16 years old pay €29 ($32, £24). The park is suitable for various audiences, including kids, families, solo travelers and groups of friends.

What are the best museums to visit in Interlaken?

Listed below are the best museums to visit in Interlaken.

• Tourismuseum. The Tourismuseum, in Unterseen-Interlaken, is a unique institution dedicated to the history and evolution of tourism. Established in 1980, it provides a comprehensive exploration of 500 years of alpine tourism history across three floors. Exhibits include vintage skis, sleds, bicycles and other artifacts, offering insights into the souvenir industry, transport, mountaineering and the hotel industry. The museum charges an admission fee of €7.50 ($8.50, £6.50) for adults and €3.75 ($4.25, £3.25) for youths up to 16 years.
• Kunsthaus Interlaken. Kunsthaus Interlaken, at Jungfraustrasse 55, 3800 Interlaken, is a contemporary art gallery that hosts rotating exhibits, live music and workshops. It is a cultural epicenter, showcasing local culture through various art forms. The gallery displays art from the 18th century onwards, including works by known painters like Johann Ludwig Aberli, Lory and Franz Niklaus König. Visitors can engage with regional, national and international art from the 19th century to the present in four changing exhibitions. Entry costs €7.5 ($8.5, £6.4), with discounts for students and free admission for children up to 16 years.
• Galerie Wydi. Galerie Wydi, at Obereigasse 4, Wilderswil, Interlaken 3812, Switzerland, is a prominent art gallery established in 1990. It offers a diverse range of artistic expressions across two floors, including local and international works. Exhibits include contemporary and traditional art, providing a platform for artists to display their creations and for art enthusiasts to engage with the art. The gallery charges an admission fee of €7.50 ($8.50, £6.50) for adults and €3.75 ($4.25, £3.25) for youths up to 16 years.
• Mystery Rooms. Mystery Rooms, at Alpenstrasse 14, 3800 Interlaken, is a unique interactive museum established in 2015. It offers a variety of escape rooms across two floors, providing an engaging experience for visitors. The rooms are designed with different themes and challenges, offering insights into problem-solving and teamwork. The museum charges an admission fee of €25 ($28, £21) for adults and €20 ($22, £17) for youths up to 16 years.

What are the best things to do in Interlaken with kids?

Listed below are the best things to do in Interlaken with kids.

• Chocolatey experience at Swiss Chocolate Chalet. Swiss Chocolate Chalet is a delightful chocolate-themed attraction for families with kids, offering an experience of the world of Swiss chocolate. The unique destination showcases the art of chocolate making and features interactive exhibits, workshops and tastings. Children can participate in hands-on chocolate-making workshops, while parents can indulge in chocolate treats. Admission costs vary depending on the activities chosen. A standard entry fee is €15 ($17, £13) per person, with additional fees for workshops and special events.
• Swing like Tarzan at Seilpark Interlaken. Seilpark Interlaken is a forest adventure park that promises a day of fun and excitement for kids and families. It is a playground in the treetops, with over 160 challenges on nine different courses, including wooden bridges, Tarzan swings and zip lines. Kids can explore the Butterfly Walk, a course dedicated to younger children or take on the various obstacles in the trees. The park features carved tree trunks, a slackline and picnic areas for a break between adventures. The cost is €31 ($35, £26) for adults and €24 for children ($27, £20).
• Watch the paragliders land at Hohematte Park. Hohematte Park is a playground of fun for kids. The park is a treasure trove of activities, with a children's playground equipped with slides, swings and climbing structures. Kids can run around the vast green spaces, play games and watch paragliders land, turning the sky into a colorful spectacle. The park features an ice skating rink in winter, adding another layer of excitement for the little ones. The park's family-friendly atmosphere extends to picnics, where families can enjoy meals amidst the beautiful views of the Swiss Alps. All the fun-filled activities come at no cost, as the park is open to the public free of charge.

What are the best activities for a business traveler in Interlaken?

Listed are the best activities for a business traveler in Interlaken.

• Personalize your corporate gift at the Swiss Knife Center. The Swiss Knife Center is a multifaceted attraction in Brunnen, Switzerland, that caters to tourists and business travelers. It houses a comprehensive range of Victorinox products, including Swiss Army knives, professional knives, watches, travel baggage and fragrances. Business travelers can benefit from the center's corporate gifts service, which offers high-quality, Swiss-made products and offers the opportunity for imprinting with a company logo or claim, positioning them as perfect for promotional activities or as client and partner gifts. The center features a ‘build-your-own-knife' section, where visitors can create their own Victorinox souvenir under expert guidance. Two models are available to build. Spartan for €32 ($36, £27) and Climber for €43 ($48, £36). The hands-on experience can serve as a unique team-building activity for business groups.
• Manage your time at Bucherer. Bucherer is a known Swiss jewelry and watches company that offers a unique attraction for business travelers. It provides an exclusive Advantage Programme, offering services and benefits to its members. Business travelers can explore a wide range of luxury watches, including travel watches with unique functions. Bucherer offers a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, allowing customers to buy, sell or trade pre-owned watches. The company's service centers, staffed by certified watchmakers, offer comprehensive watch services. Business travelers can take advantage of Bucherer's corporate gifts and awards program. Admission to Bucherer stores is free. Prices for products and services vary.
• Take a breather paragliding. Tandem Paragliding is an adrenaline-filled activity where a pilot and a passenger fly together using a lightweight fabric wing. It is a popular attraction for thrill-seekers and those seeking a unique perspective of their surroundings. No license or prior training is required, making it an exciting break from business meetings. The cost of a tandem paragliding experience averages €156 ($175, £132) and varies on the service providers. It offers a quick escape from the usual routine for business travelers, with flights typically lasting between 15 minutes to 1 hour. The experience boosts energy and relieves stress for those in high-pressure roles.

Where is Interlaken?

Interlaken is a town in Switzerland situated in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the canton of Bern. The coordinates of Interlaken are 46.6863° N, 7.8632° E. It is located between Lake Brienz to the east and Lake Thun to the west, at an elevation of 566 meters (1,857 feet) above sea level. The nearest big city to Interlaken is Bern, which is 56 kilometers (35 miles) away. The journey by train from Interlaken to Bern takes 47 minutes and covers a distance of 58 kilometers (36.04 miles). Zurich, another major Swiss city, is located 124 km (77 miles) from Interlaken, with a driving time of 1 hour and 46 minutes.

What is the history of Interlaken?

Interlaken, a Swiss town located in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the canton of Bern, has a rich history. The town's name, meaning “between lakes”, reflects its geographical position on flat alluvial land called Bödeli, between two lakes, Brienz to the east and Thun to the west. The history of Interlaken dates back to 1130 when a group of Augustinian monks established a convent in the region. The town grew around this convent, which operated until 1528. The town was known as Aarmühle until 1891.

Interlaken's reputation as an international resort began around 1800 due to the landscapes of Franz Niklaus König and other Swiss landscape artists. The town's popularity as a tourist destination increased with the completion of the Bernese Oberland Railway in 1890. Interlaken is a well-known tourist destination in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps today, serving as the main transport gateway to the mountains and lakes of that region. Interlaken is presided over by three major mountains. Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The town is known for its traditional events, such as the Unspunnen Festival, which takes place every 12 years. The Alps have had a defining influence on the people and culture of the Bernese Oberland.

Interlaken is primarily a vacation destination and resort featuring shops for Swiss goods such as watches and chocolates. The town's surrounding mountains offer plenty of year-round attractions and activities and the Jungfrau region's mountain railways have allowed many Interlaken visitors to create memorable experiences. Interlaken's history is known for its development as a tourist destination and its relationship with nature. Swiss people, particularly those in mountainous regions like Interlaken, are known for their intimate knowledge of their natural surroundings. This connection to nature is evident in the town's numerous outdoor activities, from skiing in the Swiss Alps to kayaking on Lake Brienz.

What language is spoken in Interlaken?

Interlaken, a town in Switzerland, primarily speaks German. The local variant of the Alemannic Swiss German dialect, Bernese German, is the most prevalent. Switzerland is multilingual, with German, French, Italian and Romansh as official languages. In the broader context of Switzerland, German is spoken by 62.3% of the population, French by 22.8%, Italian by 8.4% and Romansh by 0.5%. English is spoken by 5.1% of the population, followed by Portuguese at 3.7% and Albanian at 3.1%. In Interlaken, many locals speak English and French, facilitating communication with international visitors. This linguistic diversity reflects Switzerland's multicultural environment and its history of embracing different languages.

What timezone is in Interlaken?

Interlaken operates on Central European Time (CET), Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) +1. Interlaken switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October during daylight saving time. Noontime in Interlaken is 6 AM in New York City, USA (Eastern Standard Time, UTC -5) and 1 PM in Lagos, Nigeria (West Africa Time, UTC +1); Interlaken is 6 hours ahead of New York and at the same time as Lagos. Interlaken shares the same time zone with other European cities such as Zurich and Milan, Italy; 3 PM in Interlaken is 3 PM in Zurich and Milan.

How many people live in Interlaken?

Interlaken has a population of 5,924 as of the latest data available. The population is divided between males and females, with males making up 48.3% and females accounting for 51.7%. The age distribution shows that 13.8% of the population is ages 0-17, 62.3% falls within the 18-64 age bracket and 22.2% are ages 65 and above. Over the years, Interlaken has seen a slight increase in its population, growing from 5,119 in 2000 to its current estimate of 5,900. The gender distribution has remained relatively stable, with a near 50/50 split between males and females. As a popular tourist destination in the Swiss mountains, Interlaken's population density was recorded as 1,378 per square kilometer in 2022, indicating a compact town center. This population likely experiences seasonal fluctuations due to the influx of tourists.

What are the most interesting facts about Interlaken?

• Timezone. Interlaken operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC/GMT +1 hour. Noontime in Greenwich, England, the point from which all world time zones are calculated, means 1 PM in Interlaken. The time is not constant throughout the year. Interlaken, like many European countries, observes daylight saving time. The clocks are set forward by one hour to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC/GMT +2 hours, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. The change allows the residents of Interlaken to enjoy longer daylight hours during the summer months. Visitors must adjust their watch accordingly when planning a summer trip to Interlaken.
• Language. The official language of Interlaken is German. The local variant of the Alemannic Swiss German dialect, Bernese German, is widely spoken in Interlaken. The dialect is unique to the region and adds a distinct flavor to the local culture. Interlaken is a linguistic melting pot, as English and French are commonly spoken in the city, making it easy for international travelers to navigate the area and interact with locals. Visitors can even hear other languages as they explore the city due to its popularity as a tourist destination.
• Currency. The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the currency of choice in Interlaken, as in the rest of Switzerland. Interlaken, as the entire Switzerland , is not part of the Eurozone. It does not use the Euro as its official currency. Some prices are displayed in Euros for the convenience of European travelers in the city, due to its proximity to Eurozone countries. Some businesses may even accept Euros as payment. It is important to note that change is given in Swiss Francs. It is best to have some Swiss Francs on hand for small purchases and places that do not accept credit cards.
• Power Plug. Interlaken uses two types of power plugs. Type C, which has two round pins and Type J, which has three round pins. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. Visitors traveling from a country that uses a different type of plug, voltage or frequency, shall need a travel adapter or converter. Visitors must check the type of plug, voltage and frequency used in their home country and compare it with Switzerland's standards before packing their bags. Visitors can ensure that their electronic devices will work properly during their stay in Interlaken.

How many days are needed to see Interlaken?

The ideal duration to visit Interlaken is 1 day. It allows for a quick exploration of Interlaken's main attraction in the center and a boat trip on one of the lakes. Interlaken offers a variety of activities such as paragliding, hiking, trail-running, boat cruises, mountain viewpoints, forest walks and exploring the restaurants and cafes in the town. The duration of the visit depends on the visitor's pace and interest in the activities.

Is Interlaken worth visiting?

Yes, Interlaken is worth visiting. It is a popular tourist destination between two beautiful lakes and surrounded by mountains. It is known for its alpine peaks, nostalgic train rides, gorgeous castles, boat tours and countless outdoor adventures, like tandem paragliding, canyoning and trail running. Interlaken offers a nature experience best for summer and winter trips. It is home to the best chocolates and famous Swiss knives. Interlaken has something for everyone.

Is Interlaken expensive to visit?

Yes, Interlaken is expensive to visit. Interlaken is known for its elevated prices, like most Swiss cities. The cost of a trip to Interlaken is €55.10-€69.22 ($60-$75, £49.45-£59.83) per day, depending on how much spend on food, drinks and activities. A low-budget trip for two people for two weeks, excluding airfare, is estimated to cost €2660 ($3030, £2270). A budget trip for the same duration could cost €5712 ($6503, £4875), while a high-budget trip could reach up to €9128 ($10386, £7790). The cost of living in Interlaken is relatively high. The monthly cost, including rent, is $2,487 (€2,213, £1,872). The monthly cost is $6,365 (€5,667, £4,791) for a family of four. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is $1,261 (€1,123, £949) per month and utilities cost $235 (€209, £177) a month. Other costs, including groceries, transportation, eating out and sports and leisure, amount to $1,037 (€924, £781) per month for one person. The costs and actual expenses vary depending on lifestyle and personal choices. Prices in Switzerland and Interlaken are considered expensive.

Is Interlaken safe to visit?

Yes, Interlaken is safe to visit for families with kids, business travelers, solo travelers and disabled persons. The city is known for its friendly locals and low crime rate and equipped with facilities for disabled travelers. Flat areas in the valleys that make it accessible for wheelchair users.

Is Interlaken easy to visit with kids?

Yes, Interlaken is easy to visit with kids. The Bernese Oberland region is a great place to visit in Switzerland with kids. The city has a variety of kid-friendly activities and day trips from Interlaken. The old town of Interlaken is laced with narrow, cobblestone streets and quaint buildings dating back to the 16th century, making it a popular place for a stroll with kids in tow.

What is Interlaken famous for?

Interlaken is famous for several reasons. Firstly, Interlaken is referred to as the adventure capital of Switzerland. It is a haven for thrill-seekers, offering a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities such as river rafting, canyoning, skydiving and bungee jumping. The town's location between mountains and lakes provides the perfect backdrop for thrilling outdoor pursuits. The adventure sports industry in Interlaken has grown significantly over the years, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. Secondly, Interlaken is a well-known tourist destination in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. It serves as the main transport gateway to the mountains and lakes of the region. The town's first visitors arrived in the 17th century and its popularity has grown since then, thanks to improvements in transport facilities such as the railroad, boat services on the lakes and the expressway. Interlaken is one of the most popular summer holiday resorts in Switzerland today. Thirdly, Interlaken is centrally located in Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, making it a popular vacation destination for international visitors and Swiss citizens. The city lies on an alluvial plain between the crystal clear lakes of Thun and Brienz and is presided over by three main mountains. the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The city's surrounding mountains offer visitors plenty of year-round attractions and activities. The completion of railways such as the Bernese Oberland Railway in 1890 has made Interlaken a gateway to the beautiful Jungfrau region. Fourthly, Interlaken is home to the Kursaal Interlaken Congress Centre, a first-class conference facility with historic premises and a state-of-the-art auditorium. The region is rich in tradition and is a matchless place for holding congresses, with numerous hotels, incomparable events venues with meeting and banqueting facilities, as well as a wide variety of excursion destinations nearby, some of which are world-famous. Fifthly, Switzerland is famous for its chocolate and Interlaken is no exception. The town offers a variety of shops selling typical Swiss goods such as watches, chocolates and Swiss souvenirs. Visitors can enjoy the rich, creamy and high-quality Swiss chocolate the country is known for. Lastly, Interlaken is known for its natural beauty. The town is between the beautiful Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, within reach of the Eiger Mountain, Grindelwald, the Aletsch Glacier and the Jungfraujoch. The town offers spectacular scenery and amazing views, making it one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.

Who are the most important people born in Interlaken?

Listed below are the most important Swiss people born in Interlaken.

• Hans Schaffner. Hans Schaffner was born on December 16, 1908, in Interlaken. He was a Swiss politician and member of the Swiss Federal Council from 1961 to 1970. He grew up as the son of Robert Schaffner, head judge in Interlaken and Margaretha (born Abplanalp), a teacher. After his legal studies at the University of Bern, he was made a court scribe at the supreme court of the Canton of Bern in 1934. Schaffner died on November 26, 2004, in Bern.
• Adrian Frutiger. Adrian Frutiger was born on May 24, 1928, near Interlaken. He was a known typographer who served his apprenticeship in Interlaken. His work in typography, exemplified by the Univers typeface, marked a turning point in design and technology and has had a global impact. His typefaces are used on Swiss road signs, passports and even in the WHO logo. Frutiger passed away on September 10, 2015.
• Polo Hofer. Polo Hofer, a rock musician born on March 16, 1945, in Interlaken, was a significant figure in the Swiss music scene. He co-founded the popular Swiss rock groups Rumpelstilz and Schmetterband, published 18 music albums and composed 350 songs. Hofer's music continues to influence Swiss rock. He passed away on July 22, 2017.
• Suzanne Müller. Born in Interlaken, Suzanne Müller is a Swiss rhythmic gymnast who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Her athletic achievements have brought recognition to the town.

What to eat in Interlaken?

Listed below are popular food in Interlaken.

• Rösti. Rösti is a Swiss dish consisting mainly of potatoes, in the style of a fritter. It was originally a breakfast dish, commonly eaten by farmers in the canton of Bern, but is now eaten all over Switzerland and around the world. The dish is available in many restaurants in Interlaken.
• Fondue. Fondue is a Swiss melted cheese dish served in a communal pot (caquelon or fondue pot) over a portable stove (réchaud) heated with a candle or spirit lamp and eaten by dipping bread into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. It is a popular dish in Interlaken and found in many local restaurants. Fondue is one of the best food to eat in Switzerland .
• Raclette. Raclette is a semi-hard cheese that is usually fashioned into a wheel of 6 kilogram. The Alpine dish is based on heating the cheese and scraping off (racler) the melted part. It is a popular dish in Interlaken and found in many local restaurants.
• Swiss Pastries. Swiss pastries such as Räuberegge are a must-try in Interlaken. The pastries are available in traditional bakeries like Baeckerei-Michel, located at Scheidgasse 2, Interlaken.
• Swiss Sausages. Swiss sausages are a popular dish in Interlaken, available in many local restaurants and are often served with a side of Rösti.
• Swiss Chocolate. Switzerland is famous for its chocolate and Interlaken is no exception. There are many chocolate shops in the city where you can try a variety of Swiss chocolates.
• Swiss Beer. Switzerland has a rich beer culture with many local and regional breweries. In Interlaken, you can try a variety of Swiss beers at local pubs and restaurants.
• Quiche. Quiche is a French tart consisting of a pastry crust filled with savory custard and pieces of cheese, meat, seafood or vegetables. In Interlaken, you can try different types of quiche, including cheese quiche and spinach quiche, at Steininger Bakery in Matten.

What are the best places to eat in Interlaken?

Listed below are best places to eat in Interlaken.

• Balmers Biergarten – Grill & Chill. Balmers Biergarten – Grill & Chill, at Hauptstrasse 23, 3800 Interlaken, is 0.2 km (0.12 mi) from the center of Interlaken. This summer grill restaurant in Interlaken is known for its quality food and social atmosphere. The menu features a variety of grilled dishes, complemented by a selection of local and international beers, mixers and soft drinks. The “Balmers Burger”, a juicy burger grilled to perfection, is a standout dish. Visitors to Interlaken appreciate the friendly service and the quality of the food. Reservations are required. Balmers Biergarten – Grill & Chill is one of the recommended restaurants to eat in Interlaken.
• Restaurant Luegibrueggli. Restaurant Luegibrueggli, at Luegibrueggliweg 49, 3800 Interlaken, is 1.5 km (0.93 mi) from the center of Interlaken. The restaurant, known for its panoramic mountain views, offers outstanding meat specialties and a wide selection of wines. The “Luegibrueggli Steak”, a prime cut of beef cooked to your liking, is a highlight. Diners appreciate the friendly service and the quality of the food. Reservations are recommended.
• India Village Restaurant. India Village Restaurant, at Jungfraustrasse 24, 3800 Interlaken, is 0.3 km (0.18 mi) from the center of Interlaken. The Indian eatery in Interlaken, known for its cozy ambiance and stunning alpine views, offers dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and a blend of homemade spices. The “Chicken Tikka Masala”, a popular Indian dish cooked with a rich and creamy sauce, is a standout dish. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and the quality of the food. Reservations are necessary.
• Husi Bierhaus. Husi Bierhaus, at Postgasse 5, 3800 Interlaken, is 0.1 km (0.06 mi) from the center of Interlaken. The Brewpub in Interlaken, known for its upbeat atmosphere, offers a wide range of high-quality food and drink. The menu features a variety of dishes complemented by a selection of local and international beers. The “Husi Platter”, a generous serving of various meats and sides, is a highlight. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and the quality of the food. Reservations are recommended.
• Layaly Beirut. Layaly Beirut, at Centralstrasse 26, 3800 Interlaken, 0.2 km (0.12 mi) from the center of Interlaken. The restaurant is known for its classic Lebanese meze dishes and grilled meat served in a laid-back venue in Interlaken with shisha pipes and colorful lamps. The menu features a variety of dishes, including “Layaly Meza Spezial”, a selection of hommos, babaghanouj, labneh, msakaä, fattoush, warakinab, loubeyh, tabouli, falafel, sambousik, batataharra, halloumi meshweye, tiger shrimps, arayes and mix grill with rice. The “Falafel”, a traditional Middle Eastern dish, is a standout dish. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and the quality of the food. Reservations are advised.

What are the best areas to stay in Interlaken?

Listed below are the best areas to stay in Interlaken.

• Interlaken Center. Interlaken center is at Rothornstrasse 16, Interlaken 3800, Switzerland. It is an ideal area for first-time visitors, as it offers access to most attractions and is well-connected with two railway stations, Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. The area is known for its mountain views and Swiss air, making it a place for relaxation. It is suitable for families, as there are many spacious hotels with activities for kids.
• Matten bei Interlaken. Matten bei Intelaken is at Hauptstrasse 18, Matten bei Interlaken, Interlaken 3800, Switzerland, just a 12-minute walk south of the city center. Matten bei Interlaken is perfect for those looking for more affordable accommodations, such as hostels and budget hotels. The village offers a relaxed atmosphere and is ideal for exploring on foot. There are plenty of activities to do in the area, including hiking in the nearby mountains.

What are the best accommodations to stay in Interlaken?

Listed below are the best accommodations to stay in Interlaken.

• Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is at Höheweg 41, 3800 Interlaken, 0.5 km (0.3 mi) from the center of Interlaken. The hotel exudes luxury, offering guests elegant accommodations and superior services. The hotel's expansive spa, indoor and outdoor pools and fitness center provide ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Dining options are plentiful, with several restaurants, including one with a Michelin star, offering a variety of culinary experiences. Activities such as tennis, golf and skiing are available for guests seeking adventure. Personalized services, including a concierge and a limousine service. It is one of the recommended hotels to stay in Interlaken.
• Lindner Hotel Interlaken Beau Rivage. Lindner Hotel Interlaken Beau Rivage is at Höheweg 211, 3800 Interlaken, 1.5 km (0.9 mi) from the center of Interlaken. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Thun. Guests can unwind in the on-site spa, maintain their fitness routine in the fitness center or take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool. The hotel's restaurant serves a mix of Swiss and international cuisine, while the bar and terrace provide perfect spots for relaxation. Business travelers will appreciate the business center and meeting rooms and the 24-hour front desk ensures round-the-clock assistance.
• Stella Hotel. Stella Hotel is at General-Guisan-Strasse 10, 3800 Interlaken, 0.6 km (0.4 mi) from the center of Interlaken. The hotel offers modern rooms with balconies, an indoor pool, a sauna and a fitness center. The on-site restaurant serves Swiss and international cuisine, complemented by a bar and a terrace. Services such as a concierge, room service and laundry facilities enhance the guest experience.
• Hotel Krebs. Hotel Krebs is at Bahnhofstrasse 4, 3800 Interlaken, 0.3 km (0.2 mi) from the center of Interlaken. The hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities, a restaurant serving Swiss and international cuisine and a bar. Guests can enjoy the on-site fitness center and sauna. Additional services such as a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and laundry facilities.
• Hotel Interlaken. Hotel Interlaken is at Höheweg 74, 3800 Interlaken, 0.7 km (0.4 mi) from the center of Interlaken. The hotel offers cozy rooms, a beautiful garden and a terrace. The on-site restaurant serves Swiss and international cuisine and the bar provides a relaxed setting for drinks. Guests can maintain their wellness routine at the on-site fitness center and sauna. Additional amenities such as a business center, meeting rooms and a 24-hour front desk cater to the needs of business travelers

How to get to Zurich Airport?

The nearest major airport to Interlaken is Zurich Airport (ZRH). The distance from Interlaken to Zurich Airport is 101 kilometers (63 miles). The most convenient way to travel this distance is by train. Trains depart from Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost stations, with 51 to 53 departures per day. The journey from Interlaken West to Zurich Airport takes 2 hours and 16 minutes and is as quick as 2 hours and 7 minutes on the fastest services. From Interlaken Ost, the average journey time is 2 hours and 25 minutes, with the fastest services taking 2 hours and 12 minutes. Upon arrival at Zurich Airport, the train station is conveniently located within the airport complex, providing easy access to departures.

How to get from Interlaken to Bern?

The nearest big city to Interlaken is Bern, 56 kilometers (35 miles) to the north. The most convenient way to travel from Interlaken to Bern is by train. Interlaken has two train stations. Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. Both stations offer frequent train services to Bern. The journey from Interlaken to Bern takes 55 minutes. Trains from Interlaken to Bern are operated by the Swiss Federal Railways and are known for punctuality and comfort. Tickets are available at the train stations or online.

Where to go shopping in Interlaken?

There are several great places to go shopping in Interlaken. These are Swiss Knife Center, Swiss Chocolate Chalet, Schuh Pastry Shop, Bucherer, Kirchhofer, Heimatwerk and other shopping centers and boutiques lining the streets of Interlaken. Firstly, the Swiss Knife Center is a popular destination for visitors interested in Swiss army knives and other multipurpose tools. The store offers a broad selection of high-quality knives, making it a place for visitors seeking a practical souvenir or gift. Secondly, the Swiss Chocolate Chalet is a must-visit for visitors with a sweet tooth. The store specializes in Swiss chocolates, offering a variety of chocolates, pralines and truffles. The chocolates are handcrafted in small quantities, ensuring their quality and uniqueness. Thirdly, Schuh Pastry Shop is for visitors with a relish for pastries. The shop is in the heart of Interlaken, offering exquisite chocolates, confections and pastries. This family-owned bakery is known for its mouthwatering creations, making it a popular stop for locals and tourists. Fourthly, Bucherer is a treasure trove for luxury watch and jewelry enthusiasts. Bucherer, established in 1888, is one of the oldest shops in Interlaken. It offers a wide range of handcrafted watches from reputed brands such as Rolex, TAG Heuer, Tissot, Carl F. Bucherer and Chopard, with gemstone ornaments and jewelry. Fifthly, Kirchhofer is known internationally for its excellent quality and outstanding customer service. Kirchhofer offers 70 Swiss watch brands, a wide range of jewelry, local gifts and souvenirs. Sixthly, Heimatwerk is for visitors who appreciate Swiss craftsmanship. The store specializes in goods manufactured solely in Switzerland, offering a collection of wood-carved children's toys, linens, tablecloths, cutting boards, cheese boards, ceramics and glass. Lastly, Interlaken has several shopping centers and boutiques, offering products from clothing and accessories to home goods and souvenirs. Visitors can explore the various shops lining the streets of the city, discover unique items and enjoy the surroundings.

What festivals or events are taking place in Interlaken?

Listed below are festivals or events in Interlaken.

• Interlaken Trucker & Country Festival. The Interlaken Trucker & Country Festival is a significant event in Interlaken that celebrates country music and trucker culture. The festival, which began in 1994, features 30 live acts, cowboy shows, CanCan girls and line dancing. The festival typically takes place at Flugplatz Interlaken, 3800 Interlaken, an airfield that transforms into a festival ground for the event in the summer. The festival has attracted 1 million visitors over the years. Interlaken Trucker & Country Festival is one of the top festivals to visit in Switzerland every year.
• Interlaken Classics. The Interlaken Classics is a significant classical music festival in Interlaken. It is one of the oldest classical music festivals in Switzerland that focuses on promoting young talents. The festival is held from March 28 to April 14 at the Kursaal Interlaken, Strandbadstrasse 44, 3800 Interlaken. The festival features a diverse program with performances by acclaimed youth orchestras, virtuoso instrumentalists and leading conductors. The concerts take place at various locations in the Interlaken holiday region. The festival attracts a large number of attendees.
• Greenfield Festival. The Greenfield Festival is a major rock music festival held annually at the Interlaken Airport, Industriestrasse, 3800 Matten bei Interlaken. The festival happens from June 13 to 15 and features 40 international bands from the rock, punk and alternative scenes. It includes on-site camping and shuttle bus services from Interlaken Ost to the festival site. The festival attracted a record 84,000 attendees in 2022
• Touch the Mountains. Touch the Mountains is a festival celebrating the beginning of the new year in Interlaken. The festival takes place on New Year's Day and features various performances and activities across Interlaken, bringing together locals and tourists to celebrate the new year in a festive atmosphere. The number of attendees varies each year.
• Summer Stage Interlaken. The Summer Stage Interlaken happens from June to September in Interlaken, in dry weather. The event features free open-air concerts that take place weekly on different days. The performances showcase beautiful Swiss traditions performed by local and regional outfits. The concerts occur in Interlaken, Unterseen and Wilderswil. The number of attendees varies each year.
• Chästeilet Cheese Apportioning. The Chästeilet Cheese Apportioning is a traditional autumn event in Interlaken. The event, a tradition in the Justistal region since 1739, involves the ceremonial driving of decorated cattle adorned with jingling bells into the valley and the distribution of alpine cheese among farmers, following a centuries-old custom. The event usually happens in the Justistal region, specifically on the Spycherberg in the Justis Valley, above Lake Thun. The Chästeilet Cheese Apportioning attracts locals and visitors and contributes to a lively atmosphere filled with music and traditional Swiss culture.
• Glauklerfest. Glauklerfest, known as the Interlaken International Street Artists Festival, is an open-air, three-day festival at the end of July. It features street performers from all around the world performing various acts. The event attracts 15,000 visitors every year in many locations across Interlaken.
• Harder-Potschete. Harder-Potschete is a winter event in Interlaken that features a magnificent fireworks display. It is a traditional event that takes place on January 2. It involves a parade of masked figures, known as Potschen, who roam the streets of Interlaken to chase away the evil spirits of winter. The event is a long-standing tradition of the city that brings together locals and tourists. The number of attendees varies each year.

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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

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Interlaken: 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit

• January 3, 2022 May 14, 2024

Last Updated on May 14, 2024 by Darla

There is a debate about whether Interlaken is even worth visiting. Some people think it’s a great place overall, but others think it’s a tourist trap with overrated shops and hotels. So which is it? Is it worth visiting Interlaken, Switzerland? Here’s what you need to know about whether Interlaken is worth a visit. 

Interlaken, Switzerland is an incredibly popular tourist hub in the Bernese Oberland . It’s perfect – situated between two lakes, near the Jungfrau Mountain Range, and accessible from Zurich. In fact, its Latin name is Inter Lacus , which means between lakes. As one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist spots, Interlaken is also a hot spot for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?

Does Interlaken’s town even deserve a visit?  Yes ,  Interlaken is worth visiting for its majestic scenery between two stunning Alpine lakes, wide range of thrilling activities such as skydiving and paragliding, extensive mountain trails, proximity to the Jungfrau Region, and traditional Swiss architecture and customs.

Interlaken is more than just a single street with hotels and jewelry stores. There’s a lot to see than that, including boat trips to Lakes Thun and Brienz on both sides of the city, as well as train and cable car rides to the mountains nearby. Try an adventure, admire the views from Harder Kulm , or shop too. 

High winter peaks, beautiful scenery with sailing opportunities on Lake Thun , and the opportunity to walk, hike, and bike make Interlaken a real gem. 

The following article will detail the 8 reasons   why Interlaken is a good place to visit  in Switzerland.

1. Interlaken Has Exciting Adventure Experiences on Offer

For those who are into fun adventures, below are some of the most popular outdoor activities in Interlaken :

• Tandem Paragliding (GetYourGuide): Experience pure serenity as you float weightlessly alongside an experienced pilot and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Jungfrau region from the sky.
• Adventure Park (GetYourGuide): Conquer 9 thrilling rope courses and zip lines soaring up to 23 meters above the ground, with the assurance of a comprehensive safety briefing and top-notch safety gear.
• Kayak Tour of Lake Brienz (GetYourGuide): Paddle through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Brienz with the guidance of an experienced coach, as you soak in the stunning views, including the picturesque Rinngenberg Castle. You may also book this activity in winter (GetYourGuide).
• Canyoning (GetYourGuide): Dive into the ultimate adrenaline rush with a canyoning expedition in Chli Schilere , featuring challenging rappelling, high jumps, fast slides, and an unforgettable adventure in one of the region’s top canyons.
• Scenic Jetboat Ride (GetYourGuide): Experience an exhilarating 45 to 50-minute jetboat ride on Lake Brienz near Interlaken, culminating at Giessbach Falls .

2. You Can Enjoy Fantastic Views From Harder Kulm

Right above Interlaken and Unterseen, 1,321 meters above sea level, is Harder Kulm .

Harder Kulm can be reached from Interlaken by walking through the English Garden and crossing the bridge to the Interlaken Harderbahn. Interlaken Ost railway station is only six minutes away from Harder Kulm Valley Station. In 10 minutes, the funicular will take you from Interlaken to Harder Kulm. There is one departure per half hour.

Near the funicular mountain station, there is a viewing platform that provides a fantastic view of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz. There is also a view of Interlaken itself right in the middle. Harder Kulm is also a great place to hike – one to Augstmatthorn, and one through the forest to Interlaken.

You can also get delicious food at the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant . On the last Sunday of every month, they have a Sunday brunch.

Harder Kulm is open from April until the end of October. From mid-April to mid-October, they also offer evening trips. You can book tickets to Harder Kulm on GetYourGuide .

Alternative: Heimwehfluh, Interlaken

If you would like to try another viewpoint, you can also check out Heimwehfluh . Heimwehfluh offers a captivating alternative to Harder Kulm, conveniently located just a few minutes away from Interlaken West station. The nostalgic car ride up the mountain takes you to a place that not only offers breathtaking views but also provides a host of exciting adventures suitable for all ages.

From exhilarating toboggan runs to a captivating model railway, Heimwehfluh offers diverse activities to engage in. Additionally, you can savor delicious meals at their panoramic restaurant while enjoying the scenic surroundings. Children can also delight in the dedicated playground designed just for them. While perhaps not as widely recognized and as well-maintained as Harder Kulm, Heimwehfluh is definitely a destination worth exploring.

3. You can visit Lake Thun from Interlaken

Interlaken  is a beautiful town between the lakes of Thun and Brienz . Both lakes are very accessible and you can see mountains and cities reflected in their crystal clear waters. 

Lakes Thun and Brienz are easily accessible and well worth a visit for their incredibly crystal clear waters and the reflections of mountains and cities in the lakes. These, along with castles and nostalgic train rides, make Interlaken a must-see.

In the Jungfrau Region,  passenger boats  run on  Lake Thun  from April to October.  The regular service enables guests to visit other destinations along the lake by boat. 

Boats on Lake Thun are behind Interlaken West train station. Ride the boat Blümlisalp if you want to ride a steamer. Boats in Lake Thun stop in Neuhaus (Unterseen), Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen, Leissinge, Beatenbucht, Merlingen, Faulensee, Spiez , Gunten, Einigen, Gwatt Deltapark, Längenschachen, Oberhofen am Thunersee, Hilterfingen, Hünibach, and Thun.

Regular service allows guests to visit other destinations along the lake by boat. From April to October, passenger boats run on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Jungfrau Region. 

Besides riding the boats (steamer or not) and stopping at towns, you can also swim at places like the Thun Lido.  

Among Switzerland’s largest pool complexes is Thun Lido. In addition to the 50-meter and 10-meter pools, there is a 25-meter training pool, a pool for non-swimmers, a large slide, a 10-meter springboard (also with lower springboards), and a beach volleyball court.

If you would like to read more about Lake Thun , you can check out our article 8 Best Things to Do in Lake Thun, Switzerland .

4. T ake a Steamer across Lake Brienz

Like Lake Thun, the shores of Lake Brienz also have attractions worth visiting from Interlaken. In the Jungfrau Region,  passenger boats  run on Lake Brienz  from April to October.  The regular service enables guests to visit other destinations along the lake by boat. 

The boats in Lake Brienz can be seen behind Interlaken Ost train station . In Lake Brienz, boats stop in Böningen, Ringgenberg, Niederried, Iseltwald , Oberried, Giessbach , and Brienz. You can also visit the towns where the boats stop.

If you want to ride a steamer, you can ride the Lötschberg on Lake Brienz.

If you wish to see the list of steamer boats, check out our article   Ultimate List of Steamboats in Switzerland’s Lakes .

5. You can explore Interlaken

Located in the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a beautiful city that is an ideal base for exploring this region. It is surrounded by the Aare River and offers views of nearby mountains like the Grosse Rugen. 

Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland, by the River Aare. There’s a main street called the Höheweg that connects the train stations –  Interlaken Ost  and  Interlaken West . This street is full of hotels, cafes, souvenir shops, and watch shops. Along this street are the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and the Casino Kursaal.

The Japanese Garden is another pretty spot in Interlaken. It’s close to the old monastery and the church.

6. You can shop a lot

The main shopping area in Interlaken is  Höheweg . There are several Kirchhofer, souvenir, and chocolate shops. There are also other watch shops such as Bucherer.

There are Swiss, Korean, Italian, and Indian restaurants in Interlaken. There are also Migros and Coop restaurants, which are cheaper. 

7. You can walk along the Aare River

You can see the Jungfrau mountains from Höheweg . You can cross the bridge leading to Harder Kulm after passing through Höhematte and the Japanese Garden. It’s a beautiful promenade along the Aare River. You can follow this path to Unterseen. 

8. You can visit the Historic Village of Bönigen and the Village Museum

Almost all of Bönigen has been built up around Interlaken, a resort town nearby. The town of Bönigen is situated in the Bernese Oberland on the southwest shore of Lake Brienz, near the point where the Lütschine empties into the lake.

Bönigen still keeps its rural character by keeping its traditions alive. A complex of wooden houses & chalets dates back to the 16th century in the idyllic village of Bönigen on the lower shore of Lake Brienz. The village center lies in the northwest part of the municipality along the Lütschine and up to the lake.

The entire village of Bönigen is designated as part of the inventory of Swiss heritage sites.

Alte Pinte Village Museum

A chalet has been converted into a museum called Alte Pinte . This village museum emphasizes the culture, the crafts, and the simple life of Bernese Oberland. Part of the museum is reserved as a showroom exhibiting locals’ artworks.

Admission to the museum is free from May to October.

Summary: 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is one of the best travel destinations in Switzerland, with its high peaks offering some of the best winter activities, beautiful scenery, cruising opportunities on Lakes Thun and Brienz, and many other outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and biking. Many mountain activities can be enjoyed all year round in this region.

In addition to being one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations, Interlaken is also a popular destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Interlaken is not only a fantastic place to base yourself , but it is also a great place to visit with its activities and beautiful location.

Is Interlaken not suitable for all tourists?

It might not be the best place if you only want to focus on mountains or hiking. Perhaps the mountain villages of  Wengen  or  Mürren  would be a better choice for you. And if you would rather explore Central Switzerland,  Lucerne  might be a better option.

If you would rather visit a pretty town with historic buildings, then nearby Thun is a better option. And for those who want a larger city, then the federal city of Bern is a better place to visit.

Is Interlaken the right place for you?

Interlaken is an excellent option if you want to experience more than just the mountains of the Bernese Oberland. It is perfect for those who want an adventure or want to buy something from one of the tourist or jewelry shops in town.

I hope you will find Interlaken as charming as I do. Have fun!

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Darla is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country. Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.

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Things To Do in Interlaken Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on June 24th, 2024

Remember to visit Interlaken on your trip to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland. This picturesque resort town is best to plan for at least 1 to 3 days of the visit. In this Interlaken travel guide blog, we listed down all the best things to do in this Interlaken itinerary. Let’s check it out!

Located in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region , Interlaken is a traditional picturesque resort town in central Switzerland. The town itself is small but holds a few attractions to keep you busy. There are plenty of things to do in Interlaken for all age groups. Together with Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Grindelwald, and Isenfluh, visitors can easily plan for a few days of Interlaken itinerary to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities and explore the nearby town in the surrounding areas.

We visited the Jungfrau region during our trip to Switzerland. In the Jungfrau region, there are various days trips that can be planned. You may refer to our Jungfrau Region Itinerary if you plan for a few days of the visit.

To give you more insight and more information, let’s check out our Interlaken travel guide blog on things to do in Interlaken. We will more focus on what to do and see in Interlaken and how to plan your trip to this picturesque Swiss town. You’ll learn about all the best places to visit in Interlaken to ensure you don’t miss out on any great activities!

Table of Contents

How To Get To Interlaken

First of all, being a major travel destination in Switzerland, Interlaken enjoys a well-connected public transport network from various major cities. Many cities such as Lucern, Bern, and Zurich can get to the Interlaken with an easy train ride.

Here is the estimated traveling time to Interlaken by train:

• Zurich to Interlaken: 1h:55 by train
• Lucern to Interlaken: 1h:05 by train
• Basel to Interlaken: 1h:55 by train
• Bern to Interlaken: 0h:50 by train

Due to its popularity, Interlaken even has two railway stations to ease you to explore other places in Bernese Oberland.

• Interlaken OST : Main railway interchange for SBB (mainline) trains.
• Interlaken West ; bus and boat interchange: which is located in the central station of the town.

When you’re in the city, you shouldn’t have much trouble getting around on foot.

Interlaken Transport Tips

One of the great ways to get to Interlaken is to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass . This money-saving transport pass can greatly save on your transportation fee when you get around Switzerland. You will get unlimited rides on trains, panorama trains, boats, and buses for up to 15 consecutive or flexible days in Switzerland! You will use this pass to enjoy the free boat ride from Interlaken to Brienz or travel to the nearby Swiss villages following our Interlaken itinerary!

We started our train journey from Lucern to Interlaken with the famous scenic GoldenPass route . This scenic train ride connects central Switzerland and travels all the way from historic Lucerne to Montreaux. Along the train route, you’ll see the Brünig Pass, the lakes of the Bernese Oberland, upper-class Gstaad, and Lake Geneva. From Lucerne to Interlaken, the train journey took you about 2 hours via the scenic GoldenPass Ride.

The Golden Pass Line is free with your Swiss Travel Pass !

Where To Stay in Interlaken

There is a wide range of accommodation in the Jungfrau region. As a resort town in Switzerland, Interlaken is a lovely place to stay for at least 1 night. There is an abundance of high-quality and mid-range of accommodations if you are looking for where to stay in Interlaken.

Here is our popular pick for where to stay in Interlaken:

• Budget :  Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof  – Offers simple yet stylish rooms that are individually decorated.
• Mid Range :  Carlton-Europe Vintage Hotel  – A quaint boutique hotel located near the Interlaken Ost Station.
• Luxury :  Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa  – A famous five-star hotel that offers luxurious stay and wonderful service. All rooms have a distinctive design and décor, ranging from classic to contemporary.

If you need more options, continue to read our accommodation guide: Where To Stay in Interlaken  to find out more about hotels in this scenic region.

Things To Do in Interlaken itinerary

To really enjoy your time in Interlaken, it’s important to know what are the things to do in the areas. Rest assured. We will share more information on the below Interlaken travel guide blog so that you wouldn’t follow our mistake!

Best Things to do in Interlaken Itinerary :

• Take a funicular ride to Harder Kulm

Tandem Paragliding from Interlaken

Leisure walk in hohematte park, take a boat trip, visit brienz town.

• Shopping for Swiss souvenirs in Interlaken
• Day trip to nearby Attractions

Interlaken Travel Guide : Most of the outdoor activities and places are visited during our trip to Interlaken, but unfortunately, we miss out few interesting activities such as kayaking due to the limited time and did not make bookings. So it’s best to plan and book your must-do activities before your trip to avoid disappointment.

Funicular Ride to Harder Kulm

If you’re in Interlaken, you have to go to the Harder Kulm, “Top of Interlaken” for the stunning view down over the town. It is easily accessible with a quick 8-minutes funicular ride to the top of the mountain. The funicular is located at Hardebahn at Interlaken Ost station which will take you directly to the top of Harder Kulm.

The visit to Harder Kulm is a great experience with a sensation view of the surrounding forest and the lakes below.

After arriving at the top of the ride, it’s a short walk to the triangular viewing platform which offers you amazing views at 1,322 meters above sea level. The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains as well as Lakes Brienz and Thun can be seen from the top. When the weather is nice, it is an absolutely beautiful view, especially during sunset.

There’s a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating which serves decent food and hot beverages. However, take note that the funicular is run from mid-April until the end of November. During this time, the restaurant is also closed

Interlaken Travel Tips : There is a trekking trail for hikers and you can choose to take the funicular ride up to the top and slowly walk down the mountain.

This is certainly a MUST DO in Interlaken. The beauty of the Interlaken and the areas can be seen from above while slowly making your way down. Rest assured as the instructors are welcoming and knowledgeable to guide you through the whole process.

The Tandem Paragliding from Interlaken is a popular thing to do and the reservation must be made ahead of time for a popular time slot as their bookings are running fast. Secure your booking!

Don’t miss it as it can be a lifetime memory for the best thing to do in Interlaken. For sure this activity is not cheap but definitely worth the money! You can choose the Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken  or Paragliding Over the Swiss Alps from Lauterbrunnen . Both give you an unforgettable experiment!

The Hohematte Park is a picturesque lovely park in the Center of the town. During springtime, the park is full-on green grass and colorful flowers with the snow-capped mountain of the Eiger as a backdrop.

The Hohematte Park is the landing spot for paragliding. And you’ll see horse-drawn carriages, along with fun activities in the park. Locals love to bring families and kids to come here for picnics or just to relax on the green pastures.

Sitting on one of the benches to watch the perfect touchdowns of paragliders, strolling along the park, or having a sip of ice cream or snack from gelato carts offer yummy refreshments. The park may not be a tourist spot but worth spending a quick stop when visiting Interlaken. A relaxing afternoon at Interlaken!

When you’re in Interlaken, a boat trip to Brienzersee or Thunersee is definitely not to be missed. Interlaken is a unique location, that lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. I can thoroughly recommend the boat trips on either lake. The beautiful lake is characterized by the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and villages.

The boat ride from Interlaken makes several stops along the journey. Depending on your schedules, here are a few recommendations for your boat trip on the Interlaken itinerary.

Brienzersee vs Thunersee

Brienzersee or Lake Brienz is situated east of Interlake and one way from Interlaken to Brienz take 75 minutes. Options to stop at Giessbach to watch the falls, and further hike to Iseltwald.

• Interlaken – Glessbach for the waterfall – Hike to Iseltwald – Brienz (approximately 5 to 6 hours)
• Interlaken – Brienz (approximately 3 to 4 hours)

Thunersee or Lake Thun is situated west of Interlaken. A boat ride from Interlaken to Thun takes about 2 hours. Another option is to take a boat to Spiez and a short train ride to Mülenen for a trip up to Mount Niesen.

Detail refers to the Interlaken boat timetable: BLS Boat Schedule

Additionally, a nice round trip can be made by coupled with boat and train. We took the boat ride from Interlaken OST to Brienz and then returned back to Interlaken on the train ride. So we can enjoy the great view of the lake in 2 ways. Travelers can follow our way as part of your Interlaken itinerary or verses way.

We have panoramic views of the mountain peaks around Lake Brienz. The sky was clear and the water was crystal blue, with many beautiful chalets along the lake. A very scenic special lake cruise journey.

Interlaken Travel Tips : The boat cruise in lake Brienz was part of the package if you are having the Swiss Travel Pass !

Next on the Interlaken itinerary. When taking a boat trip to Lake Brienz, you can stop by the Brienz and pay a visit to the town. Brienz is a small village of the same name as Lake Brienz, located to the northeast of the lake’s shore.

The town is very peaceful and calm. It is lined with traditional half-timbered houses and has a beautiful promenade along the lake. Besides, Brienz is famous for its impressively-carved pieces that are made from various kinds of wood.

Enjoy your stroll with the beautiful view and walked along with the shops, restaurants, and sculptures in Brienz. What’s beautiful scenery! Lastly, we took the train from Brienz back to Interlaken. The train ride took about 20 minutes.

Shopping for Swiss Sourvenirs in Interlaken

There are plenty of shops, and boutiques lined along the busy little streets in Interlaken. Visitors can grab some Swiss souvenirs to bring them back to their home country. Swiss knives, homemade natural products, facial products, natural remedies, watches, and local chocolate can be found in the busy street in Interlaken.

Here are a few popular shops in Interlaken:

• Swiss Knife Center
• Swiss Chocolate Chalet for their lovely Swiss chocolate.
• Bucherer – Oldest shop established in 1888 which sells the finest handcrafted watches.
• Heimatwerk Interlaken for the local art and handicrafts

Day Trip to nearby Attractions

Lastly, Interlaken can be visited on a day trip and it is highly recommended to plan for a day trip to nearby attractions if you are staying in Interlaken for a few nights. Depending on the travel duration, most of the attractions in the Jungfrau region can be coupled up as a perfect day trip from Interlaken.

Below are a few recommended places and favorite day trips from Interlaken:

• Visit Swiss Village Town: Choose from Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Grindelwald
• Day Trip to Jungfraujoch (Read more on our Jungfraujoch Travel Guide )
• Day Trip to Bern – A 45-minute train ride will bring you to Bern from Interlaken ( Bern Itinerary )

More Interlaken Travel Tips

For a leisure trip to this amazing town, don’t miss my other Interlaken travel guide with useful tips here.

Interlaken is best to visit during Summer, especially from May to September. During this time, the temperature is very pleasant and most of the attractions are open. Many mountain and outdoor activities can be planned during this time of visit.

We highly recommended taking the boat trip to Brienz or Thun. The boat ride gives you the opportunity to mesmerize and discover the small villages nearby.

Together with the attractions nearby, 3 days in Interlaken is enough to explore this area. There are tons of activities that can be planned during your trip to Interlaken. You can even plan for more outdoor activities such as kayaking, and hiking during summer!

Interlaken has its own calm. Although Interlaken is more tourism compared to the nearby Swiss village, this resort town is worth a visit all on its own.

Overview: Planning on Interlaken Itinerary

Last but not least, we hope this Interlaken travel guide will give you a clear idea of what you can plan to do on a visit. We sincerely hope you will enjoy these handpicked things to do and plan them for your Interlaken itinerary. Enjoy your trip to Interlaken!

More inspiration for travel in Switzerland :

• Switzerland itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

Zurich Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

• Where To Stay in Zurich: Best Areas and Hotels
• Lucerne itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Lucerne
• Bern Itinerary: A Day Trip Travel Guide Blog

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Jungfrau Region Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

• Where To Stay in Jungfrau Region – Best Hotel & Holiday Home

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17 Things to do in Interlaken

The scenic paradise of Interlaken, Switzerland is a nature lover’s dream. Meaning “between lakes” in German, Interlaken is fittingly located in the middle of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Nestled into the highlands of the Bernese Alps, this picturesque resort town offers a myriad of outdoor adventures. Although the majority of things to do in Interlaken are outside, you can have a wonderful time here no matter the season.

In this article, you’ll discover the variety of activities available in this idyllic Swiss town. So, keep reading for 17 things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland and be inspired to book a trip as soon as possible!

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Table of Contents

Jungfraujoch

The Jungfrau Railway spans 1,000 metres, crossing between the Bernese Highlands and the canton of Valais. It culminates at Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in all of Europe. At almost 3,500 metres above sea level, you have an incredible opportunity to take in the beautiful vista of snow-capped mountains.

The Sphinx Observatory, one of the highest observatories in the world and the second-highest observation deck in Switzerland, offers more incredible 360-degree views. You can even stop here for a bite to eat at one of the several panoramic restaurants.

Depart at Interlaken Ost Station to begin your two-hour-long journey to the top. Interestingly, the route runs mostly underground through the Jungfrau Tunnel within the Eiger and Mönch mountains.

You’ll need to switch trains twice at Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg, but plenty of other people will be making the same trip and railway officials can help you out if you’re lost or you can join a tour where everything is organized for you.

Lake Brienz

On the east side of Interlaken is Lake Brienz, known for its crystal-clear turquoise water. One of the most enjoyable things to do in Interlaken in summer is to rent a kayak, rowboat or pedalo and explore the shores on your own.

For a truly magical experience, stay until the end of the day and watch the sun set between the mountains.

There are also a few genuine early 1900s steamboats you can hop onto. These steamers will take you around the entire lake, including the stunning 500-metre-high waterfalls near the Giessbach Grand Hotel.

Saint Beatus Caves

An incredible historic wonder you shouldn’t miss are the Saint Beatus Caves of Beatenberg, eight kilometres west of central Interlaken.

The kilometre-long karst cave system is full of fascinating passageways and chambers containing stalactites and stalagmites that are millions of years old.

Before entering the caves, however, you’ll hike 15 minutes past serene waterfalls and up to the main chapel area.

While the caves are only open from March to November, this idyllic hiking trail can be visited year-round. This scene was allegedly the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth realm of Rivendell.

Fittingly, a local legend states that an Irish monk known as Beatus of Lungern slew a terrifying dragon that lived here in the sixth century.

Stop for lunch at the restaurant in the loggia, overlooking the beautiful Lake Thun. You can also pop into the Cave Museum to learn even more about the history of the natural cave formations.

Harder Kulm

Head up to Harder Kulm to take some pictures at the iconic Interlaken viewing platform. Considered the top of Interlaken, Harder Kulm is also a starting-off point for some of the area’s best mountain hikes.

At 1,322 metres above sea level, the view across Lake Brienz and Lake Thun (as well as the surrounding mountains) is hard to beat. 

The funicular to the top departs every 30 minutes from Interlaken Harderbahn and only takes 10 minutes. You’ll feel like royalty dining at the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant, which could easily be mistaken for a small castle.

Swiss folklore performances are held here in the evenings from May to October and really add to this breathtaking experience.

Located on the west side of the town is Interlaken’s other well-known lake, Lake Thun. The enticing azure blue waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, and the strong breeze blowing from the nearby mountains makes this an ideal spot for windsurfing and sailing too.

Although the restored paddle steamers are only available during the summer, cruise boats operate year-round. It’s worth taking a trip across the lake to the medieval town of Thun.

Before heading back, look around the town’s Romanesque churches and castles, including the impressive Schloss Schadau, which you’ll immediately spot as you approach the shore.

Höhematte Park

In the heart of Interlaken on Höheweg Street is an expansive open space with a public park and recreation area.

Although the beautiful floral gardens and immaculate green lawns are reason enough to stop by, Höhematte provides adventurous opportunities to go paragliding or hang gliding too!

Even if you’re not up for it yourself, it’s fun to chill out and watch others gliding through the sky. There are gelato carts around during the summer and restaurants across the street.

Additionally, Höhematte Park also offers one of the best things to do in Interlaken in winter. From the middle of December until the end of February, the park is transformed into not only one but five ice rinks, each connected by ice ramps.

In the evenings, you can learn how to play Bavarian curling, which is almost like bowling on ice. Warm up with a glass of mulled wine, a mug of hot chocolate or some cheese fondue afterwards.

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel

Bordering Höhematte along the main avenue in Interlaken is the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel . The hotel has stood for over 150 years and has become a landmark of its own.

In addition to the luxury rooms and suites, the hotel also has its own deluxe wellness centre. Spa Nescens offers a range of services, from facials and massages to more targeted body treatments and nutrition coaching.

Of course, you can also steam in the sauna and soak your stress away in the private baths too.

If you’re after fine dining, look no further. Make a dinner reservation at one of the hotel’s world-class Italian or French-Mediterranean restaurants, indulge in some afternoon cake and coffee on the charming outdoor terrace, or pop into the elegant Victoria Bar offering a unique selection of wines.

Unspunnen Castle

Three kilometres south of Interlaken are the ruins of the mysterious Unspunnen Castle perched atop a hill. Starting in the Wilderswil area, a short walk from Interlaken Ost Station, wander off the beaten path to find this 13th century stone castle.

After falling into ruins by the mid-16th century, the round central tower and parts of the walls and staircases are all that remain. Luscious trees and vines have since taken over, creating a lovely and peaceful historic attraction.

Yet, the castle hasn’t been completely forgotten about. Once every 12 years, a festival called Unspunnenfest is held in the open field in front of the ruins. Here, the Swiss take part in traditional games such as stone-throwing and yodelling.

Schynige Platte

While in Wilderswil, take the old rack railway up to Schynige Platte . Although the journey takes about an hour, you’ll be distracted by the everchanging alpine vistas right outside the window.

Once you reach the summit at over 2,000 metres above sea level, explore the small mountain ridge with a panoramic walk.

The botanical alpine gardens are home to over 650 different species, including the beautiful lobelia black truffle and the paradise lily.

Although the pathway is reasonably short, you’ll find yourself stopping frequently to take in the views (or take even more photographs).

Trains from Wilderswil Station depart every 40 minutes from late May until late October.

Tourist Museum

Interlaken’s Museum of Tourism details the ways tourism has transformed the Jungfrau Region across centuries. Over three floors, learn about the evolution of the area’s transport and winter sports, with vintage skis, sleds and carriages on display.

Historic photographs show the growth of remote villages as travellers began to take an interest in the local folk traditions and geographical wonders.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. To take a look, cross the Aare River a few hundred metres into the cobbled Unterseen Old Town square.

Skydive Interlaken

Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies shouldn’t waste a minute before booking an unforgettable experience with Skydive Interlaken .

Helicopter over the foothills of the Swiss Alps and jump from 4,000 metres in the air. After freefalling for about 45 seconds, your instructor will open the parachute from 1,500 metres above the ground. You’ll even receive complimentary videos and photos to show your friends back home.

If you’re hesitant to make the jump, you can still enjoy a bird’s eye view across the mountains and lakes. For almost half the cost, Skydive Interlaken offers scenic one-to-two-hour helicopter rides.

Your pilot will explain the unforgettable views below before returning you safely to Interlaken. No need to leave the helicopter until you’re firmly on the ground!

Niederhornbahn

Another breathtaking way to see Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region from above is via the cable car to Niederhorn. Departing from Beatenberg Station, the Niederhornbah takes less than 20 minutes.

Once you arrive, over 120 kilometres of hiking trails await you! Test your skills with alpine orienteering or watch some majestic wild animals like mountain goats and marmots on a guided wildlife observation tour.

At the Berghaus Niederhorn, take in the atmosphere with an Alpine Evenings buffer dinner put on every Friday and Saturday from July until September. At any other time, you can enjoy a fantastic meal or a drink here from almost 2,000 metres above sea level.

Niederhorn is another popular spot for hang gliding. Another way to make your descent is on a downhill scooter called a trotti bike. Regardless of how you end up back in Interlaken, you’ll be left in awe of the incredible natural beauty all around you.

Casino Interlaken

Interlaken’s casino draws many visitors, although not necessarily to gamble. The grounds surrounding the building are impeccably kept, with paved pathways, colourful flower beds and several water fountains.

Further adding to the beauty are the tall rocky cliffs behind the casino. Who knew a casino could be so zen? Wander around and find the beautiful flower clock garden.

Kunsthaus Interlaken

The Kunsthaus is a charming modern art gallery on Jungfraustrasse. Although small, the rotating exhibitions always bring some new vibrant and unusual art pieces to the town.

The gallery is only open between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday, and from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

However, musical and cultural events are regularly held later in the evenings. It’s a pleasant place to kill some time on a rainy afternoon or listen to some live music performances later at night.

Funky Chocolate Club

When in Switzerland, eat as much chocolate as possible! Interlaken’s Funky Chocolate Club (right next to the Kunsthaus) is the best place to go for the ultimate Swiss chocolate experience. 

Hands-on chocolate-making workshops run four times each day and are suitable for all ages. During the summer, private classes are available at night and include a welcome drink.

Don your chef’s hat and apron as you learn techniques for melting, pouring and filling moulds to create your own chocolatey masterpiece. Even the lactose-intolerant can join in on the fun and make dairy-free dark chocolate. The classes are held in English and your spot can be easily reserved online.

Of course, the shop also offers fair trade and organic chocolates to purchase. There are a ton of shapes, flavours and varieties to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.

The chocolate bar also serves up cosy hot chocolate, chocolate fondue and chocolate-dipped strawberries! The shop is open between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday and from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Schlosskirche Interlaken

Delve further into the history of the town with a visit to the Schlosskirche. The former monastery was built in 1133 and later became a private castle.

Not large or lavish by any means, there is something comforting about its architectural simplicity and ancient history. Take a peek inside to see the light shining through the beautiful stained glass windows by the altar.

Recommended tours in Interlaken

• Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Day Trip from Interlaken
• Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken
• Harder Kulm Ticket in Interlaken
• Lütschine River White-Water Rafting Experience from Interlaken
• Hang Gliding Experience from Interlaken
• Interlaken city tour & Harder mountain visit with private tour guide
• Jetboat Scenic Ride in Interlaken
• Helicopter Skydiving in Interlaken
• Schilthorn-007-James Bond world – with private tour guide – starts in Interlaken
• Swiss Happening – fun and authentic Swiss food, drink & photo experience
• Swiss Alps Beginner Canyoning Experience from Interlaken
• Ski or Snowboard Lesson for Beginners in Grindelwald from Interlaken

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Ideas to inspire your world: luxury, culture, food, travel, style, march 12, 2024, iconic alps excursions from interlaken, switzerland: jungfraujoch and schilthorn.

Two of the most iconic day excursions into the Swiss Alps–to Jungfraujoch and the Schilthorn–can easily be done as day tours from Interlaken, Switzerland . These spectacular alpine tours offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland and great opportunities for hiking, soft-adventure activities, visiting renowned film locations, family fun while visiting ice caves and glacier parks, beautiful locations for fondue lunches, and more.

Reaching the summit involves a scenic ascent through the Swiss Alps on a train, cogwheel train and cable car through tunnels and up steep gradients with stunning views of snow-capped peaks, wildflower meadows and traditional mountain villages. 

The jaw-dropping beauty of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and its dozens of waterfalls is an iconic site en route from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch.

Upon arrival at Jungfraujoch, travelers ascend to the viewing deck of the Sphinx Observatory via an elevator constructed in the mountain. Perched dramatically on a rocky summit, it’s one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories. 

The views from the observation deck of the vast Aletsch Glacier stretching out below alpine peaks are jaw dropping. The longest glacier in the Alps, it’s a highlight of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activities at Jungfraujoch include visiting the Ice Palace, a series of ice tunnels carved into the glacier in the 1930s and decorated with ice sculptures…

…Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven, a chocolate shop, exhibition, and workshop space that offers visitors insight into Swiss chocolatier’s history and chocolate production…

…Alpine Sensation, an exhibit dedicated to the history of Jungfraujoch and soft adventure activities like hiking, skiing, tubing and sledding on the glacier at Snow Fun Park, open in the summer months.

Another iconic day tour from Interlaken is to the Schilthorn, a stunning peak that is perhaps best known for having been a major filming location for On Her Majesty’s Service  (1969), the James Bond film starring George Lazenby.

The journey to the Schilthorn includes a private transfer through the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley followed by a series of thrilling cable car rides from the valley to the summit (9,744 feet/2,970 meters) that offer incredible views of the magnificent scenery. 

At the top of the Schilthorn is Piz Gloria, a building with viewing platforms, shops and a revolving restaurant. Piz Gloria stood in for villain Ernst Blofeld’s lair in the movie and is a popular pilgrimage site for Bond fans. The viewing platforms offer spectacular views of the most famous peaks in the Bernese Oberland, the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

James Bond fans can also enjoy the Walk of Fame, a pathway on the ridge of the mountain with signs dedicated to the actors in the film…

…and Spy World, a museum dedicated to the film, offers behind-the-scenes information and interactive exhibits, such as a helicopter simulator flight. 

We arrange dining reservations for our travelers at the revolving Piz Gloria Restaurant, which serves regional dishes with panoramic views.

For interested travelers, we recommend having us arrange a cable car transfer to Birg for the adrenaline-inducing Thrill Walk.

The path along the vertical rock massif includes a glass-bottomed walkway, a tightrope walk, and a tunnel crawl. 

We always enjoy stopping in the picturesque village of Murren at the foot of the Schilthorn peak on the return journey.

Artisans of Leisure can incorporate private day excursions to both Jungfraujoch and the Schilthorn from Interlaken, as well as additional experiences in the Bernese Oberland region, such as privately guided hikes and scenic walks and visits to picturesque villages like Grindelwald, Murren and Lauterbrunnen. Other options include strolling through a botanical alpine garden, a private visit to a cheese-making facility, meeting with a local family on their farm to learn about Swiss farming culture, meeting a Bernese Mountain Dog breeder, and meeting with local artisans to see traditional Swiss crafts such as woodworking and alphorn making.

Situated between Lakes Brienz and Thun, the resort town of Interlaken is an ideal base for exploring the spectacular natural beauty of the Swiss Alps. We arrange accommodation at the historic Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, a luxurious Old-World setting that is perfect for touring the surrounding majestic landscapes.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to begin planning a luxury Switzerland tour featuring Interlaken and private excursions into the surrounding Alps landscapes, including Jungfraujoch and the Schilthorn. 

Destinations:   Europe , Switzerland

Tags:   Alpine trains , Alps tours , Berner Oberland , Bernese Mountain Dogs , Bernese Oberland , cogwheel railway , exclusive Switzerland , family tours Switzerland , film locations , fondue , Grindelwald , ice caves tours , Interlaken , Interlaken excursions , James Bond , James Bond film locations , James Bond locations , Jungfraujoch , Lauterbrunnen , Lindt , luxury Swiss Alps tours , luxury Switzerland tours , mountains tours , Murren , Piz Gloria , private Switzerland tours , Schilthorn , Swiss Alps , Swiss Alps tours , Swiss chocolate , Swiss trains , Switzerland active tours , Switzerland hiking , Switzerland hiking tours , Switzerland tours , Switzerland train tours , Victoria-Jungfrau

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20 of the Best Places to Visit in Switzerland — From Quaint Villages to Glamorous Cities

From tiny medieval towns to iconic ski resorts, here are 20 of the best places to go in Switzerland.

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When you close your eyes and think of Switzerland, what do you see? Is it snow-capped mountains? Perhaps a verdant valley punctuated by springtime wildflowers? Or maybe it's a quaint Swiss city filled with cultural attractions and world-class restaurants. No matter which vision comes to mind, all of them are right — because Switzerland is all that and more. 

"Switzerland is small, yet we have four official languages, and every single one of the 26 cantons (states) is unique and has something different to offer," Catja-Camilla Straub, a tour guide with GatyaGoes , shared with Travel + Leisure . "There are different ways to explore and experience Switzerland, and there is something for everyone's interests: the outdoors, activities, luxury, a large number of festivals, food, culture, and history." 

Straub isn't the only one to see the nation's remarkable beauty. "Switzerland can offer you all Europa has to offer in one country," Tim Wehrle, a tour guide and underwater archaeologist in Zurich, said. "From lonely mountain valleys to a Mediterranean flair in the south of Switzerland, from busy nightlife to historic town centers, you can find everything in Switzerland." 

Ready to see it all? Here are 20 of the best places to visit in Switzerland.

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“Zurich is a small gem with only 450,000 inhabitants, yet it's the largest and most vibrant city in Switzerland,” Straub shared. Zurich may be best known for its banking and shopping, but, as Staub noted, it “actually has a rich history dating back to the Romans.” Staub recommends seeing it all and learning everything you can on a walking tour with a local like her.

Mount Rigi Kulm

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Make your way to the top of Mount Rigi to get a view of three countries at once. The mountain, located between Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug, offers views of Switzerland, France, and Germany at the top, which you can reach by taking a train or hiking all the way .

Lake Lucerne

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Lake Lucerne offers some of Switzerland’s most fantastic views. The glittering lake stretches on for 43 square miles, offering visitors the chance to hike around it, boat through it, or stay at any number of fantastic hotels lining its shores to enjoy the view. 

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Make your way about an hour northeast of Lake Lucerne to the town of Rapperswil , which sits on Lake Zurich. The town is known for its abundant roses in the spring and summer and for its medieval architecture, including its very own castle.

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History lovers, this one is for you. Ticino, a town in southern Switzerland, is home to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Bellinzona castles and Monte San Giorgio. Come explore them all year long, dive in the lake in summer, or take to the mountains for a ski trip in winter. 

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Tucked between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, travelers can find the town of Interlaken . It’s well known as an adventure-lovers paradise, offering the chance to hike, ski, paraglide, skydive, and more through the majestic mountain range surrounding the town.

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Quinten , which sits on the shores of Lake Walen, is the place to be for those who love to see everything on foot. The entire community is car-free and offers spectacular views throughout its terraced neighborhoods lined with vineyards overlooking the Churfirsten mountain range.

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Want another car-free adventure? Head to the picturesque town of Appenzell in northeast Switzerland. The small community of just 7,000 full-time residents is known for its hand-made cheeses, best enjoyed with a picnic out in the rolling green pastures. 

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Montreux, positioned on the shores of Lake Geneva, is loved for its palm-lined promenade, castles, and gorgeous alpine vistas. It’s also the place to be over the summer when it hosts the annual Montreux Jazz Festival, which is worthy of planning an entire trip around.

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If you’re into cheese, you’ve likely heard the name Gruyère before. Visit its namesake town, located in southwest Switzerland, to dig into the cheese-making tradition and to visit its fairy-tale streets surrounded by a positively bucolic landscape.

Oeschinen Lake

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Explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Switzerland with a visit to the glacial Oeschinen Lake. Like many places in Switzerland, this lake comes flanked by snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows, and it offers more than its fair share of outdoor fun, including everything from hiking and biking to ice fishing in the winter.

Lavaux Vineyard

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Wine lovers will adore visiting Lavaux Vineyard, the nation’s largest contiguous vineyard area that goes on for nearly 2,000 acres. The vineyard is yet another one of Switzerland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which comes with the added bonus of gorgeous views and divine wine tastings .

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Want to feel like you’re on top of the world? Head to Stoos , a town located at 4,265 feet. The entire (car-free) town is adorable, but the coolest part is its funicular railway — which holds the record as the steepest on Earth — that takes guests some 2,400 feet high in under 10 minutes. 

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Find a little slice of luxury in St. Mortiz. The high-end town marries some of the best skiing in the world with some of the best shopping. It’s got glitz, glamour, and plenty of bona fides to back up its reputation as a winter sports heaven; St. Moritz hosted the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympic Games.

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Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland, is renowned for its international organizations like the United Nations European headquarters and the International Committee of the Red Cross. It’s also a spot where travelers can find luxuries galore, including high-end watch shops selling some of the most exclusive pieces on Earth.

Rhine Falls

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Feel the power of Mother Nature at Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. Visitors can marvel at the thunderous waters from viewing platforms, and those feeling more adventurous can take boat trips for a closer experience. Just make sure to wear something waterproof.

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Zermatt , which sits in the shadow of the Matterhorn, is one more car-free village that combines rustic charm with high-end amenities, including some of the best skiing in Europe. Of course, guests can explore the mountains all spring, summer, and fall by hiking and biking, or just enjoy the town’s fantastic (year-round) shopping opportunities.

Bern, Switzerland's capital, offers an enticing mix of old and new. The city has retained much of its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets, now the setting for world-class dining venues, boutiques, and beer gardens, all worthy of visiting on your next trip.

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Find a little taste of Italy in Lugano, the largest Italian-speaking city in Switzerland (which counts Italian among its four official languages). The Swiss city offers more gorgeous promenades to stroll, along with delicious Italian-influenced restaurants and an art scene that can't be beaten. 

Swiss National Park

Get one more taste of Switzerland’s incredible natural beauty with a visit to Swiss National Park , located in the Engadin Valley. The park encompasses 68 square miles, making it a fantastic place to explore. While on a hike, see how many animals you can spot, including the park’s resident marmots, ibexes, and golden eagles.

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