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!
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.
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:
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.