Interlaken City
Tourist destination in Bern, Switzerland
Between Lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken functions as a base for Jungfrau railways, paragliding launches and alpine hikes. Travelers use its hotels and quays before heading uphill for glaciers, mountain lodges and cable-car access to high passes.
Interlaken at a Glance#
Costs: $200-$350 typical daily budget - switzerland is expensive; expect higher prices for lodging and activities.
Safety: Very safe and well-policed - very safe with low crime and strong emergency services.
Best Time: June-September for hiking and adventure - warm, stable weather for hiking; summer festivals and outdoor sports peak.
Switzerland’s adventure capital - a resort town set between two turquoise lakes beneath the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland’s peaks and thrills.
Interlaken lies on the flat between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the snow-capped Jungfrau massif filling the horizon; the Höheweg promenade and two train stations anchor the town, launching trips up into the mountains.
Why go / don’t miss: the train to the Jungfraujoch (“Top of Europe”), the villages of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Mürren beneath the peaks, paragliding and canyoning, the two lakes, and Harder Kulm’s viewpoint.
Neighborhoods: the Höheweg promenade area between the two stations for hotels and dining.
Getting around: trains, boats and cable cars fan out to the lakes and peaks; the town is walkable.
When to go: Jun - Sep for hiking and clear peaks; winter for skiing.
Where to stay: central Interlaken, or up in Grindelwald/Lauterbrunnen for the mountain villages.
Dining: Swiss fare - fondue, rösti, and lakeside dining.
Local tips: it’s the base for the Jungfrau region - the train to Jungfraujoch and the Lauterbrunnen valley are the highlights - and Switzerland’s top spot for adrenaline sports.
Why Visit Interlaken?#
Set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is a base for alpine adventures and Swiss leisure: think paragliding from Harder Kulm, train rides toward Jungfraujoch, and scenic boat trips on both lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for hiking, canyoning, and winter sports, while the Höheweg promenade and local chocolate shops provide civilized downtime. Compact and accessible, the town connects thrill-seekers to the high Alps and offers a mix of adrenaline and alpine hospitality.
Best Things to Do in Interlaken#
Interlaken Bucket List#
Harder Kulm - Take the funicular to Harder Kulm for panoramic views over Interlaken and lakes.
Jungfraujoch - Day trip train to Europe’s ‘Top of Europe’ with ice palace, snow activities, and views.
Lake Brienz steamer cruise - Ride a steamer across turquoise Lake Brienz, stop at Giessbach Falls and lakeside villages.
Hoheweg and Höhematte Park - Stroll the central Hoheweg meadow surrounded by hotels, cafés, gardens, and frequent paragliders.
St. Beatus Caves - Explore limestone caverns, waterfalls, and a lakeside trail with guided cave tours and viewpoints.
Schynige Platte - Ride a vintage cog railway to alpine gardens, hiking paths, and classic mountain panoramas.
Unterseen historic quarter - Wander Unterseen’s quieter medieval streets with traditional shops, riverfront views, and local restaurants.
Lauterbrunnen Valley - Valley of 72 waterfalls offering hiking, cable cars up to Mürren, and alpine scenery.
Grindelwald (First) - Take the cable car to First for cliff walks, mountain carts, and glacier views.
Best Time to Visit Interlaken#
The best time for Interlaken depends on activity: winter for skiing and summer for hiking and lake sports. Late spring offers quieter trails and snow-free valleys while high alpine routes clear later.
December - February
-5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F)
Snowy alpine scenery and reliable ski conditions; cold days but stunning mountain views and cozy après-ski atmosphere in town.
March - May
5 to 15°C (41 to 59°F)
Thawing valleys, fewer tourists, ideal for lower-elevation hikes and quieter sightseeing though higher trails may still hold snow.
June - August
15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)
Warm, clear days perfect for hiking, paragliding, and lake outings; busy with international visitors but unbeatable outdoor access.
Interlaken's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1120 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Interlaken#
Interlaken is best reached by Switzerland’s efficient rail network; major international airports are Zurich and Geneva with fast, comfortable train connections. Once in town, trains and PostBus services link Interlaken with surrounding mountains and lakes.
Zurich Airport (ZRH): Zurich is the main international gateway for Interlaken. From Zurich Airport you can take a direct/intercity train to Interlaken Ost; journey time is about 2h10-2h30 and one‑way second‑class fares are typically CHF 35-60 if bought shortly before travel (SBB fares vary with advance/saver fares). A taxi from the airport to Interlaken would be significantly more expensive and is not recommended.
Geneva Airport (GVA): Geneva is another common international arrival point. Trains from Geneva Airport to Interlaken Ost take about 3h-3h30 with one or two changes (typically in Lausanne and Bern); standard fares are roughly CHF 50-90 depending on class and advance discounts.
Train: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and BLS operate frequent trains to Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. Key routes include Zurich HB → Interlaken Ost (about 2h10) and Bern → Interlaken Ost (about 1h). Tickets are available at station counters, SBB machines or the SBB Mobile app; regional day passes and point‑to‑point fares vary (standard adult single fares typically CHF 20-60 depending on origin).
Bus: Local buses (PostBus/Regional bus services and BLS buses) connect Interlaken with nearby valleys and mountain villages not served by rail. PostBus routes are integrated with rail timetables; short regional buses typically cost CHF 2-10 for nearby trips, and tickets can be bought on board or via the SBB app.
How to Get Around Interlaken#
The Swiss rail and PostBus network is the simplest, most reliable way to get to and explore Interlaken - trains for longer links and PostBus/boats for local connections. For flexibility in remote spots, combine public transport with taxis or guided transfer services.
- SBB / Intercity trains (CHF 20-90) - Intercity and regional trains run regularly to Interlaken Ost and West. Trains are punctual, comfortable and the easiest way to travel between Swiss cities and Interlaken. Buy tickets via the SBB app or at machines; consider Swiss Travel Passes for multiple-day rail travel if you plan extensive rail and bus sightseeing.
- BLS / Regional rail (CHF 5-40) - BLS operates regional services and mountain‑rail connections in the Bernese Oberland. These trains serve villages and transfer points for mountain railways (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen). Timetables sync with SBB and fares are integrated for short regional trips.
- PostBus / Local bus (CHF 2-15) - PostBus and local bus routes connect Interlaken to surrounding lakes, valleys and trailheads. Buses are reliable and link to many mountain cableways; buy tickets on board or via SBB. They’re essential for places without direct rail access.
- Boat (Lake Thun/Brienz) (CHF 8-30) - Passenger boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz provide scenic links between lakeside towns and are part of the public transport network. Boats run seasonally and are useful for sightseeing as well as transport; fares depend on distance and are available via SBB/boat operators.
- Taxi / Local tours (CHF 30-120) - Taxis cover last‑mile transfers and private excursions; they can be expensive compared with trains/buses but useful for early departures or remote sites. Many guided day‑trip operators also run minibuses and small‑group tours.
- Walking - Interlaken’s central area is compact and eminently walkable - shops, hotels and the lakeshore are easy on foot. For mountain trails, bring appropriate footwear and check connections for return by bus or boat.
Where to Stay in Interlaken#
Central Interlaken - CHF 80-180/night
Central Interlaken offers many hostels and budget hotels near the station; good base for outdoor activities and easy public-transport access.
Hotel Interlaken - Simple, central hotel near Höhematte Park.
Hotel Krebs - Family-run, near Interlaken West station.
Höhematte / Bahnhof - CHF 150-300/night
Comfortable hotels and boutique options cluster around Höhematte and the main train area; many offer mountain views and easy excursions.
Hotel Bernerhof - Comfortable mid-range with easy transport links.
Hotel Bellevue - Solid mid-range option near town centre.
Riverside / Grand Hotel area - CHF 300-600+/night
Luxury hotels with full-service spas and fine dining sit near the river and park, ideal for pampered stays between alpine excursions.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa - Riverside luxury with spa and alpine views.
Hotel Beausite - Upscale, quieter hilltop location with views.
Where to Eat in Interlaken#
Interlaken blends classic Swiss mountain cuisine - rösti, fondue, and hearty meat dishes - with convivial pubs and riverside terraces.
- Husi Bierhaus - Pub-style Swiss dishes and beers.
- Restaurant Taverne (Hotel Interlaken) - Traditional Swiss dining near Höheweg.
- Restaurant Laterne - Local specialties in historic setting.
Beyond Swiss classics, Interlaken has reliable international eateries and cozy cafés where travelers refuel between excursions to the Jungfrau region.
- Bella Italia - Popular Italian options near the center.
- Benacus Restaurant - Casual international plates and pizza.
- Cafés along Höheweg - Coffee and cakes with mountain views.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Interlaken’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Interlaken#
Interlaken’s shopping is geared to travelers: outdoor and mountaineering shops, Swiss-watch and chocolate stores, and tourist boutiques line the Höheweg and streets near the stations. Small specialty stores and souvenir shops dominate the center. For local markets and regional produce look for seasonal markets; for technical outdoor gear the dedicated outfitters around town cover most needs.
Nightlife in Interlaken#
Interlaken’s nightlife is compact but active for a small town: expect bars, apres-style pubs and seasonal club nights, often centered on hostels and hotels. Casino Interlaken offers a different evening option with gaming and a bar. Late-night activity ramps up in summer when tourists and outdoor enthusiasts fill the town; otherwise evenings are relaxed and focused on restaurants and small bars.
