
Interlaken Center Interlaken
Interlaken, Switzerland: The adventure capital nestled between turquoise lakes and the majestic Alps, offering thrilling activities and breathtaking v...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for outdoor activities

Interlaken Center Interlaken
Best Time
Best for outdoor activities

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Interlaken, Switzerland: The adventure capital nestled between turquoise lakes and the majestic Alps, offering thrilling activities and breathtaking views.
"A beautiful and safe place to stay in Switzerland, offering affordable food and accommodation, with excellent connectivity to major tourist attractions."

🎯 Get the Interlaken Visitor Card
This card offers free local transport and discounts on many attractions. Ask at your accommodation!
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so comfortable footwear is essential.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Harder Kulm Viewpoint
Harder Kulm
Panoramic views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz. A must-see for breathtaking alpine scenery.

Hohematte Park
Interlaken City Center
A vast green space offering stunning mountain vistas and a prime spot for paraglider spotting.

Lake Brienz & Lake Thun
Lakes surrounding Interlaken
Enjoy boat cruises or relax by the shores of these crystal-clear turquoise lakes.

Adventure Sports
Various locations around Interlaken
Experience thrilling activities like paragliding, bungee jumping, and jet boating.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Accommodations Early
Understand Train Stations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get the Interlaken Visitor Card
This card offers free local transport and discounts on many attractions. Ask at your accommodation!
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so comfortable footwear is essential.
📱 Download offline maps
Mobile service can be spotty in the mountains. Offline maps are a lifesaver for navigation.
💰 Book train tickets early
For budget travel, book Supersaver train tickets in advance for the best prices.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get the Interlaken Visitor Card
This card offers free local transport and discounts on many attractions. Ask at your accommodation!
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so comfortable footwear is essential.
📱 Download offline maps
Mobile service can be spotty in the mountains. Offline maps are a lifesaver for navigation.
💰 Book train tickets early
For budget travel, book Supersaver train tickets in advance for the best prices.
📸 Capture the views
Interlaken is incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning shots!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Interlaken is widely praised as a beautiful and safe destination offering excellent connectivity to major attractions and a wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors appreciate the helpfulness of the tourist office staff and the affordability of food and accommodation compared to other Swiss locations. However, some visitors have noted inconsistent service quality from certain staff members.
"A beautiful and safe place to stay in Switzerland, offering affordable food and accommodation, with excellent connectivity to major tourist attractions."
priyanka sabapathy
"Interlaken, Switzerland, is known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by the Alps, it offers:
Hiking and skiing in nearby mountains.
Boat cruises on the lakes.
Jungfraujoch excursions for breathtaking views.
Adventure sports like paragliding and bungee jumping.
Harder Kulm for panoramic views of the region."
Liset B. Armas Aguila
"The office is very helpful and saves you time. The employee, Evelyn, is a cheerful and cooperative lady who helped me and answered all my questions.
Thank you Evelyn🌷"
Sugar Kandy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Interlaken is easily accessible by train from major Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern. The train journey itself offers scenic views. If arriving by air, Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the most common gateway, with direct train connections to Interlaken.
Yes, Interlaken is considered a strategic hub due to its central location and excellent train connections to many popular Swiss destinations and mountain regions.
Interlaken Ost (East) is the main station for mountain excursions like Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen. Interlaken West is closer to the town center, restaurants, and Lake Thun.
While possible, driving in Switzerland can be expensive due to tolls and parking. Many travelers prefer the efficient train system. If you do drive, ensure you have a vignette (toll sticker).
Popular day trips include Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), and excursions to Lake Brienz or Lake Thun.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For popular attractions like Jungfraujoch or Harder Kulm, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially better prices.
The Visitor Card is often provided by your accommodation and offers free public transport within Interlaken and discounts on various excursions and attractions. It's a great way to save money.
Yes, exploring Hohematte Park, strolling through the town center, and enjoying the views of the lakes are free activities.
The funicular to Harder Kulm costs around 28 CHF for a round trip, but this can be reduced with the Interlaken Visitor Card.
The local tourist information office is very helpful and can assist with planning excursions, explaining passes, and providing weather updates.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Harder Kulm offers spectacular panoramic views. The Harderbahn funicular takes you up for an unforgettable vista.
Interlaken is an adventure hub offering paragliding, bungee jumping, hiking, skiing (in winter), and water sports on the lakes.
Absolutely! Interlaken is a popular destination for solo travelers, offering a safe environment and plenty of opportunities for adventure and meeting others.
The city center features Hohematte Park, charming streets, shops, and access to the Victoria Jungfrau Hotel. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails accessible from Interlaken, including routes to Harder Kulm and in the nearby Grindelwald region.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
For brunch with a view, Spatz is highly recommended. Many hotels also offer dining options, and you can find affordable meals by preparing your own food from local supermarkets like Migros.
Food can be pricey in Switzerland, but Interlaken offers some affordable options. Eating at local supermarkets or preparing your own meals can significantly reduce costs.
Most restaurants in Interlaken offer vegetarian options, and many are increasingly catering to vegan diets. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff.
A casual meal can range from 20-30 CHF per person, while a more upscale dining experience could be 45 CHF or more for two.
Yes, Interlaken has several cafes and coffee shops where you can enjoy a coffee and a pastry while taking in the views.
📸 📸 Photography
Harder Kulm offers incredible panoramic shots. The turquoise lakes, the charming town center, and the paragliders in the sky are also highly photogenic.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but offers clear views of the mountains.
The viewpoint at Harder Kulm, the shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, and Hohematte Park are all excellent for capturing memorable photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant mountain details or paragliders. A good phone camera is also sufficient for most shots.
Drone regulations can be strict in Switzerland, especially near national parks and populated areas. Always check local rules and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Adventure Capital of Switzerland
For those who prefer their adventures with a bit more altitude, Interlaken is the gateway to some of the most iconic mountain experiences in the Alps. Taking the train to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is a bucket-list item for many, offering unparalleled views and a unique high-alpine experience. Other popular mountain excursions include the funicular ride up to Harder Kulm for breathtaking panoramic views, and exploring the charming villages and hiking trails around Grindelwald. The sheer variety of activities ensures that Interlaken caters to both the extreme sports enthusiast and the nature lover seeking an active holiday.
Planning Your Adventures
When planning your adventures, consider purchasing an adventure pass or utilizing the Interlaken Visitor Card for potential discounts on activities and transport. Many tour operators offer packages that combine multiple activities, which can be a cost-effective option. It's also wise to book popular activities like paragliding or Jungfraujoch excursions in advance, especially during the busy summer months, to avoid disappointment. Checking the weather forecast is crucial, as many outdoor activities are weather-dependent. The local tourist office is an excellent resource for up-to-date information on conditions and booking assistance.
Navigating Interlaken's Transport
A key piece of advice for visitors is to understand the difference between Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West train stations. Interlaken Ost is the primary hub for journeys into the high Alps, serving as the departure point for trains to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and the famous Jungfraujoch. Interlaken West is closer to the town center and offers connections to other regions and is a good starting point for exploring Lake Thun. Many travelers find it beneficial to stay near Interlaken Ost for easy access to mountain excursions.
For budget-conscious travelers, booking Supersaver train tickets in advance can lead to significant savings. The Interlaken Visitor Card, often provided by your accommodation, is invaluable for free local bus travel and discounts on many attractions and cable cars. This card simplifies getting around the town and to nearby viewpoints like Harder Kulm. For those planning extensive travel within Switzerland, consider a Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, as well as free entry to over 500 museums.
Capturing Interlaken's Beauty
Beyond Harder Kulm, the Hohematte Park in the heart of Interlaken provides a fantastic vantage point to photograph the paragliders launching and soaring against the backdrop of the mountains. The shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun offer serene and picturesque scenes, with their vibrant blue waters and surrounding greenery. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the charming architecture of the town, including the historic Victoria Jungfrau Hotel. Many visitors also find the journey on the trains themselves to be incredibly scenic, offering unique perspectives of the Swiss countryside.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit