Interlaken sits between two turquoise lakes with the peaks of the Bernese Oberland rising behind them. It is the adventure capital of Switzerland: paragliding over the valley, trains into the high Alps, and villages that look like they belong in a storybook.
Here lake calm meets mountain drama. Breathe the clear air, ride up to Harder Kulm, and chase views that stop you mid step. If you want fresh air, big horizons, and unforgettable Alpine days, Interlaken is waiting.
Ride the funicular up to Harder Kulm for the classic dual-lake view of Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Alps behind. On a clear day the panorama is unforgettable. Stay for a drink or a meal at the restaurant and watch the light change over the valley.
View on Tripadvisor
The turquoise lake east of Interlaken. Crystal-clear water, quiet shores and mountain reflections that look almost unreal. Take a boat, walk the shoreline or simply sit and let the color of the water work its quiet magic.
View on Tripadvisor
The larger sister lake to the west. Castles, lakeside villages and easy boat connections make it a perfect half-day or full-day escape. The combination of water, mountains and Swiss order is pure Interlaken region beauty.
View on Tripadvisor
The Top of Europe. A train journey through the mountains to the highest railway station on the continent, with glacier views, an ice palace and the Sphinx observatory. Book early, dress warmly and prepare for one of the most memorable days in the Alps.
View on Tripadvisor
A classic Alpine railway ride to a high plateau with panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Wildflowers in season, easy walks and a sense of being high above the valley. Perfect for a quieter mountain day.
View on Tripadvisor
One of the most popular ways to experience Interlaken from above. Tandem flights over the lakes and mountains give you a completely different perspective on the landscape. On a clear day the views are pure adventure and pure beauty at once.
View on Tripadvisor
The main pedestrian street of Interlaken, lined with hotels, shops and the view of the Jungfrau massif at the end. A pleasant place to stroll, people-watch and feel the easy rhythm of this classic Swiss resort town.
View on Tripadvisor
The quieter historic side of Interlaken, across the Aare. Charming streets, a small old town feel and a more local atmosphere. Perfect for an evening walk or a meal away from the busier resort center.
View on Tripadvisor
The iconic 5-star grand hotel on the Höheweg. Direct Jungfrau views, a huge spa, and classic Belle Époque elegance. The ultimate special-stay choice in Interlaken.
View on Booking.com
Elegant riverside luxury with outdoor pool and spa. A slightly more relaxed feel than Victoria-Jungfrau, still with strong mountain and water views.
View on Booking.com
Historic charm in a central location (one of the oldest hotels in town). Excellent ratings, convenient for both stations, and a warm, polished atmosphere.
View on Booking.com
Beautiful Belle Époque building with modern comforts, central Höheweg setting, and a refined boutique vibe. Strong value in the upscale category.
View on Booking.com
Paragliding above Interlaken is pure adrenaline in one of the world’s most beautiful alpine settings. You lift off with an experienced pilot, the lakes and the Jungfrau region spread out below, and for a few unforgettable minutes the mountains feel close enough to touch. Book with a reputable operator, check the weather, and prepare for a memory that defines the trip.
View Tour
Kayaking on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz is a calmer, more intimate way to feel the landscape around Interlaken. Mountain reflections, quiet paddling and the colour of the water create a peaceful contrast to the high-adrenaline activities nearby. It is photogenic, restorative and ideal when you want nature without rushing from one viewpoint to the next.
View Tour
An entrance ticket to the Schilthorn opens up James Bond connections and some of the widest alpine panoramas in the region. On a clear day the views stretch across peaks and valleys in a way that photographs barely capture. It is a classic high-mountain excursion from Interlaken — best enjoyed when the forecast is good and you have time to savour the top.
View Tour
A fondue cooking class and cheese workshop is one of the most enjoyable cultural experiences in the Jungfrau region. You work with local produce, learn the tradition hands-on, and share a sociable meal that feels genuinely Swiss. It is warm, fun and a perfect evening balance after a day of mountains, lakes and fresh air.
View Tour
A day trip to Jungfraujoch — the Top of Europe — from Interlaken is a journey into the high Alps by cogwheel train. Glacier views, the alpine station and the sense of standing above the clouds make it one of Switzerland’s signature experiences. Go early, dress warmly, and leave room in the day for the scenery on the way up and down — the journey is part of the magic.
View Tour
A walking tour of Bern’s highlights and hidden corners reveals the Swiss capital’s arcaded old town, relaxed rhythm and riverside beauty. It is an easy and rewarding day trip from Interlaken when you want culture, history and a change of pace from pure mountain scenery. Bern feels polished, walkable and quietly impressive.
View Tour
A ticket for Zermatt’s Matterhorn Glacier Paradise puts the iconic pyramid peak and high-altitude views at the centre of your day. The journey itself is part of the experience, and on a clear day the landscape feels almost unreal. It is the classic Swiss postcard brought to life — ambitious, spectacular and worth the planning.
View Tour
A Lucerne city tour with chocolate tasting combines lake views, the Chapel Bridge and a sweet stop in one of Switzerland’s most charming cities. The day is well paced, scenic and varied — ideal when you want a mix of culture, waterfront beauty and a little indulgence without a full alpine ascent.
View Tour
High above Interlaken with sweeping views of both lakes and the Jungfrau massif. Excellent Swiss cuisine, a lovely terrace and one of the most atmospheric settings near town. Worth the short trip to Unterseen.
View on Tripadvisor
Classic Swiss dining at Hotel Interlaken. Fondue, modern local dishes and a charming historic setting with a summer terrace beside the Japanese garden. Consistently one of the best-rated restaurants in town.
View on Tripadvisor
Lively central beer house with excellent schnitzel, burgers and local dishes. Friendly atmosphere, good value by Swiss standards and a favourite among both visitors and locals for a relaxed meal.
View on Tripadvisor
Interlaken institution since 1818 on the Höheweg. Famous for chocolates, pastries and a terrace with Jungfrau views. Perfect for coffee, cake or a classic Swiss meal in a Belle Époque setting.
View on Tripadvisor
The nearest major airports are Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA). From Zurich, frequent trains reach Interlaken Ost in about 2 hours with beautiful views of lakes and mountains. From Geneva the journey takes around 3 hours. Both airports are well connected by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). Flying into Zurich is usually the most convenient option for international visitors heading to the Bernese Oberland.
View Flights
Interlaken is exceptionally well connected by train. Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West stations serve the town, with Ost being the main hub for mountain excursions. Direct or easy connections link to Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Lucerne and the rest of Switzerland. The Swiss Travel System is efficient, punctual and scenic. Once in Interlaken, local trains, boats and cable cars make it simple to reach Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, the Jungfraujoch and beyond.
View Trains
Driving through the Bernese Oberland is spectacular, with dramatic mountain roads and lake views. Parking in Interlaken itself is available but can be limited and relatively expensive in high season. Many visitors prefer to leave the car and use the excellent public transport network once they arrive. A car is most useful if you plan to explore quieter valleys or combine Interlaken with other Swiss regions outside the main tourist corridors.
View Car Rentals
Ocean cruises do not reach Interlaken, but the local lake boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are a highlight in their own right. Regular boat services connect Interlaken with lakeside villages and offer some of the most scenic transfers in the region. Many visitors treat a boat ride as both transport and an experience, especially in summer when the water is calm and the mountains are reflected perfectly.
View Cruises
Three full days are a good minimum: one for a Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn excursion, one for the lakes or a valley walk, and one for Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald or adventure activities. Four or five days let you slow down, add longer hikes, a spa afternoon or a second mountain peak without feeling rushed. Interlaken works well both as a short stop and as a longer alpine base.
June to September offers the best weather for hiking, lake activities and open mountain transport. Winter (December–March) brings reliable snow for skiing and a magical atmosphere, though some hiking trails close. Shoulder seasons (May and October) are quieter and often beautiful, with fewer crowds and good value. Always check mountain transport schedules, as weather can affect higher elevations year-round.
German is the main language in the Bernese Oberland, though English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and ticket offices. The currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including on trains and at mountain stations. Switzerland is not in the Eurozone, so budget in francs. ATMs are easy to find in Interlaken.
Trains, lake boats, buses and cable cars form one of the world’s best integrated networks. The Swiss Travel Pass or the regional Berner Oberland Pass can simplify tickets and often include mountain transport. Everything is punctual and well signposted. For the classic viewpoints (Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Harder Kulm) you will use a combination of train and cable car. Walking between Interlaken Ost and West is pleasant along the Höheweg.