Why Visit Interlaken?
Interlaken mesmerizes as Switzerland's adventure capital nestled between turquoise Lake Thun and Lake Brienz where Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch peaks tower 4,000+ meters above, paragliders fill skies, and Lauterbrunnen's 72 waterfalls cascade through vertical valleys. This Bernese Oberland town (pop. 5,800) serves as base camp for Swiss Alps exploration—Jungfraujoch 'Top of Europe' train reaches 3,454m (about CHF 200-240 return, Europe's highest railway station), Harder Kulm funicular (around CHF 38 return) offers twin-lake panoramas from 1,322m viewpoint, and Schilthorn's revolving restaurant (about CHF 108-140 depending on route) featured in James Bond film.
Yet Interlaken's magic flows from access—Lauterbrunnen valley (20 min train) harbors Staubbach waterfall plunging 300m and Trümmelbach Falls' glacier-carved tubes (CHF 16 adult), while Grindelwald's First cliff walk and grassy slopes host summer hikers and winter skiers. The adventure menu overwhelms: paragliding tandem flights (CHF 160-220/$178–$243), skydiving over Alps (CHF 450), canyon jumping, white-water rafting, and year-round outdoor activities. Höheweg promenade connects both lakes with grand Belle Époque hotels, while Jungfrau Park hosts summer festivals.
Museums include Touristik Museum tracing tourism history. Food scene serves Swiss classics: fondue (CHF 28-35/$31–$39), rösti potato cakes, and raclette, though international restaurants cater to global visitors. Day trips reach Bern (1hr), Lucerne (2hr), and countless mountain railways.
Visit June-September for 15-25°C weather and green meadows blooming with wildflowers, or December-March for skiing (though Interlaken itself doesn't ski—nearby resorts Grindelwald, Wengen provide slopes). With English widely spoken, efficient Swiss trains, safe environment, and concentrated Alpine beauty within 30km radius, Interlaken delivers Switzerland's most accessible mountain adventures—at Swiss prices (CHF 150-250/$167–$276/day).
What to Do
Mountain Railways & Peaks
Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe
Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters. Cogwheel train journey takes 2 hours each way through Eiger's north face. At the top: Sphinx Observatory with 360° Alpine views, Ice Palace tunnels carved in glacier, snow activities year-round. Expect about CHF 200-240 return from Interlaken (standard adult fare), with 25-50% discounts if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card, or Jungfrau Travel Pass. Book online 3+ days ahead for best deals. Go early (7-8am train) for clearer views and fewer crowds. Dress very warmly—temperature drops 20°C. Allow full day. Can cause altitude sickness—take it slow.
Harder Kulm Viewpoint
The 'Top of Interlaken'—panoramic viewpoint at 1,322m reached by funicular in 10 minutes. See both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with Jungfrau, Eiger, Mönch peaks beyond. Two-lake view terrace and restaurant with transparent viewing platform. Around CHF 38 return for adults; Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare or Berner Oberland Pass holders get about 50% off. Go sunset (best light and fewer people) or clear morning. Takes 2-3 hours total. Much cheaper alternative to Jungfraujoch if budget tight. Kids love the suspension bridge. Hiking trails from top for energetic visitors.
Schilthorn — Piz Gloria
Rotating 360° restaurant made famous by James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.' Cable car journey via Mürren village. At 2,970m offers stunning Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau views. Bond World interactive exhibition. About CHF 108 return from Stechelberg; around CHF 130-140 including connections from Interlaken (discounts with passes). Less crowded than Jungfraujoch. Restaurant rotates once per hour—time your meal. Early morning 'breakfast with a view' deal (around CHF 35 including cable car) is excellent value. Allow half-day. Can combine with Lauterbrunnen valley.
Valleys & Waterfalls
Lauterbrunnen Valley — 72 Waterfalls
U-shaped glacial valley with 72 waterfalls cascading from 300m cliffs. Staubbach Falls (300m drop) is most famous—walk right underneath the mist. Free to explore. Train from Interlaken takes about 20 minutes; full fare around CHF 14-15 one way, or about CHF 7 with a Half Fare Card (covered by Swiss Travel Pass / Berner Oberland Pass). Walk valley floor (flat, easy, 2-3 hours). Village charming with mountain views. Base for Jungfrau railways. Busiest in summer—best spring (snowmelt) or early morning. Trümmelbach Falls (CHF 16 adult, CHF 7 child 6-15; under-4s not allowed) are glacier-carved inside mountain—10 waterfalls accessible by tunnel lift. Very impressive but can skip if time limited.
Grindelwald & First Cliff Walk
Traditional Alpine village beneath Eiger's north face. First cable car (CHF 60 return) reaches 2,168m. First Cliff Walk—40m suspended walkway over abyss. First Flyer zip line, mountain cart, Glider paragliding simulator. Summer meadows full of cows with bells, winter skiing. Less touristy than Interlaken. Can hike to Bachalpsee lake (1 hour from First, mirror-like alpine lake, stunning). Allow half to full day. Combine with Grindelwald village lunch. Easy train from Interlaken (30 min, CHF 7).
Adventure Activities
Paragliding Tandem Flights
Interlaken's signature experience—soar over turquoise lakes with Jungfrau backdrop. Tandem flights with professional pilot. Launch from Beatenberg mountaintop, land by Interlaken lake. Costs CHF 160-220/$178–$243 (20-30 minutes). Weather-dependent (book 2-3 days ahead, flexible dates). No experience needed. Photos/GoPro video extra (CHF 30-40). Weight limits apply. Operators: Outdoor Interlaken, Paragliding Interlaken. Morning flights calmer. Unforgettable—highly recommended if budget allows.
Canyon Jumping & Swinging
Interlaken's adventure sports include: canyon swing (CHF 100-130, pendulum swing into gorge), bungee jumping (CHF 200-250), canyoning (CHF 130-160, descend waterfalls), white-water rafting (CHF 100-140). Operators clustered on Höheweg. Age/weight restrictions apply. Insurance recommended. Book ahead in summer. Adrenaline junkies paradise. Most visitors pick one or two activities. Paragliding + canyon swing is popular combo. All professionally run and safety-focused.
Lake Activities
Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offer calmer alternatives. Boat cruises (CHF 20-60, 1-3 hours, covered by Swiss Pass) connect lakeside villages—scenic and relaxing. Swimming beaches in summer (free, cold water!). SUP rentals (CHF 25-35/hour), kayak rentals. Unterseen lakefront pleasant for walks. Evening boat cruises romantic. Less dramatic than mountains but peaceful. Good afternoon activity after morning mountain trip. Thun has castle; Brienz has wood-carving tradition.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: ZRH, GVA
Best Time to Visit
June, July, August, September
Climate: Moderate
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 2°C | 10 | Good |
| February | 11°C | 3°C | 16 | Wet |
| March | 11°C | 3°C | 16 | Wet |
| April | 17°C | 6°C | 6 | Good |
| May | 18°C | 9°C | 16 | Wet |
| June | 20°C | 13°C | 22 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 23°C | 15°C | 16 | Excellent (best) |
| August | 23°C | 15°C | 16 | Excellent (best) |
| September | 20°C | 13°C | 9 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 14°C | 8°C | 20 | Wet |
| November | 12°C | 5°C | 5 | Good |
| December | 6°C | 1°C | 17 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Best time to visit: June, July, August, September.
Practical Information
Getting There
Interlaken has two stations: Interlaken Ost (east, main hub for mountain trains) and Interlaken West. Trains from Zurich (2hr, CHF 66), Bern (1hr, CHF 30), Lucerne (2hr, CHF 60). No direct flights—fly to Zurich/Geneva then train. Swiss Pass covers most trains. Interlaken Ost connects Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald railways.
Getting Around
Interlaken town is walkable (15 min station-to-station). Mountain railways reach every peak—Jungfraubahn (Jungfraujoch), Schilthornbahn, First cable car. Local buses free with guest card from hotels. Swiss Pass (from CHF 244+ for 3 days, 2nd class) covers trains, boats, many mountains. Boats connect both lakes. Walking is ideal in town. No need for cars—trains go everywhere.
Money & Payments
Swiss Franc (CHF). Exchange $1 ≈ CHF $11 ≈ CHF 0.88. Cards widely accepted everywhere. Contactless payment common. ATMs plentiful. Euros sometimes accepted but change in CHF. Tipping: round up or 5-10%, service included. Switzerland expensive—everything costs more. Budget carefully.
Language
German (Swiss German dialect) is official. English universally spoken—tourism industry ensures fluency. French less common here (Bernese Oberland is German-speaking). Signs bilingual German-English. Communication effortless. Swiss German sounds different from standard German but locals switch to High German for visitors.
Cultural Tips
Prices: Switzerland expensive, bring budget. Swiss Pass: worthwhile for multiple trains (CHF 244+ for 3 days). Mountain weather: changes rapidly, bring layers, waterproofs, sunscreen even cloudy. Altitude: Jungfraujoch 3,454m—take it slow, drink water. Cows: bells everywhere, mountain pastures, respect farmers. Sunday: shops closed, restaurants open, trains run. Punctuality: Swiss trains depart on second—don't be late. Hiking: well-marked trails, respect signs, take trash with you. Adventure sports: operators professional, insurance recommended. Hotel guest cards: free local buses. Fondue: dinner tradition, minimum 2 people usually. Swiss efficiency: everything works perfectly, follow rules.
Perfect 3-Day Interlaken Itinerary
Day 1: Jungfraujoch
Day 2: Lakes & Paragliding
Day 3: Lauterbrunnen Valley
Where to Stay in Interlaken
Interlaken Ost
Best for: Mountain train hub, hotels, adventure sports booking, main station, central
Höheweg/Center
Best for: Shopping, hotels, restaurants, lake views, promenade, touristy, convenient
Unterseen
Best for: Old town, quieter, local atmosphere, residential, less touristy, authentic
Matten
Best for: Lakeside, peaceful, camping, budget stays, views, residential
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