"Planning a trip to Interlaken? June is when the best weather begins — perfect for long walks and exploring without the crowds. Lace up your boots for epic trails and stunning landscapes."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Why Visit Interlaken?
Interlaken thrills as Switzerland's undisputed adventure sports capital and gateway to the Bernese Oberland Alps, spectacularly nestled between two stunning turquoise lakes (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, hence "Interlaken" = between lakes) where the iconic Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch peaks tower dramatically over 4,000 meters creating a dramatic amphitheater backdrop, colorful paragliders fill summer skies floating above town, and the legendary Lauterbrunnen valley's 72 waterfalls cascade vertically through sheer cliff walls in one of Europe's most scenic valleys. This compact Bernese Oberland town (pop. just 5,800 permanent residents, swelling with tourists year-round) serves primarily as strategic base camp and transport hub for Swiss Alps exploration rather than a destination itself—the famous Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" cogwheel train journey (roughly CHF 200+ return from Interlaken without discounts; significantly less with Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass) reaches Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters with Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace glacier tunnels, and snow year-round, Harder Kulm funicular (about CHF 34-40 return for adults, often 50% off with passes) ascends to 1,322-meter viewpoint offering the definitive twin-lake panorama with Jungfrau massif backdrop, and Schilthorn's famous revolving Piz Gloria restaurant (about CHF 108-140 depending on route and pass, 360° rotation per hour) featured in James Bond's On Her Majesty's Secret Service with 007 museum and breakfast deals.
Yet Interlaken's true magic flows from unparalleled access to concentrated Alpine splendor—the stunningly beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley (20-minute train, around CHF 14-15 one way or CHF 7 with Half Fare Card) harbors Staubbach Falls plunging nearly 300 m as Switzerland's highest free-falling waterfall and one of the tallest in Europe and remarkable Trümmelbach Falls (CHF 16 adults) where ten glacier-fed waterfalls thunder inside the mountain accessed by tunnel elevator, while traditional Grindelwald village beneath Eiger's imposing north face offers First cable car (CHF 60 return) reaching 2,168m for First Cliff Walk suspended walkway, mountain cart, and hiking to mirror-like Bachalpsee alpine lake. The adventure activities menu absolutely overwhelms adrenaline seekers: tandem paragliding flights (CHF 160-220/$178–$243 20-30 minutes soaring over lakes with qualified pilots), skydiving over the Alps (CHF 450+), canyon swing pendulum jumps into gorges (CHF 100-130), white-water rafting down glacier rivers, bungee jumping, and year-round outdoor pursuits making Interlaken Switzerland's extreme sports epicenter. The elegant Höheweg promenade connects both lakes lined with grand Belle Époque hotels including Victoria-Jungfrau preserving 19th-century tourism elegance.
The food scene serves traditional Swiss mountain classics: cheese fondue (CHF 28-35/$31–$39 per person, minimum two diners), crispy rösti potato cakes, raclette melted cheese, and Berner Platte meat platters, though the international tourist influx means restaurants cater to global tastes including Asian and Middle Eastern options. Day trips via Switzerland's famously efficient trains reach charming Bern (1 hour), lakeside Lucerne with Chapel Bridge (2 hours), and literally countless mountain railways, cable cars, and funiculars accessing peaks—the Swiss transport network makes everywhere accessible. Visit June-September for warmest weather (15-25°C) and lush green meadows exploding with wildflowers, long daylight hours perfect for hiking, and all cable cars operating, or December-March for winter sports season when nearby resorts Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren offer skiing (though Interlaken town itself sits valley-bottom without slopes).
With English universally spoken thanks to international tourism, legendarily punctual Swiss trains departing on the exact second, extremely safe environment, concentrated Alpine beauty and adventure within 30-kilometer radius, Swiss Travel Pass covering most transport making costs manageable, and that unique combination of natural splendor and organized efficiency, Interlaken delivers Switzerland's most accessible mountain adventures and outdoor thrills—just prepare for eye-watering Swiss prices (CHF 150-250/$167–$281 per day typical, among Europe's most expensive) where even supermarket sandwiches cost CHF 8-12 and mountain railway tickets rival flight prices.
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
- From :
Best Time to Visit
June, July, August, September
Climate: Moderate
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
| 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 (2020-2025) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
Travel Costs
Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (January 2026): 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.
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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
Popular Activities
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Why you can trust this guide
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
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This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.
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