How Much Does Interlaken Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Interlaken is one of Switzerland's most sought-after alpine hubs, commanding a premium price for its world-class scenery and outdoor infrastructure. While daily budgets range from $160 / CHF 124 for budget-conscious travelers to over $1,861 / CHF 1,442 for those seeking ultimate luxury, the destination remains significantly more expensive than comparable mountain resorts in the neighboring Austrian or Italian Alps. Unlike city-centric vacations, the primary expenses here are driven by high-altitude excursions and adventure sports rather than museum fees. Navigating these costs requires a strategic approach, particularly when balancing the high price of mountain railways with the natural beauty of the surrounding lakes and peaks. Despite the steep price point, the efficiency of the local transport and the sheer scale of the landscape provide a unique value proposition for nature enthusiasts.
Is Interlaken expensive to visit?
Interlaken is a high-cost alpine destination where visitors should expect a daily budget ranging from $160 / CHF 124 to $1,861 / CHF 1,442 depending on the intensity of mountain excursions.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Interlaken
$160
per person /day
$700
per person /day
$1,861
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $481 | $2,099 | $5,584 |
| 5-Day Trip | $803 | $3,498 | $9,305 |
| 7-Day Trip | $1,123 | $4,896 | $13,028 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is advisable to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the Interlaken Tourist Tax and the common $5.06 / CHF 3.92 service fee for tap water in restaurants. Additionally, factor in the $8.95 / CHF 6.93 nightly surcharge at hostels for non-members and potential extra costs of $53–$106 / CHF 41–CHF 82 for photos if booking adventure activities like skydiving.
How Does It Compare?
See how Interlaken stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Interlaken
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Self-service meal at Coop Restaurant The most budget-friendly way to eat in Interlaken. A large salad plate is ~$19 / CHF 15. | $24 CHF 18 |
| Cheese Fondue in local restaurant Usually requires a minimum of 2 people. Includes bread and potatoes for dipping. | $41 CHF 32 |
| Draught Beer (0.5L) at a pub Ordering local 'Rugenbräu' beer is often ~$1.18 / CHF 0.91 cheaper than craft options. | $11 CHF 8.45 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Train transfer Interlaken to Zurich Airport Half Fare Card holders pay ~$50 / CHF 39. Direct trains run every hour. | $100 CHF 78 |
| Return train ticket Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen Essential trip for seeing the 72 waterfalls. Free with Swiss Travel Pass. | $20 CHF 16 |
| BLS Lake Cruise Day Pass (Thun & Brienz) Allows hop-on-hop-off access to both lakes. Most scenic way to reach Giessbach Falls. | $95 CHF 74 |
| Libero Single Ticket (1-2 Zones) Local buses are free for tourists staying in Interlaken via the Guest Card provided by hotels. | $4.87 CHF 3.78 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in Interlaken Youth Hostel Non-members pay an additional ~$8.95 / CHF 6.93 per night. Includes a guest card for free local bus travel. | $67 CHF 52 |
| Mid-range double room at Hotel Interlaken Centrally located near Interlaken Ost station. Rates include breakfast buffet (value ~$32 / CHF 25). | $398 CHF 308 |
| Luxury Suite at Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel Iconic luxury hotel. Includes access to the 5,500 square meter spa and wellness area. | $1,091 CHF 845 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe Ticket Standard adult price for international visitors. Includes the Eiger Express gondola and cogwheel train. | $129 CHF 100 |
| Schilthorn Cable Car (Stechelberg to Piz Gloria) Famous James Bond filming location. Half Fare Card holders pay ~$69 / CHF 54. | $139 CHF 107 |
| Harder Kulm Funicular Return Best panorama of Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz from the 'Top of Interlaken'. | $24 CHF 19 |
| Airplane Skydive (Tandem Master) Includes transport and equipment. Photos and video are usually ~$53–$106 / CHF 41–CHF 82 extra. | $539 CHF 418 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Interlaken is a major budget consideration, with a standard cheese fondue at a local restaurant typically costing $41 / CHF 32 per person. Budget-conscious visitors gravitate toward the self-service Coop Restaurant, where a meal costs around $24 / CHF 18, or local pubs where a 0.5L draught beer is priced at $11 / CHF 8.45.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Coop Restaurant Interlaken Ost
$19–$32 / CHF 15–CHF 25Interlaken Ost · Local chain
Arrive before 13:30 for the best selection of daily hot specials starting at ~$19 / CHF 15.
Velo Cafe
$15–$28 / CHF 12–CHF 22Town Centre · Bakery
Great for a light lunch; their avocado toast is ~$17 / CHF 13 and very filling.
Layaly Beirut
$23–$39 / CHF 18–CHF 30Interlaken West · Street food area
Large portions; sharing a platter for ~$33 / CHF 26 is often enough for two people.
Husi Bierhaus
$31–$49 / CHF 24–CHF 38Interlaken West · Local chain
One of the best value 'sit-down' spots for dinner; a giant burger is ~$31 / CHF 24.
X-Port Pizzeria
$21–$32 / CHF 16–CHF 25Matten · Street food area
Takeaway is ~$3.53–$5.89 / CHF 2.74–CHF 4.56 cheaper than dining in; perfect for a lakeside picnic.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
While local buses are free for visitors staying in local hotels via the Interlaken Guest Card, regional travel is pricey, with a return train to Lauterbrunnen costing $20 / CHF 16. To manage these costs, many visitors invest $154 / CHF 119 in a Half Fare Card to reduce the price of major trips, such as the $95 / CHF 74 Lake Cruise Day Pass or mountain lifts, by 50%.
Accommodation Overview
The lodging landscape is varied, ranging from a dorm bed at the Interlaken Youth Hostel for $67 / CHF 52 to the iconic Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel at $1,091 / CHF 845 per night. A typical mid-range stay at a centrally located property like Hotel Interlaken averages $398 / CHF 308, which usually includes a breakfast buffet valued at $32 / CHF 25.
Accommodation Budget in Interlaken
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Utilize the Interlaken Guest Card provided by your accommodation for free travel on local buses within the 1-2 Zone Libero network.
- 2 Purchase a Half Fare Card for approximately $154 / CHF 119 if planning multiple high-altitude trips; it pays for itself after just a few major excursions.
- 3 Fill water bottles at the many public fountains throughout Interlaken; the water is fresh and free, helping you avoid the $5.06 / CHF 3.92 service charge for tap water in restaurants.
- 4 Dine at the Coop Restaurant near Interlaken Ost for the best value, where a large salad plate costs about $19 / CHF 15 compared to standard restaurant prices.
- 5 Hike up to the Harder Kulm viewpoint instead of taking the funicular to save the $24 / CHF 19 return fare; the well-marked trail takes about 2 hours.
- 6 Join a free walking tour of Interlaken to get oriented with the town's history and find hidden local spots without spending a cent.
- 7 Visit the Jungfraujoch on the earliest train of the morning to potentially access 'Good Morning' discounts on the standard $129 / CHF 100 ticket.
- 8 Stay in the neighboring village of Matten or Wilderswil, where hotel rates can be lower while still being within walking distance of the main hubs.
- 9 Avoid the $8.95 / CHF 6.93 daily surcharge at the Interlaken Youth Hostel by purchasing a Hostelling International membership if staying for more than five days.
- 10 Buy high-energy snacks and picnic supplies at supermarkets like Denner or Lidl to avoid the high cost of mountain-top cafeteria meals.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec, Jan, Feb
+30-50%
Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr
-20-30%
May, Sep
Winter is peak for skiing, Summer for hiking. The best value is September when weather is stable but hotel rates drop by ~$59–$94 / CHF 46–CHF 73 per night.
Events to Watch
- ● Interlaken Classics (April): +20% hotels
- ● Greenfield Festival (June): +40% hostels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Watch paragliders land at the Hohe Matte, a 14-hectare open meadow in the center of town.
- 2 Explore the 12th-century Interlaken Monastery and the adjacent Castle grounds.
- 3 Walk through the historic Old Town of Unterseen with its charming wooden houses and town hall.
- 4 Visit the Animal Park Interlaken (Wildpark) to see ibex and marmots in an alpine setting.
- 5 Hike the 2-hour trail to the Harder Kulm for panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
- 6 Explore the Weissenau Castle ruins located on the shores of Lake Thun.
- 7 Walk the lakeside promenade in Brienz, often cited as one of the most beautiful lakefronts in Switzerland.
- 8 View the impressive waterfalls at the entrance of the St. Beatus Caves (viewing the exterior park and falls is free).
- 9 Stroll along the Aare River path between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost stations.
- 10 Visit the Swiss Woodcarving Museum in Brienz (free entry to the outdoor exhibits and garden).
- 11 Explore the 'Path of Three Lakes' hiking route for various vantage points of the turquoise waters.
- 12 Wander through the Alpine Garden on the Schynige Platte (access to the garden is free, though the train up is paid).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Tandem Paragliding Flight
Interlaken is world-famous for paragliding; the views of the Eiger and the lakes are worth the ~$244 / CHF 189.
Canyon Swing Grindelwald
Unique adrenaline rush dropping 90m into a glacial canyon for ~$191 / CHF 148.
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
It is the highest railway station in Europe; the views of the Aletsch Glacier are unmatched for ~$129 / CHF 100.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Interlaken
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Interlaken and what they cost
Bern (The Capital)
$74 / CHF 58 by train
Free
$141 / CHF 109
Lucerne
$85 / CHF 66 by train
Free
$167 / CHF 129
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Swiss Franc (CHF)
1 CHF ≈ 1.29 $
No
Everywhere including small mountain huts and farm fridges.
Service is legally included. Rounding up to the nearest ~$5.89 / CHF 4.56 or adding ~$2.35–$3.53 / CHF 1.82–CHF 2.74 for good service is standard.
Avoid 'Euronet' ATMs which charge high fees. Use UBS, Credit Suisse, or PostFinance ATMs for the best rates.
Connectivity
eSIM: $21–$29 for 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $26 / CHF 20 for 7 days unlimited data
WiFi: Excellent in Interlaken town and train stations; spotty on mountain summits.
The Swisscom Prepaid Flat 30 for ~$84 / CHF 65 is best for long stays, otherwise a dedicated Swiss eSIM (Airalo/Holafly) is easier.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
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.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Interlaken.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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