8 Hidden Gems in Interlaken You Won’t Find in Generic Travel Guides
By Karen Bianchi, February 20, 2026
Interlaken’s postcard-perfect views, turquoise lakes, jagged peaks, and adrenaline-packed adventures, are famous worldwide. Visitors flock here for paragliding, mountain excursions, scenic trains, and famous lookouts like Harder Kulm. Yet beyond these well-loved highlights lies another Interlaken, one most travelers never see: quiet nature reserves, lakeside boardwalks, ancient legends, and serene village nooks untouched by crowds. Discover eight hidden gems locals love, craft your personalized Switzerland itinerary today.
1. Weissenau Nature Reserve — A Lakeside Sanctuary Few Tourists Know
Tucked along the northern shore of Lake Thun, the Weissenau Nature Reserve feels worlds away from Interlaken’s busy streets, even though it’s only minutes from town. Wooden boardwalks stretch over peaceful wetlands, reeds rustle in the breeze, and the distant silhouettes of boats glide along the water. An ancient stone tower, a remnant of the old Weissenau Castle, quietly overlooks the lake as if guarding its secrets.
Spend an hour on the trail and you might encounter more birds than people. Herons, ducks, and swans thrive here, and the still waters reflect the mountains with stunning clarity. Most travelers hurry toward Harder Kulm or Schynige Platte, leaving this serene place almost entirely to those who slow down enough to notice it.
Local tip: Visit at sunrise. The lake turns mirror-like, the reserve glows in soft gold, and the only sound you’ll hear is birdsong, a rare luxury in such a popular region.
2. Lombachalp — The Secret Alpine Plateau Above Interlaken
Hidden high above Interlaken, Lombachalp is a dream for hikers seeking solitude. This protected moorland sits on a lofty plateau of rolling hills, wooden huts, grazing cattle, and endless Alpine views. It’s one of the largest high moors in Switzerland, yet surprisingly few visitors make the journey.
Lombachalp is easily reached by car or postbus from Interlaken to Habkern, followed by a short drive or hike into the plateau. Because the area is a protected high moor, access is carefully managed to preserve its fragile ecosystem.
To deepen the experience, visitors can also join guided ranger walks organized in collaboration with the Lombachalp research and conservation programs. These tours offer fascinating insight into the region’s unique alpine flora, wildlife, and ongoing ecological research—adding a meaningful layer to an already stunning landscape.
The trails here feel wonderfully remote, giving you space to settle into the rhythm of nature. One of the most rewarding hikes leads to the Lobhornhütte, a rustic mountain hut with sweeping panoramas of the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. On clear days, the peaks look impossibly sharp against the sky.
Although Lombachalp is close enough for a half-day adventure, it has the soul of a wilderness escape. It’s where you go when you want to breathe deeply, wander freely, and discover the quieter side of the Bernese Alps.
Local tip: Bring a picnic. There are countless grassy viewpoints that feel like your own private balcony overlooking the world.
3. St. Beatus Caves — Switzerland’s Most Magical Underground World
Few places around Interlaken blend nature and legend as memorably as the St. Beatus Caves. Set into steep cliffs above Lake Thun, these tunnels and chambers extend more than a kilometer underground. Illuminated pathways reveal delicate stalactites, rippling formations, and echoing caverns, an environment so otherworldly that local folklore once insisted a dragon lived here.
As you walk deeper, the temperature drops and the outside world disappears. The cave system is well-lit and accessible, yet the sense of mystery remains intact. When you step outside again, a dramatic cliffside walkway leads to views over the lake that many travelers never realize exist.
The caves are perfect for a rainy day or a refreshing break from summer heat. Because they sit slightly off the typical tourist loop, they’re quieter than many of Switzerland’s other cave attractions.
Local tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring some layers—the temperature inside stays cool throughout the year.
4. Höhematte Park’s Paragliding Meadows — Watch the Skies From Below
Interlaken is one of the world’s premier paragliding destinations, but you don’t have to leap off a mountain to enjoy the thrill. In Höhematte Park, the town’s grassy open field, you can sit with a coffee or gelato and watch colorful paragliders drift down from the surrounding peaks. Each landing feels like a tiny performance against the backdrop of the Jungfrau.
Families love this spot because the entertainment is nonstop, pilots descend one after another, sometimes swooping low before touching down gracefully. It’s one of the best free activities in Interlaken and a welcome break between busier excursions.
Local tip: Visit between late morning and mid-afternoon, when most flights land. Bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy a relaxing break with prime views.
5. Unterseen Old Town — A Quiet Step Back in Time
Just a short walk from Interlaken West, the Old Town of Unterseen feels pleasantly removed from the tourism rush. Its cobbled lanes, timbered houses, and peaceful church square create the atmosphere of a small village rather than a major holiday hub. It’s the kind of place where you can slow your pace, peek into little shops, or grab a drink at a cozy café while listening to church bells echo across the rooftops.
Our Switzerland experts can craft a personalized itinerary for history lovers, including the Tourist Museum of the Jungfrau Region, which showcases local traditions, mountaineering stories, and objects from the early days of Alpine tourism. It’s an excellent stop for understanding how the region transformed from remote mountain farming villages into one of Switzerland’s most iconic destinations.
Local tip: Take an evening walk through Unterseen. After dinner, soft light and quiet streets make the village feel especially atmospheric.
6. Aare Riverside Path — Interlaken’s Most Peaceful Walk
If you’re craving an easy, scenic walk, follow the Aare River from Interlaken Ost toward the lakeside town of Bönigen. The path stays close to the water, offering uninterrupted views of the river’s striking turquoise color, a trademark of glacier-fed Alpine waters.
This riverside walk is perfect for all ages. It’s flat, peaceful, and full of small benches and quiet spots where you can sit and watch the water drift past. Because most travelers choose boat cruises or mountain hikes, the path stays wonderfully uncrowded.
Late afternoon is especially beautiful, as the sun dips behind the mountains and the river takes on deeper shades of green and blue.
Local tip: Continue all the way to the lakefront in Bönigen for a charming finish with mountain views and a possible refreshing dip in the lake or a round of standup paddling.
7. Harder Alpine Wildlife Park — A Tiny Park with Big Charm
Just beside the Harderbahn valley station lies a small, easily overlooked attraction: the Harder Alpine Wildlife Park. This conservation-focused park shelters ibex, marmots, and other native species once threatened in the region. It’s compact, free to enter, and an excellent stop for families before riding the funicular.
Though small, the park plays an important role in local wildlife protection. Informational panels share stories about the ibex reintroduction program, and kids love getting close to the curious marmots.
Local tip: Visit in the early morning for the best chance to see marmots when they’re active.
8. Neuhaus Beach — Interlaken’s Secret “Lake Day” Spot
Yes, Interlaken has a beach, and it’s one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Neuhaus Beach, located along Lake Thun, offers shallow, calm water perfect for swimming on warm days. With paddleboard and kayak rentals, grassy sunbathing areas, and views of the surrounding mountains, it’s a refreshing contrast to Interlaken’s high-altitude adventures.
This lakeside escape is ideal when you want to slow the pace of your trip. Families can spend a relaxed afternoon here, couples might enjoy a lakeside drink, and solo travelers will find plenty of peaceful corners to unwind.
Local tip: On warm summer days, arrive in the morning to enjoy the calmest water and a more quiet atmosphere.
Book Lake Thun Panorama Trail
Hike under the pyramid-shaped peak of the Niesen along Lake Thun, cross the dramatic Gummischlucht gorge, and explore lively Interlaken. Wander on suspension bridges, marvel at the Beatus Caves, and relax in the Weissenau Nature Reserve. End your journey with a stop in charming Spiez.
If you want to explore these lesser-known spots while still enjoying classic highlights like Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, Schilthorn, or Lake Brienz cruises, let us design a custom itinerary tailored to your budget, pace, and travel style.