Things To Do in Interlaken Switzerland
Mt. Jungfrau Gateway to Bernese Oberland Mt. Schilthorn Swiss Alps GoldenPass Express Schynige Platte Brienzer Rothorn
Things To Do In Interlaken Switzerland
Presided over by the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, this world-class destination offers a seamless blend of historic charm and modern alpine adventure. Since the expansion of the Bernese Oberland Railway in 1890, the area has evolved into a premier hub for mountain exploration, providing visitors with easy access to over 45 mountain railways, cable cars, and lifts.
The town’s surrounding mountains and lakes serve as a playground for year-round activities. During the warmer months, the region is a haven for hikers exploring vast trail networks and thrill-seekers engaging in river rafting, canoeing, or skydiving over the Alps. In the winter, the focus shifts to the peaks, where an extensive lift system provides access to world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Interlaken remains the ideal base for the Jungfrau Region, bridging the gap between the heights of Mt. Schilthorn and the deep Lauterbrunnen Valley. As the grand entrance to the Bernese Oberland, this hub offers a front-row seat to Switzerland’s most dramatic scenery. From mountain trains and lake cruises to winding alpine paths, the region’s wonders are all within reach.
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Travel Guide for Interlaken Attractions & Activities
Visit Interlaken
Beyond its status as a world-class adventure destination, Interlaken shines as a sophisticated resort town where Alpine tradition meets modern luxury. The heart of the city beats along the Höheweg, a grand promenade connecting the West and East stations. This elegant boulevard is a haven for shoppers seeking iconic Swiss watches, artisan chocolates, and authentic souvenirs. Stretching alongside the promenade is the Höhematte, a 35-acre park that preserves an unobstructed view of the Jungfrau. It is the town’s vibrant social center, where you can relax on the grass and watch paragliders drift down from the peaks to land in the heart of the city. For those seeking a more tranquil escape, the Aare riverside path offers a scenic walking trail that provides a refreshing perspective of the town’s traditional architecture and lush landscapes, away from the bustle of the main shopping streets.
Unterseen
Just across the Aare River from Interlaken’s center, Unterseen is a charming historic village that feels like stepping back in time. It is significantly quieter than the main tourist strips and is characterized by its medieval architecture, a 13th-century church tower, and the quaint Stadthausplatz. While here, you can visit the Tourismuseum, which details 500 years of Alpine tourism, or enjoy authentic Swiss fondue at the historic Restaurant Bären (built in 1674). It's a perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon stroll or a scenic dinner by the river.
Harder Kulm
Known as the "Top of Interlaken," Harder Kulm sits at 1,322 meters and offers the most iconic panoramic view of the city. A steep, 10-minute funicular ride from the Harderbahn station takes you to the summit, where you’ll find the Two-Lakes Bridge. This glass-floored viewing platform provides a bird's-eye view of both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, as well as the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The castle-like Panorama Restaurant at the top is a favorite for sunset drinks and traditional Swiss cuisine.
Heimwehflue
Located on the South side of town, Heimwehflue is a nostalgic "adventure mountain" that is particularly popular with families. A vintage 1906 funicular climbs to the summit in just four minutes, where visitors can enjoy a variety of unique attractions. These include a 400 meter summer toboggan run where you can control your own speed as you zip down the mountain, and a large-scale model railway display that has been a staple of the park for decades. Additionally, the site features a historic lookout tower offering panoramic views over the lakes, alongside a large playground for children, complete with zip wires and a "hamster wheel."
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Best Interlaken Tours & Day Trips
Jungfraujoch
Ascend to Europe’s highest railway station at the Jungfraujoch, sitting at an impressive altitude of 3,454 meters. For over a century, the Jungfrau Railway has captivated travelers with its blend of engineering marvels and alpine adventure. The journey features a 7 km tunnel passage through the mountains, including breathtaking windows that offer views directly out of the Eiger North Face.
Schilthorn
The Schilthorn stands as another architectural and natural wonder of the Bernese Oberland, offering magnificent 360° panoramic views from an elevation of 2,970 meters, the summit is most famous for Piz Gloria, its iconic revolving restaurant famously featured as the villain’s lair in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. While the restaurant slowly rotates as you dine, the excitement continues at the Big intermediate station. There, the Thrill Walk clings to the jagged rock face, offering a heart-racing path of glass floors and steel mesh over the abyss.
Schynige Platte
Situated at an elevation of 2,076 meters (6,811 ft), the Schynige Platte mountain station lies at the scenic heart of the Jungfrau region. The ascent aboard the historic cog railway offers a truly nostalgic journey, featuring authentic 19th-century vintage rolling stock and classic wooden benches. This excursion begins with a short train ride from Interlaken Ost to Wilderswil, where visitors transfer to the iconic rack railway for the steady, picturesque climb to the summit.
The GoldenPass Express to Montreux
The GoldenPass Express is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious panoramic train routes, offering a direct scenic journey from Interlaken to the Swiss Riviera. The train travels along Lake Thun before climbing through the Simmen Valley and passing through the chic resort of Gstaad. As you descend toward Montreux, you are treated to breathtaking, vineyard-framed views of Lake Geneva.
Bern
Only about 1 hour train ride away, Switzerland's capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage site that blends political importance with a relaxed, riverside atmosphere. You can visit the historic Old Town by walking under six kilometers of medieval arcades—the longest sheltered shopping promenades in Europe. Don't miss the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) to see its 16th-century astronomical clock performance four minutes before every hour. You can also visit the famous Bear Park, where the city’s heraldic animals live in a large enclosure along the Aare River.
Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Cruises
Interlaken is uniquely positioned between two distinct lakes, and taking a cruise is the best way to see the "Big Three" peaks from a water-level perspective. Lake Thun is known for its wider, open scenery and historic castles. Stop by Spiez (famous for its vineyards and fortress) and Oberhofen, home to one of the most photographed romantic castles in the Alps. Lake Brienz is characterized by its steep mountains and stunning glacial color. A highlight is stopping at Giessbach, where a nostalgic funicular takes you up to a grand hotel and the Giessbach Falls.
Ballenberg
Located near Brienz, Ballenberg is a massive living history museum that brings Switzerland’s rural past to life. The museum features over 100 original, centuries-old buildings, from farmhouses to alpine huts that were meticulously transported here from all over Switzerland. You can also witness daily demonstrations of ancient Swiss crafts, including cheese making, basket weaving, wood carving, and blacksmithing.
Lake Thun Panorama Trail
Navigate one of Switzerland's most stunning lakes on a journey framed by the iconic Niesen peak. This curated hiking package blends rugged Alpine beauty with the refined town of Interlaken and the picturesque bay of Spiez.
Where is Interlaken Located? + Map
Centrally located in the heart of Switzerland, Interlaken offers seamless connectivity to major hubs like Zürich, Geneva, and Bern. Travelers arriving from Zürich Airport, located 122 km (76 mi) away, can reach the city in approximately two hours by either car or rail.
For winter sports enthusiasts, Interlaken’s strategic position is a premier advantage, providing a gateway to 200 km (124 mi) of world-class terrain. The region’s "Big Three" ski areas—Mürren–Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg–Männlichen, and Grindelwald–First—are easily accessible via a convenient network of daily ski bus transfers. These services connect visitors to an impressive infrastructure of 45 mountain lifts, ensuring effortless access to the best slopes in the Jungfrau region.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Central Switzerland
Population: 5,659
Elevation: 567 mts
FAQs About Visiting Interlaken
What is the best way to travel around Interlaken?
Trains and buses are highly efficient. Use the SBB Mobile App for schedules and tickets.
Do I need a travel pass?
For maximum savings on mountain excursions and trains, consider the Swiss Travel Pass, the Swiss Half Fare Card, or the Berner Oberland Pass. Both the Swiss Travel Pass and the Berner Oberland Pass offer discounts on various activities throughout the region.
What is the Interlaken Guest Card?
The Interlaken Guest Card is a local benefit provided to anyone staying at least one night in a hotel, hostel, or holiday apartment within the Interlaken holiday region. It provides significant savings for getting around the immediate area.
When is the best time to visit?
While your timing depends on your interests, keep in mind that summer (June–August) is exceptionally busy. For the best experience, we recommend visiting during the spring (April–May) to see the waterfalls at their peak, or in the late summer to fall (September–October) for crisp air and thinner crowds. If you do visit in the height of summer, it’s ideal for hiking and paragliding, while winter (December–March) remains the premier choice for skiing and snowboarding in the Jungfrau region.
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