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Interlaken

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City
—°14
Interlaken (Switzerland)
ℹ️

Practical info — Interlaken

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Use the Guest Card you receive from your accommodation. It provides free travel on buses and trains in the immediate Interlaken area and discounts on many attractions.
  • Before buying expensive mountain railway tickets (e.g., to Jungfraujoch), always check the live webcams. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, and it might be cloudy on top even if it's sunny in the valley.
  • Interlaken is the hub; the real beauty lies in the surrounding valleys. Make time for trips to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or the shores of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
  • A walk along the Aare river, which connects the two lakes, is a wonderful way to escape the bustle of the main street.
  • Reserve restaurants in advance, especially for dinner. Popular places, particularly those serving fondue, get booked up quickly during high season.

🍽 Food

🍽
Cheese Fondue

A must-try when in Switzerland. Look for a cozy, traditional restaurant off the main Höheweg street for a more authentic experience.

🍽
Rösti

A classic Swiss dish of grated and fried potatoes, often served with bacon, onions, cheese, or a fried egg. Well-suited after a long hike.

🍽
Local Chocolate

Visit one of the established chocolatiers in the center of Interlaken to try handmade pralines and chocolate specialties. A delicious souvenir.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Höheweg

The main promenade in Interlaken is famous for its luxury watch and jewelry stores. Even window shopping here is an experience.

🛍
Wood Carvings

The Brienz region is famous for its wood carvings. Look for hand-carved figures, especially cows or bears, in souvenir shops.

🧘
Harder Kulm

Take the funicular up to Interlaken's 'home' mountain. While it's a popular spot, you can easily find a quiet bench to enjoy the panoramic view of the two lakes and the Alps.

🧘
Shores of Lake Brienz

Take a walk or a bike ride along the northern shore of the turquoise Lake Brienz. The village of Iseltwald is particularly pretty and quiet.

🧘
Lower Aare River

Walk downstream from Interlaken along the Aare river. The path is flat, peaceful, and provides a nice, relaxing break from the busy town center.

Interlaken is one of Switzerland's oldest and most renowned tourist resorts, earning its name from its unique location between two lakes (inter lacus), Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. As the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, the town provides a magnificent view of the famous triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The town is characterized by grand Belle Époque hotels, wide-open parks like the Höhematte, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that attracts travelers from all over the world. The region is world-famous as the 'Adventure Capital of Europe.' From paragliding over the town square to canyoning and bungee jumping, it features an endless array of outdoor activities. Interlaken is also the primary hub for the Jungfrau Railway, which takes visitors to the Jungfraujoch (3,454 m), the highest railway station in Europe. Scenic boat cruises on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz or the deep blue Lake Thun are essential experiences. For a bird's-eye view, take the funicular up to Harder Kulm to see both lakes and the surrounding Alps spread out below you. Interlaken is a year-round destination. Summer is well-suited for hiking and water sports, while winter provides easy access to the nearby ski areas of Grindelwald and Wengen. The town is exceptionally well-connected by train to Zurich, Bern, and Geneva. When it comes to dining, visitors can enjoy Swiss classics like cheese fondue and raclette, or explore world-class chocolate boutiques that offer tastings and workshops.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-8-8-41610121284-2-7
Rain mm81698910315415114816510610711492

Geography

Population
5,067
Coordinates
46.68715, 7.86487

Facts

  • Situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
  • Gateway to Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks
  • Known as the 'Adventure Capital of Europe'
  • Höhematte park is a paragliding landing zone
  • Main starting point for Jungfraujoch trains
  • Harder Kulm offers views of both lakes
  • Famous for grand Belle Époque hotels
  • Major alpine railway transport hub

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Interlaken (14)

BKW Aussichtspunkt🌿 nature

BKW viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Jungfrau and the lakes.

Heimwehfluh🌿 nature

Heimwehfluh is a popular viewpoint providing beautiful vistas over Interlaken and its surrounding lakes.

Hohbühl🌿 nature

Hohbühl is a characterful viewpoint offering sweeping sights of the Interlaken area.

Blumenuhr📍 landmark

The Blumenuhr is a beautifully crafted floral clock and a pleasant attraction in Interlaken.

Umbau Englischer Garten 2020🏺 historical

This monument commemorates the 2020 renovation of the English Garden in Interlaken.

Ruine Unspunnen🏰 castle

The Unspunnen Ruins are the historical remains of a medieval castle in Interlaken.

Japanischer Garten🌳 park

The Japanese Garden is a serene, traditionally designed park located in Interlaken.

Evangelisch-Reformierte Kirche Unterseen⛪ religious

This Evangelical-Reformed Church is a notable place of worship located in Unterseen near Interlaken.

Kirche Jesu Christi der Heiligen der Letzten Tage⛪ religious

This is the local meetinghouse for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Interlaken.

Alpenwildpark📍 landmark

The Alpenwildpark is an alpine wildlife park where visitors can observe native regional animals.

Brünig Dampfbahn BDB🏛 museum

The Brünig Dampfbahn BDB is a railway museum preserving the heritage of local steam trains in Interlaken.

Tellspiele🎭 culture

Tellspiele is a renowned open-air theatre in Interlaken famous for staging the William Tell play.

Shuttle📍 landmark

Shuttle is an exciting local attraction offering thrilling experiences for visitors in Interlaken.

Kirchenruine Goldswil⛪ religious

Kirchenruine Goldswil features the historic ruins of a church in Interlaken.

Frequently asked questions

Between which lakes is Interlaken located?
Interlaken is tucked away between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland.
Is Interlaken a good base for Jungfraujoch?
Yes, Interlaken Ost is the main hub for trains towards Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.
What is Harder Kulm?
It is Interlaken's local mountain with a viewing platform, accessible by funicular.
What activities are popular here?
Paragliding, boat cruises on the lakes, and hiking are the top activities.
Do you need a car in Interlaken?
No, the town is compact and perfectly connected to the Swiss rail network.
Interlaken: where is it located?
Interlaken is located in Switzerland.
Interlaken: what is there to see?
Highlights include BKW Aussichtspunkt, Heimwehfluh, Hohbühl.
Interlaken: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Interlaken: why is it worth visiting?
Interlaken is one of Switzerland's oldest and most renowned tourist resorts, earning its name from its unique location between two lakes (inter lacus), Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
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