Quick Answer
Interlaken is famous for adventure sports and dramatic Alpine scenery, sitting between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks as a backdrop. Hotels start from $195/night, and the best time to visit is June through September for hiking and outdoor activities, or December through February for skiing.
Explore Interlaken in Detail
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Top Tours in Interlaken
Jungfraujoch Summit Train & Glacier Walk
Ride the cogwheel railway from Interlaken Ost through Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch at 3454m, with time on the Aletsch Glacier and views of the Eiger north face.
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Interlaken & Unterseen Food and Culture Walk
Explore the historic Unterseen quarter and Höheweg promenade while sampling local rösti, Swiss cheese varieties, and regional chocolate from Bernese Oberland producers.
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Lauterbrunnen Valley Paragliding Experience
Tandem paragliding flight launched from above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with views over the 72 waterfalls and a landing on the valley floor near the village center.
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The experiences travelers come back to Interlaken for, year after year.
Itineraries for Interlaken
Day-by-day plans built by travelers who actually went.
Interlaken in 3 Days
The essential first-time itinerary — the must-sees you came for, plus the local moments you came home talking about.
Interlaken for Couples
Quiet mornings, slow dinners, and the views the brochures don't show. Built for two.
Interlaken with Kids
Activities everyone enjoys, restaurants that welcome little ones, and downtime built into the plan.
Getting Around Interlaken
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Interlaken at your own pace. Compare rates from all major suppliers in one search.
Best Time to Visit Interlaken
Best months to visit Interlaken: April–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season. December–February is coldest but cheapest.
Why Visit Interlaken?
Interlaken sits in a narrow valley between two lakes in the Swiss Bernese Oberland, and its appeal is straightforward: the mountains here are accessible in a way that few Alpine destinations match. The Jungfraujoch, often called the Top of Europe, sits at 3454 meters and is reachable by cogwheel train from the nearby village of Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. The round-trip journey from Interlaken Ost station takes roughly two to three hours and costs around 200 CHF, though Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a discount. Along the way, the train passes through Kleine Scheidegg, where travelers can stop to take in unobstructed views of the Eiger’s famous north face.
Beyond the mountain railways, the town itself divides into two main areas: Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost, connected by the pedestrian-friendly Höheweg promenade. Höheweg is lined with hotels, watch shops, and cafes, and it offers a direct sightline to the Jungfrau massif on clear days. Adventure operators cluster around both train stations, offering paragliding flights above the valley for roughly 170 to 220 CHF, canyon swings at Grindelwald, and white-water rafting on the Lütschine River. For those who prefer slower travel, the boat service on Lake Thun stops at the medieval Thun Castle, which dates to the 12th century and houses a regional history museum with an admission fee around 10 CHF.
Food in Interlaken leans heavily Swiss, with rösti appearing on nearly every local menu alongside fondue and raclette. The area around Interlaken West station has a concentration of mid-range restaurants where a sit-down dinner for two runs 60 to 100 CHF. Travelers looking for a more local setting often head to Unterseen, a quiet neighborhood just west of the main town center that predates Interlaken itself and retains a village character with older timber-framed buildings and a small church square. The contrast between Unterseen’s calm streets and the busier Höheweg makes it a useful base for anyone wanting quick access to activities without being in the middle of tourist foot traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions — Interlaken
How much do hotels in Interlaken cost?
Hotels in Interlaken start from around $195/night for mid-range options near the Ost or West train stations. Budget travelers can find ibis-style properties closer to $130 to $150/night, while five-star hotels like the Victoria-Jungfrau on Höheweg run $500 to $700/night or more. Prices rise sharply in July, August, and the Christmas ski season.
When is the best time to visit Interlaken?
June through September offers the most reliable weather for hiking, paragliding, and the Jungfraujoch railway, with temperatures in the valley reaching 20 to 25°C. December through February suits skiers heading to Grindelwald or Wengen. Shoulder months like May and October bring fewer crowds and lower hotel rates, though mountain weather can be unpredictable.
How many days do I need in Interlaken?
Three to four days gives you time for the Jungfraujoch day trip, a boat excursion on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, and at least one adventure activity without feeling rushed. If you plan to ski or hike in Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen as well, adding an extra day or two makes the pace more comfortable.
Is Interlaken safe for tourists?
Interlaken is generally very safe for tourists, with low petty crime rates in both the Höheweg area and quieter Unterseen. The main risks are related to outdoor activities rather than personal security, so always check weather conditions before heading into the mountains and use licensed operators for adventure sports. Switzerland's emergency services are well-resourced and mountain rescue is efficient.
What area should I stay in?
Interlaken West is closer to the main shopping street and the boat piers for Lake Thun, while Interlaken Ost is the better base if you plan to take the Jungfraujoch or Grindelwald trains frequently. Unterseen, just a short walk west of Interlaken West station, is quieter and slightly cheaper while still within easy walking distance of Höheweg. Families and hikers often prefer Ost for its direct rail connections.
How do I get around Interlaken?
The town center is compact enough to walk between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost stations in about 20 minutes along Höheweg. Local trains connect the two stations frequently and extend to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen. The Swiss Travel Pass covers most regional rail and boat services, making it a worthwhile investment if you plan multiple day trips from Interlaken.
What food should I try in Interlaken?
Rösti, a pan-fried grated potato dish, is a Bernese staple and appears alongside meat dishes at most local restaurants. Cheese fondue and raclette are widely available and pair well with the regional white wines from the Lake Thun area. For something sweet, Bernese Leckerli, a spiced honey biscuit, is sold in shops along Höheweg and makes a practical edible souvenir.