Interlaken, Switzerland

Updated May 2026  ·  Places to Visit in Europe

Best Places to Stay

• Luxury (5-Star): Hotel Interlaken (historic landmark since 1872, central location with alpine views), Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (legendary luxury since 1865, world-class spa, multiple restaurants), Schweizerhof Interlaken (elegant boutique hotel near Höheweg), Eden au Lac (luxury hotel on Lake Brienz with private beach), Hotel Alpenhof (traditional Swiss hospitality with modern amenities), Hotel Belvedere (family-run luxury with stunning Jungfrau views), Artos Interlaken (modern design hotel in quiet residential area), Hotel Weisshorn (chalet-style luxury with panoramic views), Chalets du Golf (luxury self-catering apartments near golf course), Hotel Santa Maria (Alpine charm with lovely garden terrace)
• Upper Mid-Range (4-Star): Hotel Beim Hirten (charming family-run hotel with restaurant and terrace), Hotel Alpenblick (great value with views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau), Hotel Artos (already mentioned but worth noting for its central location), Hotel Interlaken (historic option in mid-range category), Hotel Ebner (traditional Swiss hotel with lovely garden), Hotel Alpenruh (quiet location with mountain views), Hotel Jungfrau (central location near train station), Hotel Kunst & Bier (unique brewery hotel with restaurant), Hotel Beckenrain (family-friendly option with playground), Hotel Alpenrose (traditional hospitality with modern comforts)
• Budget-Friendly (Hostels/3-Star): Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (social hostel with lovely garden and bar), Hostelling Interlaken (HI hostel with great communal spaces and kitchen), Alpine Lodge (cozy budget option near railway station), Hotel Alex (simple but clean budget hotel), Hotel Jungfrau (already mentioned but good budget choice), Hotel Krone (traditional hotel with restaurant), Hotel Lido (lovely lakeside budget option), Hotel Oberland (central budget option with friendly staff), Hotel Montana (quiet location with mountain views), Hotel Rütli (basic but friendly budget option)

Best Places to Eat

• Fine Dining & Special Occasion: Taverne Restaurant (Michelin-starred innovative Swiss cuisine), Restaurant Bayawa (creative Asian-Swiss fusion in historic building), Hahnengarten (elegant restaurant with beautiful garden terrace), Restaurant Friedbichl (traditional Swiss with modern twist, lovely views), Restaurant Alpenblick (panoramic views with authentic Swiss fare), Restaurant Waid (hunting lodge atmosphere with game specialties), Restaurant Schuh (historic restaurant in charming building), Restaurant Taverne (already mentioned but worth repeating for its Michelin star), Restaurant Jungfrau (elegant dining in historic hotel), Restaurant Alpenrose (traditional Swiss in lovely setting)
• Traditional Swiss Restaurants: Restaurant Wirtshaus zur gülden Krone (historic inn with authentic Swiss fare), Alpenrösli (cozy restaurant with lovely terrace), Restaurant Rößli (traditional Swiss in charming setting), Restaurant Falken (historic restaurant with lovely garden), Restaurant Tre Sorelle (Italian-Swiss fusion), Restaurant Alpenblick (already mentioned but great for views), Restaurant Belvedere (lovely views with traditional menu), Restaurant Ebner (family-run with hearty portions), Restaurant Hirter (traditional Swiss with lovely setting), Restaurant Rosenlaui (historic inn with amazing mountain views)
• Cheese Fondue & Raclette Specialists: Chuchi im Schloss (legendary fondue in Interlaken Castle setting), Restaurant Taverne (excellent cheese fondue selection), Restaurant Alpenblick (lovely views with fondue), Restaurant Wirtshaus zur gülden Krone (traditional setting with great fondue), Restaurant Falken (historic inn with authentic raclette), Restaurant Ebner (family-run with delicious cheese specialties), Restaurant Schuh (charming setting with traditional fondue), Restaurant Hirter (lovely terrace with fondue options), Restaurant Bayawa (creative fondue variations), Restaurant Waid (hunting lodge atmosphere with game fondues)
• Chocolate & Sweet Treats: Confiserie Tschiemer (historic chocolate shop since 1909, legendary Swiss chocolate), Bachmann Chocolatier (artisan chocolate maker with beautiful creations), Hauser Schokolade (traditional Swiss chocolate confectionery), Läderach (premium Swiss chocolate with multiple outlets), Max Chocolatier (artisan chocolate with unique flavors), Auer Chocolatier (historic chocolate maker in Interlaken), Sprungli (legendary Luxembourgish chocolate maker with Interlaken shop), Teuscher (famous for champagne truffles), Favarger (historic Swiss chocolate confectioner), Lindt Chocolate Shop (world-famous Swiss chocolate brand)
• Casual Eats & Mountain Huts: Harder Kulm Restaurant (stunning views from Interlaken's local mountain), First Restaurant (at First cable car station with lovely views), Schilthorn Restaurant (Piz Gloria, James Bond location with 360° views), Jungfraujoch Restaurants (multiple options at Top of Europe), Mountain Huts (various alpine huts serving simple hearty fare), Lakeside Grills (various lakeside barbecue spots), Street Food Stands (various vendors in Höheweg and nearby areas), Bakeries (numerous excellent bakeries for bread and pastries), Supermarkets (Coop, Migros, Denner for self-catering options)

Best Sites to Visit

• Jungfrau Region: Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe, 3,454m, highest railway station in Europe), Eiger (legendary north face, famous for climbing), Mönch (beautiful mountain between Eiger and Jungfrau), Jungfrau (the namesake peak of the region), Jungfrau Railway (engineering marvel winding through Eiger), Sphinx Observatory (highest observatory in Europe with research facilities), Ice Palace (incredible ice sculptures inside Jungfraujoch), Alpine Sensation (tunnel showcasing Jungfrau railway construction), Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven (delicious chocolate experience at Top of Europe)
• Lakes: Lake Thun (beautiful lake to west of Interlaken with charming towns like Thun, Spiez, and Oberhofen), Lake Brienz (stunning turquoise lake to east with towns like Brienz, Iseltwald, and Giessbach), Lake Thun Boat Cruises (various options from short trips to full lake tours), Lake Brienz Boat Cruises (scenic cruises with stops at waterfalls and villages), Giessbach Falls (magnificent waterfall cascading into Lake Brienz, accessible by funicular or boat), Lütschinen River (beautiful river flowing between the lakes, great for rafting and kayaking), Aare River (continues from Lake Thun towards Bern, beautiful for swimming and boating)
• Mountains & Viewpoints: Harder Kulm (Interlaken's local mountain, funicular railway to summit with panoramic views), First (accessible by gondola, great for hiking and zipline), Schilthorn (Piz Gloria, James Bond filming location with revolving restaurant), Männlichen (wonderful hiking area with fabulous views of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau), Kleine Scheidegg (picturesque pass at base of Eiger north face, great hiking starting point), Pfingstegg (family-friendly mountain with toboggan run and playground), Niederhorn (beautiful mountain with cable car and hiking trails), Bettmerhorn (part of Aletsch Arena with stunning glacier views), Fisistock (lesser-known peak with lovely views and peaceful atmosphere)
• Adventure Sports: Paragliding (tandem flights available year-round, stunning views over lakes and mountains), Skydiving (exhilarating jumps over Interlaken with breathtaking scenery), Canyoning (explore mountain gorges with jumps, slides, and rappelling), Bungee Jumping (various options from bridges and platforms), Hang Gliding (soar like a bird over the Swiss Alps), Glacier Skiing (available year-round on Jungfraujoch and nearby glaciers), Ice Climbing (winter activity on frozen waterfalls), Snowshoeing (winter exploration of snowy landscapes), Dog Sledding (winter experience with husky teams), Rafting & Kayaking (on Lütschine, Sarine, and other rivers)
• Charming Mountain Villages: Grindelwald (picturesque village at base of Eiger north face, stunning views), Lauterbrunnen (famous for 72 waterfalls, located in beautiful valley), Mürren (car-free village with incredible views, access by cable car), Gimmelwald (quaint village above Lauterbrunnen, traditional Swiss charm), Wengen (lovely village above Lauterbrunnen, access by train), Iseltwald (charming village on Lake Brienz with lovely views), Brienz (historic woodcarving village on Lake Brienz), Spiez (lovely town on Lake Thun with castle and vineyards), Unterseen (historic town adjacent to Interlaken with lovely old town), Matten bei Interlaken (quiet residential area with lovely views)
• Waterfalls: Staubbach Falls (iconic 297m waterfall plunging from cliff above Lauterbrunnen), Trümmelbach Falls (series of ten glacier-waterfalls inside mountain, accessible by lift), Mürrenbach Falls (beautiful waterfall above Mürren valley), Lütschinen Falls (various smaller falls along Lütschine river), Silberhorn Falls (lovely waterfall near Kleine Scheidegg), Engelberg Falls (pretty waterfall near Engelberg), Reichenbach Falls (famous Sherlock Holmes waterfall near Meiringen), Alpbach Falls (lovely waterfall in Lauterbrunnen valley), Süenen Falls (charming waterfall near Gimmelwald), Chili Falls (series of small waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen)

Enhanced 2-3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Lakes & Local Mountains

• Morning (9:00-11:30): Harder Kulm - Take funicular railway up Interlaken's local mountain for panoramic views over town and lakes, visit the Two Lakes Restaurant
• Morning (11:30-12:30): Stroll through Interlaken - Explore Höheweg (main shopping street), visit Interlaken Castle gardens, browse Swiss chocolate shops
• Lunch (12:30-13:30): Traditional Swiss lunch at Restaurant Wirtshaus zur gülden Krone or Hotel Alpenhof
• Afternoon (13:30-16:00): Lake Thun Boat Cruise - Choose from various options: short cruise to Schloss Schadau, full lake cruise to Thun and back, or combination with railway
• Late Afternoon (16:00-17:30): Lake Brienz - Visit the charming village of Iseltwald, see Giessbach Falls from lake or take funicular up to falls
• Evening (18:00-20:00): Dinner with lake views - Try Restaurant Seeblick Seelisberg or Hotel Eden au Lac's restaurant
• Night (20:30-22:30): Optional evening activity - Try paragliding tandem flight (book in advance) or enjoy live music at a local bar

Day 2: Jungfraujoch Adventure

• Morning (8:00-12:00): Jungfraujoch - Take the Jungfrau Railway (Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch), allow plenty of time for the scenic journey
• Morning (10:00-11:30): Sphinx Observatory - Visit this highest observatory in Europe for incredible views and learn about scientific research
• Morning (11:30-12:30): Ice Palace - Explore the incredible ice sculptures carved inside the Jungfraujoch glacier
• Morning (12:00-13:00): Alpine Sensation - Walk through the fascinating tunnel showcasing the construction of the Jungfrau railway
• Lunch (13:00-14:00): Enjoy lunch at one of the Jungfraujoch restaurants - try the Swiss chocolate specialties or traditional Alpine fare
• Afternoon (14:00-15:30): Eiger Express & Eiger Glacier - Optional: take the Eiger Express tricable gondola from Grindelwald to Eigergletscher for glacier views
• Afternoon (15:30-16:30): Return to Interlaken - Scenic journey back down the Jungfrau Railway
• Evening (18:00-20:00): Relax and recover - Consider a Swiss spa treatment or quiet evening at your hotel
• Night (20:30-22:30): Dinner in Interlaken - Try Taverne Restaurant for Michelin-starred cuisine or a traditional Swiss restaurant

Day 3: Adventure or Relaxation Choice

• Option A: High Adventure Day
• Morning (9:00-12:00): Paragliding - Tandem flight from Beatenberg or Niederhorn with stunning views over lakes and mountains
• Morning (12:00-13:00): Light lunch - Refuel after your flight with something easy and nourishing
• Afternoon (13:00-16:00): Canyoning - Explore the Saxetenbach or Lütschine gorges with jumps, slides, and rappelling (equipment and guides provided)
• Late Afternoon (16:00-17:00): Relax after adventure - Consider a soak in a local hot tub or gentle stretching
• Evening (18:00-20:00): Celebration dinner - Treat yourself to a special meal at one of Interlaken's finer restaurants
• Option B: Scenic Mountain Day
• Morning (9:00-12:00): Schilthorn (Piz Gloria) - Take cable car from Stechelberg through Birg to Schilthorn, visit James Bond World exhibition
• Morning (10:30-11:30): Revolving Restaurant - Enjoy lunch or coffee with 360° views as the restaurant slowly turns
• Morning (11:30-12:30): Birg - Explore the exciting intermediate station with Thrill Walk and breathtaking views
• Afternoon (12:30-15:00): Hiking or Alternative Activities - Choose from numerous hiking trails, visit Lauterbrunnen valley, or try mountain carts
• Afternoon (15:00-16:00): Coffee with view - Stop at a mountain restaurant for fika with stunning panorama
• Evening (18:00-20:00): Return to Interlaken - Scenic journey back down from the mountains
• Night (20:30-22:30): Relaxing dinner - Enjoy a peaceful meal in Interlaken after your mountain day
• Option C: Lakes & Culture Day
• Morning (9:00-11:30): Lake Brienz Exploration - Visit the charming villages of Brienz and Iseltwald, explore Brienz's woodcarving tradition
• Morning (10:00-11:30): Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum - Optional short train ride to see traditional Swiss buildings from across the country
• Lunch (11:30-13:00): Lakeside lunch - Try fresh fish from the lakes or traditional Swiss cuisine with lake views
• Afternoon (13:00-15:30): Lake Thun Adventure - Explore the western lake, visit Spiez Castle, enjoy Thun's lovely old town
• Afternoon (14:00-15:00): Optional: Visit the UNESCO Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch information center
• Evening (18:00-20:00): Lakeside dinner - Enjoy a meal with views of either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
• Night (20:30-22:30): Evening entertainment - Consider a cultural event, live music, or relaxing walk along the Höheweg

Additional Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

Interlaken offers amazing experiences year-round, each season with its own highlights:

• Spring (March-May): Snow melting at lower elevations, waterfalls at peak flow, fewer crowds. March-April can still be wintry at altitude, but May sees significant thawing. Great for skiing in high areas, seeing powerful waterfalls, and enjoying peaceful valleys.
• Summer (June-August): Peak season with all mountain facilities open, warm temperatures in valleys, and perfect hiking weather. Ideal for paragliding, hiking, lake activities, and adventure sports. Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance.
• Autumn (September-November): Beautiful fall colors in valleys and forests, fewer tourists after September, crisp air. Excellent for hiking, enjoying peaceful mountain lakes, and experiencing traditional Swiss culture as preparations for winter begin.
• Winter (December-February): Winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes, Christmas markets, and opportunities for winter sports. Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and enjoying cozy mountain chalets.

Getting Around Interlaken and Region

• Public Transport: Excellent Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and Bus services connect Interlaken to surrounding towns and cities. The Berner Oberland Bahn (BOB) serves local mountain towns. Buy Swiss Travel Pass or regional Berner Oberland pass for unlimited travel.
• Boats: Passenger boats operate on both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, connecting lakeside towns and offering scenic cruises.
• PostAuto Buses: Yellow buses reach smaller mountain villages not served by regular trains.
• Mountain Railways: Numerous funiculars, cable cars, and cogwheel railways access mountain viewpoints, ski areas, and hiking trails (Harder Kulm, First, Schilthorn, Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfraujoch, etc.).
• Walking/Biking: Often pleasant for short distances in Interlaken and valleys. Many hiking and biking trails available for all skill levels.
• Taxi/Ride-Share: Local taxis available, though often expensive for longer distances. Uber and similar services limited in availability.
• Rental Car: Useful for exploring remote areas, but often unnecessary due to excellent public transport. Consider for flexibility on day trips.

Essential Tips for Visitors

• Language: German is primary language in Bernese Oberland. English widely spoken in tourism industry. French and Italian also understood in many tourist areas.
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), but it's wise to have some cash for mountain huts, small purchases, and tips.
• Dining Customs: Lunch typically 11:30-14:00, dinner 18:00-21:00. Many restaurants offer daily lunch specials. Water is usually complimentary if requested. Service included, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is customary.
• Altitude Considerations: While Interlaken itself is only ~570m, many attractions reach 2,000-3,500m. Allow time to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.
• Weather Changes: Mountain weather changes rapidly - always be prepared with layers, waterproof jacket, and appropriate footwear. Check forecasts regularly.
• Booking Advice: Popular activities (paragliding, skydiving, Jungfraujoch trains) and accommodations book quickly, especially in peak season. Reserve well in advance.
• Safety: Adventure sports carry inherent risks - always use certified guides and follow safety instructions. Switzerland has excellent rescue services (REGA) for mountain emergencies.
• Opening Hours: Many shops close earlier on Saturdays and may be closed Sundays. Mountain railway hours vary by season - check specific attraction websites.
• Electrical: 230V, 50Hz, Type J plug (three pins, one flat). Bring adapter if needed from non-Swiss countries.
• Toilets: Public toilets available in train stations, major attractions, and some parks (may require small fee). Restaurants will usually allow toilet use with purchase.
• Environmental Respect: Practice Leave No Trace principles, stay on marked trails, respect wildlife, and use public transport or walk/bike when possible to reduce impact.

Day Trips from Interlaken

• Bern: Switzerland's capital city (45 minutes by train), UNESCO old town, bear park, and lovely Rose Garden.
• Thun: Charming town on Lake Thun (20 minutes by train), beautiful castle, lovely old town, and excellent lakeside promenade.
• Spiez: Lovely town on Lake Thun (15 minutes by train), Spiez Castle, vineyards, and charming lakeside setting.
• Lauterbrunnen Valley: Famous for 72 waterfalls (20 minutes by train), Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls, and picturesque villages.
• Grindelwald: Picturesque village at base of Eiger north face (30 minutes by train), incredible views, hiking, and adventure sports.
• Mürren: Car-free village with stunning views (45 minutes by train via Lauterbrunnen), incredible panoramas and peaceful atmosphere.
• Gimmelwald: Quaint village above Lauterbrunnen (50 minutes by train), traditional Swiss charm and lovely walking trails.
• Wengen: Lovely village above Lauterbrunnen (45 minutes by train), access to Jungfrau region and excellent skiing area.
• Brienz: Historic woodcarving village on Lake Brienz (25 minutes by train), Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, lovely lakeside setting.
• Iseltwald: Charming village on Lake Brienz (30 minutes by boat or train+boat), lovely lake views and peaceful atmosphere.
• Gstaad: Luxury alpine village in Bernese Oberland (1.5 hours by train), famous for celebrity visitors and high-end shopping.
• Lucerne: Historic city with beautiful lake and mountains (1 hour by train), Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and old town.
• Zermatt: Car-free village at base of Matterhorn (2.5 hours by train via Brig), incredible views, skiing, and hiking.
• Aletsch Glacier: UNESCO World Heritage site, largest glacier in Alps (2 hours by train+bus to Bettmerhorn or Fiescherhorn).
• Oberhofen: Lovely town on Lake Thun (10 minutes by train), beautiful castle with gardens and lovely lakeside setting.
• Thunersee Schifffahrt: Various boat trips on Lake Thun from different landing points.
• Brienzersee Schifffahrt: Various boat trips on Lake Brienz from different landing points.