Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland

Quick facts: Rising 1,321 meters above sea level, this spot provides a stunning panorama of Interlaken and the twin lakes, Thun and Brienz. A charming funicular railway cuts through dense woods, making the ascent a scenic adventure itself.

Highlights: A glass platform extends beyond the cliff, creating an exhilarating viewpoint that feels like floating over the dramatic landscape. At sunset, the sky often bursts into vivid colors, reflecting on the lakes and snow-capped peaks for an unforgettable spectacle.

Quick facts: Nestled at 3,454 meters above sea level, this place holds the title for the highest railway station in Europe. The journey there features the famous Jungfrau Railway that tunnels through the Eiger and Mönch mountains, offering incredible alpine views before arrival.

Highlights: The highlight is standing on the "Top of Europe" with panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps stretching over 23 kilometers. Few spots allow you to witness such vast icy landscapes and towering snow-capped peaks all in one view, especially from the Sphinx Observatory platform.

Quick facts: Enjoy panoramic views of the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks from an accessible mountain plateau. A historic cogwheel railway climbs nearly 1,500 meters in under an hour, making the journey part of the adventure.

Highlights: Picture vibrant alpine gardens boasting over 600 native plant species, vividly contrasting with snow-capped peaks. Early mornings reveal a serene blanket of clouds below, creating an enchanting sea of mist that captivates all visitors.

Quick facts: Spanning over 48 square kilometers, the lake is fed by the Aare River and surrounded by towering Alpine peaks. The water stays remarkably clear and blue due to its glacial origins and minimal pollution.

Highlights: The lake’s surface reflects the snow-capped mountains so vividly that on calm days you’ll see perfect mirror images stretching across the water. A quirky tradition involves local boatmen hosting jazz concerts on the lake boats during summer evenings in July and August.

Quick facts: Crystal-clear turquoise waters stretch over 14 kilometers, making it one of the largest and cleanest lakes in the region. The lake is fed by glacier melt, keeping the temperature surprisingly cool even in summer.

Highlights: The lake’s magical emerald color comes from finely ground rock particles suspended in the water, a rare natural phenomenon called glacial flour. Enjoying the vista from a historic paddle steamer with the snow-capped Alps towering nearby feels like stepping into a postcard.

Quick facts: A vast green oasis, the park spreads over about 22,300 square meters right in the heart of the town, offering stunning views of the famous Bernese Alps. Paragliders often float gently overhead, landing right on the park's lush lawns, adding to its lively atmosphere.

Highlights: The park's open meadow is an unofficial landing spot for paragliders, creating a unique blend of nature’s calm and aerial excitement. Visitors can often watch pilots perform daring maneuvers before gracefully touching down near the vibrant flowerbeds and water features.

Quick facts: These caves boast over 14 kilometers of tunnels and chambers, sculpted by underground rivers. Named after a monk who sought refuge here, they hold intriguing legends and geological wonders.

Highlights: Within the caves, massive stalactites and stalagmites reach up to 10 meters tall, creating a surreal forest of stone. The underground waterfalls and eerie lighting enhance the mystical atmosphere, making every corner a stunning photo opportunity.