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Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland

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When to visit

MODERATEJan-2°10d rain
MODERATEFeb-1°8d rain
NOT BUSYMar3°9d rain
NOT BUSYApr8°10d rain
MODERATEMay13°12d rain
BUSYJun17°14d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJul19°14d rainBEST
VERY BUSYAug19°13d rainBEST
BUSYSep15°11d rainBEST
MODERATEOct10°10d rain
NOT BUSYNov4°9d rain
MODERATEDec-1°11d rain

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Most popular attractions in Interlaken, Switzerland

1. Harder Kulm

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4.6 (1,839)
Natural FeatureEstablishment

Experience breathtaking views from a cliffside glass platform. Watch sunsets paint lakes and peaks in dazzling colors.

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.

2. Jungfraujoch

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4.5 (2,837)
Natural FeatureEstablishment

Experience Europe's highest railway station with stunning glacier views. Feel on top of the world as you gaze over endless icy peaks and Alpine majesty!

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.

3. Schynige Platte

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4.8 (357)
Natural FeatureEstablishment

Breathtaking mountain vistas await at every turn. Experience colorful alpine flowers and legendary Swiss peaks up close in a peaceful mountain escape.

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.

4. Lake Thun

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4.8 (1,160)
LakeNatural FeatureEstablishment

Serene waters framed by majestic Alps await your visit. Glide across crystal-clear blue lakes and soak in breathtaking mountain reflections.

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.

5. Lake Brienz

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4.8 (1,373)
LakeNatural FeatureEstablishment

Stunning turquoise waters and majestic alpine views await. Glide on a paddle steamer and soak in surreal mountain reflections.

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.

6. Höhematte Park

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4.6 (4,596)
ParkTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience vibrant alpine views with paragliders flying above. Relax in lush green meadows while soaking in mountain panoramas.

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.

7. St. Beatus Caves

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Explore vast underground caverns filled with towering rock formations. Experience thrilling river passages and mystical waterfalls beneath the mountains.

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.

Additional popular things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Tarte au Caramel

Tarte au Caramel

A rich caramel tart made with buttery shortcrust and a smooth caramel filling, popular in the Interlaken region for its decadent sweetness.

Nidelkuchen

Nidelkuchen

A traditional Swiss cream tart made from a yeast dough base, layered with a creamy custard topping that oozes richness in every bite.

Basler Läckerli

Basler Läckerli

Originally from Basel but beloved in Interlaken too, this spiced honey biscuit contains nuts, candied peel, and Kirsch for a distinctive flavor.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Rösti

Rösti

A simple yet iconic Swiss dish, Rösti is a crispy fried potato cake that originated as a common breakfast for farmers.

Älplermagronen

Älplermagronen

This hearty alpine macaroni bake combines potatoes, cream, cheese, and onions, often served with apple sauce for a sweet contrast.

Berner Platte

Berner Platte

A traditional dish from the Bernese Oberland, featuring an assortment of meats, sausages, and sauerkraut, showcasing the region's meat preservation techniques.

Traditional Beverages

Rivella

Rivella

This unique Swiss soft drink is made from milk whey and offers a slightly fruity and refreshing taste.

Swiss Hot Chocolate

Swiss Hot Chocolate

Known worldwide, Swiss hot chocolate in Interlaken is rich, creamy, and often enjoyed with a view of the Alps.

Kirsch

Kirsch

A cherry brandy distilled in the region, Kirsch is traditionally sipped neat or used in cooking and desserts.

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Most popular day trips

Jungfraujoch

27 km 2h by train

The highest railway station in Europe with stunning Alpine views.

Lake Thun

20 km 30min by train

A beautiful lake offering boat cruises and scenic views.

Grindelwald

20 km 30min by train

A popular mountain village with hiking and skiing options.

Schynige Platte

10 km 1h by train and cogwheel railway

Famous for panoramic mountain views and alpine gardens.

Rent a car in Interlaken, Switzerland

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Getting there

Train stations

Interlaken Ost

Bern - Interlaken - Lauterbrunnen

Interlaken West

Bern - Interlaken - Spiez

Trains from Bern and Zurich airports connect easily to Interlaken; use Interlaken Ost for mountain excursions.

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Useful information for Interlaken, Switzerland

Shopping locationsHoheweg, Jungfrau Park, Interlaken West
Nightlife locationsGoldener Anker, Balmer's, Kultur Casino
Popular casual restaurantsHusi Bierhaus, Brasserie 17, Bourgeois
Popular fancy restaurantsRestaurant Taverne, La Terrasse, Ox Restaurant
Popular coffee shopsCafe de Paris, Balmer's, Goldener Anker
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appUber, Taxi 444
Taxi price / km$5
Tourists / year500000
Mobile internet speed70 Mbps
Unemployment percentage3.3 %
Poverty percentage7.9 %
Average income / month$6500
Average cost of living / month$3500
Hotel price / night from$150
Beer price from$7
Coffee price from$4
Street food price from$10
Restaurant meal price from$30
Local currencyCHF
Power plug typesC, J
ReligionsChristianity
Spoken languagesGerman, English, French, Italian
EthnicitiesSwiss, German, Italian, French
Political orientationcenter
Population density213 /km²
Geographical area4.9 km²
Possible natural disastersAvalanches, Floods
Locations for a nice walkHöhematte Park, Schynige Platte, Harder Kulm
Public transportationsTrains, Buses, Boats
AirlinesSwiss International Air Lines, Edelweiss Air
Suggested vaccinationsTetanus, Hepatitis A, Influenza
Architecture typeTraditional Swiss, Alpine, Modern
Average beer consumption per person / year45 l
Average wine consumption per person / year32 l
Tipping cultureTipping is appreciated but not always expected. Usually around 5-10%.
Coworking / day$40
Airbnb / month$2500
1BR rent / month$1500
Gym / month$80
Daily budget (backpacker)$100
Daily budget (mid-range)$200

Overview for Interlaken, Switzerland

English proficiencyGood
Traffic safetyVery good
Friendly to foreignersGood
Freedom of speechVery good
Public transportationGood
HealthcareVery good
EducationGood
Power grid reliabilityVery good
Crime safetyVery good
WalkabilityVery good
NightlifeAverage
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneBad
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessVery good
Nature accessVery good
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