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Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Interlaken, Switzerland
Things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland, include ascending Harder Kulm for panoramic views of Lakes Thun and Brienz, taking the Jungfraujoch railway to Europe’s highest train station at 3,454 meters, and enjoying scenic hikes on Schynige Platte with its famous alpine gardens and impressive mountain vistas.
1. Harder Kulm
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Where to Stay in Interlaken, Switzerland
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
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
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
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
A simple yet iconic Swiss dish, Rösti is a crispy fried potato cake that originated as a common breakfast for farmers.
Älplermagronen
This hearty alpine macaroni bake combines potatoes, cream, cheese, and onions, often served with apple sauce for a sweet contrast.
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
This unique Swiss soft drink is made from milk whey and offers a slightly fruity and refreshing taste.
Swiss Hot Chocolate
Known worldwide, Swiss hot chocolate in Interlaken is rich, creamy, and often enjoyed with a view of the Alps.
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
The highest railway station in Europe with stunning Alpine views.
Grindelwald
A popular mountain village with hiking and skiing options.
Schynige Platte
Famous for panoramic mountain views and alpine gardens.
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Getting there
Train stations
Bern - Interlaken - Lauterbrunnen
Bern - Interlaken - Spiez
Trains from Bern and Zurich airports connect easily to Interlaken; use Interlaken Ost for mountain excursions.
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Comments (6)
For a quieter meal away from the tourist hubs, try the restaurants in Wilderswil. Better prices and local vibe. Also, go early morning to Harder Kulm to avoid the crowds.
Not the cheapest place, especially restaurants near the main street. If you're on a budget, consider cooking or sandwich lunches. Still worth a visit for the scenery.
Weather was unpredictable, sunny one moment and rainy the next. Loved the fresh mountain air but pack layers! Overall a relaxing spot if you like nature.
Interlaken feels like a postcard town, very touristy but charming. Swiss chocolate shops everywhere, and lots of outdoor activities if you're into that. Would recommend 3-5 days.
The views all around Interlaken are breathtaking, but be ready for crowds in peak season. The food was decent, a bit pricey though. Stayed 4 days and felt it was just right.