Interlaken is a small town in the heart of the Swiss Alps. You have probably heard of it, as it is a popular tourist destination. It is located in a narrow strip of valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Interlaken is great because it is centrally located, making it easy to visit other nearby places such as Lauterbrunnen and Wengen. In this complete Interlaken travel guide, we tell you all the best things to do in Interlaken, along with hotels, restaurants, and hidden gems!
The Insider’s Map of
Interlaken, Switzerland
We’ve created a map of all our favorite places just for you!
Have easy access to all the places mentioned below on your phone and at your fingertips.
Getting to Interlaken
By air:
If you’re traveling from overseas, you will be landing at either Zürich Airport or Geneva Airport. From Zürich or Geneva, you can hop on a train!
By train:
By car:
If you have rented a car, you’ll be happy to know that getting to Interlaken is super easy. You can get there easily via Switzerland’s major highways. Keep in mind that parking in Interlaken can be limited, so we suggest you check with your accommodations ahead of time regarding parking facilities.
Getting Around Interlaken
Walking:
One of the best ways to experience Interlaken is on foot. The town itself is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
Public transportation:
Like everywhere in Switzerland, Interlaken has a great public transportation network, making it easy to venture beyond the town and explore the surrounding regions. There are buses you can take if you are not wanting to explore the city entirely on foot.
The main shopping street connects the Interlaken West railway station to the Interlaken Ost railway station. The Interlaken Ost train station is the main transportation hub, with connections to various destinations, including the Jungfrau region. If you plan on exploring the surrounding region, you can easily take a bus or hop on the train.
Walking:
One of the best ways to experience Interlaken is on foot. The town itself is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
Public transportation:
Like everywhere in Switzerland, Interlaken has a great public transportation network, making it easy to venture beyond the town and explore the surrounding regions. There are buses you can take if you are not wanting to explore the city entirely on foot.
The main shopping street connects the Interlaken West railway station to the Interlaken Ost railway station. The Interlaken Ost train station is the main transportation hub, with connections to various destinations, including the Jungfrau region. If you plan on exploring the surrounding region, you can easily take a bus or hop on the train.
You can also drive in Interlaken, but it’s not really necessary since you can get pretty much anywhere via bus or train. We suggest leaving your car parked and using public transportation.
You can also drive in Interlaken, but it’s not really necessary since you can get pretty much anywhere via bus or train. We suggest leaving your car parked and using public transportation.
Best Areas To Stay In Interlaken
Interlaken City Center:
This is a good option if it’s your first time visiting. It’s in the heart of Interlaken, so it’s near most of the historic buildings. It’s also a good spot for nightlife as it has a bunch of restaurants and bars. Interlaken City Center is located between the two main areas of Interlaken – Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West, which we will talk about below.
Interlaken Ost:
Interlaken Ost is located near the town’s main train station. By staying here, you have super easy access to all forms of transportation (trains, buses, boats, you name it). If you are planning to explore the surrounding areas extensively, this is a great option. There are also a lot of great hotels and restaurants in this area.
Interlaken West:
Located on the opposite side of town, Interlaken West has a bit of a residential atmosphere with a more laid-back vibe. This area is known for its tranquil streets and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a nice balance between serenity and convenience because you still have easy access to the town center and its array of shops and restaurants. Interlaken West is a good choice if you are wanting a slightly quieter stay but still be within walking distance of attractions.
Matten bei Interlaken:
If you’re traveling with family or on a budget, Matten bei Interlaken is an excellent option. It is slightly less expensive than staying directly in town, but is literally only a 10 to 15-minute walk to the city center. Matten bei Interlaken has a charming village-like atmosphere with local shops, restaurants, and beautiful mountain views.
Best Hotels In Interlaken
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa: $$$$
If you are wanting to live your best life and don’t mind the splurge, this 5-star luxury hotel is amazing! It is elegant, pristinely decorated, and has a top notch spa. Plus it’s only about a 7-minute walk to the Interlaken West train station.
Hotel Interlaken: $$$
A lovely 4-star hotel located on the main street. Hotel Interlaken came about in the 14th century and is a really nice blend of old and new. It’s charming and cozy, which we love! Plus they offer (limited) free parking!
Hotel Beausite: $$
A family-run 3-star hotel in the tranquil village of Unterseen, Hotel Beausite has a cozy and relaxed ambiance. The rooms are comfortable and clean and some even have balcony views of the surrounding mountains.
Hotel Beausite: $$
A family-run 3-star hotel in the tranquil village of Unterseen, Hotel Beausite has a cozy and relaxed ambiance. The rooms are comfortable and clean and some even have balcony views of the surrounding mountains.
Best Restaurants In Interlaken
Restaurant Hüsi Bierhaus
If you’re into beer and Swiss comfort food, you’ll love this place. It’s casual and welcoming – a great spot to grab some lunch or a beer after a day of exploring!
Panoramic Restaurant Top o’Met:
This restaurant is located in the tower of Metropole Hotel. The food is delicious and the views are stunning!
Restaurant Taverne:
This place is great! It’s located in Hotel Interlaken (5th floor) and serves traditional Swiss cuisine. The wood paneled ceilings and warm decor give off a cozy vibe.
Restaurant Laterne:
Located in the heart of Interlaken, Restaurant Laterne offers a mix of Swiss and international cuisine in a stylish setting. The service is great and the relaxed ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a nice dinner after a day of exploring.
Restaurant Bären:
Restaurant Bären is located in a large chalet, just outside Interlaken, in Unterseen. It’s another place that serves traditional Swiss food, but they really do it right. It’s actually a bit of a hidden gem. They use locally sourced ingredients, and the interior is charming and cozy. We definitely recommend dining here!
HOT TIP: Make sure you check their website for hours, as they are closed during certain seasons.
Things To Do In Interlaken
SHOPPING
Höheweg:
Höheweg is the main promenade – a street in the heart of Interlaken with a bunch of shops and restaurants. There’s everything from well-known international brands to local boutiques. This is probably where you will want to grab your souvenirs!
Swiss Chocolate Chalet:
We all know Switzerland is famous for their DELICIOUS chocolate. So we suggest you stop by this wonderful shop while you’re meandering around Höheweg. There is a large selection of yummy Swiss chocolates, including truffles, pralines, and chocolate bars, beautifully packaged and ready to be enjoyed or gifted.
Outdoor Markets:
Four times a year, there is a market held on Höheweg with tons of stands selling everything from delicious cheeses and meats to jewelry and leather goods.
You can check out the schedule here.
Outdoor Markets:
Four times a year, there is a market held on Höheweg with tons of stands selling everything from delicious cheeses and meats to jewelry and leather goods.
You can check out the schedule here.
SIGHTSEEING/ACTIVITIES
Adventure Sports:
Interlaken is basically known as the adventure capital of Switzerland, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you will love it here. They have tons of exciting activities like paragliding, skydiving, river rafting, and canyoning (to name a few).
HOT TIP: Most adventure companies provide transportation to and from the activity locations, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the adrenaline-fueled experiences without worrying about logistics.
Hiking:
Strap on your hiking boots and set off on a journey through the spectacular Jungfrau Region! Embark on scenic hikes to iconic peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Or explore the breathtaking Lauterbrunnen Valley, with its 72 waterfalls and picturesque villages. The trails cater to all levels of fitness, so there is something for everyone!
Trümmelbach Falls:
Trümmelbach Falls, located in Lauterbrunnen Valley, is a series of spectacular waterfalls formed within a mountain. They are Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls. You take a tunnel lift up the mountain and explore a labyrinth of tunnels and platforms as you admire the powerful water cascading down the cliffs. 10/10 recommend.
Explore Lake Thun and Lake Brienz:
Interlaken is blessed with its location between two stunning lakes – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Take a boat cruise and enjoy the relaxing journey surrounded by panoramic mountain views. We recommend hopping off at charming lakeside towns like Spiez and Brienz.
You can also go swimming in the summer or try the various water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
Excursion to Schilthorn:
Take a journey to the famous Schilthorn summit. Accessible via cable car, this panoramic mountain offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
It’s also known as the location of the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, which you may have seen in the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Enjoy a meal with a view and explore the interactive Bond World exhibit!
CULTURE
Traditional Swiss Chalets and Architecture:
The streets of Interlaken are filled with traditional Swiss chalets. These charming wooden houses, adorned with flower-filled balconies and intricate carvings, showcase the architectural heritage of the region. Take some time to wander around and admire the amazing craftsmanship of these buildings.
Traditional Music and Concerts:
Depending on when you are visiting Interlaken, you might have the opportunity to attend one of the many cultural events and performances that are held there. From yodeling and alpine horn performances to Greenfield Festival (the biggest rock festival in Switzerland).
Check out the events schedule here.
Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum:
Located right outside Interlaken – an open-air museum that displays traditional buildings and architecture from all over the country. There are over 100 original buildings that have been transported from their original sites! We 100% recommend checking this out! More info here.
Tourismuseum (Tourist Museum):
This museum has 3 floors and is very interesting as it portrays exhibits about the development of tourism over the last 500 years.
Hidden Gems In Interlaken
Harder Kulm:
Harder Kulm trail is a lesser-known trail with incredible views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, and the surrounding mountains. You will start from Interlaken Ost train station and make your way up to the Harder Kulm viewpoint. It a relatively short, but steep hike. There is a restaurant and hotel at the top where you can rest and admire the surrounding beauty!
If you don’t want to hike, you can take the Harder Kulm funicular, which leaves from Harderbahn.
St. Beatus Caves:
We visited the caves on a whim, and were not disappointed! These ancient limestone caves are tucked away near Lake Thun. Take a guided tour and explore the winding tunnels, stalactites, and underground waterfalls as you learn about the mythical legends associated with the caves.
Unspunnen ruins (Burgruine Unspunnen):
A castle from the middle ages that has been turned to ruins. It’s a historic site above the village of Wilderswil where you can explore the ruins and enjoy the stunning views.
Höhematte Park:
This is a really beautiful park in Interlaken. It’s a wonderful spot to bring a picnic and relax.
Get In On The Good Stuff
Sign up for 15% OFF our favorite travel pillow and 2 of our travel itineraries in PDF format!
FAQ
How many days should you spend in Interlaken?
We think 3 days in Interlaken is perfect! However the region has so much to offer, you could easily make this your hub for a longer stay.
When is the best time to visit Interlaken?
Summer is an ideal time to visit Interlaken, as there are just so many adventures and activities that are available.
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel – especially to Sandro’s home country. Because we are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
