Interlaken Travel Guide

Explore the best of Bernese Highlands in Switzerland with our comprehensive travel guide to Interlaken. From hiking routes, outdoor adventures to local food and culture, everything is covered here.


Interlaken, a scenic town nestled in the heart of Bernese Highlands in Switzerland, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Thus, it is a highly sought-after tourist destination and has something for everyone to enjoy, be it stunning views of the Swiss Alps, picturesque lakes, historic sites or outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and paragliding.

In this guide, we provide you with a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know before planning your next vacation to Interlaken.

Introduction to Interlaken

Interlaken is a quintessential Swiss town, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps on either side and the serene waters of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. The town is located in the canton of Bern, in central Switzerland, and is famous for its unrivaled natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Interlaken

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Interlaken is a town with rich cultural heritage and history. The town has several museums and historical sites that speak volumes about its past. Here is a list of some notable cultural attractions in Interlaken:

  • Interlaken Castle: An iconic landmark of Interlaken, the castle is a symbol of the town’s medieval past and rich cultural heritage. The castle has an impressive collection of art and furniture from the 16th and 17th centuries.
  • Touristik-Museum der Jungfrau-Region: It is a museum that showcases the history of tourism in the Jungfrau region. The museum has a collection of vintage posters, memorabilia, and photographs that tell the tale of the town’s thriving tourism industry.
  • St. Beatus Caves: A popular tourist attraction in Interlaken, the caves date back to the early Middle Ages and are named after an Irish monk Saint Beatus.

Natural Attractions of Interlaken: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Interlaken is famous for its natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. The town offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, skiing, and paragliding. Here is a list of some of the most popular natural attractions in Interlaken:

  • Jungfraujoch: At 3,454 meters, Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe and is known as the “Top of Europe.” From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
  • Lake Thun: A tranquil lake surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake or indulge in water sports.
  • Harder Kulm: The Harder Kulm is a mountain peak that rises above the town of Interlaken. Visitors can take the funicular cable car to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Interlaken

Interlaken is a paradise for hikers and bikers. The town boasts of several hiking and biking trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. Here is a list of some of the best hiking and biking trails in Interlaken:

  • Eiger Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the Eiger mountain and the surrounding valleys.
  • Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn: A UNESCO world heritage site, the trail passes through glaciers, valleys, and alpine landscapes.
  • Brienzer Rothorn: A popular biking trail that offers panoramic views of Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Interlaken: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are several other activities and tours that tourists can indulge in while being in Interlaken. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Interlaken:

  • Paragliding: Interlaken is considered to be one of the best places in the world for paragliding. Tourists can experience the thrill of paragliding while enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Adventure Sports: Visitors can indulge in a variety of adventure sports, including river rafting, canyoning, and bungee jumping.
  • Yodeling: A form of traditional Swiss music, tourists can learn to yodel and understand the local culture by participating in Swiss folklore evenings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Interlaken

For tourists planning a week-long vacation, Interlaken offers a variety of activities and tours to keep you engaged. Here is an example week-long itinerary for Interlaken:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Interlaken Castle and Museum
Day 2 Take a boat ride on Lake Thun
Day 3 Go for a hike on the Eiger Trail
Day 4 Go paragliding
Day 5 Visit St. Beatus Caves
Day 6 Visit Jungfraujoch and enjoy the panoramic views
Day 7 Enjoy a day of adventure sports

Food and Drink Scene of Interlaken

Swiss cuisine is famous for its cheese, chocolates, and wines, and Interlaken is no exception. Here is a list of must-try dishes and local beverages while being in Interlaken:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Raclette: A traditional dish made from Swiss cheese that is melted and scraped off the cheese wheel onto a plate of boiled potatoes and vegetables.
  • Fondue: A melted cheese dish served with bread and potatoes.
  • Rosti: A pancake made from grated potatoes, typically served for breakfast or lunch.

Local Beverages

  • Swiss Wine: Switzerland is famous for its wines, and tourists can explore several vineyards and wineries in Interlaken.
  • Swiss Beer: Interlaken has several local breweries that offer a variety of handcrafted beers.

Where to Stay in Interlaken: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Interlaken has a wide range of accommodation options, catering to all types of travelers. Here is a list of some popular options:

  • Hotels: Interlaken has several luxury and budget hotels, ranging from five-star to two-star hotels.
  • Hostels: Several backpacker hostels and budget hostels are available in Interlaken.
  • Guesthouses: For travelers looking for a more authentic Swiss experience, there are several guesthouses and homestays.

What to Buy in Interlaken: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Interlaken is famous for its local crafts, such as handmade chocolates, Swiss watches, and Swiss-made knives. Here is a list of some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back home:

  • Swiss chocolates
  • Swiss-made watches
  • Swiss army knives

Local Culture and Customs of Interlaken

Switzerland is known for its rich cultural heritage, and Interlaken is no exception. The locals of Interlaken take pride in their traditions and customs, which they preserve and practice to this day. Tourists can experience the local culture by attending Swiss folklore evenings and participating in traditional Swiss activities like yodeling and alphorn playing.

Best Time to Visit Interlaken

Interlaken is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is pleasant, and the town is bustling with tourists. However, if you are looking for a more secluded experience, you can visit during the winter months (November-February) when the town is less crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Interlaken

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Try Swiss cuisine and local specialties.
  • Take care of the natural environment and wildlife.
  • Follow the rules and regulations while participating in adventure sports.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Smoke in public places.
  • Dress inappropriately, especially while visiting places of worship.

Safety and Health

Safety in Interlaken

Interlaken is generally a safe destination with very little crime. However, tourists should take basic precautions like keeping their valuables safe and avoiding seedy areas at night.

Health in Interlaken

Interlaken has good medical facilities, and tourists can get access to medical treatment in case of an emergency. However, tourists are advised to carry their travel insurance and consult their doctor before traveling.

Getting to Interlaken: Transportation Options and Logistics

Interlaken is well connected to the rest of Switzerland and Europe, making it easily accessible by air, rail, and road.

Airports Near Interlaken

The nearest airport to Interlaken is the Bern airport (Belp), which is about 45 km from Interlaken. Alternatively, you can also fly to Zurich airport, which is about 150 km away.

Bus Stations Near Interlaken

Interlaken is well connected to neighboring towns and cities by bus. The town has multiple bus stations, serving different regions, and providers. Some popular bus operators are Postbus and Regiobus.

Other Options

Interlaken is accessible by train, and travelers can take the train from several major cities in Switzerland, including Zurich, Geneva, and Bern.

How to Get Around in Interlaken

Interlaken is a small town, and most of the attractions are in the city center, which is easily accessible on foot. Alternatively, tourists can rent a bike or take public transportation, like buses or trains, to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Interlaken: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Interlaken is located in the heart of Bernese Highlands and is surrounded by several picturesque towns and cities that make for great excursions. Some popular nearby destinations include:

  • Grindelwald: A stunning alpine town known for its scenic beauty and skiing.
  • Lauterbrunnen: A beautiful valley town with several waterfalls and natural attractions.
  • Murren: A charming village located on a cliff, accessible by a cable car from Lauterbrunnen.

Conclusion

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and rich cultural experiences. We hope this comprehensive Interlaken travel guide will help you plan your next vacation with ease and make the most of your time in this beautiful Swiss destination.

Interlaken between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun Interlaken between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun Hoheweg Green Area Hoheweg Green Area Twilight over Lake Thun Twilight over Lake Thun View from boat trip in Interlaken View from boat trip in Interlaken Jungfrau Winter Sport Region Jungfrau Winter Sport Region