Interlaken Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Tips & Day Trips
If you are looking for a complete Interlaken travel guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip to one of the most beautiful destinations in Switzerland, you are in the right place. Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Interlaken is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and charming alpine atmosphere. The town lies between two stunning lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, offering spectacular views of turquoise waters surrounded by mountains. This Interlaken travel guide will walk you through the best things to do, when to visit, where to stay, and useful tips to make your journey smooth and memorable.
Why Visit Interlaken
One of the main reasons travelers include Interlaken in their Switzerland itinerary is its unique location in the famous Bernese Oberland. This region is known for dramatic alpine scenery, charming villages, and easy access to some of the most iconic mountains in Europe.
Interlaken is also widely considered the adventure capital of Switzerland. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, paragliding, canyoning, and boat tours. For many travelers, the town serves as a gateway to the legendary Jungfraujoch, often called the “Top of Europe.” From Interlaken, you can easily reach high-altitude viewpoints, glaciers, and scenic train routes that reveal some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Swiss Alps.
Best Things to Do in Interlaken
A well-planned Interlaken travel guide always highlights the incredible experiences available in this alpine destination. Whether you love adventure or relaxing nature views, there is something for everyone.
Explore Harder Kulm
One of the best viewpoints in the area is Harder Kulm. A short funicular ride takes you to the top of the mountain where you can enjoy panoramic views of Interlaken and the surrounding lakes. From this vantage point, you can see both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz stretching across the valley with the snow-covered Alps in the distance.
The observation platform is especially popular at sunset when the mountains glow in golden light. Many photographers consider Harder Kulm one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Switzerland.
Visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
No Interlaken travel guide would be complete without mentioning the famous journey to Jungfraujoch. This extraordinary destination sits at an altitude of 3,454 meters and hosts the highest railway station in Europe.
The scenic train journey passes through mountain tunnels and opens onto breathtaking glacier views. At the top, visitors can explore an ice palace, observation decks, and the massive Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps.
Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Interlaken
Walk Through Höhematte Park
In the center of Interlaken lies Höhematte Park, a large open green space offering incredible views of the Jungfrau mountain range. Paragliders often land here after soaring above the Alps, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere.
Walking through this park is one of the simplest pleasures in Interlaken. The open meadow gives you unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and provides the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
Best Time to Visit Interlaken
Choosing the right time to visit is an important part of any Interlaken travel guide. Each season offers a different experience, and the best time depends on what type of activities you enjoy.
During summer, the region becomes a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The weather is warm, the mountain trails are open, and the lakes shine in vibrant turquoise colors. This season also brings longer daylight hours, giving visitors more time to explore the alpine scenery.
Winter transforms Interlaken into a snowy wonderland. Nearby ski resorts such as Grindelwald and Wengen attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world. The surrounding mountains become covered in snow, creating a magical winter landscape.
Spring and autumn are quieter seasons with fewer crowds. Travelers who prefer peaceful scenery and lower prices often choose these months to visit.
How to Get to Interlaken
Reaching Interlaken is surprisingly easy thanks to Switzerland’s efficient transportation network. Most international travelers arrive in Zurich, the country’s largest city and main transport hub.
From Zurich, visitors can take a direct train to Interlaken, a scenic journey that typically takes around two hours. The route passes through picturesque Swiss countryside, charming villages, and rolling green hills before reaching the alpine region.
Travelers coming from Lucerne can also reach Interlaken via one of the most beautiful train journeys in Switzerland, the Luzern–Interlaken Express, which travels across mountain passes and lakes.
Grindelwald First Cliff Walk Tour
Travel Costs in Interlaken
Switzerland is known for being one of the most expensive countries in Europe, and Interlaken is no exception. However, planning your budget carefully can help you manage expenses.
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget Hotel | $120 – $180 per night |
| Mid-range Hotel | $200 – $350 per night |
| Restaurant Meal | $20 – $40 |
| Jungfraujoch Excursion | $200 – $300 |
| Local Train Ticket | $10 – $40 |
Many travelers reduce costs by purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass, which allows unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats across the country.
Travel Tips for Visiting Interlaken
A practical Interlaken travel guide should also include a few helpful tips to make your trip smoother.
First, always check the weather forecast before heading into the mountains. Alpine weather can change quickly, and visibility at high elevations may affect your experience. Second, bring layered clothing even in summer, because temperatures at mountain peaks can be much colder than in the valley.
Another important tip is to book popular attractions in advance, especially during the peak summer season. Excursions to Jungfraujoch and other mountain destinations often sell out quickly.
Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera. Interlaken offers some of the most photogenic landscapes in Europe, and every corner of the region feels like a postcard.
Conclusion
This Interlaken travel guide shows why this small alpine town has become one of the most beloved destinations in Switzerland. With its stunning lakes, dramatic mountain views, and endless outdoor adventures, Interlaken offers a travel experience that combines relaxation, nature, and excitement in one place.
Whether you want to hike through alpine valleys, ride scenic mountain trains, or simply admire the beauty of the Swiss Alps, Interlaken provides an unforgettable gateway to the heart of Switzerland.
If you are traveling from Zurich, you may also enjoy our guide about Best Swiss Alps Day Trip from Zurich.
FAQs
Is Interlaken worth visiting?
Yes, Interlaken is widely considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Switzerland because of its location between two lakes and its proximity to the Alps.
How many days should you spend in Interlaken?
Most travelers spend 2 to 3 days in Interlaken to explore the town and nearby mountain attractions.
Can you visit Jungfraujoch from Interlaken?
Yes, Interlaken is one of the main starting points for trips to Jungfraujoch via train through Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen.
What is Interlaken famous for?
Interlaken is famous for adventure sports such as paragliding, skydiving, hiking, and its scenic access to the Swiss Alps.
Is Interlaken expensive?
Like most of Switzerland, Interlaken can be expensive, but travelers can reduce costs by using travel passes and booking accommodations in advance.