Interlaken
About Interlaken
Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland, is Switzerland's adventure capital. The town itself is small and charming, but its real draw is the jaw-dropping Alpine scenery — the mighty trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau tower above, and the surrounding valleys offer world-class hiking, skiing, and extreme sports.
From paragliding over the lakes to riding Europe's highest railway to the Jungfraujoch ("Top of Europe"), Interlaken is where nature adventures reach their peak — literally.
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Quick Tips
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). Cards accepted at most places. Mountain lifts and excursions can be paid by card. 1 CHF ≈ €1.
- Transport: Interlaken has two train stations: Ost (East) and West. Ost is the starting point for Jungfrau region trains. The Jungfrau Travel Pass saves money on mountain railways.
- Tipping: Service included. Rounding up for good service is appreciated.
- Book ahead: Jungfraujoch tickets sell out in peak season. Book online for the best prices and guaranteed entry. Go early morning for clearest views.
- Altitude: The Jungfraujoch is at 3,454 m. Take it slow, drink water, and watch for altitude sickness symptoms.
Interesting Places to Visit
Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe
Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters. The Sphinx observation terrace offers views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks. The Ice Palace, snow activities, and Alpine Sensation exhibition make this a full-day adventure.
Harder Kulm
Interlaken's local mountain (1,322 m) with a glass-floored viewing platform called the "Two Lakes Bridge." Reached by funicular in 10 minutes. Stunning views of both lakes and the Jungfrau massif. A must-do for sunset.
Schynige Platte
A panoramic mountain reached by a nostalgic cogwheel train. Home to the Alpine Botanical Garden with over 700 plant species. Spectacular views of the Jungfrau trio and both lakes. Excellent hiking trails — the Panoramaweg is unforgettable.
Lake Brienz
The turquoise jewel of the Bernese Oberland. Take a steamboat cruise across the lake to the fairy-tale village of Iseltwald or to the Giessbach Falls, a stunning waterfall accessible only by boat. The water color is extraordinary.
Trümmelbach Falls
The only glacier waterfalls in Europe accessible by tunnel lift inside the mountain. Ten cascades carry meltwater from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau glaciers. Up to 20,000 liters per second thundering through spiral rock formations.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
The valley of 72 waterfalls, said to have inspired Tolkien's Rivendell. Staubbach Falls plunges 297 meters from a cliff face right next to the village. Gateway to Mürren and Wengen — car-free villages above the valley.
Grindelwald & First
A charming village beneath the North Face of the Eiger. The First gondola leads to the First Cliff Walk (a nerve-testing walkway) and the Bachalpsee lake — one of Switzerland's most photographed spots. Mountain carts and zip-lines on the way down.
When to Visit
Interlaken has two peak seasons — summer for hiking and winter for skiing — each equally stunning:
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Transitional season. Valleys warm up (6–16°C) while peaks remain snowy. Waterfalls reach maximum flow from snowmelt. Some mountain railways are still closed until May/June.
- Spectacular waterfall season
- Wildflowers in lower valleys
- Fewer tourists, lower prices
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Best for hiking. Warm (16–26°C) in the valleys, all mountain railways and trails open. Peak season — book accommodation and Jungfraujoch tickets well in advance. Paragliding, canyoning, and lake swimming.
- All mountain excursions open
- Paragliding over the lakes
- Greenpeace Music Festival
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Golden larches and crisp air (4–14°C). September is excellent for hiking with thinner crowds. Some mountain railways close in November. The Harder Kulm colors are stunning in October.
- Golden larch forests
- Cheese-making season in Alpine huts
- Clear mountain views
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Cold (−4 to 4°C) in the valley, heavy snow in the mountains. World-class skiing and snowboarding in Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. Jungfraujoch is open year-round and dramatic in winter.
- Skiing in the Jungfrau region
- Jungfraujoch winter wonderland
- Ice skating and winter hiking
Where to Eat (Affordable & Good)
As a tourist town, Interlaken can be expensive, but these spots offer good value:
Brasserie 17$ – $$
Popular local brasserie on the main street (Höheweg). Swiss and international dishes with generous portions. Rösti and schnitzels 20–30 CHF (~€18–27). Solid choice for reliable, affordable food.
Goldener Anker$ – $$
Traditional Swiss restaurant near Interlaken West station. Excellent fondue and Berner Platte (mixed meat platter). Mains 22–35 CHF (~€20–32). Cozy wooden interior with a local feel.
Sandwich Bar$
Popular budget spot near Interlaken Ost station. Generous sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies for 8–14 CHF (~€7–13). Perfect fuel before a mountain excursion. Quick service and fresh ingredients.
Restaurant Bären$$ – $$$
Charming restaurant in a historic building serving refined Swiss cuisine. Excellent Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and lake fish. Mains 28–42 CHF (~€26–38). Beautiful garden terrace in summer.
Funny Farm$
Backpacker-friendly bar and restaurant with a lively atmosphere. Budget-friendly burgers, pizzas, and pasta for 14–22 CHF (~€13–20). Happy hour drinks and a pool table. Social vibe.
Hüsi Bierhaus$ – $$
Craft beer bar with a great food menu. Swiss sausages, burgers, and sharing platters. Mains 18–28 CHF (~€16–26). Excellent selection of local and international craft beers.
Benacus$$
Italian restaurant with handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Pizzas 18–24 CHF (~€16–22), pasta mains 22–30 CHF (~€20–27). A welcome change from heavy Swiss food. Lovely terrace.