Interlaken sits on a narrow plain between two lakes — Thunersee (Lake Thun) to the west and Brienzersee (Lake Brienz) to the east — with the Jungfrau massif rising dramatically to the south. The name means exactly what it sounds like: between lakes. But the town has become synonymous with something more adrenaline-charged than its placid setting suggests.
This is Switzerland’s undisputed adventure capital. On any given morning, the sky above Interlaken is peppered with paragliders spiraling down from the Beatenberg ridge. Thrill-seekers book skydiving slots at dawn. Groups in wetsuits head toward the Lütschine for white-water rafting. The infrastructure for outdoor adventure here is mature and well-organized — dozens of operators compete for the same travelers, which keeps quality high and prices relatively consistent.
But Interlaken is equally valuable as a base. The Bernese Oberland mountain railway network fans out in three directions: south toward Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, up toward the Jungfraujoch, and across toward Kandersteg. The trains are coordinated with Swiss precision; you can be standing on permanent Alpine ice at 3,454 meters within two hours of leaving Interlaken Ost station.
Getting Around the Interlaken Region
Two train stations bracket Interlaken: Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. Most mountain trains to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald depart from Interlaken Ost. The main town between the stations is entirely walkable; the Höheweg promenade runs between them with direct views of the Jungfrau.
The Swiss Travel Pass covers trains throughout the Bernese Oberland network and provides significant discounts on the Jungfrau railways. Regional passes (Bernese Oberland Regional Pass) can be more economical for multi-day mountain exploring.
Things to Do in Interlaken
Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe — Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 meters is Interlaken’s unmissable experience. The cogwheel train journey from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen climbs through tunnels carved into the Eiger before emerging onto the Aletsch Glacier. At the top: an ice palace carved through the glacier, the Sphinx Observatory, and on clear days, 360-degree Alpine panoramas extending into France, Germany, and Italy. Round trip from Interlaken approximately 225 CHF; Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a 25% discount. Book online in advance. The ‘Good Morning’ ticket departing before 8am offers reduced fares.
Paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen Valley — Tandem paragliding from Beatenberg or Schynige Platte delivers 10–20 minutes of soaring above the valleys with the Jungfrau ahead. Approximately 170–200 CHF for a tandem flight including photos. Outdoor Interlaken and Skywings are the main operators.
Lauterbrunnen Valley — The U-shaped glacial valley 20 minutes south of Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes. Seventy-two waterfalls pour from the valley walls — Staubbach Falls (297m) is visible from the village. The valley inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Rivendell. Visit Trümmelbach Falls (10 CHF), a series of 10 glacial waterfalls inside the mountain accessible by lift.
Grindelwald — The glacier village at the foot of the Eiger is the base for some of the region’s best hiking. Grindelwald-First cable car (around 70 CHF return) accesses high Alpine trails and the First Cliff Walk — a suspension bridge path clinging to the cliff face. The Bachalpsee lake hike (1.5 hours from First) is one of Switzerland’s finest.
Harder Kulm — Interlaken’s local mountain is reached by a 10-minute funicular from Interlaken Ost (around 36 CHF return). The Two Lakes Bridge at the summit extends over the cliff edge for unobstructed views of Thunersee, Brienzersee, and the Jungfrau. Best at sunset.
Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Boat Trips — Lake steamers operate scheduled routes between Interlaken West and Thun (westward) and Interlaken Ost and Brienz (eastward). The Lake Brienz boat to Brienz (around 30 CHF one way) continues to a funicular up to the Rothorn summit. Swiss Travel Pass included on most lake steamer routes.
Where to Eat in Interlaken
Restaurant Laterne — Cozy cellar restaurant with reliable Swiss classics. Rösti, raclette, and fondue all excellent. Mains 25–40 CHF. Local wine list is notably good.
Benacus — Italian-influenced kitchen that became a backpacker favorite for its wood-fired pizzas (18–25 CHF) and generous portions. Often busy; arrive early.
Thai Garden — The best of Interlaken’s Asian restaurants — particularly good for budget travelers needing a break from Swiss prices. Mains from 18–28 CHF.
Beatus Restaurant (Merligen, 10 minutes by bus) — Worth the short trip for lakeside dining with Thunersee views and Swiss-French cuisine. Mains 35–55 CHF.
Migros Interlaken — Essential for self-catering. The Migros restaurant section serves hot daily specials for 10–14 CHF — the best value meal in the area.
Where to Stay in Interlaken
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel (Luxury — from 450 CHF/night) — The iconic 1865 grand hotel on the Höheweg with direct Jungfrau views. The Alpine spa is excellent.
Hotel Interlaken (Mid-Range — from 180 CHF/night) — Historic building in the town center with mountain views and reliable service. Good value for the region.
Hotel du Nord (Mid-Range — from 140 CHF/night) — Clean, well-located hotel near Interlaken Ost station. Simple but comfortable.
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Budget — from 35 CHF/night) — Consistently rated one of Switzerland’s best hostels. Garden has direct Jungfrau views. Book well ahead in summer.
Funny Farm Hostel (Budget — from 30 CHF/night) — A backpacker institution with a social atmosphere and outdoor terrace. Basic but genuinely fun.
Scott’s Pro Tips for Interlaken
Logistics and Getting There: Train from Zurich HB to Interlaken Ost takes about 2 hours via Bern (no change needed on InterCity trains). From Geneva, about 2.5 hours. The Bernese Oberland Bahn (BOB) connects both Interlaken stations to the mountain villages. InterRail and Swiss Travel Pass holders use the network at no extra cost (reduced fares on Jungfrau railways).
Best Time to Visit: June through September for hiking and adventure activities. December through March for skiing at Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. Avoid peak August weekends — the town is at maximum capacity. October–November is quiet and cheaper but many mountain activities are closed.
Getting Around: Everything in town is walkable. Rent bikes from the train stations for lakeside cycling. Mountain trains, cable cars, and lake boats all connect seamlessly. Buy the Bernese Oberland Regional Pass (from 179 CHF for 3 days) if you plan extensive mountain exploration.
Money and Budget: Interlaken is slightly cheaper than Geneva or Zurich. Hostels from 35 CHF, supermarket meals from 10 CHF, affordable restaurants from 18 CHF for mains. The big costs are adventure activities (budget 150–400 CHF per activity) and Jungfraujoch (225 CHF round trip). The Swiss Travel Pass saves significantly on mountain transport.
Safety and Health: Very safe. Adventure activities are well-regulated by Swiss standards — check operator certifications. Altitude sickness is possible above 3,000 meters; ascend gradually on Jungfraujoch if you’re sensitive. Nearest hospital: Spital Interlaken, Weissenaustrasse 27.
Packing Essentials: Layers are essential — temperature drops dramatically at altitude. Sunscreen and sunglasses even in summer (UV intensity at 3,454m is extreme). Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for mountain trails. Waterproof jacket for mountain weather. Warm gloves for Jungfraujoch regardless of the season below.
Local Culture and Etiquette: Interlaken is highly international — English dominates in tourism contexts. The town is almost entirely tourist-oriented; the “real” Swiss villages are up in the mountains (Wengen, Mürren, Grindelwald). Respect mountain etiquette: yield to uphill hikers, stay on marked trails, and check weather forecasts before heading into the high Alps.