Interlaken means “between the lakes” — between Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, with the Jungfrau massif rising directly south and the town sitting on the flat alluvial plain in between. The geography is the point. From the Höhematte park in the center of town, you can look south and see the Jungfrau summit (4,158m) framed between the valley walls with absolute clarity. This view, available for free from a public park bench, is the reason Interlaken has been drawing visitors since the early 19th century.
We arrived by train from Zurich — two hours, direct, Swiss Travel Pass covering the entire journey. Interlaken has two train stations (West and Ost) bookending the main Höheweg boulevard; Ost is the departure point for the Bernese Oberland Railway network toward Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and ultimately the Jungfraujoch. The town between the two stations is tourist infrastructure — hotels, adventure sports companies, watch shops, fondue restaurants — but it is functional and friendly tourist infrastructure, the kind that has had 200 years to figure out what visitors need.
The adventure sports here are genuine. Paragliding tandem flights from Beatenberg or Männlichen run 140–200 CHF and give you 20–30 minutes floating over the valley with the Jungfrau massif filling the southern horizon. Tandem skydiving from 4,000 meters costs around 290 CHF and takes about 60 seconds of freefall before the parachute opens above lakes, Alps, and the neat fields of the Bernese Oberland. Canyon Sauvage, white-water rafting on the Lütschine river, and bungee jumping from the Grindelwald First cable car add to what is genuinely the most concentrated adventure sports destination in Europe.
The Arrival
Two hours from Zurich. Two lakes. The Jungfrau summit visible from a park bench in the center of town. Interlaken has been delivering this view since 1800.
Why Interlaken Is Switzerland’s Best Gateway
Interlaken’s value is primarily logistical. It is the hub that makes the Bernese Oberland accessible: Grindelwald is 35 minutes east from Interlaken Ost; Lauterbrunnen (the valley of 72 waterfalls) is 20 minutes; Mürren (car-free cliff village above Lauterbrunnen) requires a train and cable car but is reachable in about an hour. The Jungfraujoch excursion begins from Interlaken Ost and takes about 2.5 hours total with a full day on the mountain.
Lauterbrunnen Valley is the single most dramatic piece of landscape in the Bernese Oberland. The valley floor sits at 800m while the cliffs on both sides rise 300–400 meters and carry 72 named waterfalls, including the Staubbach Falls that inspired Goethe and Shelley. Mürren, reachable by train from Lauterbrunnen and then cable car, is a car-free village at 1,650m with direct views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau from the village street. The Schilthorn above Mürren (the 007 Bond film location) offers the 360-degree Piz Gloria panorama restaurant at 2,970m.
Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s own mountain, is reached by funicular from Interlaken Ost (15 minutes, around 36 CHF return) and gives a panoramic view of both lakes with the Alps behind. The “Two Lakes Bridge” viewpoint at 1,322m — a glass viewing platform extending over the valley — is the most-photographed viewpoint in Interlaken itself. Worth the journey for the dual-lake perspective that gives the town its name.
Adventures and Access
Paragliding. Skydiving. Canyon canyoning. The Lauterbrunnen waterfall valley. The Jungfraujoch at 3,454m. The Bernese Oberland opens from Interlaken in every direction.
What Should You Actually Do in Interlaken?
Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) — The centerpiece Bernese Oberland experience. From Interlaken Ost, take the BOB train to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, then cogwheel to Kleine Scheidegg, then Jungfraubahn to 3,454m. Around CHF 200–225 return (25% discount with Swiss Travel Pass). Take the first morning train.
Lauterbrunnen Valley — Train from Interlaken Ost (20 minutes, around 7 CHF). Walk the valley floor between the waterfalls. Continue to Mürren by train and cable car for direct Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau views from the car-free village (additional 30 CHF). One of the Alps’ most beautiful accessible landscapes.
Paragliding — Multiple operators in Interlaken town offer tandem flights from Beatenberg or Männlichen, 20–30 minutes above the valley (140–200 CHF). Book the day before; cancellations due to weather are common. One of the best money-for-experience propositions in Switzerland.
Harder Kulm — Funicular from Interlaken Ost (15 minutes, around 36 CHF return). The Two Lakes Bridge viewpoint justifies the trip. Best at sunset when both lakes catch the light simultaneously.
Lake Thun and Lake Brienz boats — Lake boats run all summer on both lakes, Swiss Travel Pass valid. Lake Brienz with its intense turquoise color is more dramatic; Lake Thun has more castle visits (Thun Castle, Spiez Castle). Half-day boat excursion on either lake.
- Getting There: Zurich to Interlaken Ost: 2 hours direct, Swiss Travel Pass valid. Geneva to Interlaken: 2 hours 10 minutes via Bern. Interlaken has two stations — Ost (for Bernese Oberland mountain trains) and West (for town center access). Get off at Ost for most activities.
- Best Time: June–September for hiking, paragliding, and the full outdoor programme. December–February for skiing via Grindelwald and Wengen. The Jungfraujoch runs year-round but morning departures in clear summer weather give the best views. Avoid August weekends — Interlaken is at maximum capacity.
- Money: Interlaken town is moderate by Swiss standards — budget CHF 120/day for accommodation and meals. The main expense is activities: Jungfraujoch at CHF 200–225, paragliding at CHF 140–200. Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof at CHF 35/night is one of Switzerland's best hostel values.
- Don't Miss: Lauterbrunnen Valley — take the 20-minute train from Interlaken Ost, walk the valley floor among the 72 waterfalls, and continue to Mürren for the direct Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau view from the car-free village. This single day covers the best of the Bernese Oberland at moderate cost.
- Avoid: Booking adventure activities only via the large operators on Höheweg. Independent activity companies offer the same paragliding and rafting experiences at 15–25% lower prices — check the noticeboard at Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof for current independent operator contacts.
- Local Phrase: "Wunderschön" (VOON-der-shurn) — wonderfully beautiful. You will say it involuntarily at some point in the Bernese Oberland. Using it deliberately to a local Swiss guide after a day on the mountain is understood immediately as the genuine response it is.
Eating in Interlaken
Fondue in the shadow of the Jungfrau. Alpine lodge lunches at Kleine Scheidegg. A Migros supermarket that saves your activity budget every morning.
Where to Eat in Interlaken
Restaurant Schuh (on the Höhematte) — Interlaken’s most atmospheric restaurant with direct Jungfrau views and Swiss classics from 28–48 CHF. The terrace on a clear day is exceptional.
El Azteca — Mexican restaurant consistently popular with younger travelers. Burritos and tacos from 18–28 CHF — one of the better-value dinner options in the center.
Café Runchi — Bakery and café near Interlaken West. Breakfast pastries and coffee from 8–14 CHF. The best morning start before a mountain day.
Restaurant Little Thailand — Thai kitchen with a good reputation and prices more reasonable than the standard Swiss dining scene. Mains from 22–35 CHF.
Coop and Migros (both near Interlaken West) — Self-catering from the supermarkets is the primary budget tool. Pack trail lunches here for Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen days — mountain restaurant prices at altitude are 2–3x the supermarket equivalent.
Where to Stay
Grand Alpine hotels from 1865. Central mid-range options on the Höheweg. And the legendary Backpackers Villa — the best hostel view in the Bernese Oberland.
Where to Stay in Interlaken
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel (Luxury — from 450 CHF/night) — The 1865 grande dame with Jungfrau views from the garden. The most historically significant hotel in Interlaken and still the finest address.
Hotel Interlaken (Mid-Range — from 180 CHF/night) — Historic building with central location and excellent mountain views. Reliable quality.
Hotel Rössli (Mid-Range — from 130 CHF/night) — Smaller and more personal than the large tourist hotels. Clean, well-run, good value.
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Budget — from 35 CHF/night) — Legendary among Interlaken travelers for the garden view of the Jungfrau massif and the social atmosphere. Consistently rated among Switzerland’s best hostels. Book months ahead in summer.
Planning Your Trip
The Bernese Oberland's transport hub. Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, the Jungfraujoch — all departing from Interlaken Ost within 20 to 90 minutes.
When to Visit Interlaken
June through September is the prime season: all mountain trains running at full schedule, paragliding and adventure sports fully operational, both lakes open for boats, and the Jungfrau visible from the Höhematte park on clear mornings. July brings maximum crowds; June and September are the sweet spots.
December through February is ski season: Grindelwald and Wengen are both accessible from Interlaken Ost, and the town takes on a quieter, local character compared to the summer tourist peak.
May and October are shoulder months with limited mountain access but significantly lower prices. The cable cars and some mountain restaurants close for maintenance in these months. Worth considering for budget travelers who don’t need the full mountain programme.
Weather at altitude is unpredictable year-round. The Jungfraujoch clouds over predictably from midday — always take the earliest available train. Book scenic mountain excursions for the first clear morning of your stay and be flexible with timing. Mountain weather forecasts at bergfex.ch are more accurate for Alpine conditions than general Swiss weather apps.