12 Best Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken is the adrenaline capital of Europe. It sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, serving as the primary gateway to the Bernese Oberland. You come here because it is the only place where you can paraglide over turquoise water and take a train to a 3,454-meter high mountain station on the same day. Most travelers use it as a base camp for the Jungfrau Region, but the town itself offers more than just transit.
This guide outlines the 25 best things to do in Interlaken for the 2026 season. We cover high-altitude viewpoints like Harder Kulm, technical hiking trails, and the best spots for local fondue. You will also find logistics on where to stay to avoid the crowds, the ideal months for visiting based on your activity level, and how to navigate the Swiss rail system. This is the practical intelligence you need to maximize a trip to the Alps.
Top 12 things to do in Interlaken
- 1
Bönigen
- 2
Burgruine Ringgenberg
- 3
Burgruine Unspunnen
- 4
Casino Interlaken
- 5
EMK Interlaken
- 6
Harderkulm
- 7
Heimwehfluh
- 8
Heimwehfluhturm
- 9
IBI
- 10
Interlaken
- 11
Interlaken Abbey
- 12
Japanischer Garten
Plan your Interlaken trip
A short-stay plan with must-sees.
The classic first-time visit.
A full week, deeper neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods compared, room by room.
Weather, crowds, prices by month.
Where locals actually eat.
Airports, routes, when to book.
How many days do you need in Interlaken?
Three days is the sweet spot for Interlaken. It gives you enough time to summit one major peak, cruise a lake, and explore the nearby valley floor without rushing. Interlaken is a transit hub; you stay here for the access, not just the town itself.
2 Days: The Essentials Spend day one taking the train to Lauterbrunnen to see the waterfalls, then head up to Mürren. On day two, take the Harder Kulm funicular for the classic view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, followed by a boat trip on Lake Brienz.
3 Days: The Standard Add a high-altitude excursion. Dedicate your third day to the Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn. This provides the full Swiss Alps experience with enough buffer time for changing mountain weather.
5 Days: Adventure and Towns With five days, you can add adrenaline sports like paragliding or canyoning. Use the extra time to visit Grindelwald First for the cliff walk or take a day trip to the lakeside city of Thun.
7 Days: The Deep Dive A full week allows you to hike the Schynige Platte ridges and visit Kandersteg to see Lake Oeschinen. You won't have to choose between sightseeing and mountain sports—you can do both.
Best time to visit Interlaken
Interlaken is a year-round destination, but your timing depends on whether you want to hike or ski. The town sits between two lakes at lower elevation, but the weather changes fast when you head into the mountains.
Peak Season: July to August and December
Summer is the busiest time. Expect crowded trains to Jungfraujoch and higher hotel rates. You get long daylight hours and fully open hiking trails above 2,000 meters. If you want paragliding and lake swimming, this is your window. December brings the second peak. It is cold, festive, and expensive. People come for the Christmas markets and the proximity to the Jungfrau Region ski slopes.
Shoulder Season Sweet Spots: May, June, and September
May and June are the best months for photography. The valleys are deep green, and waterfalls are at max flow from snowmelt. Some high-altitude trails remain closed due to snow until late June. September is the goldilocks zone. The summer crowds depart, the air is crisp, and the mountain transport still runs on a full schedule.
Low Season: November and March
November is the quietest month. Many cable cars shut down for maintenance. It is often grey, rainy, and too early for reliable snow. March is late-season skiing; it is slushy in town but cheaper than February. Only visit during these months if you want deep discounts and don't mind limited activity options.
Weather Realities
- Spring (March–May): Variable. Temps range from 5°C to 15°C. Expect frequent rain showers.
- Summer (June–August): Warm and pleasant, averaging 18°C to 24°C. Severe thunderstorms are common in the late afternoon.
- Autumn (September–November): Crisp mornings. Temps drop from 14°C in September to 5°C in November.
- Winter (December–February): Cold. Averages stay near 0°C. Snow is common in town but guaranteed only at higher elevations.
Best areas to stay in Interlaken
Interlaken City Centre
The City Centre puts everything within walking distance. This is the primary hub for logistics, shopping, and dining. It suits first-time visitors who want quick access to both train stations and the widest variety of hotels. Professionals and those on tight schedules prefer this area to minimize transit time. You can find high-end boutiques and souvenir shops along the main thoroughfare, Höheweg, which offers clear views of the Jungfrau massif. It is functional, efficient, and well-connected.
Unterseen
Located just across the Aare River, Unterseen offers a traditional Swiss atmosphere without the crowds of the main strip. It suits families and travelers seeking a quieter, more authentic resident feel. The architecture features classic wooden chalets and cobblestone streets. It is less commercial but still only a five-minute walk from Interlaken West station. Stadthausplatz serves as the neighborhood's focal point, hosting local markets and small cafes. Stay here if you want a local perspective while remaining close to the action.
Matten bei Interlaken
Matten is the go-to spot for younger travelers and the nightlife crowd. It is located toward the base of the mountains and houses the most popular hostels and late-night bars in the region. The vibe is laid-back and social. This area also appeals to adventure seekers who want easy access to paragliding landing fields and local breweries. Tellweg is the main artery here, lined with pubs and casual eateries. It is the most affordable part of town for budget-conscious explorers.
Bönigen
Bönigen sits on the shores of Lake Brienz, roughly five minutes by bus from the center. It suits couples and foodies who prioritize waterfront views and high-quality dining. The pace is significantly slower than the City Centre. You can walk along the lakeside promenade or explore the 16th-century carved wooden houses that define the village. The Seepromenade offers direct access to boat docks, making it a perfect base for lake excursions. Choose Bönigen for a resort-style stay away from the transit hub.
Interlaken City Centre is the best neighborhood for a first visit due to its central location and transport links.
Getting around Interlaken
Interlaken is compact and flat. You can walk from Interlaken West to Interlaken Ost in about 20 minutes. For short distances within the town center, walking is your best option.
The local bus network is efficient and covers the surrounding residential areas and nearby villages like Unterseen. Taxis are available at both train stations but are expensive; expect to pay a high base fare for even short rides. Uber does not operate here.
The most important transit hubs are the two train stations. Interlaken Ost is your gateway to the mountains (Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen), while Interlaken West serves regional trains toward Bern.
Insider Tip: If you stay in a local hotel, hostel, or campsite, you will receive the Interlaken Guest Card. This gives you free travel on all local buses and trains within Zone 80 (Interlaken and immediate suburbs). Always carry your digital or paper copy to avoid fines.
Best restaurants in Interlaken
- Heimwehfluh
- Rugenbräu
- Schynige Platte
Interlaken travel FAQ
Is Interlaken worth visiting?
Yes. It is the tactical base for the Bernese Oberland. You get direct access to highlights like Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and the Jungfraujoch. While the town itself is functional and touristy, its position between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz makes it the most efficient transport hub for adventure seekers and mountain hikers in Switzerland.
Is Interlaken expensive?
Yes. Switzerland is high-cost, and Interlaken reflects that. Expect to pay $25–$40 for a standard restaurant main course. Budget at least $150 per day for food and lodging. The biggest expense is mountain transport; a Jungfraujoch return ticket can exceed $200. Use a Swiss Travel Pass or Berner Oberland Pass to cap your transportation costs.
Is Interlaken safe for tourists?
Interlaken is exceptionally safe. Crime rates are very low, even at night. Your primary safety concern isn't theft, but the alpine environment. Check weather forecasts before hiking and follow marked trails. If you are paragliding or skydiving, stick to certified operators. Standard precautions apply at the train stations, but generally, it is one of Europe's safest destinations.
What is Interlaken known for?
Interlaken is the adventure capital of Europe. It is famous for paragliding, skydiving, and canyoning against the backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. It is also the primary gateway to the Jungfrau Region. Physically, it is known for sits unique location on the 'Bödeli', the strip of land separating the turquoise Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
Do you need to speak the local language in Interlaken?
No. The local language is Swiss German, but English is spoken fluently by almost everyone in the tourism industry. You will find menus, signs, and announcements in English, German, and often French. Learning basic German greetings is polite, but you will have no trouble navigating, ordering food, or booking excursions using only English.
What is the best month to visit Interlaken?
June and September offer the best balance. The weather is stable for hiking, and the crowds are smaller than in July and August. For skiing, January and February are peak months. If you want the clearest views and lush green valleys, go in June when the alpine wildflowers bloom and the mountain passes have finally cleared of snow.
How do you get from the airport to Interlaken city center?
Zurich (ZRH) is the most common gateway. Take the SBB train directly from the airport station; the journey takes about two hours with a quick transfer at Bern. If flying into Geneva (GVA), the train ride is roughly three hours. There is no major airport in Interlaken itself. The town has two main stations: Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West.
What food is Interlaken famous for?
Expect Swiss alpine staples. Cheese fondue and raclette are staples in the town center. Try Rösti, a crispy fried grated potato dish often served with fried eggs or salty bacon. For something local to the region, look for Alplermagronen, which is a Swiss take on macaroni and cheese featuring potatoes, onions, and apple sauce on the side.
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