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Interlaken
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Interlaken, Switzerland • Europe

Interlaken

The adventure heart of the Swiss Alps - turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks and cogwheel trains to the Top of Europe.

#Mountains#Lakes#Hiking#Adventure#Scenic TrainsCouplesFamilyAdventureNaturePhotography
7 Attractions
5 Restaurants
5 Hotels
1 Itineraries

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Quick facts

Best time to visit

June to September brings warm days, green meadows, clear mountain views and the full network of hiking trails and railways open - the prime season. December to March is for skiing and snow sports in the surrounding resorts. May and October are quieter shoulder months, though some high-mountain lifts may be closed for maintenance.

Daily budget
$330
Time zone
GMT+1 (CET)
Language
German (English widely spoken; French and Italian elsewhere in Switzerland)
Currency
CHF (Swiss Franc (CHF))
Emergency
112
Power
Type J & C · 230V

About Interlaken

Set on a flat valley floor between two brilliant turquoise lakes, with the snowy giants of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau rising behind, Interlaken is the classic gateway to the Swiss Alps. For 200 years travellers have come here to gawp at the scenery, and it remains one of the great Alpine basecamps - a launchpad for cogwheel railways, cable cars, lake cruises and a dizzying menu of adventure sports, all wrapped in postcard-perfect Switzerland. From the town you can ride one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world up to the Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, where a glacier and an ice palace sit at 3,454 metres. Or descend into the cliff-lined Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 waterfalls, hike the flower meadows of Grindelwald and the Schynige Platte, or simply ride the funicular up Harder Kulm for the definitive view over the lakes and peaks. Adrenaline seekers paraglide, canyon and skydive; everyone else just soaks up the views. Summer brings warm days, green meadows and the full sweep of mountain railways and hiking; winter turns the region into a snow-sports wonderland. Pack layers for the mountains, budget for famously high Swiss prices, and prepare to have your breath taken away.

Photo Gallery

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Things to Do in Interlaken

7
Jungfraujoch - Top of EuropeNature

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

A spectacular cogwheel railway journey to Europe's highest station at 3,454m, with a glacier, ice palace, viewing terraces and eternal snow.

Full day From CHF 2104.7(150,000)
Harder KulmNature

Harder Kulm

Interlaken's own viewpoint, reached by a steep funicular, with a Two Lakes Bridge platform offering the definitive view over both lakes and the peaks.

1.5-2 hours Funicular from CHF 384.7(80,000)
Lauterbrunnen ValleyNature

Lauterbrunnen Valley

A breathtaking glacial valley walled by sheer cliffs and laced with 72 waterfalls, including the famous Staubbach Falls tumbling past the village.

Half day Free (train fare)4.8(120,000)
Grindelwald & FirstNature

Grindelwald & First

A classic Alpine resort village beneath the Eiger, with a cable car to First for cliff walks, the First Flyer zipline and stunning ridge hikes.

Half to full day Cable car from CHF 644.7(90,000)
Schynige PlatteNature

Schynige Platte

A nostalgic vintage cog railway up to a panoramic ridge with an Alpine botanical garden and one of the region's most beautiful and accessible hikes.

Half day Railway from CHF 644.7(40,000)
Lake Brienz & Lake ThunNature

Lake Brienz & Lake Thun

The two brilliant turquoise lakes flanking Interlaken, perfect for a scenic paddle-steamer cruise to lakeside castles and storybook villages.

2-4 hours Cruises from CHF 304.7(70,000)
Paragliding over InterlakenAdventure

Paragliding over Interlaken

A tandem paragliding flight launching from a mountainside to soar above the lakes, valley and peaks - one of the world's great adventure-sport settings.

1-2 hours From CHF 1804.8(50,000)

Where to Eat in Interlaken

5
Little Thai

Little Thai

Thai / Asian $4.6(6,000)

A small, much-loved spot serving authentic, generous and great-value Thai food - a welcome budget-friendly change from Swiss prices.

Restaurant Taverne

Restaurant Taverne

Swiss / Traditional $$$4.5(9,000)

A cosy, traditional Swiss restaurant in a historic hotel, the place to share a bubbling cheese fondue or raclette after a day in the mountains.

Husi Bierhaus

Husi Bierhaus

Swiss / Pub $$4.5(8,000)

A lively, friendly beer house popular with adventure travellers, serving rosti, sausages, burgers and local brews in a buzzing atmosphere.

Benacus

Benacus

Modern / Mediterranean $$$4.5(5,000)

A stylish modern bistro and lounge in the centre, offering refined Mediterranean and international dishes and a good wine list.

Schuh

Schuh

Cafe / Swiss Chocolate $$4.4(7,000)

A classic confectionery and cafe since 1818 with a panoramic terrace, famous for its handmade Swiss chocolates and cakes.

Where to Stay in Interlaken

5
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Luxury $$$$4.8(3,000)

A magnificent Belle Epoque grand hotel facing the Jungfrau, with a vast spa, fine dining and a century and a half of Alpine elegance.

Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage

Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage

Luxury $$$$4.6(2,200)

A graceful riverside grand hotel with mountain views, a spa and pool, set in gardens a short stroll from the centre.

Hotel Interlaken

Hotel Interlaken

Boutique $$$4.6(2,000)

One of the town's oldest hotels, a charming, characterful place with cosy Alpine rooms and a good restaurant in a central setting.

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

Hostel $4.6(4,000)

A friendly, well-run hostel with a garden and mountain views, offering private and dorm rooms a short walk from the centre and lifts.

Hotel Krebs

Hotel Krebs

Mid-Range $$4.5(2,500)

A warm, family-run hotel by the West station, well placed for trains and town, with comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast.

Interlaken Itineraries

1
4-day trip

Classic 4 Days in Interlaken & the Jungfrau

easy CHF 1,000 - 1,800

An Alpine loop from Interlaken's viewpoints to the Top of Europe, the Lauterbrunnen valley and Grindelwald, and a scenic lake cruise.

View day-by-day plan

Interlaken Budget Guide

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Flights$500 - $1,300$500 - $1,300$500 - $1,300
Accommodation$50/night$180/night$550/night
Food$35/day$70/day-
Activities$100/day$100/day$100/day
Local Transport$20/day$20/day$20/day
Daily Average$150$330$820

Local currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Interlaken Travel FAQ

Everything you need to know before you go: best time to visit, visas, getting around, safety and more.

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