Interlaken - Gateway to the Jungfrau and the Adventure Capital of Europe

General Information

Interlaken is located in the canton of Bern, at an altitude of 568 meters. The town is relatively small with a population of about 6,000, but its tourist infrastructure is huge and can accommodate tens of thousands of visitors.

Location: Bernese Oberland, between Lakes Thun and Brienz

Altitude: 568 meters

Population: ~6,000 (town); ~23,000 (agglomeration)

Language: German (Swiss dialect)

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Why Visit Interlaken?

Adventure Capital - Interlaken offers over 45 types of sports activities - from paragliding and bungee jumping to canyoning and rafting.

Gateway to the Jungfrau - The town is the ideal base for excursions to Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and the entire region with its 200+ km of ski slopes and hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails.

The Two Lakes - The unique location between Lakes Thun and Brienz offers opportunities for cruises, water sports, and breathtaking views.

Excellent Transport Links - With two stations (Ost and West) and excellent connections, Interlaken is easily accessible from anywhere in Switzerland.

Year-Round Destination - In summer, it is a paradise for tourists and adventurers, and in winter it offers quick access to the best ski resorts in the region.

Top 10 Attractions and Activities in Interlaken

1. Harder Kulm

Description: Harder Kulm is Interlaken's "home" mountain, rising to 1,322 meters. The summit is reached in 10 minutes by a modern funicular that overcomes a gradient of 64%. At the top, the panoramic restaurant, resembling a castle, and the iconic "Two Lakes Bridge" (Zwei-Seen-Steg) platform await you. From there, an incredible view of Interlaken, Lakes Thun and Brienz, and the three giants - Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau - is revealed.

Location: The funicular station is a 5-minute walk from Interlaken Ost station.

Opening Hours: April - November, 9:10 - 21:10 (in summer)

Visit Time: 1.5 - 2 hours

Tip: Visit at sunset for the most magical views and photos.

2. Paragliding over Interlaken

Description: Interlaken is one of the best places in the world for tandem paragliding. The flight starts from Beatenberg (1,350 m) and lasts 15-20 minutes, during which you will soar over the town and the two lakes, surrounded by the Alpine peaks. No previous experience is necessary - your licensed pilot takes care of everything. This is an unforgettable experience that will give you a whole new perspective on the region.

Location: Take-off from Beatenberg, landing on the Höhematte meadow in the center of Interlaken.

Season: Year-round (in suitable weather conditions)

Experience Time: 1.5 hours (with transfers)

Tip: Wear sunglasses and a jacket, even in summer.

3. Boat Trip on Lake Brienz

Description: Lake Brienz is known for its turquoise waters and dramatic landscapes. A trip on a historic steamboat (built in 1914) is the best way to enjoy its beauty. The cruise stops at picturesque villages like Iseltwald (famous from the Korean series "Crash Landing on You") and Giessbach, where you can visit the majestic Giessbach Falls.

Location: The port is next to Interlaken Ost station.

Duration: Full circle - about 2.5 hours.

Season: May - October

Tip: Combine the cruise with a visit to the Giessbach Falls and lunch at the grand hotel.

4. Kayaking on Lake Thun

Description: Lake Thun offers gentler landscapes and warmer water compared to Brienz. Kayaking is a great way to explore its shores, see the medieval castles (Spiez, Oberhofen, Thun), and enjoy the tranquility. Sunset tours are also available.

Location: The kayak bases are in Bönigen (next to Interlaken).

Duration: 2-3 hours

Season: April - October

Tip: Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you want to swim.

5. Visit to the St. Beatus Caves

Description: According to legend, a dragon lived in these caves, driven out by the Irish monk St. Beatus in the 6th century. Today you can explore over 1 kilometer of illuminated paths that pass by underground lakes, waterfalls, and impressive limestone formations. The temperature in the caves is constant (8-10°C), making them ideal for a visit on a hot or rainy day.

Location: On the shore of Lake Thun, a 10-minute drive from Interlaken.

Opening Hours: March - October, 9:00 - 18:00

Visit Time: 1.5 - 2 hours

Tip: Combine with a boat trip on Lake Thun.

6. Stroll along Höheweg

Description: Höheweg is the main boulevard of Interlaken, connecting the West and Ost stations. Along it are luxury hotels, watch shops, souvenir and chocolate shops, as well as the Kursaal Casino with its beautiful garden. In the center of the boulevard is the large Höhematte meadow, which offers an open view of the Jungfrau and is the main landing spot for paragliders.

Location: The center of Interlaken.

Stroll Time: 1 hour

Tip: Sit on one of the benches on Höhematte and enjoy the view and the landing paragliders.

7. Excursion to the Lauterbrunnen Valley

Description: Just 20 minutes from Interlaken is one of the most impressive valleys in the Alps - Lauterbrunnen, known for its 72 waterfalls. The most famous is Staubbach, which falls from a height of almost 300 meters. You can walk through the valley, visit the Trümmelbach Falls (10 glacial waterfalls inside the mountain), or take a train to the villages of Wengen and Mürren.

Location: 20 minutes by car or train from Interlaken Ost.

Visit Time: Half to a full day.

Tip: Visit the Trümmelbach Falls - a unique experience.

8. Schynige Platte

Description: Schynige Platte is reached by a nostalgic 19th-century cogwheel train, which travels for about 50 minutes from Wilderswil (next to Interlaken). From the summit (2,076 m), one of the best panoramic views in the region of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and the two lakes is revealed. The Alpine Botanical Garden with over 650 plant species is also located here.

Location: The station is in Wilderswil, a 5-minute train ride from Interlaken Ost.

Season: June - October

Visit Time: 3-4 hours

Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with an incredible view.

9. Adventure Sports: Canyoning and Rafting

Description: Interlaken is the mecca of adventure sports. Canyoning involves descending river canyons by jumping, swimming, sliding, and abseiling. Rafting on the Lütschine River offers adrenaline and class III-IV rapids. Both activities are conducted with professional guides and full equipment.

Location: Various locations around Interlaken.

Season: May - September

Experience Time: 3-4 hours

Tip: Suitable for thrill-seekers. No previous experience is necessary.

10. Visit to Grindelwald and the First Cliff Walk

Description: Grindelwald is a lively Alpine village at the foot of the Eiger. From here you can take a cable car to the First summit (2,168 m), where the First Cliff Walk attraction awaits you - a metal path attached to the rocks, which ends with a panoramic platform. Other attractions on First include the First Flyer (zipline), Mountain Cart, and scooters.

Location: 30 minutes by car or train from Interlaken Ost.

Visit Time: Half to a full day.

Tip: Combine the Cliff Walk with one of the other attractions for a full day of adventure.

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-June) - Ideal for visiting cities and lower trails. Fewer crowds.

Summer (July-August) - Peak season. Warm weather, ideal for water sports, hiking, and all summer activities. Book everything in advance.

Autumn (September-October) - Beautiful autumn colors, pleasant weather for hiking. Most mountain attractions are open until mid-October.

Winter (December-March) - Interlaken is not a ski resort, but it is a base for access to the Jungfrau ski areas (Grindelwald, Wengen). The town is quieter, but offers winter experiences like ice skating and winter walks.

Getting Around

On Foot - The center of Interlaken is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Public Transport - With a guest card (obtained from the hotel), you have free access to buses in the town and to neighboring villages.

Train - Interlaken Ost station is a major transport hub for connections to the entire Jungfrau region and the rest of Switzerland.

Where to Eat

Restaurant Laterne - Traditional Swiss cuisine, including cheese fondue and rösti.

Hüsi Bierhaus - Large selection of beers and classic pub food.

Goldener Anker - A restaurant with a good reputation for local specialties.

Little Thai - Authentic Thai food at affordable prices.

Useful Tips

Guest Card - Don't forget to get it from your hotel. It gives you free public transport and discounts on many attractions.

Book in Advance - In summer, Interlaken is extremely busy. Book hotels, transfers, and popular tours weeks or months in advance.

Dress in Layers - The weather in the mountains changes quickly. Even in summer, wear a jacket and comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Check the Webcams - Before going up a mountain, check the webcams online to make sure there is good visibility.