Coffee Mugs on Ledge with Interlaken Mountain Backdrop

Field of Flowers in Interlaken with Mountain Backdrop

Cows Grazing with Interlaken Mountain Backdrop

Ducks in Lake with Interlaken Mountain Backdrop

Interlaken Travel Guide

January - DecemberSwitzerlandCHF

Natural Beauty

Hiking, Biking & Kayaking

Adventure Seeking

Interlaken’s name translates to ‘between lakes’, and that’s exactly where this town can be found: nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun in the very heart of Switzerland. It’s a place of sublime natural beauty and draws hordes of travelers looking to become immersed in the snowy peaks and crystal waters.

The natural scenery of Interlaken makes it the perfect place for adventure sports. Experienced and amateur adrenaline junkies from all over the world descend on the town every summer to experience this place. Climbing craggy cliffs, fighting through deep canyons, coursing down wild rivers on thin rafts, paragliding hundreds of meters over town, and tumbling off cliff edges attached only to a bungee cord, it’s all available here.

It’s not all about pushing limits. Interlaken also offers boundless opportunities for hiking the surrounding trails, swimming and boating in the lakes, and simply enjoying the picturesque beauty of the Swiss countryside. The St Beatus Caves where Saint Beatus, according to legend, drove away a dragon, are now home to the much safer activity of caving tours and the site of a small museum. Not far from town is the Jungfrau Railway, which runs from the Kleine Scheidegg to the highest railway station in Europe, flying past breathtaking views of the alps along the way.

After, or perhaps instead of, a long day of adventure, Interlaken contains a rich array of pubs and bars, where tired backpackers converge to drink steins of beer and discuss the day’s activities. Interlaken is a town to try new things, meet new people, and feel alive, all with the stunning Swiss Alps as an ever-present backdrop.

Must See Attractions in Interlaken

Green Tram with Mountain Backdrop Unterseen

Museum of Tourism

Starting in the 18th century, Unterseen and Interlaken played a vital role in the area’s tourism industry. Travelers from all over Europe would find their way to the Jungfrau region to enjoy it’s pristine lakes and mountain air far away from the bustling European capitals. When pollution became a medical concern during the Industrial Revolution, many patients were sent to the area for relaxation. The area was popular amongst Alpinists as well, many of them coming to only for the thrill on conquering a mountain’s peak. The Museum of Tourism, or Tourismuseum, holds exhibits dedicated to this wonderful and romantic era of Interlaken’s history. It’s collection seeks to bring you on a journey through the 500 years of tourism in the Swiss Alps, an industry that is vital to the history of this region.

Unterseen

Nestled between the eastern shore of Lake Thun and the River Aare, the town of Unterseen was founded in 1279 as a fortress. Aside from a few remaining walls, this charming town, with its mix of Romanesque churches and ornate 19th-century buildings, doesn’t look like a place of war in the slightest. Unterseen was at the heart of Interlaken’s tourism industry until the 1930s century. The town’s Tourismuseum is a fantastic window into this bygone era, featuring vintage skis and exhibitions on travelers who sought to climb the Bernese Alps. Be sure that you finish off the day with a cup of hot chocolate at the stately Hotel Central Continental, as its cafe terrace providing stunning views of the mountains and lakes.

Interlaken Monastery & Castle

From Augustinian monastery to hospital, to administrative and government offices, the uses of the Interlaken Castle and Monastery have been nearly as varied as it’s architecture. Built sometime before 1133, the old monastery was originally home to an Augustinian order of monks. In the Late Middle Ages a Gothic-style cloister was added, and in the early 14th century, a church was built, complete with an impressive steeple. As you walk through the Interlaken Monastery grounds, you are walking through the medieval history of Interlaken. This complex houses some of the most culturally significant buildings in Interlaken. While the castle grounds are open to the public, keep in mind that some of buildings still serve a practical use today, with the region’s administrative offices being located there.

Hohematte Park

Just a few hundred yards from the old monastery lies Interlaken’s most popular public park: Hohematte. This charming place gives terrific views of Interlaken’s buildings and the natural beauty surrounding them. You will see families enjoying themselves here in the summer months, as the park is a popular place amongst the locals for picnics and sports. Other than being a great place to play Frisbee or go for a bike ride, Hohenmatte park is filled with wonderful little curiosities. Here you can see the Japanese Garden of Friendship, created by a gardener from Otsu, Japan, to symbolize the warm relations between the two cities. If you lose track of time, head over to the famed clock made of Flowers, and finish off the day with a stroll through the lovely French-style Gardens.

Optional Day Trips from Interlaken

Jungfraujoch

Situated in the Bernese Alps, Jungfraujoch is a popular alpine destination dubbed the “Top of Europe” because it features the highest train station in Europe at 3,454 meters above sea level. The glacier saddle is situated between the Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, offering visitors spectacular views of the crystal blue Lake Thun and Lake Brienz far below. There’s plenty of lush vegetation to admire on your rail journey. Once you reach the top, walk through the glacier tunnels in the Ice Palace or take an elevator to the top of the Sphinx Observatory. Other attractions include a moving walkway, The Alpine Sensation, complete with images, music, and lights. There’s also a family-friendly snow park, a variety of restaurants with glacier views, and a Lindt chocolate shop with a special exhibit about the chocolate-making process.

Schilthorn

Hidden in the Bernese Alps, Schilthorn is the behemoth of all mountains. You might recognize it as the evil Blofeld’s mountain top hideaway, Piz Gloria, in the James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Its summit can only be reached by a jaw-dropping cable car ride via the winter resort of Mürren. The panoramic skyline views atop the summit might leave you breathless, nauseous, or a bit of both. There’s a kitschy 007 museum and a revolving restaurant. If you’re feeling especially daring, stop off at the Birg gondola station along the way to the top to try out the hair-raising, glass-floored “thrill walk.”

Schynige Platte

Just outside of Interlaken, Schynige Platte is a plateau situated in the Bernese Highlands. An easy but adventurous day trip, visitors can take a vintage cog railway ride from nearby Wilderswil up to the stunning summit. Along the journey to the top, you can marvel at gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. The peak is more of a benchmark than a finale. After being greeted by views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, head over to one of the trail starting points for an exhilarating day hike. A botanical garden at the top features hundreds of lush plant species, and there’s a casual restaurant where you can relax and take in the views.

Niederhorn Mountain

There’s no shortage of mountains to explore around Interlaken, but Niederhorn Mountain is undoubtedly one of the most popular. Hiking trails passing through sleepy pine forests and green pastures reward visitors with incredible views of the rugged mountain range and limestone ridges. Access the summit by foot or on a cable car via the shore of Lake Thun. There are stops along the way where visitors can get off and admire the views or partake in activities such as Trotti biking (a large scooter) along a sealed path. Don’t forget to gaze down below at the iridescent waters of Lake Thun to experience the true high-point of the journey.

Harder Kulm

It’s not a trip to Interlaken unless you’ve made it to the top of this gorgeous Swiss mountain town. To do that, you need to head up to Harder Kulm, which sits at 1,322 meters above sea level. Visitors can reach the viewing platform by taking a funicular from the Old Town area of Interlaken. Atop the mountain, head to the platform and soak up unparalleled views of the surrounding alpine scenery, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. There’s a restaurant housed in a medieval-style building with a timbered frame and red-tiled roof. Stop here to enjoy a hearty meal over the misty mountain horizon.

Lake Thun

Lake Thun, or Thunnersee, is named after the beautiful city of Thun to the north. Formed by glaciers around 10,000 years ago, Lake Thun is well connected to Interlaken through a series of canals and railways. In the post-war era, parts of the lake were used as training sites for the Swiss Army, but since 1964 has been fully open to the public for recreation. Historic steamships provide charming, 2-hour cruises between the towns of Interlaken and Thun. If you don’t have your sea-legs, then a bus ride along the winding roads showcases the area’s beautiful vistas. Lake Thun is perfect for watersports enthusiasts, with windsurfing and sailing being popular. Don’t forget to end the day with a stroll through Thun’s historic market square.