Introduction to Interlaken

Interlaken, located in the center-west of Switzerland in the Bernese Oberland region, is a charming destination nestled between two beautiful lakes: Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The city is renowned worldwide for its wide range of adventure sports, such as paragliding and rafting, and serves as a starting point for many unmissable excursions to the Swiss Alps. In this special post, you will discover the best activities to enjoy in Interlaken, tips on how to get there, where to stay, and much more to ensure an unforgettable trip!

Why Choose Interlaken as Your Base

Among all the alpine villages nearby, Interlaken is the largest and offers the best infrastructure, including a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops. This makes it the ideal option for accommodation. Furthermore, its strategic location provides easy access to attractions in all directions, facilitating exploration of the region and optimizing your travel time.

Main Attractions in Interlaken

Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm is the main attraction in Interlaken. A funicular from the city center takes visitors to the top of Harder Kulm, which stands at 1,322 meters (4,337 feet) above sea level. From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lakes Brienz and Thun, as well as the majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Visitors can also savor a meal at the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant.

Lakes Brienzersee and Thunersee

The Brienz and Thun lakes, with their emerald-green waters, are perfect for a day of cruising. Navigating these lakes on a sunny day while admiring the lush green cliffs of the surrounding mountains is an unmissable experience. Visitors can choose to make a round trip or only part of the journey, combining the return by train. The cruise on Brienzersee is considered the most beautiful, though it does not operate in late autumn, winter, and early spring.

Must-visit stops on the Brienzersee cruise include:

  • Iseltwald
  • Giessbach
  • Village of Brienz

Must-visit stops on the Thunersee cruise include:

  • Thun
  • Oberhofen

Day Trips from Interlaken

1. Mountains

Many mountains surround Interlaken, and the cost to visit them varies according to their altitude. The higher the mountain, the higher the cost. At the top of each, you will find a restaurant and hiking trails, which are open only during the summer. Some mountains are accessible only in the summer season. You can reach the summits in different ways: some mountains have cable cars, others are accessed by trains, and some use funiculars. To reach the highest mountain in the region, Jungfraujoch, you need to combine a cable car ride with a train ride.

Most Popular Mountains in the Region:

  • Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
  • Grindelwald First
  • Schilthorn
  • Brienzhothorn
  • Pfingstegg
  • Männlichen
  • Schynige Platte
  • Niesen
  • Stockhorn
  • Niederhorn
  • Isenfluh

2. Lakes for Day Trips

From Interlaken, you can explore other lakes beyond Brienzersee and Thunersee. Some are mountain lakes, which means you’ll need to take a cable car or a train to reach them. Keep in mind that during the winter, mountain lakes often freeze, limiting access and activities.

Other Lakes to Explore:

  • Blausee
  • Oeschinensee
  • Bachalpsee
  • Lungern
  • Gelmersee

3. Villages and Cities

We could list countless charming villages for you to visit, but this would make your choice even harder. Therefore, we will highlight only those that are truly unmissable—those villages so enchanting that it’s hard to believe they are real.

Charming Villages:

  • Lauterbrunnen
  • Wengen
  • Mürren
  • Grindelwald
  • Iseltwald

Most Charming Cities for a Day Trip:

  • Lucerne
  • Bern
  • Thun

Tips for Staying in Interlaken

Regardless of your preferences, Interlaken is a destination that uniquely combines adventure and natural beauty. If you’re unsure where to stay or have limited time in Switzerland, make sure to include Interlaken in your itinerary.

Short Stay

  • Even if you can only spend two days in the city, it will be worthwhile to experience its attractions.

Long Stay

  • If you have the opportunity to stay for 4 to 7 days, that would be ideal! Interlaken offers a variety of activities year-round.

Conclusion

At any time of the year, there are always exciting options to explore, ensuring your visit is unforgettable. Swiss Xplorer is a travel agency, specializing in trips to Switzerland. We offer private tours, transfers, Swiss Travel Passes, reservations for scenic trains, and even an e-book for sale. Get ready to create valuable memories in one of the most stunning places in the world!