Your Independent Swiss Mountain Guide
Paragliding Beatenberg
Discover Interlaken, where turquoise lakes, majestic Alpine peaks and historic landmarks come together. Explore the town and surrounding landscapes for unforgettable views and experiences in the heart of the Bernese Oberland.
© Interlaken Tourismus, Milot Morina
Quick Facts
What is Interlaken?
Interlaken is one of Switzerland's most spectacular destinations, situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps. The town combines traditional Swiss charm with breathtaking scenery and a wide range of outdoor experiences.
The destination is a popular starting point for exploring the Jungfrau Region and the Bernese Oberland. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain excursions, paragliding, boat cruises and numerous activities on the surrounding lakes, while destinations such as Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the Jungfraujoch are easily accessible.
Interlaken's central location makes it easy to combine lakeside experiences, Alpine adventures and scenic mountain excursions. With its excellent public transport connections, hotels, restaurants and year-round activities, Interlaken is an ideal base for discovering the surrounding region.
Interlaken Highlights
🏔️ Alpine Mountain Views
Enjoy spectacular views of the Bernese Alps and the surrounding mountain landscape from Interlaken and nearby viewpoints.
🌊 Lake Thun & Lake Brienz
Explore the two beautiful lakes surrounding Interlaken, with turquoise waters, scenic shores and unforgettable mountain scenery.
🚠 Mountain Excursions
Discover popular mountain destinations such as Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald-First and the Jungfraujoch.
🪂 Adventure Activities
Experience Interlaken's famous outdoor adventures, including paragliding, hiking, cycling and a wide range of activities in the surrounding mountains.
🚤 Scenic Boat Cruises
Take a relaxing cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz and discover picturesque villages, historic landmarks and spectacular Alpine scenery.
📸 Jungfrau Region
Use Interlaken as a base for exploring the Jungfrau Region, with iconic destinations such as Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the Jungfraujoch nearby.
How to Explore Interlaken
Exploring Interlaken is easy and can be combined with the lakes, mountains and attractions of the surrounding region. Follow these four simple steps to make the most of your visit.
Arrive in Interlaken
Start in Interlaken and explore the town centre around Höhematte, with the surrounding mountains and both lakes easily accessible from here.
Explore the Lakes
Discover Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, enjoy scenic lakeside walks or take a boat cruise to experience the spectacular Alpine scenery from the water.
Head into the Mountains
Take a mountain railway, funicular or cable car to destinations such as Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald-First or the Jungfraujoch.
Discover the Region
Continue your journey into the Jungfrau Region and explore nearby highlights such as Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Beatenberg and Giessbach Falls.
Tickets & Prices
Interlaken offers a wide range of tickets for mountain railways, cable cars, boat cruises and other excursions. Prices and ticket options vary depending on the destination, season and type of experience. Check the relevant official provider for current prices and availability before your visit.
Mountain Excursions
Tickets are available for popular mountain destinations such as Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald-First and the Jungfraujoch. Prices depend on the destination and selected route.
Boat Cruises
Enjoy scenic cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Different ticket options are available for individual journeys, return trips and connections with other public transport.
Jungfrau Region
Explore the Jungfrau Region with mountain railways and cable cars connecting Interlaken with destinations such as Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the Jungfraujoch.
Opening Hours
Interlaken is a year-round destination, with activities and experiences available in every season. Opening hours for individual attractions, mountain railways, cable cars and boat services vary depending on the season and destination.
Spring & Summer
From spring through summer, longer daylight hours make it ideal to explore the lakes, hiking trails and mountain destinations around Interlaken. Opening times vary by attraction.
Autumn
Autumn is a beautiful time to explore Interlaken and the surrounding mountains. Many attractions remain open, although some mountain transport and seasonal services may operate on reduced schedules.
Winter
Interlaken can be visited throughout winter, with mountain excursions, winter hiking and seasonal activities available nearby. Check individual attractions for current opening hours and operating dates.
Visitor Information
Interlaken is easy to explore and offers experiences for families, couples and active travellers. A few simple considerations can help you make the most of your visit, especially when heading into the mountains or taking part in outdoor activities.
Tickets & Reservations
Some mountain railways, cable cars, boat cruises and activities require tickets or reservations. Check availability and current conditions before your visit, especially during busy periods.
Family Friendly
Interlaken offers many family-friendly experiences, from scenic boat cruises and easy walks to mountain excursions and attractions suitable for children.
Mountain Activities
Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Check the weather and trail conditions before hiking and choose routes that match your experience and fitness level.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies between attractions, mountain railways, trails and boats. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should check the current accessibility information with the relevant provider.
Weather Conditions
Weather can vary considerably between Interlaken and the surrounding mountains. Check the forecast before outdoor activities and be prepared for changing temperatures and conditions.
Plan Your Visit
Opening hours, transport schedules and seasonal services can change throughout the year. Check the latest official information before travelling to individual attractions and destinations.
Best Time to Visit Interlaken
Interlaken can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering a different experience. From blooming alpine landscapes and lake activities in spring and summer to colourful mountain scenery in autumn and snowy adventures in winter, the region has something to offer in every season.
Spring
March – May
Spring brings fresh green landscapes and colourful alpine flowers to Interlaken. It is a beautiful time for hiking, scenic walks and exploring the lakes and surrounding mountains.
Summer
June – August
Summer is the most popular season for outdoor experiences in Interlaken. Enjoy hiking, boat cruises, water sports, paragliding and mountain excursions across the Bernese Oberland.
Autumn
September – November
Autumn brings colourful landscapes and crisp mountain air to the region. It is an excellent time for hiking, scenic excursions and enjoying quieter trails around Interlaken.
Winter
December – February
Winter transforms the surrounding mountains into a snowy Alpine landscape. Skiing, winter hiking and mountain excursions in the nearby Jungfrau Region make Interlaken an attractive winter destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Interlaken located?
Interlaken is located in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Bernese Alps.
What is Interlaken known for?
Interlaken is known for its spectacular Alpine scenery, turquoise lakes and wide range of outdoor and adventure activities. It is also an important gateway to the Jungfrau Region.
What are the best things to do in Interlaken?
Popular activities include hiking, paragliding, boat cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, mountain excursions and water sports. Nearby destinations such as Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the Jungfraujoch are also popular.
What is the best time to visit Interlaken?
Interlaken is a year-round destination. Summer is ideal for hiking, lake activities and outdoor adventures, while winter offers snowy mountain scenery, winter hiking and access to nearby ski areas. Spring and autumn are excellent for scenic walks and quieter experiences.
How do I get to Interlaken?
Interlaken is easily accessible by train and car. Regular train connections link the town with major Swiss cities, while the A8 motorway provides convenient access by car. Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West are the two main railway stations.
Can I visit the Jungfrau Region from Interlaken?
Yes. Interlaken is an excellent base for exploring the Jungfrau Region. Destinations such as Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Schynige Platte and the Jungfraujoch can be reached by train, cable car and mountain railway.
Are Lake Thun and Lake Brienz close to Interlaken?
Yes. Interlaken is uniquely situated between both lakes. Visitors can enjoy lakeside walks, boat cruises and water activities on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with many destinations easily accessible by public transport.
Is Interlaken suitable for families?
Yes. Interlaken offers many family-friendly experiences, including boat cruises, easy walks, mountain excursions and attractions in the surrounding region. The variety of activities makes it suitable for families with children of different ages.
Location & Directions
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Weather & Webcams
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Mountain Weather
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