TranslateOverview
Interlaken is a small town in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, situated on a flat stretch of land between Lake Thun (Thunersee) to the west and Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) to the east. The Aare River connects the two lakes and runs through the town. Towering above the region are the three iconic peaks of the Bernese Alps — the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau — which form the backdrop to nearly every view.
Despite its modest population, Interlaken functions as one of Switzerland's busiest tourist hubs, drawing visitors year-round for mountain excursions, adventure sports, lake cruises, and access to high-altitude rail journeys. The town itself is compact and walkable, with its main commercial strip, the Höheweg promenade, running between the two train stations — Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost.
The town sits at roughly 570 metres above sea level, making it an accessible entry point to a region where the terrain rises dramatically to over 4,000 metres. This geographic range means activities spanning paragliding and white-water rafting in the valley to glacier hiking and skiing at altitude are all within reach on the same day.
Before You Go
Visas
Switzerland is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary by nationality and are subject to change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) official website for current, authoritative requirements before you travel.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for Switzerland. Travel insurance with adequate medical and mountain rescue coverage is strongly recommended if you plan to engage in adventure sports or high-altitude excursions. Mountain rescue operations in Switzerland can be costly without insurance.
Money
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it is useful to carry some cash for smaller establishments, market stalls, and rural mountain huts. Switzerland is consistently one of the more expensive countries in Europe, so budgeting accordingly is advised. Verify current exchange rates before travel.
Weather and Packing
- Summer (June–August): Warm in the valley, but temperatures drop sharply with altitude. Layer clothing and bring waterproofs even in sunny weather.
- Winter (December–March): Cold, with significant snow at higher elevations. Proper insulated clothing is essential for mountain excursions.
- Spring and Autumn: Variable conditions; trails at altitude may still have snow into June. Check trail conditions locally before heading out.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), approximately 2 hours from Interlaken by train. Bern Airport (BRN) is closer but handles far fewer international routes. Geneva Airport (GVA) is also a viable entry point, roughly 2.5–3 hours by train, and is particularly convenient for travellers from western Europe and North America.
By Train
Train is the standard and most practical way to reach Interlaken. Direct and connecting services run regularly from Zurich, Bern, Basel, and Geneva. Interlaken has two main railway stations: Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. Most regional and long-distance services call at both. Interlaken Ost is the departure point for mountain railways into the Jungfrau region. Verify current schedules and fares on the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) official website.
By Car
Interlaken is reachable by road via the A8 motorway. However, driving is of limited value in the town itself, and many of the most popular mountain destinations — including the Jungfraubahn — are accessible only by train or cable car. Parking is available in Interlaken but can be limited in peak season. A Swiss motorway vignette (toll sticker) is required for driving on Swiss motorways; verify current requirements before travel.
Getting Around
Within Interlaken
The town centre is small enough to cover on foot. The Höheweg promenade, the central green (the Höhematte), and both train stations are all within comfortable walking distance of one another. Bicycles and e-bikes can be rented locally, and cycling paths run along both lakes.
Regional Transport
Interlaken Ost is the hub for the mountain railway network. Key routes include:
- Jungfraubahn — to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), the highest railway station in Europe, via Kleine Scheidegg
- Schynige Platte Railway — seasonal rack railway to a ridge with panoramic Alpine views
- Harder Kulm Funicular — a short ride from Interlaken Ost to a viewpoint above the town
Lake boats operated by BLS connect Interlaken West with towns along Lake Thun, and Interlaken Ost with villages along Lake Brienz. These services are scenic and practical. The Swiss Travel Pass covers many of these services; verify current pass inclusions with SBB or the official Swiss Travel System website.
Postal Buses (PostBus)
PostBus Switzerland services connect Interlaken to surrounding valley villages not served by rail. Schedules and coverage are comprehensive but should be verified locally or via the PostBus website.
Things to See & Do
Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe
The railway journey to Jungfraujoch, at 3,454 metres, is the centrepiece excursion for most visitors. The route passes through Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen and climbs through the Eiger to the saddle between the Mönch and Jungfrau. At the top there is a research station, ice palace, and observation terraces. The journey is long and the ticket is expensive; check current fares and book in advance, particularly in summer. Altitude sickness can affect some visitors — move slowly at the top and descend if you feel unwell.
Harder Kulm
A funicular departing near Interlaken Ost reaches this viewpoint in minutes, offering a straightforward panorama of the town, both lakes, and the three main peaks. A good option if time or budget limits a full mountain excursion.
Adventure Sports
Interlaken has established itself as one of Europe's prominent adventure sports centres. Activities widely available in the region include:
- Paragliding (tandem flights launching from Beatenberg or Grindelwald)
- Canyoning in the Saxeten or Grimsel gorges
- White-water rafting on the Lütschine and Aare rivers
- Skydiving
- Bungee jumping
Book through established, licensed operators. Verify safety credentials and insurance before any activity.
Hiking
The region has an extensive marked trail network. Trails range from easy lakeside walks to demanding ridge hikes above 2,000 metres. The area around Grindelwald, First, and the Schynige Platte offers well-documented routes. Trail conditions vary by season — check current status with local tourist offices or the SchweizMobil app.
Lakes and Villages
- Brienz: A traditional village at the eastern end of Lake Brienz, known for woodcarving and the open-air museum at Ballenberg (Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg), which preserves historic rural Swiss buildings from across the country.
- Thun: A larger town at the western end of Lake Thun, with a well-preserved old town and a castle (Schloss Thun) open to visitors.
- Lauterbrunnen Valley: A glacially carved valley south of Interlaken with numerous waterfalls, including the Staubbach Falls. A base for accessing Wengen and Mürren.
- Grindelwald: A village at the foot of the Eiger, popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Food & Drink
Local and Regional Food
Swiss cuisine in the Bernese Oberland leans toward hearty Alpine staples. Look for:
- Rösti — pan-fried grated potato, a Swiss-German staple
- Raclette — melted cheese served over boiled potatoes with pickles and onions
- Fondue — cheese fondue is available widely, though it is more of a national dish than a strictly regional one
- Alpine meats — cured meats and dried beef (Bündnerfleisch, though originally from Graubünden, appears on many menus)
Dining in Interlaken
The town has a wide range of restaurants catering to international visitors, including European, Asian, and fast food options. The Höheweg and its side streets have the highest concentration of restaurants. For more local and less tourist-facing dining, side streets and residential areas can yield simpler Swiss eateries.
Drinks
Swiss beer and wine are both produced locally, though Switzerland is not a major wine-exporting country. Local mineral water is excellent. At altitude, mountain huts (Berghütten) often serve warming drinks such as hot chocolate and Glühwein in season.
Practical Notes
Tipping is not obligatory in Switzerland — service is generally included — but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is appreciated. Dining costs are high by most international standards; self-catering using supermarkets (Migros and Coop are the main chains) is an effective way to manage costs.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
Switzerland's general emergency numbers are publicly documented:
- Police: 117
- Fire: 118
- Ambulance: 144
- Mountain rescue (Rega — Swiss Air-Rescue): 1414
- European emergency number: 112
Verify these are current before travel.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage in the town is good. Coverage can be patchy in valleys and above certain altitudes. Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels and public spaces. Swiss SIM cards and roaming from EU/EEA plans are both used by visitors; verify your provider's roaming terms.
Pharmacies and Medical Care
Interlaken has pharmacies and medical facilities appropriate to a town of its size. For serious mountain emergencies, helicopter evacuation is the standard response — a key reason comprehensive travel and rescue insurance is so strongly recommended.
Electricity
Switzerland uses Type J plugs at 230V/50Hz. This socket type is unique to Switzerland and Liechtenstein; visitors from most countries will need an adapter.
Accessibility
The main town centre is relatively flat and walkable. Mountain railways and cable cars vary in accessibility; contact specific operators in advance if accessibility is a consideration. The SBB (Swiss railways) website has accessibility information for rail services.
Safety
Interlaken and Switzerland generally rank among the safer destinations in Europe for travellers. Petty crime is relatively low, but normal precautions apply in busy tourist areas — keep an eye on belongings on the Höheweg and at train stations during peak season.
Mountain Safety
This is the most relevant safety consideration for most visitors. The mountains around Interlaken present genuine hazards:
- Altitude sickness can affect visitors at Jungfraujoch and other high points. Ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms develop.
- Weather changes rapidly at altitude. Even in summer, conditions can shift from clear to snowfall within hours. Always check forecasts (MeteoSwiss is the authoritative Swiss weather service) before hiking or any outdoor activity.
- Trail conditions — some routes remain snowbound well into summer. Verify trail status locally.
- Inform someone of your plans before undertaking any significant hike.
- Adventure sports carry inherent risk. Use only licensed and insured operators.
Road and Traffic
Driving in mountain areas requires care, particularly on narrow roads and in winter conditions. Snow chains may be legally required on certain routes in winter — verify current requirements.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Interlaken has long been oriented toward international tourism — it was a popular destination among British and European travellers in the nineteenth century — and this history means the town is pragmatic and comfortable with visitors from many backgrounds. English is spoken widely in hotels, restaurants, and at tourist attractions.
The surrounding region retains more traditional Swiss character. In smaller villages, Swiss German (Berndeutsch in the local dialect) is the everyday language and local customs — including the agricultural calendar, local festivals, and traditional crafts such as woodcarving in Brienz — are genuinely practised rather than staged for tourists.
Switzerland has four national languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh), and the Bernese Oberland is firmly in the German-speaking zone. Basic German courtesies are appreciated, though not expected by most locals given the tourism context.
William Tell and Schiller
The Höheweg's famous Kursaal area includes a traditional open-air stage that hosts performances of Friedrich Schiller's play Wilhelm Tell (William Tell) in summer — a long-running cultural tradition in the town. Check local event listings for current scheduling.
