Interlaken Travel Guide

Interlaken is a small town of around 5,000 residents situated on a narrow strip of land between Lake Thun (Thunersee) to the west and Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) to the east, in the canton of Bern. Its name literally means "between the lakes" in Latin, which describes its geography precisely. The surrounding Bernese Oberland Alps — including the iconic trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau — form a dramatic backdrop that draws visitors from across the world.

Despite its modest population, Interlaken functions as one of Switzerland's most visited tourism hubs, serving as the primary staging point for excursions into the Jungfrau region. The town has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, with frequent rail connections, a wide range of accommodation, and a concentrated cluster of outdoor activity operators.

While the town center itself is compact and walkable, its real value lies in what surrounds it. Within an hour or two by train, cable car, or boat, visitors can access high-alpine terrain, glacier viewpoints, pristine lakes, and historic villages. Travelers who treat Interlaken as a base rather than a destination in itself tend to get the most from their visit.

Visas

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union but is part of the Schengen Area, which has implications for entry requirements depending on your nationality. For accurate and current visa information relevant to your passport, consult TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) website.

When to Go

Summer (June–September) offers the widest access to hiking trails, cable cars, and lake activities, along with the longest daylight hours. Winter (December–March) suits skiers and those seeking snow scenery, though some high-altitude attractions may have reduced access. Spring and autumn can be quieter and more affordable, but mountain weather is unpredictable and some facilities operate on reduced schedules — verify locally before traveling.

What to Pack

• Layered clothing is essential year-round; mountain temperatures drop sharply at altitude even in summer
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots if you plan to walk trails
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat) — UV exposure increases significantly at elevation
• A rain jacket regardless of season
• An EU-compatible power adapter (Switzerland uses Type J sockets, which differ from the standard EU plug)

Money

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). The country is generally expensive by most international standards. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it is worth carrying some cash for smaller establishments, mountain huts, and rural vendors. ATMs are readily available in town.

By Air

The nearest major international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), roughly 2 hours from Interlaken by train. Bern Airport (BRN) is closer but has limited international connections — verify current routes before booking. Geneva Airport (GVA) is also a viable entry point, with a rail journey of approximately 2.5–3 hours; verify current schedules with SBB (Swiss Federal Railways).

By Train

Interlaken is well served by the Swiss rail network. There are two main stations: Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost (East). Most long-distance trains from Zurich and Bern terminate at Interlaken Ost, which is also the departure point for trains into the Jungfrau region. Check current timetables and booking options at sbb.ch.

By Car

Interlaken is accessible by road via the A8 motorway corridor. Parking in the town center is limited, and driving into the higher mountain areas is often restricted or impractical — rail and cable car access is generally more efficient for alpine excursions. A Swiss motorway vignette (toll sticker) is required for driving on Swiss highways; verify current requirements and purchase options before your trip.

By Bus

PostBus (Postauto) regional coaches connect Interlaken with surrounding villages and valleys. For longer international routes, verify current operators and schedules locally.

Interlaken's town center is small enough to cover on foot. The main pedestrian corridor, Höheweg, runs between the two train stations and contains most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

A local bus network connects the two train stations and nearby neighborhoods. Bicycles are available for rental from several operators in town — verify current providers and rates locally. Boats operate on both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, offering a scenic alternative to road or rail for reaching lakeside villages; check BLS (the regional transport company) for current schedules and fares.

For excursions into the Jungfrau region, the Jungfrau Railways network (operated by Jungfraubahnen) provides train and cable car connections from Interlaken Ost to destinations including Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren, and Jungfraujoch. Passes and combination tickets are available — check jungfrau.ch for current options and pricing.

The Swiss Travel Pass, if purchased before arrival, can cover many of these regional journeys; evaluate whether it suits your itinerary and verify current coverage at swisstravelsystem.com.

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

The rack railway journey from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch (3,454 m / 11,332 ft) is the region's signature excursion. The summit station offers glacier views, a snow park, an ice palace, and panoramas across the Aletsch Glacier — the longest in the Alps. The journey takes roughly 2.5 hours each way from Interlaken Ost. Advance booking is strongly recommended in peak season; check jungfrau.ch for current tickets and departure options.

Harder Kulm

A funicular from the northern edge of Interlaken climbs to Harder Kulm (1,322 m), a viewpoint offering clear sightlines over the two lakes and the alpine panorama behind the town. Suitable for visitors who want an accessible high-altitude view without a full-day commitment. Verify current operating hours and fares locally.

Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

Both lakes support boat excursions and watersports. Lake Brienz is notable for its vivid turquoise color and is the access point for Giessbach Falls and the open-air museum at Ballenberg (a short bus or boat ride away). Lake Thun has historic castles along its shores, including Thun Castle in the town of Thun.

Adventure Activities

Interlaken has established itself as one of Europe's better-known adventure sports hubs. Operators in the area offer paragliding, skydiving, white-water rafting, canyoning, and bungee jumping. Standards and safety regulations in Switzerland are generally high, but always verify operator credentials, safety records, and insurance coverage before participating. A cluster of activity companies is concentrated along and around Höheweg.

Hiking

The Bernese Oberland has an extensive trail network graded for different fitness levels, from lakeside walks to demanding alpine routes. The Swiss Hiking (Schweizer Wanderwege) trail-marking system uses standardized colored waymarks. Trail conditions vary by season — check current conditions locally or via regional tourism sites before setting out.

St. Beatus Caves

Located on the north shore of Lake Thun, the St. Beatus Caves (Beatushöhlen) are a series of limestone caverns with an underground stream and stalactite formations, accessible by boat or bus from Interlaken. Verify current opening periods and hours before visiting.

Interlaken's food scene reflects its international tourism base, with restaurants offering Swiss, Italian, Indian, Japanese, and other cuisines alongside traditional Bernese cooking. Quality and price vary considerably — the area around Höheweg skews toward tourist-oriented pricing, while a short walk off the main drag can yield more locally frequented options.

Swiss Dishes to Try

• Rösti — pan-fried grated potato, a Bernese staple often served as a side or topped with cheese and egg
• Raclette — melted cheese scraped over boiled potatoes, cornichons, and pickled onions
• Fondue — melted cheese served in a communal pot with bread for dipping; widely available in autumn and winter
• Älplermagronen — a hearty baked dish of macaroni, potato, cheese, and cream, often served with apple sauce

Drinks

Swiss wines, particularly those from the Valais and Lake Geneva regions, are underexported and worth trying. Local beer is generally lager-style; craft beer has become more available in recent years. Non-alcoholic options include Rivella, a Swiss dairy-whey-based soft drink found across the country.

Grocery stores (Migros and Coop are the two main Swiss supermarket chains) are practical for self-catering or picking up picnic supplies for day trips — significantly more economical than restaurant dining.

Emergency Numbers

For all emergencies in Switzerland dial 112 (general European emergency number). Police: 117. Ambulance: 144. Fire: 118. Swiss air rescue (Rega): 1414. These are standard Swiss emergency numbers — always verify locally that they apply in your specific situation.

Health

Switzerland has high-quality medical facilities. EU/EEA travelers should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare, though this does not replace travel insurance. Non-EU visitors should ensure they have comprehensive travel health insurance. Altitude sickness is a genuine consideration for rapid ascents to Jungfraujoch or other high points — ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms develop.

Connectivity

Free public Wi-Fi is available at train stations (under the SBB network) and in many hotels and restaurants. Swiss SIM cards are available at convenience stores and phone shops for visitors who prefer local data — check current providers and plans locally.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory in Switzerland as service charges are typically included. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is a common practice; larger tips are not standard.

Sustainability

The Jungfrau region actively promotes responsible tourism. Stay on marked trails, follow local signage in natural areas, use public transport where possible, and dispose of waste properly. Some high-alpine areas are protected zones — respect closures and restrictions.

Interlaken is generally a safe destination. Petty theft can occur in busy tourist areas and at train stations, particularly in peak summer months — standard precautions around valuables apply.

Mountain safety deserves specific attention. Alpine conditions can change rapidly regardless of the forecast, and trails that appear straightforward in good weather can become hazardous in mist, rain, or snow. Always check mountain weather forecasts (meteoswiss.admin.ch is the official Swiss meteorological service), tell someone your planned route if hiking independently, and carry appropriate gear. Do not exceed your fitness level or technical ability on trails.

For adventure activities, only book with operators who are clearly licensed and insured. Swiss regulatory standards are generally rigorous, but responsibility ultimately lies with the participant to confirm credentials.

Swimming in the lakes is popular in summer. Designated swimming areas are safer than open water — heed any posted warnings about currents or water conditions.

Interlaken's local character is shaped by its Bernese German heritage and its long history as a tourism destination — the town has been receiving international visitors since the early 19th century. The result is a community that is accustomed to outsiders while maintaining distinct local customs.

Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch) is the everyday spoken language; standard (High) German is used in writing and formal contexts. English is widely spoken in tourism-facing contexts throughout Interlaken. Greetings matter — a simple "Grüezi" (formal hello in Swiss German) or "Hoi" (informal) is appreciated in local shops and interactions.

Switzerland has strong norms around punctuality, quietness in residential areas (particularly after 10 PM and on Sundays), and tidiness in public spaces. Recycling is taken seriously and sorting waste into the appropriate bins is expected. Sunday trading restrictions apply — many shops close, though tourism-oriented businesses in Interlaken often remain open; verify locally.