The first time I arrived in Interlaken, the train doors opened, and the air smelled different. Fresh. Cold. Almost alpine-sweet.
That moment alone made the trip worth it.
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, this Interlaken travel guide will help you understand why this small town between two lakes attracts travelers from around the world.
Interlaken isn’t a huge city. In fact, you can walk across much of the center in under 30 minutes. But what surrounds it is extraordinary: dramatic mountains, turquoise lakes, and some of the best outdoor adventures in Europe.
This Interlaken travel guide covers everything you need to know before visiting, from the best viewpoints and scenic train routes to realistic travel costs and hidden local spots.
Honestly, I expected it to be overly touristy. And parts of it are. But step just slightly away from the main streets, and you’ll discover quiet lake views, tiny bakeries, and train journeys that feel almost unreal.
This guide covers everything you need — from budget travel tips to digital nomad realities — based on what it’s actually like to spend time here.
Planning a full Switzerland itinerary? Start with our complete Switzerland Travel Guide 2026.
The fastest and most popular train route between Interlaken (Ost/West) and Zermatt takes approximately 2h10m to 2h50m. This involves two scenic stops at Spiez or Visp. Alternatively, you can take the regional train from Interlaken to Spiez. Then, take the direct InterCity to Visp. Finally, take the MGB to Zermatt.
This Interlaken travel guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Interlaken?
Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the famous Jungfrau region towering above.
Geographically, it’s a perfect base.
From here you can easily reach:
• Lauterbrunnen Valley
• Grindelwald
• Jungfraujoch
• Wengen
• Mürren
What surprised me most wasn’t the mountains, though. It was the atmosphere.
During the morning hours, the town feels calm. Locals cycle past bakeries. Trains glide in quietly. Then by afternoon, the adventure crowd arrives — paragliders landing in the park, hikers returning from the mountains, families strolling along the river.
It’s lively without feeling chaotic.
And if you like scenic train travel, Interlaken is basically a hub for some of the most beautiful routes in Switzerland.
Best Time to Visit Interlaken
The best time to visit depends on what you want from the trip.
Summer (June – September)
This is the most popular season.
Expect:
• warm weather
• hiking trails open
• lake swimming
• paragliding
But prices are highest.
And yes, the town gets busy.
Still, the scenery in summer is breathtaking. Alpine flowers bloom everywhere, and long daylight hours mean you can explore late into the evening.
Autumn (September – October)
Personally, this might be my favorite time.
Crowds thin out.
The air turns crisp.
And the mountains begin showing autumn colors.
Hotel prices drop slightly, too
Winter (December – March)
Interlaken becomes a gateway for ski resorts.
Nearby areas like Grindelwald and Wengen offer fantastic skiing.
Christmas markets also appear in the region.
However, some hiking trails close due to snow.
Spring (April – May)
Spring is unpredictable.
You might get sunshine… or snow.
But it’s the quietest season, and budget travelers can find the best deals.
Top Things to Do in Interlaken
You don’t visit Interlaken just to walk around the town.
Many travelers use this Interlaken travel guide to plan their first visit because the region offers an incredible mix of lakes, mountain villages, and adventure activities.
The magic is in the experiences.
1. Paragliding Over Interlaken
This is probably the most famous activity.
Watching colorful paragliders floating over the valley is almost surreal. And doing it yourself? Even better.
Flights last around 20 minutes and cost roughly CHF 180–220.
I was nervous before takeoff. But once you’re in the air, everything feels strangely calm.
The lakes below glow turquoise. Tiny houses dot the valley. And suddenly you realize why people travel halfway across the world for this.
2. Take the Train to Jungfraujoch
This is one of the highest railway stations in Europe.
The journey itself is incredible.
The train climbs through tunnels inside the mountains before emerging at the “Top of Europe.”
Yes, it’s expensive.
But if you’re visiting Switzerland once in your life, it’s hard to skip.
3. Explore Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz has a distinct turquoise color that almost looks artificial.
Boat cruises depart regularly from Interlaken.
But here’s what surprised me…
The quiet villages along the lake are even more charming than the main town.
One afternoon, I randomly stopped in Iseltwald, and it felt like stepping into a postcard.
4. Visit Lauterbrunnen Valley
Just 20 minutes by train.
Lauterbrunnen is famous for its 72 waterfalls.
The valley walls rise almost vertically, and waterfalls tumble down everywhere.
It’s one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland.
5. Harder Kulm Viewpoint
For the best panoramic view of Interlaken, take the Harder Kulm funicular.
At the top, you’ll see:
• Lake Thun
• Lake Brienz
• Jungfrau mountain
Sunset here is unforgettable.
If you’re planning a longer trip, read our complete Switzerland Travel Guide to understand routes, budgets, and train travel options.
Budget Travel Guide
Switzerland has a reputation for being expensive.
And honestly… it is.
But there are ways to manage costs. Our detailed Budget Travel Guide
Accommodation
Budget hostels start around:
CHF 40–60 per night.
Private hotel rooms average:
CHF 120–200.
Booking early helps a lot.
Transportation
The Swiss Travel Pass can save money if you plan multiple train trips.
Otherwise, individual train tickets add up quickly.
Local buses in Interlaken are reliable and easy to use.
Food
Eating out frequently will drain your budget.
A typical restaurant meal costs:
CHF 25–40.
Supermarkets like Coop or Migros offer affordable ready meals.
Many travelers picnic near the lakes.
Honestly, those meals sometimes feel better than restaurants.
Family Travel Tips
Interlaken is surprisingly family-friendly.
There are many outdoor spaces where kids can run freely.
However, here are a few realities.
Switzerland isn’t cheap for families. Cable cars and train rides add up quickly.
Also, some hiking trails are steep.
But the upside?
Clean public transportation, safe streets, and stunning scenery everywhere.
Kids often love:
• boat rides on the lakes
• mountain trains
• playgrounds in scenic parks
Just plan a relaxed schedule.
Trying to cram too many mountain excursions into one day rarely works. You can get more details at Switzerland’s official website.
Digital Nomad Guide
Interlaken is becoming more popular with remote workers.
But it’s not exactly a typical digital nomad hub.
WiFi
Most hotels and cafés offer fast internet.
Average speeds are around 50–100 Mbps.
Cafés for Working
Good options include:
• Café de Paris
• Velo Café
• Husi Bierhaus (during quiet hours)
These places allow laptops without issue.
Cost of Living
This is the main challenge.
Monthly accommodation can easily exceed CHF 1500.
Many digital nomads choose nearby towns like Thun or Bern for longer stays.
Still, working with a mountain view isn’t a bad trade-off.
Where to Stay in Interlaken
Budget
Balmers Hostel
One of the most famous hostels in Switzerland.
Lively atmosphere and affordable beds.
Mid-Range
Hotel Interlaken
Great location near Interlaken Ost station.
Comfortable rooms without luxury pricing.
Premium
Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel
Historic luxury hotel with incredible mountain views.
Definitely a splurge.
But unforgettable if your budget allows.
Local Food to Try
Swiss cuisine is hearty and comforting.
In Interlaken, you should try:
Cheese Fondue
Warm melted cheese served with bread.
Perfect after a cold mountain day.
Rösti
A crispy potato dish similar to hash browns.
Often served with eggs or meat.
Swiss Chocolate
Obviously.
Small chocolate shops in town offer handmade varieties that taste very different from supermarket bars.
And yes, it’s dangerously easy to buy too much.
3-Day Interlaken Itinerary
Day 1
Morning: Explore Interlaken town
Afternoon: Harder Kulm viewpoint
Evening: Lake Thun sunset walk
Day 2
Morning: Train to Lauterbrunnen
Afternoon: Visit Wengen or Mürren
Evening: Dinner in Interlaken
Day 3
Morning: Paragliding or lake cruise
Afternoon: Explore Lake Brienz villages
Evening: Relax near the river promenade
Our detailed 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary
Travel Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Hostel bed | CHF 40–60 |
| Budget hotel | CHF 120–200 |
| Meal | CHF 25–40 |
| Train ticket | CHF 15–60 |
| Paragliding | CHF 180–220 |
| Lake boat ride | CHF 30–50 |
Safety Tips
Interlaken is extremely safe.
Violent crime is rare.
Still, basic precautions help:
• watch belongings in crowded areas
• check the weather before mountain hikes
• stay on marked trails
Mountain weather changes quickly.
A sunny morning can turn into heavy fog within an hour.
Mistakes Tourists Make
One mistake I see often is trying to do too much in one day.
Interlaken is surrounded by incredible destinations.
But each mountain trip takes time.
Another common mistake?
Underestimating train travel time.
Connections are efficient but still require planning.
And finally…
Some travelers stay only one night.
That’s barely enough time to understand the region.
Two or three nights make a big difference.
You can access all details at the official Switzerland tourism website
FAQs
Is Interlaken worth visiting?
Yes. It’s one of the best bases for exploring the Swiss Alps.
How many days should I spend in Interlaken?
2–3 days is ideal for most travelers.
Is Interlaken expensive?
Yes, but budget travelers can reduce costs with hostels and supermarket meals.
Is Interlaken good for families?
Yes. Safe streets, easy transport, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Can you visit Jungfraujoch from Interlaken?
Yes. Trains depart from Interlaken Ost station.
Is Interlaken good for digital nomads?
Short stays work well, but long stays can be expensive.
Final Thoughts
Interlaken isn’t just about adrenaline sports or famous viewpoints.
Sometimes the best moments happen quietly.
Watching the sunset reflect off Lake Thun.
Hearing distant cowbells while hiking above the valley.
Or sitting at a small café with the mountains towering around you.
Those simple moments stay with you.
And honestly, that’s why people keep coming back.
This Interlaken travel guide should give you a clear idea of what to expect when visiting this beautiful Swiss destination.
Hopefully, this Interlaken travel guide helps you plan a trip that feels less rushed and more memorable.
If you’re exploring more Swiss destinations, check our Lucerne Travel Guide