Is Interlaken worth visiting? This is a question that many people ask before traveling to Switzerland.

In this article, we will cover all the reasons why you should visit this city and also list a few reasons why you might want to skip it.

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By the end of this guide, you will be able to decide whether or not Interlaken is worth your time.

Here is why Interlaken should be (or shouldn’t be) on your Switzerland bucket list.

Interlaken

The Pros Of Visiting Interlaken: Reasons To Visit

Interlaken is absolutely stunning. The city is nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, with mountains all around.

It’s the perfect place to come if you want to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland.

Let’s explore the reasons to visit Interlaken.

The Outdoors

If you love outdoor activities, then Interlaken is the place for you. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area, and you can also go paragliding, canoeing, and rafting.

In the winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding. Basically, no matter what time of year it is, there is always something to do in Interlaken.

If you love hiking, you will love our guide to the best hikes in Interlaken.

The Adventures

If you love adrenaline, then you will definitely want to visit Interlaken.

There are plenty of extreme sports to try, such as bungee jumping, paragliding, canyoning, and skydiving. If you’re willing to go further, you could also go rafting.

While most adrenaline adventures are outdoor activities, you’ll be pleased with the number of things to do in Interlaken.

Interlaken

The Water Sports

Interlaken is the perfect place to come if you want to try out some new water sports. In addition to swimming in the lakes, you can also go canoeing, rafting, and windsurfing.

You could also rent a pedalo (pedal-boat) or a kayak and relax on one of the lakes while admiring the mountains around you.

Want To Visit Interlaken?

Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Interlaken.
Best hostel: Walters Hostel Interlaken
Best mid-range hotel: Hotel De La Paix
Best luxury hotel: Swiss Hotel Apartments

There Are Lots Of Things To Do

Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Interlaken.

Interlaken is surrounded by mountains, so it is the perfect place to go hiking. There are plenty of trails to choose from, so you can find one that is suitable for your fitness level.

If you want to explore the lakes, then you can go swimming, canoeing, or windsurfing. Or, if you want something more extreme, you could try rafting or kitesurfing.

You could also take a cable car up to the Jungfraujoch and enjoy the stunning views.

In the winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding in one of the nearby ski resorts.

As you can see, there is plenty to do in Interlaken, no matter what time of year it is.

But as you can see – most things are all about the outdoors, which could be an issue for some travelers.


 

 


The Cons Of Visiting Interlaken: Reasons To Skip It

Now that we’ve covered all the reasons why you should visit Interlaken let’s take a look at a few reasons why you might want to skip it.

Interlaken

It Is Expensive

Unfortunately, Interlaken is one of the most expensive cities in Switzerland. If you are on a budget, then you might want to skip it.

That said, Switzerland is not the most budget-friendly country to travel to – so there’s no surprise here!

Most activities are quite pricey unless you hike around the city.

It Is Touristy

Interlaken is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded. If you want a more authentic Swiss experience, you might consider visiting another city like Lucerne, which is less popular.

If you want to avoid bigger crowds, consider going to Interlaken during the offseason. The high seasons are summer and winter, so visiting during spring or fall will be quieter.

We visited Interlaken in June, and while we saw many tourists, it didn’t feel crowded at all.

It’s All About The Outdoors

If you’re not a fan of outdoor activities, then Interlaken is probably not the place for you as there is not much to do in the city if you don’t enjoy being outdoors.

As we love being outside, it was an incredible experience for us! Although we know everyone has different tastes, so it might not be for everyone!

Interlaken

The Final Verdict: So Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?

Now that we’ve looked at all the pros and cons of visiting Interlaken, it’s time for the final verdict.

So, is Interlaken worth visiting? Yes, we think so!

Although it is expensive and touristy, Interlaken is still a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. If you love being outdoors, then you will definitely enjoy visiting Interlaken.

During my trip to Switzerland, Interlaken was one of my favorite cities.

The views were breathtaking, and I really enjoyed my first time paragliding.

Visiting Switzerland soon? Make sure to read one of the following guides:

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015 and has been living abroad since 2014. Originally from Canada, she has embraced a digital nomad lifestyle, working online from various destinations worldwide. Melissa is passionate about travel, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit. Her extensive travels have taken her across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Currently, she resides in Thailand.


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