Interlaken is a small town located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. It is situated between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun and is a popular tourist destination for visitors worldwide.
There are many things to do in Interlaken, so it can be hard to know where to start. This guide will find some of the best things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland.
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Visit The Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch is a mountain pass that takes you to the top of the Jungfrau, one of the highest peaks in Europe. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps and the glaciers and lakes below.
You can also take a cable car ride to the Sphinx Observatory, which offers even more breathtaking views.
Hike In The Swiss Alps
Interlaken is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland, so it’s no surprise that hiking is one of the most popular things to do here. There are trails to suit all abilities, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’ll find a perfect route.
Learn more by reading our guide to hiking in Interlaken.
Kayak On Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is one of the two lakes in Interlaken, and it’s a great place to explore by kayak. There are plenty of rental companies in town, so you can easily pick up a kayak and head out onto the water.
Take The Cable Car To Harder Kulm
Interlaken is home to a cable car network, which offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. You can take the cable car to Harder Kulm, a mountain with a viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the Alps.
Visit The Trummelbach Falls
The Trummelbach Falls are a series of waterfalls located inside a mountain, and they’re well worth a visit.
You can take a lift to the top of the falls and then walk back down through the tunnels that have been dug into the rock.
Explore The Old Town
Interlaken’s old town is full of charm, and it’s well worth exploring. Stroll through the streets and admire the traditional Swiss architecture, and stop for a bite to eat in one of the cafes or restaurants.
Make time to walk around the turquoise rivers – it’s absolutely gorgeous!
Soak Up The Views
Interlaken is blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland, so make sure you spend some time just soaking up the views.
Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or taking a cable car ride, you’ll be treated to some truly incredible views.
Paragliding
Interlaken is one of the best places in Switzerland for paragliding, and it’s an experience you won’t forget. Many companies offer tandem flights, so you can enjoy the views even if you’ve never tried paragliding before.
Hang Gliding
Hang gliding is another popular activity in Interlaken, and it’s the perfect way to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding scenery. Several companies offer tandem flights, so you can enjoy the experience even if you’re a beginner.
Visit The Beatus Caves
The Beatus Caves are a series of caves located in the mountains near Interlaken. They’re named after Saint Beatus, who is said to have lived in the caves in the 7th century.
Today, they’re a popular tourist attraction, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about their history.
Go On An Adventures In SeilPark
SeilPark Interlaken is an adventure park located in the forest near Interlaken. It’s perfect for families or groups of friends, and there’s a range of activities on offer, from zip-lining to climbing.
Visit The Hoheweg
The Hoheweg is a street in Interlaken that’s home to various shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to do some shopping or stop for a bite to eat, and it’s also one of the best spots in town for people watching.
Stroll Through The Interlaken Casino Gardens
The Interlaken Casino Gardens are a beautiful green space located in the center of town. They’re perfect for a stroll and offer stunning views of the Jungfrau mountain.
Take A Boat Ride On Lake Brienz Or Lake Thun
Both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are well worth a visit, and what better way to see them than from the water? Plenty of boat companies offer trips on both lakes, so you can sit back, relax, and take in the stunning scenery.
Helicopter Skydiving
For an unforgettable experience, why not try helicopter skydiving? You’ll jump out of a helicopter and freefall 10,000 feet before parachuting to the ground. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that’s not for the faint-hearted!
Interlaken Travel Tips
Now, let’s talk a little bit more about Interlaken so you can plan a smooth holiday.
Getting To Interlaken
Interlaken is located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, and it’s easily accessible by train from major Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva.
The train journey takes around 2 hours from Zurich and 3 hours from Geneva. If you’re coming from further afield, you can fly into either Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport and then take a train to Interlaken. You can book your train ticket on Omio.
The closest airport is Bern, which is about 40 minutes away from Interlaken.
It’s easier to do the journey by car, so if you’re driving, it will be easier. Alternatively, you could also rent a car. This way, you’ll be able to visit more places during your holidays in Switzerland.
Note that to drive on highways, you’ll need to get a vignette which costs CHF 40. You won’t be able to find a vignette for 10 days or a month. They only sell the yearly vignette.
Best Time To Visit Interlaken
Interlaken is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.
If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, then summer is the best time to come, as the weather is perfect for hiking and other activities.
However, if you’re more interested in skiing and other winter sports, you’ll want to visit in the winter.
No matter when you visit, Interlaken is sure to impress.
How Many Days In Interlaken Is Enough
This is a tricky question to answer, as it depends on what you want to do and how much time you have. However, we think that 3-4 days in Interlaken is enough to see the main sights and do some of the most popular activities.
Of course, if you have more time, you can always add extra days to your trip.
If you’re short on time, you’ll be able to pack everything in just 2-3 days. You’ll need to pick and choose fewer activities.
We also recommend you book the activities and tours you wish to do in advance.
For example, if you want to try paragliding, you should book your spot a few days in advance. This way, you can be sure to get the activity you want and avoid disappointment.
To learn more, read our complete guide to decide how many days in Interlaken is enough.
Accommodation In Interlaken
There are accommodation options to suit all budgets in Interlaken.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can stay in one of the hostels in town. For a mid-range option, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. And if you’re looking for luxury, then you can stay in one of the upscale hotels or apartments.
You can also stay in one of the campsites in the area if you’re traveling by RV or campervan.
Staying In 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
What To Pack For Interlaken
When packing for Interlaken, be sure to bring comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. In the summer months, you’ll need light and airy clothing to keep cool in the warm weather. In the winter, you’ll need warmer clothes, such as a jacket, scarf, and hat.
Also, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit if you’re visiting in the summer!
If you’re planning on doing any hiking, you should also pack appropriate gear, including sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle.
And finally, don’t forget your camera to capture all the fantastic views!
How To Get Around Interlaken
Interlaken is a small town, so it’s easy to get around on foot. However, if you want to explore further afield, there are plenty of other options.
The easiest way to get around Interlaken is by bus. A regular bus service runs between the different parts of town.
If you’re staying in Interlaken for longer, you might want to consider renting a bike. This is a great way to explore the surrounding area and get some exercise at the same time!
If you visit Interlaken by car, you might be able to get a hotel with parking.
However, parking in Interlaken can be expensive and difficult to find, so we recommend using public transportation instead.
Final Thoughts On What To Do In Interlaken
There’s no shortage of things to do in Interlaken, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a more relaxed vacation, Interlaken has something to offer.
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