Interlaken is a dream destination, but staying right in the town center, or even in Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, can be pricey—especially during peak season.
The good news? You can stay in nearby towns for lower prices and still enjoy
- easy access to Interlaken and the Jungfrau region.
- stunning views of nearby mountains and lakes
And don’t stress about being “too far away from the center of everything”!
These alternative destinations offer a more affordable yet equally scenic stay thanks to Switzerland’s excellent public transport system and short drive times.
Here are six fantastic options to consider:
1. Wilderswil – The Perfect Base for Jungfrau Adventures
Just 4 km from Interlaken, Wilderswil is a charming village that serves as a gateway to the Jungfrau region.
It’s well-connected by train, making trips to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Jungfraujoch easy. It is also the train station from which you catch the train to Schynige Platte!
Expect a peaceful setting, traditional Swiss chalets, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Why stay here?
✅ Short train ride (or 5-minute drive) to Interlaken
✅ Direct train access to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, and Schynige Platte
✅ A quiet, authentic Swiss village experience
2. Beatenberg – Panoramic Views Above Lake Thun
Perched above Lake Thun, Beatenberg offers some of the best panoramic views of the Bernese Alps.
Though it’s slightly more remote, it’s just a 15-minute drive (or 30-minute bus ride) from Interlaken.
This is a fantastic budget-friendly option if you love nature, tranquility, and stunning sunsets.
Why stay here?
✅ Spectacular lake and mountain views
✅ Great for hiking and relaxation
✅ Less touristy, with a more local feel
3. Faulensee – A Hidden Gem by the Lake
Located on the shores of Lake Thun, Faulensee is a peaceful lakeside village about 15 minutes from Interlaken by car or 25 minutes by train and bus.
It’s ideal for travelers seeking a quiet retreat with lakeside walks, boat trips, and easy access to Spiez.
Why stay here?
✅ Beautiful lakeside location
✅ Close to Spiez and its castle
✅ Relaxing atmosphere with fewer tourists
4. Brienz – A Lakeside Escape with a Traditional Swiss Feel
A picturesque village on the shores of Lake Brienz, Brienz is famous for its woodcarving tradition and breathtaking views. It is also the starting point for the Brienzer Rothorn (above) and a fantastic day on Lake Brienz.
It’s just a 20-minute train ride from Interlaken, making it a fantastic place to stay if you want a serene lakeside setting without being too far from major attractions.
Why stay here?
✅ Short train ride to Interlaken Ost (22 min)
✅ Home of the famous Brienzer Rothorn steam train
✅ Stunning lake views and charming streets
✅ A great base for visiting the Giessbach Waterfalls
5. Spiez – A Scenic Hub with Great Transport Links
Spiez, located on Lake Thun, is one of the best-connected alternatives near Interlaken. It has frequent train services to Interlaken, Bern, and Zermatt, making it a strategic base for exploring more of Switzerland.
Plus, the historic Spiez Castle and lakeside promenade add to its charm.
Why stay here?
✅ Excellent train connections (20 mins to Interlaken Ost)
✅ Beautiful lakeside town with a castle
✅ A good balance of affordability and convenience
6. Bönigen – Close to Interlaken but More Peaceful
Just 3 km from Interlaken, Bönigen offers a quiet lakeside alternative with quick access to the town.
It’s an ideal choice if you want to be close to the action while enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of Lake Brienz.
It is just down the road from Interlaken, so a great spot to be without all the hustle and bustle. And, it’s a great spot to go Jet Boating or kayaking on Lake Brienz!
Why stay here?
✅ Very close to Interlaken (short bus or boat ride)
✅ Peaceful and scenic lakefront setting
✅ A great option for those who want the best of both worlds
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7. Ringgenberg – Lakeside Village Just Minutes Away
Located just across the Aare River on the northern shore of Lake Brienz, Ringgenberg is incredibly close to Interlaken but feels a world away from the busy tourist crowds.
It features a striking historic church built directly within the ruins of a medieval castle, offering beautiful photo opportunities and vantage points over the water. Because it is so close to the main hub, you get all the convenience of Interlaken’s infrastructure without paying the premium center-of-town accommodation prices.
Why stay here?
✅ Incredibly close to Interlaken Ost (just a 5-minute train or bus ride)
✅ Beautiful, quiet lido (beach) access on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz
✅ Excellent selection of budget-friendly holiday rentals and scenic campsites
8. Meiringen – A Value-Packed Hub in the Haslital Valley
If you don’t mind being slightly further down the tracks, Meiringen is an absolute goldmine for budget-conscious travelers. Located at the eastern end of the valley past Lake Brienz, this vibrant town is famous for its connection to Sherlock Holmes and as the birthplace of the delicious meringue dessert.
Because it functions as its own independent mountain hub, hotel rates and dining prices here are noticeably cheaper than what you’ll find in Interlaken or Grindelwald. Plus, it serves as a spectacular gateway to nearby natural wonders like the Lake Brienz, the Aare Gorge and Reichenbach Falls.
Why stay here?
✅ Much lower accommodation and dining prices compared to other more central areas
✅ Direct, scenic train connection to Interlaken Ost (around 30–35 minutes)
✅ Right on the doorstep of major attractions like the Aare Gorge, Reichenbach Falls, and the Gelmerbahn
9. Leissigen – A Peaceful Lake Thun Escape
Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Thun, right between Interlaken and Spiez, Leissigen is a sleepy, authentic Swiss village. It is an ideal spot for travelers who want easy lake access and mountain views without any of the hustle and bustle.
The village features traditional lakefront architecture and a deeply relaxed atmosphere. It’s a fantastic base if you plan to split your itinerary between exploring Interlaken and taking scenic boat cruises or day trips to Bern.
Why stay here?
✅ Quick and direct train access to Interlaken West (around 10 minutes)
✅ Quiet pebble beaches and lovely lakeside walking paths with fewer tourists
✅ A truly authentic, non-commercialized local Swiss vibe Falls, and the Gelmerbahn
10. Niederied – Serene Lakeside Charm Just 5min Away
Tucked away on the northern shore of Lake Brienz, Niederied (officially Niederied bei Interlaken) is a peaceful, sun-drenched lakeside village that remains a true hidden gem for budget-conscious travelers. It offers crystal-clear water views and a deeply tranquil atmosphere while keeping you incredibly close to the major transit hubs. It’s the perfect alternative if you want the beauty of Lake Brienz without the higher price tags found in the center of Interlaken or Brienz.
Why stay here?
✅ Incredibly fast connection—just a 5-minute direct train ride from Interlaken Ost
✅ A quiet, uncrowded lakeside setting with beautiful views across the turquoise water to the mountains
✅ Great selection of affordable local holiday apartments and cozy guesthouses
11. Habkern – An Authentic Alpine Mountain Village
If you prefer an alpine mountain vibe over a lakeside retreat but want to avoid the sky-high prices of Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, Habkern is a fantastic hidden gem. Perched in a serene valley high above Interlaken, this traditional farming village feels like a step back in time.
Expect classic weathered wooden chalets, local cheese dairies, and cowbells echoing through the hills. While it relies on bus transport rather than trains to get up the mountain, the dramatic mountain backdrop, peace, and savings are entirely worth it.
Why stay here?
✅ Traditional alpine village experience at a fraction of the cost of valley resorts
✅ Spectacular mountain hiking and snowshoeing trails starting right from your door
✅ Reliable 15-to-20-minute PostBus connection straight into Interlaken West
12. Thun – A Historic City Base with Fantastic Value
Thun is a larger, vibrant city situated at the far western end of Lake Thun. While it is busier than a tiny alpine village, it is one of the absolute best alternatives for budget-conscious travelers. Because it serves as a bustling hub for locals rather than just tourists, you will find far more competitive prices on hotels, holiday rentals, and dining than you would in the heart of Interlaken or the high-altitude valley resorts.
The city itself is incredibly charming, featuring a majestic 12th-century castle towering over the old town, unique double-decked shopping streets, and lively riverside cafes along the Aare River. It’s a highly strategic choice if you want to mix mountain excursions with a taste of authentic Swiss city life.
Why stay here?
✅ Direct rail connections (around 30 minutes to Interlaken Ost)
✅ Better value for money on accommodation, supermarkets, and restaurants
✅ A beautiful historic Old Town and instant access to Lake Thun boat cruises
13. Iseltwald – The Famous Lakeside Village (With a Twist)
Iseltwald is an incredibly picturesque peninsula village jutting out into the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. In recent years, it has shot to global fame as a filming location for the hit Netflix K-drama Crash Landing on You (yes, this is where the famous lakefront piano scene took place!).
Because day-trippers flock here by the busload to take photos on the pier, it can get very busy during the middle of the day. However, if you choose to stay here, you get to experience the ultimate magic of Iseltwald: the mornings and evenings.
Once the crowds leave, the village returns to a sleepy, peaceful paradise. Best of all, it features some fantastic budget-friendly lodging, including the highly rated Lake Lodge Hostel and charming local holiday apartments.
There are also some awesome dining locations just on the edge of the village with epic views!
Why stay here?
✅ Beautiful, postcard-perfect peninsula location right on the water
✅ Easy access to Interlaken via a 30-minute PostBus ride or a scenic boat cruise
✅ Peaceful, quiet alpine evenings after the daytime selfie-tourists have moved on
Final Thoughts: Save Money Without Sacrificing the Experience
Staying just outside Interlaken in one of these nearby towns can save you money while still offering spectacular scenery and easy access to the region’s best attractions. Whether you prefer lakeside tranquility, mountain views, or excellent transport links, there’s an option for every traveler.
📍 Tip: Swiss public transport makes it incredibly easy to travel between these towns and Interlaken. Even if you don’t have a car, you’ll still have convenient access to everything the area has to offer!
Would you choose one of these alternatives? Let me know in the comments! 🚞🏔️
Plan Your Trip to Switzerland
Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more 
Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums. 
Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland. 
Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland. 
Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland. 
Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring! 
We like the 6 cheaper base options around Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, but choosing the right one for us is challenging. We want a taste of Swiss life along with the scenery. Remember well the old days of finding a zimmerfrei.
Stayed in Wilderswil last year in July coming from Sydney, couldn’t find anything decent/affordable in Interlaken as we had left it a bit late to book – couldn’t have been happier with that. It was so easy to get anywhere from Wilderswil with train station a 10 min walk away or 5 min bus ride. Interlaken was crazy busy when we visited but Wilderswil was calm & peaceful throughout our stay, can’t recommend staying there enough. When we return to Switzerland we will definitely stay in Wilderswil again