Are you wondering if it’s worth it to squeeze Interlaken into your itinerary for Switzerland? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this detailed guide will cover why you should make time for Interlaken.
The short answer is yes, Interlaken is definitely worth visiting if you’re traveling in Switzerland. The city is nestled between two beautiful lakes, so not only does it offer gorgeous views all around, but also a plethora of fun things to do any time of the year. Whether you go to Switzerland in the summer or winter, you can have heaps of fun in Interlaken, so keep reading!
Table of Contents
Reasons to Travel to Interlaken
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Jungfraujoch is a mountain saddle that connects two peaks near Interlaken, Switzerland. The saddle is known as the Top of Europe because it houses the highest railway station and post office on the continent.
The entire Jungfrau region is known for its beautiful scenery, but the views from the mountain saddle are indeed something else. Visit the Sphinx observation deck to take in the panoramic vista of the glaciers and peaks around you. Don’t forget to go inside the Ice Palace to admire the intricate ice sculptures. You can also enjoy the views from an on-site restaurant and even observe a chocolatier in action at the world’s highest Lindt shop.
One of the best ways to get to the top of Jungfraujoch is with a tour, and Viator has some great options! Check them out below.
Harder Kulm
Harder Kulm is a mountain above Interlaken that offers spectacular panoramic views of the town and the lakes surrounding it. The mountain is easily accessible by a funicular near the Interlaken Ost station or a short but steep hiking trail. It takes around 2-3 hours to hike from Interlaken to the top of Harder Kulm, and it’s a rewarding experience for seasoned hikers.
An observation deck awaits at the top of the mountain, and the views over Interlaken and the distant Bernese Alps are out of this world. It’s easily one of the best panoramic viewpoints in this part of Switzerland and an absolute must for all travelers who make it to this beautiful Swiss city.
You can see both Lake Brienz and Thun here and the over 4000m peaks in the distance. And you ar hanging over the valley below, which is something you won’t be doing often in your life! My family loved it!
You can even pre-book tickets to the top to jump on the cogwheel train and zoom to the top in minutes from Interlaken. See the prices below.
Adventure
Interlaken is a town known for adventure and it’s the perfect destination in Switzerland for all travelers who enjoy an adrenaline rush. The town is situated between two lakes and is surrounded by mountains, so there’s a plethora of fun outdoor activities adventurers can engage in.
Skydiving, kayaking, bungee jumping, and even cross-country skiing are all fun things to be done in Interlaken, and that’s in addition to countless hiking and cycling trails. Whether you want to jump out of a plane or hike to the top of a mountain, Interlaken has something for you. Just make sure you come at the best time of year!
I recommend booking some of these ahead as it can get busy in the sunnier months in Switzerland and you won’t want to miss out. Check out Viator’s offers below and see which adventure is right for you!
Hiking
Interlaken is surrounded by spectacular nature in the form of lakes, mountains, and valleys, which means endless hiking opportunities in warm weather.
Explore the loop trails around the lakes, hike in the Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald Valleys, or take a cable car ride to one of the nearby mountains and explore from there. The hiking opportunities are truly endless, and you’ll have enough things to do and see, no matter how long your stay is.
Some of the most popular trails include:
- The Eiger Trail
- Männlichen Panorama Trail
- Männlichen Royal Walk
- Hike to the Monchsjochhütte (at Jungfraujoch)
- Hike to Bachalpsee from First
Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is often called Switzerland’s turquoise gem because of the surreal color it owes to glacial waters. It’s truly one of the prettiest lakes in the country and a highlight of any trip to the Jungfrau region.
You can explore the lake on a boat trip and by numerous hiking trails along its shores. You can also admire its beauty from viewpoints above Interlaken or from one of the many lidos.
Don’t miss out on the charming villages along the shore of Lake Brienz either – Iseltwald, Giessbach, and Brienz are all gorgeous places you can quickly discover on a day trip from Interlaken.
Lake Thun
Lake Thun is known for scenic villages, countless hiking trails, and ancient castles that line its shores. Villages along the shore of Lake Thun are easily accessible by trains and buses that depart from the Interlaken West station, and they’re certainly worth exploring even on a day trip from Interlaken.
We recently visited the village of Oberhofen to see the namesake picturesque castle on the lake’s shore. A bus will take you there in about 40 minutes from Interlaken, and you can spend your day touring the vast castle gardens and the on-site museum. It is a stunning location, that rivals many I have seen in Switzerland over the years. And just having a coffee on the lake shore is worth the visit!
You can also head up to the Sigriswil Suspension Bridge, which is a short busride uphill from there. The views from the bridge rival those of Harder Kulm in my opinion.
Spiez Castle, St. Beatus Caves, Weissenau Castle ruins, and Thun Castle are other lakeshore attractions worth visiting. A boat ride on Lake Thun is also a good way of discovering these landmarks.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is known for its many waterfalls, some of which can be observed in the background of houses and chalets in the Lauterbrunnen village. It’s a charming place that can be easily visited on a day trip from Interlaken since it’s only about half an hour away by train.
The Staubbach Waterfall is undoubtedly the most famous in Lauterbrunnen. It runs down a cliff in the village, so you can easily see it if you’re strolling down the main promenade in Lauterbrunnen.
Another highlight of my time there over summer was the Trummelbach Falls. They are a series of underground waterfalls carved through the mountain by glacial runoff and are quite the spectacle to see (and hear).
Aare River
The Aare River flows through Interlaken, offering picturesque views from its shores. It practically cuts the town in half, separating the tourist attractions from the more residential parts of the town.
The river’s presence means plenty of beautiful bridges in Interlaken, as well as countless riverside restaurants, bars, and apartments. You can wake up every morning to beautiful water vistas or spend your evenings enjoying dinners with stunning views of the Aare.
We actually just hung out there for lunch on a recent visit. Locals sunbathe on the banks and jump in for a swim along the edges. It’s a beautiful area to relax in the heat of summer, that’s for sure.
Is Interlaken Worth Visiting in the Summer?
Interlaken is definitely worth visiting in the summer, especially if you’re into hiking and fun outdoor activities on the water. The many hiking trails from the town are in the best condition in the summer, allowing for endless hours of hiking.
The sports centers near the lakes are all open, so in addition to swimming, it’s possible to go kayaking, rafting, parasailing, etc. Also, all the other extreme sports that Interlaken is known for are fully operational in the summer, so if you want to go bungee jumping or skydiving, summer is the perfect season.
The only downside to visiting Interlaken in the summer is that it’s the most popular tourist season in town and there will be crowds. Accommodation prices are also higher than in the winter, but at least you get great weather and a variety of fun things to do.
Is Interlaken Worth Visiting in Winter?
There’s definitely merit to visiting Interlaken in the winter, but it’s a very different experience from a summer visit. You won’t be able to fully enjoy the lakes because the cold water doesn’t allow for swimming or kayaking, but cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun remain an option.
Interlaken is popular for its proximity to mountains and ski resorts, so it’s an excellent place to visit if you enjoy piste skiing, cross-country skiing, and even off-piste skiing. The sports centers in town also operate skydiving and paragliding in the winter, and you can show up in your ski suit and jump out of a helicopter while enjoying breathtaking views of the snow-covered Swiss Alps.
To sum up, yes, it’s worth it to visit Interlaken in the winter.
Final Verdict: Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?
Yes, Interlaken is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland for very good reasons, the least important of which is the mesmerizing nature that surrounds the city.
Nostalgic train rides, gorgeous castles, boat tours, and countless outdoor adventures are just a few of the things that draw tourists to this beautiful Swiss town. If you enjoy exploring and being in nature, Interlaken is easily one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
It’s also a great destination if you’re planning a trip to a ski resort, thanks to the many great skiing opportunities in its immediate surroundings. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a summer or a winter trip to Switzerland – Interlaken should be at the top of your destinations to visit in the Alpine country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days in Interlaken is enough?
f you just want to see the sights, explore a few nearby villages, and be on your way, you can spend 2-3 days in Interlaken and explore as much of it as possible.
But if you want to engage in fun outdoor activities or even go skiing, you’ll need a week at least to make the most of your stay in Interlaken.
Why is Interlaken so famous?
Interlaken is famous for its nearby stunning alpine peaks, beautiful towns and adrenaline-pumping activities. The town is nestled between two lakes so it’s a good option for summer vacations, it’s surrounded by tall mountains that allow for many excellent outdoor activities, and it’s connected to all the bigger cities by railway, allowing you to be in Zurich or Bern in an hour or two.
Is Interlaken expensive?
Interlaken is expensive, but not more than most other popular Swiss cities. It’s certainly not more expensive than Geneva or Zurich, so it’s a bit more affordable option than a Swiss metropolis.
However, there are mountain towns and destinations that are cheaper, so if you are on a budget, you might want to consider some of the lesser-known places.
The amount of money you need for Interlaken also depends on the type of accommodation you choose in the town. You can spend very little money if you stay at one of the hostels or rent a camping pitch, but you can also splurge for the iconic Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and be pampered and spoiled during your visit.
Can you get around Interlaken without a car?
Interlaken is incredibly easy to get around without a car. Switzerland has excellent public transport, even in the Alps, and Interlaken is one of the better served destinations. There are trains and buses, along with cablecars to almost any destination you can think of.
You can certainly bring a car to Interlaken and it might help you in some rare circumstances. However, parking is not cheap or plentiful and many of the destinations can’t be reached directly anyway.
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!
