Switzerland is a dream come true for every mountain lover, and Interlaken Switzerland with the majestic Jungfraujoch peak ranks among the most breathtaking places you can possibly visit. It’s said to be one of the best bases for exploring Alpine beauty, since the town sits right in the heart of the region. The crystal-clear lakes Thunersee and Brienzersee hug it from both sides, and above them rise snow-capped peaks that simply take your breath away. It’s a place where the wildest Alpine summits are within arm’s reach, yet you can still enjoy all the comforts of civilisation.
If you’re planning a trip to this region, trust me, the problem won’t be what to do — it’ll be how to squeeze it all into enough days. Locals recommend setting aside at least three or four days to soak up that genuine Swiss atmosphere. In this guide you’ll find exactly 14 specific tips on what to see and do, where to head for the best views, and how to cleverly save on transport.
You can manage all of this — just keep an eye on when to buy tickets for the mountain trains, where to stay, and which season suits you best. ☺️
TL;DR
- A practical base: The town works as a brilliant starting point — it sits right between two lakes and has perfect train connections into the mountains.
- Europe’s highest station: The experience at Jungfraujoch (3,454 m) is an absolute must, but only buy tickets when the weather is clear.
- Adrenaline paradise: The area is famous for tandem paragliding, canyoning and wild rafting on glacial rivers.
- Magical lakes: A cruise on the turquoise Brienzersee or the romantic Thunersee is often included in many passes and offers gorgeous views.
- Smart transport: Buying the right pass, such as the Jungfrau Travel Pass, can ultimately save you a small fortune.
- Book early: In peak summer season, lock in your accommodation and popular activities well in advance.
When to Visit Interlaken
The main tourist season in this area runs from May to October, when most popular attractions are open. During this time you can look forward to pleasant temperatures, hovering around 20 to 25 degrees in the valley, and the boats on both lakes run at full capacity. Just bear in mind that the best-known spots will likely be fairly busy. If you check the weather in Switzerland Interlaken in advance, you can plan around the clearest days.
July and August are reportedly the most crowded, which is why many travellers prefer June or September instead. In those months the weather is still lovely, but the crowds are a touch more bearable. If you’re heading up to Jungfraujoch in summer, expect higher fares and the need to buy a mandatory seat reservation.
Also watch out for off-season closures of cable cars and trains, which can catch you off guard. For example, the popular Harder Kulm viewpoint is only open from April to November, and the nostalgic train to Schynige Platte doesn’t even start running until mid-June. November is basically dead — lots of things are closed and the mood in town reflects it.
In winter the region transforms into a beautiful snowy fairy tale, even though the town itself has no ski slopes. Within 45 minutes, though, you can reach top-tier ski resorts like Grindelwald. The trip to Jungfraujoch also runs all year round, and in the winter months the ticket works out noticeably cheaper.
Where to Stay in Interlaken
💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We love hunting for places to stay on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. Tickets, tours and activities are then worth comparing and buying through GetYourGuide.
Travel forums often spark heated debate over whether it’s better to stay down in town or head straight up into the mountains. The town itself works as a perfectly practical hub, from which you can easily reach the lakes and both sides of the valley. You’ll also find a much wider choice of shops, restaurants and evening entertainment. On top of that, the town has two main train stations (Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West), so getting around is genuinely hassle-free.
Romantics and mountain souls counter that you still need a train from Interlaken to reach a true Alpine panorama — and that’s not exactly untrue. If you long for that classic Alpine view straight from your balcony, many people recommend staying in villages like Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. But if you want flexibility and plan on lake cruises too, stay down by the water.
For lovers of pure luxury and special occasions, the obvious choice is the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, a legendary five-star hotel with an enormous wellness centre. If you’re after a happy middle ground with a touch of history, try the Hotel Interlaken, the oldest hotel in town, which welcomed its first guests back in the fourteenth century. Hotel du Nord sits right on the Höheweg promenade — rolling out of bed in the morning and being lakeside within five minutes is exactly the kind of location worth paying a little extra for.
For travellers on a tighter budget, the legendary Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof with its Jungfrau view is an absolute classic, and if you’re more about partying than panoramas, your address is the famous Balmers, an institution among the so-called party hostels.
Families or groups of friends will appreciate the self-catering Swiss Inn & Apartments, where you get your own little kitchen. Being able to cook your own meals represents a huge saving in Switzerland, where restaurant prices tend to be steep. Book your dream stay through Booking ideally well in advance — in season, places vanish in a flash.
14 Things to See & Do in Interlaken Switzerland
I’ve put together a list of the best activities for you — from gentle cruises to waterfalls bursting from the cliffs, to a train ride so high it’ll leave you gasping for air. Literally.
1. Harder Kulm and the Two Lakes Bridge Viewpoint
The town’s home mountain towers over the surrounding landscape, and a historic funicular whisks you to the top in just 10 minutes. A return ticket costs CHF 44 (around €47) per adult, but with various discount cards you’ll pay just half, or even nothing at all.
The main draw is the viewing platform, which dramatically juts out over the slope and offers a view of both lakes at once. The restaurant at the top also looks like a tiny fairy-tale castle, perfect for photos. 💡 Tip: Up here you’ll find a panoramic restaurant where traditional Alpine horn concerts take place every evening, amplifying the magical atmosphere even further.
2. A Cruise on the Turquoise Brienzersee
From the harbour right next to the eastern station, boats set sail onto an incredibly photogenic lake that will captivate you with its deep turquoise colour. A day ticket costs around CHF 75 (about €80) for second class, but with many tourist passes or cards the cruise is completely free. Of the two local lakes, this one is the deeper and slightly cooler.
Don’t miss a stop in the fairy-tale village of Iseltwald, made famous by Asian TV series. 💡 Tip: The boats here run roughly from April to early December, so unfortunately you can’t sail in winter — something to factor into your itinerary.
3. Romantic Exploring of Thunersee
Boats to this lake of castles depart from the western station, and the cruise is noticeably calmer and more romantic than on the neighbouring lake. Along the way you can admire gorgeous historic castles from the deck, such as Oberhofen, Spiez or Thun, which sits at the very end of the lake.
If you want to enjoy both lakes in a single day, it’s worth buying a combined ticket for CHF 83 (around €88). 💡 Tip: The local operator also offers interesting combo tickets that include a relaxing cruise plus entry to the famous caves afterwards.
4. The Höheweg Promenade and the Famous Höhematte Meadow
The town’s main artery links both train stations and is lined with gorgeous grand hotels from the belle époque era and luxury boutiques. Right in the centre lies a fourteen-hectare meadow protected by an ancient agreement dating back to 1864, meaning it can never be built on.
Today this green space serves as the main landing zone for paragliders from all over the world. You probably won’t find a better spectacle anywhere in Switzerland — you sit on the grass, paragliders land one after another above your head, and behind it all rises the snow-capped Jungfrau.
5. Tandem Paragliding Over the Lakes
This is the region’s absolute signature activity, drawing adrenaline lovers from around the world. The flight lasts roughly ten to twenty minutes and costs around CHF 170 to 200 (about €180–215), with photos and video adding a small extra charge.
Surprisingly, flights run year-round, so you can enjoy the stunning view over a snowy landscape too. 💡 Tip: The experience is in high demand, so definitely book your flight a few days ahead, ideally through popular platforms like GetYourGuide.
6. The Trip to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe
Europe’s highest railway station sits at an altitude of 3,454 metres and offers a view of the 22-kilometre-long Aletsch Glacier. A return ticket from the main station costs CHF 261.20 (about €280) in summer season, plus you’ll have to pay a ten-franc mandatory reservation. Up top, your ticket also includes a visit to the Sphinx observatory and a walk through the Ice Palace, carved straight into the heart of the glacier.
The price is admittedly astronomical, but with the so-called Good Morning Ticket you’ll save a fifth of the cost if you set off on the very first morning train. 💡 Tip: Only book tickets after checking the morning webcams — in fog you’ll see absolutely nothing up there, and a three-hundred-franc trip becomes a rather pricey stroll in the clouds. Always verify the current conditions on the official Jungfraujoch website.
7. The Nostalgic Train to Schynige Platte
This historic cog railway has been running since 1893 and carries you up to a respectable altitude of almost two thousand metres. During the slow fifty-minute ride, you’ll be treated to the finest balcony views of the famous trio of peaks — Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
A full return ticket costs roughly CHF 71.60 (about €77), and entry to the Alpine botanical garden with its eight hundred species of flowers is included. 💡 Tip: The railway runs strictly in summer season only, roughly from mid-June to the end of October, so keep a close eye on the dates.
8. The Mysterious St. Beatus Caves
These beautiful stalactite caves are hidden in the rock right above the lake, and according to old legend, a dragon once lived here. Entry costs CHF 20 (about €21) per adult, and inside you can admire dramatic underground waterfalls and a cave museum with an audio guide. Find out more about opening hours and tickets at the St. Beatus Caves.
Inside, the temperature stays steady at around eight to ten degrees, which makes for the perfect cool-down on a scorching summer day. 💡 Tip: You can reach the spot via a very pleasant walk along the water, or you can hop on the local bus or the boat stop.
9. The Roaring Giessbach Falls
Fourteen cascades tumble five hundred metres straight into the lake here — you hear the sound before you ever see them. Perched right above the falls is the gorgeous historic Grandhotel Giessbach from the nineteenth century, where you can treat yourself to an excellent coffee.
The oldest tourist funicular in Europe carries you up to the hotel — it’s been running since 1879 and the ride costs around six francs (about €6.50). 💡 Tip: The ideal move is to combine a boat cruise with the funicular ride and a stroll along the trail that runs right behind the falling water.
10. The Woodcarving Village of Brienz and the Steam Cog Railway
This picturesque little village on the shore of the lake of the same name is the renowned Swiss capital of woodcarving, and its historic lanes look like something out of a fairy tale. You’ll also find an interesting woodcarving museum with an entry fee of CHF 8 (about €8.50), which walks you through the whole history of the craft.
The main attraction, though, is the historic steam cog railway from 1892, which for CHF 98 (about €105) carries you up to the breathtaking Brienzer Rothorn summit. Don’t forget to check tickets for the steam cog railway so you don’t miss out on a spot. 💡 Tip: The train only operates from June to the end of October, and due to limited capacity it’s recommended to pay extra for a seat reservation.
11. Adrenaline on the Wild Lütschine River
If you love action, the local glacial rivers offer some of the best conditions for water sports in the entire Alps. The Lütschine also has a fantastic turquoise colour, lent to it by fine glacial dust. Absolutely stunning is the wild rafting with a view of the Eiger, which costs around one hundred and fifty francs (about €160) and takes up half a day.
Another brilliant experience is canyoning for beginners in the Saxeten valley, where you’ll jump into pools and abseil down waterfalls. 💡 Tip: These experiences sell out in a flash over summer, so book your spot on GetYourGuide as early as possible to avoid missing out.
12. A Trip to the Lauterbrunnen Valley
From the main station, in just twenty minutes you’ll arrive in a fairy-tale valley full of waterfalls that reportedly inspired Tolkien himself. The whole valley hides an incredible 72 waterfalls, and the sight of them is simply magical. The headline act is the nearly three-hundred-metre Staubbach Falls, which you can go and see completely free of charge.
You also mustn’t miss the unique glacial Trümmelbach Falls, which surprisingly roar away hidden inside the rock massif. 💡 Tip: A ticket to the rock complex costs sixteen francs (about €17), and the site stays open only from April to early November.
13. The First Viewpoint in Grindelwald
You’ll reach this famous mountain resort by train in about thirty minutes and then change to the cable car up to First. A return ticket costs CHF 76 (about €81) in season and delivers you to absolutely the best Alpine scenery. On the way up, you can also feast your eyes on typical wooden chalets and cows grazing on the steep slopes.
Right at the top sits the breathtaking steel Cliff Walk, which runs high along a sheer rock face and is free to enter. 💡 Tip: If you have more time, take the hour-long walk to Lake Bachalpsee, where the surrounding peaks are often mirrored in the water.
14. The Unspunnen Ruins and the Village of Wilderswil
If you want a break from the crowds, set off on a peaceful walk to the romantic ruins from the early thirteenth century. The site is famous for its historic shepherd festivals and offers lovely views of the surroundings completely free of charge.
Along the way you’ll come across the charming village of Wilderswil, full of traditional wooden chalets, which can also serve as a cheaper alternative for accommodation.
Where to Eat in Interlaken
Finding a restaurant in Switzerland that won’t bankrupt you while still serving up something you’ll genuinely enjoy can sometimes be a real puzzle. Thankfully, though, the town offers plenty of interesting options where you can unwind after a full day in the mountains and recharge nicely.
Try Both Local and International Cuisine
After a full day on your feet, you’ll definitely work up an appetite, and choosing the right spot makes a big difference. You certainly don’t have to limit yourself to traditional cheese fondue or raclette — the streets here are packed with great eateries from every corner of the world.
You’ll eat very well here, and vegetarians in particular will love the Lebanese Layaly Beirut or the plant-based specialities at Aarmühle. It’s a pleasant, flavour-packed alternative to the usual Alpine dishes.
Where to Go Next from Interlaken
If you’re planning to explore the wider area, I recommend checking out our overall guide Switzerland Holiday: 19 Tips on Where to Go and What to See. A more detailed visit to the mountain villages is also on the cards, so be sure to take a look at the article Grindelwald: What to See and Do or the breathtaking Lauterbrunnen: Valley of Waterfalls.
For some culture, you can head a little further afield and discover what to see in the Swiss capital of Bern. And if you’re drawn to another stunning lakeside city, you mustn’t miss the ever-popular Lucerne: 14 Things to See.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you set off into the Swiss Alps, you might still have a few practical questions running through your mind. Here you’ll find answers to the things travellers ask most often, to make your planning as easy as possible.
Is Jungfraujoch Worth It?
In clear weather? Worth it. The view of the Aletsch Glacier is simply something that can’t be described. But if the forecast is overcast, postpone the trip – you wouldn’t see anything up there. A return ticket from Interlaken costs CHF 261.20 in summer season plus ten francs for reservation, but you can save with a Good Morning Ticket.
How much does paragliding in Interlaken cost?
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A tandem flight lasting ten to twenty minutes costs CHF 170 to 200, with photos and video typically costing an additional forty francs. Flights operate year-round and land directly on the Höhematte meadow in the very center of town.
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Interlaken or Grindelwald: where to stay?
Interlaken is ideal for a mix of activities, lake cruises and offers a wider range of accommodation. Grindelwald, on the other hand, wins hands down if you’re craving alpine panoramas from your balcony and want a head start on the mountain cable cars in the morning.
How do I get from Zurich to Interlaken?
From the main station in Zurich, direct trains run to Interlaken Ost station and the journey takes approximately two hours. If you purchase tickets well in advance, you can find so-called supersaver tickets for a fraction of the price.
How many days to spend in Interlaken?
Locals recommend setting aside a minimum of two days, but the absolute ideal is three to four days. You can spend one day in the mountains, another at the lakes, and devote the remaining time to excursions or adrenaline activities, so you definitely won’t be bored.
Is Interlaken expensive?
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Switzerland is generally very expensive, but you can save significantly by choosing an apartment with a kitchenette and cooking for yourself. You’ll also save a lot of money by purchasing the right tourist pass or opting for cheaper activities.
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What to do in Interlaken when it rains?
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In bad weather, you can take shelter in the St. Beatus Caves, where the temperature is stable, or go on a cruise on covered boats. A great alternative is also a chocolate workshop in the city centre or a visit to the historic wood carving museum.
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Is Jungfraujoch open in winter too?
Yes, the station operates year-round and in the winter months the ticket is even cheaper and seat reservation is not mandatory. However, keep in mind that it’s freezing up there even in summer, so always bring proper warm layers of clothing.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified car rentals in SwitzerlandSearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in Switzerland →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
