Interlaken is a destination worth visiting, thanks to its stunning blue rivers, numerous cafes, scenic hiking trails, and majestic mountain peaks. Nestled between two breathtaking lakes—Lake Brienz and Lake Thun—Interlaken combines lakeside charm with thrilling adventure activities. The name "Interlaken" literally translates to "between the lakes." Interlaken is undoubtedly one of the best places in Switzerland, offering a wealth of local activities and sights that create lasting memories. A scenic two-hour train ride from Zurich leads you to this historic town, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. A funicular ride up Harder Kulm, Interlaken's home mountain, provides unmatched views of the town, the lakes, and the Bernese Alps from the lookout platform. Still not convinced? Here are seven compelling reasons to visit this picturesque mountain town.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Jungfrau Region, home to over 450 fantastic hiking trails that cater to all abilities around Interlaken. If you are passionate about the outdoors, the Swiss mountains offer spectacular hiking experiences that will leave you in awe. Among these trails, the Hardergrat Trail stands out as a must-do. This thrilling 24-kilometre ridge hike provides panoramic views stretching from Interlaken to Brienz, featuring steep drops and rugged paths that promise an exhilarating adventure. For those seeking a full day of hiking, the magnificent Pizol 5-Lake hike is perfect. Beginning at Wangs, near Bad Ragaz, this trek introduces you to the serene Wangsersee, the tranquil Wildsee, the strikingly blue Schottensee, and the scenic Schwarzsee. If you prefer a more relaxed outing, a delightful 50-minute stroll will lead you to Harder Kulm, where you can take in incredible panoramic views of Interlaken, lakes, and the majestic mountain range beyond.
If you plan a trip to Switzerland, don’t miss Jungfrau, often called the "Top of Europe." There are numerous activities to enjoy, including hiking and taking cable cars to Aletsch Glacier. For thrill-seekers, options such as paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and snowshoeing are also available. Jungfrau is situated between Interlaken and Fiesch in the Bernese Alps, reaching an impressive elevation of 4,158 meters. When you arrive at Jungfraujoch, at an altitude of 3,454 meters, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes, and charming villages. You can also explore the many glaciers by taking the cogwheel train that leads to the summit. This mountain is incredibly popular among skiers and hikers who appreciate its challenging trails and slopes.
The area is home to several other summits that are worth trekking to. One notable peak is the Schilthorn, a stunning mountain in the Bernese Oberland with an elevation of 2,970 meters (9,744 feet). At its summit, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal at the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria while taking in breathtaking views of Mount Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Another great destination is the Niederhorn, which can also be reached from Interlaken. The journey includes a scenic cruise on Lake Thun, followed by a funicular train ride and an aerial cableway, ultimately bringing you to an elevation of 1,963 meters (6,440 feet). This popular vantage point in the Bernese Oberland offers spectacular views over Lake Thun, the Aare Valley, Brienz Ridge, and the majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. This mountain excursion also provides opportunities to spot an ibex colony and relax at a sun terrace restaurant.
One of the most unforgettable experiences you can have here is embarking on a train journey. Among the many options, the Luzern-Interlaken Express stands out as the direct route between Lucerne and Interlaken, offering a stunningly scenic ride through the breathtaking heart of Switzerland. As the train glides past charming Swiss towns, mesmerizing emerald lakes, and lush meadows, passengers are treated to awe-inspiring views of the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, evoking a sense of romance and wonder. With generous seating and a well-appointed onboard bistro, travellers can fully embrace Switzerland's natural splendour while enjoying an experience of unparalleled comfort. Don’t miss this chance to create lasting memories amidst such magnificent landscapes!
Interlaken is a well-known destination for extreme sports enthusiasts. It offers a range of activities, including paragliding, skiing, hiking, skydiving, and more, earning it the title of Switzerland's adventure capital. Interlaken is a paradise for winter sports fans and water activity lovers alike. Thrill-seekers can try whitewater rafting, paragliding, skydiving from a helicopter, or the Canyon Swing in Grindelwald. In the winter, breathtaking tours are available with skis, snowshoes, or sledge dogs. For the more adventurous, there's ice climbing and the opportunity to tackle the legendary via ferratas of the Bernese Oberland.
Interlaken's unique geographical position between Switzerland's most stunning lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, marks it as a remarkable destination. Visitors can embark on a scenic boat trip across these serene waters, surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes. Along the way, several captivating stops enhance the journey. One must-see attraction is the breathtaking Giessbach Falls, where cascading torrents tumble down the mountainside, creating a mesmerising natural spectacle. Alternatively, you can explore the mysterious St. Beatus Caves, known for their fascinating rock formations and intriguing legends.
Höheweg—meaning "high path" in Swiss German—is a delightful and easygoing route that should be on your shopping list during your visit. This picturesque promenade runs between the Interlaken Ost and West train stations, showcasing a fantastic array of Swiss souvenirs. Here, you’ll discover exquisite timepieces from renowned brands like Tissot, versatile Swiss army knives, and delectable Swiss chocolates from favourites like Lindt. Höheweg also features a selection of local delights, such as natural cosmetics, gourmet regional specialities, and unique crafts from the Bernese Oberland. Don't miss out on the vibrant markets in the charming market square of Unterseen, where you can find the perfect small memento to remember your trip.