Interlaken, Switzerland, Travel Guide

Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Highlands, Interlaken—which translates from German to “between the lakes”—is often billed as the “adventure capital of Switzerland.” And there’s only one rule when visiting: Get outside as much as possible. Besides that, you’re free to fill your itinerary however you see fit, whether that’s skiing, skydiving, rafting, hiking, or any other outdoor activity you can imagine.

Dave Storey, managing director of Hightide Kayak School, also describes it as a place where “everything is at your fingertips,” from glittering lakes and rivers to mountains, glaciers, and lush meadows. This particular combination of scenery is complemented by modern convenience; Interlaken is incredibly well-connected by train, allowing travelers to use the resort town as a base as they explore further into the Jungfrau region. In less than one hour, you can reach Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and Grindelwald, three villages that offer the quintessential Swiss Alps experience with mountain views, fondue, and traditional chalet-style architecture.

After visiting for a few days earlier this year, I can confirm the following advice from Storey rings true: “Stay for longer than you think. There’s so much to do; don’t let time be the reason why you miss out.” I’d recommend at least three to four days if you can swing it, and come prepared for all kinds of adventure—hiking boots, water-resistant layers, and sunscreen are nonnegotiable.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is the grand dame of Interlaken. Overlooking Höhematte Park and the Alps in the distance, the 216-key property is old-school luxury at its finest. You won’t find anything alpine-chic or rustic here; it’s plush bedding (some of the softest sheets I’ve ever slept in), Michelin-starred food, and top-of-the-line spa treatments all the way. To recover from skiing and skydiving, I spent most of my free time at the spa, where a Finnish sauna, an indoor pool, steam baths, and relaxation rooms helped relieve any soreness or remaining jet lag.

Hotel Jnterlaken

Like many overnight accommodations in Switzerland, Hotel Jnterlaken weaves together its guest experience using history and modern comfort. This inn dates back to the 1320s, laying claim to the title of the oldest hotel in Interlaken. Inside, however, you’ll find the spaces are pleasantly contemporary (and the hotel continues to make renovations). There’s free Wi-Fi, and guests are welcome to enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning.

Grand Hotel Beau Rivage

Grand Hotel Beau Rivage welcomed its first guests in 1874; since then, it’s been a place of respite for travelers visiting Interlaken. While the guest rooms could use an update, the spa—complete with a solarium, sauna, and steam bath—the views of the turquoise River Aare, and the sun terrace outside the L’ Ambiance restaurant make this a property worth experiencing for a night or two.

Best Things to Do

Take day trips to smaller Swiss villages.

Sitting at the base of the Bernese Alps and easily accessible by train, Interlaken acts as a natural gateway to the surrounding mountains and villages. From the Interlaken Ost station, journey to the villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, which Storey recommends for an easy day trip. Diane Thiebaut, a guest relations agent at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, also suggests Grindelwald, which she describes as a “small, charming village” that offers a different view of the Eiger peak. Mürren and Wengen are two other options—and some of my favorite destinations within the Jungfrau region. Both are car-free, and you can access Mürren by the Schilthorn cableway, now known as the steepest cable car in the world.

Continue up the cableway to the Schilthorn summit.

Thiebaut calls the Schilthorn a “must-see” when visiting Interlaken. Visitors take the cable car up from Mürren to Piz Gloria, an outdoor viewing deck with a 360-degree revolving restaurant. In good weather conditions, you can look out upon hundreds of alpine peaks, including the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. It’s also a popular spot for James Bond fans; you may recognize it as a filming location in the 1969 movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”

Get out on the water.

The mountains might get all the glory in the Jungfrau region, but Interlaken’s position between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz encourages locals and visitors alike to spend time on the water. Book a kayaking tour on Lake Brienz with Hightide Kayak School, enjoy a raclette dinner as you float down the river from Bönigen to Interlaken, or take a boat cruise and sightseeing tour on Lake Thun.

Go skydiving or paragliding.

Adventurous travelers will delight in all of the adrenaline-pumping activities in Interlaken—namely, skydiving and paragliding. “In Interlaken, visitors have to try paragliding, where they will have a view above Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains,” says Thiebaut. “The landing is in front of the [Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa], which makes the experience more special.” Book through Paragliding Interlaken or Skydive Interlaken. I went with the latter to officially check skydiving off my travel wish list. Just be conscious that weather conditions can affect either sport, so keep your schedule flexible.

Ski or book a snowshoeing tour.

Skiing is one of Storey’s favorite winter activities, and there are plenty of nearby mountains where you can get your fill. I’d recommend heading to nearby Grindelwald, Mürren, or Wengen to explore the Jungfrau ski region, which includes the First, Schilthorn, and Männlichen ski areas. Snowshoeing is another way to explore the snowy landscape, and Outdoor Switzerland has a lovely tour through the mountain village of Isenfluh (they provide the snowshoes and poles).

Best Restaurants

Restaurant Bären

“If you’re looking for a traditional Swiss chalet restaurant, try Restaurant Bären in the old town of Unterseen. [It’s] walking distance from Interlaken town center,” says Thiebaut. I echo her sentiment; the fondue was one of the best I had in Switzerland, and they even have plenty of options for those, like me, who are gluten-free. Instead of bread, you’ll get pickles, pears, and potatoes to dip in the melty cheese.

Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori

Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori, one of Storey’s favorites, can be found inside the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. The menu is filled with all kinds of Italian specialties—including pizzas, calzones, and pasta dishes—that will hit the spot after a day of adventuring throughout Interlaken.

Restaurant Stadthaus

For more classic Swiss dishes, Thiebaut suggests Restaurant Stadthaus, noting that it’s located next to Bären and run by Swiss TV chef René Schudel. With a raclette rösti, fondue, and a Grindelwald-style Käseschnitte (similar to a gourmet grilled cheese) on deck, there’s a good chance you won’t leave the restaurant hungry.

Best Time to Visit

“Interlaken is great all year,” says Storey. “The busiest time of year is summer, but you can still find secluded places on the lake or the many hiking trails in the area.” The warmer months tempt those looking to hike, bike, or go canyoning or river rafting, but, according to Thiebaut, the winter season is equally appealing. “Travelers wanting to come at a quieter time should discover the winter. It’s more than just about skiing in Switzerland during that time. In Interlaken, even the lake cruise is operating, you can still paraglide (with a pilot), or enjoy the spa,” she explains.

Prices will increase during peak times (winter holidays and from June to August), so consider the shoulder seasons if you’re hoping to save money. Mid-September to mid-October is the perfect time to visit if you’d rather experience fewer crowds, mild temperatures, crisp mountain air, and stunning fall foliage.

How to Get There

Bern Airport (BRN) is the closest major airport to Interlaken, but travelers visiting from the U.S. will likely fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH). There’s an express train from Zurich to Interlaken Ost that takes just under two hours. While you can book a single ticket for the journey, a Swiss Travel Pass—which provides unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat throughout the country—is the better option, especially if you plan on taking the train to the smaller villages and towns around Interlaken.

How to Get Around

Like most cities and towns in Switzerland, Interlaken is relatively easy to navigate via public transportation (especially if you use the SBB Mobile app to determine your route). Anyone staying overnight in Interlaken will receive the Interlaken guest card, granting free travel on public transportation within the permitted zone, as well as discounts on select attractions and railway journeys. If you plan to explore other parts of Switzerland during your trip, a Swiss Travel Pass may make more sense.