Calm Swiss town with Alpine views. Gateway to hiking, skiing, and water sports. Explore cobbled streets, wooden chalets, St. Beatus Caves, and Lake Brienz.
Interlaken, nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, is a gateway to the Swiss Alps. This small town sits beneath the towering Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. You can ride cable cars to scenic viewpoints, cruise on crystal-clear lakes, or soar over Alpine meadows while paragliding. From Interlaken, you can easily explore nearby mountains and villages, making it an ideal base for your Swiss adventure.
Location and Surroundings
Interlaken lies on a narrow strip of land between Lakes Thun and Brienz in central Switzerland. The town's name means "between lakes." The Bernese Alps surround Interlaken, with the mountain trio - Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau - dominating the skyline. The Aare River flows through the town, connecting the two lakes. This unique geographic setting puts both lakeside and mountain activities within easy reach.
Exploring the Town Center
While many travelers use Interlaken as a starting point for mountain trips, the town itself has its own charm. Stroll along the main street, Höheweg, where you'll find shops, cafes, and hotels. Visit Höhematte, a large open field in the center of town that doubles as a landing area for paragliders. For a panoramic view, take the funicular up to Harder Kulm, Interlaken's local mountain. The viewing platform at the summit reveals vistas of the town, lakes, and surrounding peaks.
Lakes and Water Activities
The lakes on either side of Interlaken present various recreational possibilities. Take a boat tour on Lake Thun to see medieval castles along its shores. Lake Brienz captivates visitors with its clear, blue-green water. You can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore the lakes at your own pace. For more excitement, try whitewater rafting on the Lütschine River. During summer, you can swim in designated areas of the lakes.
Mountain Excursions
Interlaken serves as the departure point for trips into the Jungfrau region. The cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch climbs to Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters. The route passes through tunnels in the Eiger and Mönch mountains before reaching the "Top of Europe" station with its ice palace and alpine panoramas. Alternatively, take the cable car ride to Schilthorn, which gives you 360-degree views of over 200 peaks. At the top, you'll find the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, which appeared in the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."
Adventure Activities
Interlaken is a hub for adventure sports in Switzerland. Paragliding is popular - you can glide over the lakes and town with the Alps as your backdrop. Other high-energy pursuits include skydiving, bungee jumping, and canyoning in nearby gorges. In winter, the surrounding area transforms into a destination for skiing and snowboarding. You can reach several ski resorts from Interlaken by train or car.
Transportation
Interlaken has efficient public transportation links. Two train stations - Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West - connect the town to major Swiss cities and mountain destinations. A network of buses, boats, and mountain railways allows you to explore the region without driving. The Swiss Travel Pass covers most public transport in the area. If you prefer to drive, main roads connect Interlaken to other parts of Switzerland, though parking in town can be limited during busy periods.
