Interlaken
Where the scenery does the heavy lifting.
Lapped by the glacial turquoise of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, Interlaken serves as a high-altitude arena where granite peaks like the Eiger and Jungfrau dominate the skyline. The town is defined by the Aare River cutting through its center and the Höhematte park, where paragliders execute silent landings against a backdrop of Victorian-style hotels. Walk past the boutiques of Höheweg to hear the rhythmic chimes of the church clock tower, or retreat to the Unterseen neighborhood for a quieter, cobblestone atmosphere. In summer, the air smells of sun-warmed pine and alpine meadows, while winter brings the scent of bubbling vacherin mont d'or from local bistros. It is a place where the landscape demands attention, offering a gateway to the Lauterbrunnen Valley’s vertical cliffs and the churning waterfalls of Trümmelbach.
Best time to visit Interlaken
The best time to visit Interlaken is generally summer for easier access, or winter for dramatic light and solitude. Peak season pushes prices and crowds up; shoulder season is almost always the smarter trade-off — you'll find the same restaurants open, the same scenery, and noticeably better hotel value on Booking.com.
How to get to Interlaken
Interlaken is in Switzerland, Europe. Most major European hubs connect by direct flight or high-speed rail, with frequent low-cost options from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid. Once you arrive, allow a day to settle in — most travellers underestimate jet lag and over-pack day one.
Things to do in Interlaken
Plan your days around hiking, wildlife spotting, scenic drives and photography. Build in at least one slow morning; the best memories rarely come from packed itineraries.
Where to stay in Interlaken
On Booking.com, properties in Interlaken start from around $190 per night. Filter by guest review score (8.5+), free cancellation, and your preferred neighbourhood. Booking close to the centre saves transit time and almost always pays for itself in extra hours actually enjoying Interlaken.
Interlaken travel FAQs
- When is the best season to avoid crowds while maintaining access to hiking trails?
- Aim for the shoulder months of September and October, when the high-altitude trails remain clear of snow but the heavy summer tour groups have thinned. The autumn light offers the sharpest visibility for photography across the lakes, and the local cattle descents provide a glimpse into traditional farming culture.
- Is it worth staying in the town center or opting for a lakeside village?
- Interlaken West offers immediate access to supermarkets and the train station, making it the most practical base for early morning mountain excursions. For a more atmospheric stay, choose the Unterseen district for its historic wooden architecture or Bönigen for quiet morning views directly over the water.
- What is the most efficient way to navigate the Jungfrau region from town?
- The Berner Oberland Pass is generally more cost-effective than individual tickets if you plan on using the Harder Kulm funicular and regional trains over three days. Within the town itself, most hotels provide an Interlaken Guest Card that covers local bus travel to the neighboring lake shores for free.
- What is the specific protocol for ordering a traditional cheese fondue?
- Many local restaurants require a minimum of two people for a fondue order, and it is traditionally consumed with hot tea or white wine rather than cold water to assist digestion. Be sure to scrape the 'grossmutter' or 'religieuse'—the caramelized cheese crust at the bottom of the pot—which is considered the best part of the meal.
