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.” There’s one rule to follow when you visit: get outside as much as you can. You can fill your schedule with whatever you want, be it hiking, skiing, skydiving or rafting.

Dave Storey is the managing director of Hightide Kayak SchoolIt is also described by as a place with “everything at your fingertips” from sparkling lakes and rivers, to mountains, glaciers and lush meadows. Interlaken’s excellent train connections allow travelers to explore the Jungfrau region from the resort. Lauterbrunnen is only a short drive away. MürrenGrindelwald and, two villages in the Swiss Alps, offer the quintessential Swiss experience, with views of the mountains, fondue and traditional chalet architecture.

Storey’s advice is spot on. I visited for a couple of days in early this year and can confirm that it rings true. You’ll find so many things to do, don’t let your lack of time stop you. 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

You can also find out more about the following: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa It is Interlaken’s grand dame. Overlooking Höhematte Park and the Alps in the distance, the 216-key property is old-school luxury at its finest. There’s nothing rustic or alpine about this place. Instead, you’ll find Michelin-starred cuisine and the best spa treatments. In order to recover from my skiing and skydiving experiences, I spent a lot of time at the spa. There, a Finnish Sauna, an indoor swimming pool, steamed baths and relaxation rooms were available.

Hotel Jnterlaken

As many hotels in Switzerland offer overnight accommodation, Hotel Jnterlaken This hotel blends history and comfort into a seamless guest experience. The inn was built in the 1320s and is the oldest hotel of Interlaken. You’ll still find that the interiors are very modern. renovations). There is free Wi-Fi available, and breakfast is provided for guests each morning.

Grand Hotel Beau Rivage

Grand Hotel Beau Rivage The first guests arrived in 1874. Since then, the hotel has been a haven for travelers to 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.

What to Do in Best Things to See

Day trips to smaller Swiss towns are a great way to explore the country.

Interlaken is located at the base the Bernese Alps, and it’s easily accessible by train. It acts as a natural entrance to the surrounding villages and mountains. Storey recommends a quick day trip from Interlaken Ost to the villages Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen. 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 cablewayKnown as the steepest cable cars in the world,

Continue up the Schilthorn summit cableway.

Thiebaut says the Schilthorn is a must-see when in Interlaken. Visitors take the cable car up from Mürren to Piz GloriaA 360-degree rotating restaurant and outdoor viewing platform. In good weather conditions, you can look out upon hundreds of alpine peaks, including the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. James Bond enthusiasts will love it, as the location was used in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969).

Get on the water.

Interlaken’s location between Lake Thun & Lake Brienz is ideal for locals & visitors to spend some time on the water. Hightide Kayak School offers a variety of kayaking tours on Lake Brienz. raclette dinner as you float down the river from Bönigen to Interlaken, or take a boat cruise A sightseeing tour of Lake Thun.

Try paragliding or skydiving.

Adventurous travelers will delight in all of the adrenaline-pumping activities in Interlaken—namely, skydiving and paragliding. Thiebaut: “In Interlaken visitors should paraglide, which offers a breathtaking view over Lake Brienz and Lake Thun as well as the surrounding mountains.” “The landing takes place in front the [Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa]Book through us to make the experience even more special.” Book through Paragliding Interlaken You can also find out more about Skydive Interlaken. Skydiving was on my bucket list, so I chose the latter. Be aware that the weather can affect both sports, so be flexible with your schedule.

Book a ski tour or a snowshoeing trip.

Storey enjoys skiing and there are several nearby mountains to choose from. I’d recommend heading to nearby Grindelwald, Mürren, or Wengen to explore the Jungfrau ski region, which includes the First, Schilthorn. Männlichen Snowshoeing is another way to explore the snowy landscape. Snowshoeing allows you to enjoy the landscape in the snow. Outdoor Switzerland Enjoy a beautiful tour of the mountain village of Isenfluh They provide snowshoes, poles, and other equipment.

Best Restaurants

Restaurant Bären

If you are looking for a Swiss chalet style restaurant, then try Restaurant Bären In the old town of Unterseen. [It’s] Thiebaut says, “It’s a short walk to the center of Interlaken.” The fondue there was excellent, and it had plenty of gluten-free options. Instead of bread you will get pickles pears and potatoes to dip into 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

Thiebaut suggests more classic Swiss dishes Restaurant Stadthaus, noting that it’s located next to Bären and run by Swiss TV chef René Schudel. Raclette is a great way to start the day. röstiGrindelwald fondue Käseschnitte If you order a gourmet grilled-cheese (similar), there is a good possibility that you will not leave the restaurant without food.

The Best Time to Visit

Storey says that Interlaken is a great place to visit all year round. Storey says that summer is busiest, but you’ll still find quiet spots by the lake or on the hiking trails. Thiebaut says that the warmer months are ideal for those who want to go hiking, biking, canyoning or river-rafting. But, he also believes that winter is just as appealing. Winter is a great time for travelers who want to visit at a slower pace. The winter is more than just a time to relax skiing in Switzerland During that time. “In Interlaken you can still enjoy paragliding (with a guide) or the spa, and even the lake cruise will be running.” She explains.

Consider the price increase that will occur during high season (winter holidays, June to August). shoulder seasons You can save money by visiting during mid-September to mid-October. The best time to go is mid-September through mid-October if you prefer fewer people, mild temperatures, crisp air in the mountains, and beautiful fall foliage.

How to get there

Interlaken’s closest airport is Bern Airport (BRN), while travelers from the U.S. are likely to fly into Zurich Airport. There’s also an express train It takes less than two hours to get from Zurich Ost to Interlaken Ost. You can purchase a single journey ticket. 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 many cities, towns in SwitzerlandInterlaken can be easily reached by public transport (especially when you use the SBB Mobile app to determine your route). Interlaken is offering a free night for anyone staying in the city. Interlaken guest cardFree travel on public transport in the permitted zoneDiscounts on selected attractions and rail journeys are also included. A Swiss Travel Pass is a better option if you want to visit other areas of Switzerland.