Interlaken

Grindelwald, Switzerland aerial village view and autumn Swiss Alps mountains panorama landscape, wooden chalets on green fields and high peaks in background, Bernese Oberland, Europe
View of Brienz lake with clear turquoise water. Wooden pier. Traditional wooden houses on the shore of Brienz lake in the village of Iseltwald, Switzerland.

Interlaken, Switzerland

If Switzerland had a postcard-worthy adventure capital, it would be Interlaken. Wedged between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains towering in the background, this place is all about jaw-dropping landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you’re skydiving over the Alps, cruising on turquoise lakes, or just taking it all in from a scenic viewpoint, Interlaken is the kind of place that makes you rethink your life choices (and wonder why you don’t live here).

For solo travellers, Interlaken is a dream. It’s easy to navigate, packed with social hostels and adventure tours, and filled with opportunities to meet fellow thrill-seekers. Whether you’re looking to push your limits with extreme sports or just want to hike, relax, and soak up the scenery, Interlaken delivers.

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Things to Do in Interlaken

Interlaken is Switzerland’s adventure playground, offering everything from skydiving and canyoning to peaceful lake cruises and scenic mountain hikes. Start your day with a trip up to Harder Kulm, where you’ll get panoramic views of the lakes and mountains (plus a restaurant with a killer view). For those who love hiking, the Schynige Platte and Grindelwald First trails are absolute musts.

Thrill-seekers can take on paragliding, bungee jumping, or even skydiving with the Swiss Alps as their backdrop. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, hop on a boat cruise across Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, or take the train up to Jungfraujoch—Top of Europe for breathtaking glacier views.

Coming Soon:

  • Best Day Trips from Interlaken.
Road sign with arrows for hiking and biking tourist trails pointing fork in the road from village Wengen to Lauterbrunnen, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. The Jungfrau is visible in the background
Paragliding over the Swiss Alps. Silhouettes of paragliders in the pink light of sunset.
Rapid Stream in Lauterbrunnen Valley in Swiss Alps, Switzerland.
Interlaken, Switzerland - Hoeheweg Boulevard with hotels, restaurants, shops. Interlaken is a popular resort town lying between beautiful lakes in Interlaken, Switzerland
Grindelwald, Switzerland People at the middle station at First peak of Swiss Alps mountain, snow peaks panorama, Bernese Oberland, Europe

Where to Stay in Interlaken

Interlaken offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveller’s needs. Stay in Interlaken West for budget-friendly options, a lively atmosphere, and easy access to shops and restaurants. If you prefer a quieter experience with stunning mountain views, Interlaken East (Ost) is the better choice, offering close proximity to hiking trails and outdoor activities.

For a more luxurious stay, check out Matten, an area known for its boutique hotels and peaceful surroundings. If social hostels and meeting fellow adventurers are your thing, Unterseen is home to some of the best hostels in Switzerland. Whether you’re on a budget or splurging on a mountain-view stay, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

Coin Operated Binocular viewer in Schilthorn Piz Gloria from Murren,Switzerland
Brienz, Switzerland - Local buses at old town in Brienz, Switzerland. Brienz is a beautiful town on the lakeside, attracting many tourists.
The Alps, the country of Switzerland, the area of the Aletsch Panoramaweg.
Turquoise Lake Brienz in Interlaken, Switzerland from above from Harder Kulm. Amazing Swiss landscape. Green hills, Swiss Alps. Summer Alpine landscapes. Nature
Switzerland, Jungfraujoch, Swiss Alps autumn landscape with colorful snow white and pink rocky mountains, green and yellow fall trees at sunset

Itineraries for Interlaken

Make the most of your time in Interlaken with carefully crafted itineraries. Whether you’re here for a weekend of adventure or a week of exploring the Swiss Alps, these guides will help you experience the best of the region.

Coming Soon:

  • 48 Hours in Interlaken – A perfect weekend plan for adventure and relaxation.
  • One-Week Itinerary for Interlaken.
INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND - Main Street with Grand Hotel Victoria and Entertainment Horse Carriages in the Tourist Town of Interlaken in Canton of Bern on August 30, 2014 in Interlaken, Switzerland
Waterfall at the Entrance to Saint Beatus Caves on Lake Thun in Beatenberg Municipality, Interlaken District, Canton of Bern, Switzerland
Retro passenger train moves from Schynige Platte to Interlaken. Switzerland
Ballenberg Switzerland - People visiting on tourist buggy pulled by horses old farm houses in Ballenberg a Swiss open-air museum in Brienz Switzerland
Lake Thun in Interlaken, Switzerland. A beautiful landscape in this city

Solo Travel Tips for Interlaken

Interlaken is an excellent destination for solo travellers, with its friendly locals and easy-to-navigate layout. Whether you’re joining a guided adventure or setting off on a solo hike, Interlaken offers a mix of adrenaline-fueled activities and peaceful moments in nature. Don’t hesitate to join a group tour or strike up a conversation with fellow travellers at a hostel—solo adventures here are both rewarding and fun.

  • Book adventure activities like paragliding or canyoning through hostels or local tour companies—they’re great ways to meet fellow travellers.
  • Use Switzerland’s efficient train system to explore nearby spots like Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Jungfraujoch.
  • Pack layers! Even in summer, mountain weather can change quickly, so having a jacket and good hiking shoes is a must.
Japanese Garden of Friendship in Interlaken. View of the Church of the Holy Spirit
Interlaken, Switzerland - Hoeheweg Boulevard with hotels, restaurants, shops. Interlaken is a popular resort town lying between beautiful lakes in Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken, Switzerland - Casino Kursaal in Interlaken, Switzerland
A paraglider flying at Hohematte Park in the center of Interlaken, important tourist center in the Bernese Highlands, Switzerland. The Jungfrau is visible in the background
Grindelwald, Switzerland - Mountain town in Grindelwald, Switzerland. Grindelwald was one of the first tourist resorts in Europe.

Cultural Experiences in Interlaken

Interlaken isn’t just about adventure—it also has a rich cultural side waiting to be explored. From traditional Swiss customs to breathtaking alpine villages, the region offers countless ways to experience Swiss heritage.

  • Visit the Open-Air Museum Ballenberg, where you can see traditional Swiss farmhouses, workshops, and even cheese-making demonstrations.
  • Take a scenic trip to Lauterbrunnen, a fairytale valley with 72 waterfalls, wooden chalets, and incredible hiking trails.
  • Experience a traditional Swiss fondue night, best enjoyed with stunning mountain views and a glass of local wine.
Lauterbrunnen valley, village of Lauterbrunnen, waterfalls and the Lauterbrunnen Wall in Swiss Alps, Switzerland.
Interlaken. Aerial view of the city rooftops and mountains.
Idyllic view of rural landscape of Wengen, Swiss
City park along the bank of Aare river in Old City of Interlaken, important tourist center in the Bernese Highlands, Switzerland.
Beautiful Landscape Scenic of Lake Brienz and Architectural Old Town City Interlaken, Switzerland., Cityscape Scenery and Architecture Building of Swiss Traditional, Travel Destination and Vacation Time.

FAQ’s

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Summer (June to September) is perfect for hiking, paragliding, and lake activities, while winter (December to March) is ideal for skiing and snowboarding in the nearby Jungfrau Region. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds, stunning scenery, and great hiking weather.

Yes! Interlaken is incredibly safe, with a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of hostels and group activities for solo adventurers. Just take standard precautions like locking up valuables in hostels and checking weather conditions before hiking.

Interlaken is small enough to explore on foot, but public transport is excellent for reaching hiking trails, lakes, and nearby towns. The Swiss Half Fare Card or Jungfrau Travel Pass can help save money on trains, buses, and mountain excursions.

Highlights include Harder Kulm for breathtaking views, Jungfraujoch—Top of Europe for a glacier adventure, and Lake Thun & Lake Brienz for stunning boat cruises. For adventure lovers, paragliding and canyoning are must-try experiences.

Layers are essential, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and a power bank for those all-day adventures. If visiting in winter, don’t forget warm gloves, thermals, and sunglasses for snow glare.

Interlaken has everything from traditional Swiss dishes to international cuisine. Try Swiss rösti, a crispy potato dish, or enjoy a classic fondue night. Many restaurants also serve fresh fish from Lake Thun and local alpine cheeses.

Yes! The train ride to Jungfraujoch—Top of Europe is one of the most scenic in Switzerland. It takes about 2 hours each way, with stops in Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg. Be sure to check the weather before going—it’s not worth the trip if it’s too cloudy!

Wrapping Up Your Interlaken Adventure

Interlaken isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. Whether you’re here to hike, skydive, or simply take in the alpine views with a hot chocolate in hand, this Swiss paradise delivers on every level. From its adventure-packed activities to its charming cultural side, Interlaken is a place you won’t forget anytime soon.

Looking for more Swiss adventures? Check out our guides to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and beyond. Switzerland is waiting—time to start planning!