Interlaken

Interlaken Travel Guide

The gateway to the Swiss Alps, nestled between the Jungfrau and the lakes of Thun and Brienz. A paradise for adventure sports like paragliding, skydiving, and canyoning, with the Jungfraujoch offering breathtaking views of glaciers and eternal snow. The peaceful lakeside setting contrasts with heart-pounding thrills — perfect for every nature-loving traveler.

Essential Interlaken Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Interlaken

★ 4.9

Jungfraujoch

At 3,454m, Jungfraujoch is Europe's highest railway station, nicknamed the 'Top of Europe.' The Jungfrau Railway tunnels through the Eiger and Mönch mountains to reach this lofty platform, where the majestic Aletsch Glacier (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) unfolds before you. Highlights include the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and snowfield hiking trails. On clear days, the 360-degree panorama stretches as far as France and Germany.

HoursFirst train 06:35, last descending train 17:43 (varies seasonally).

LocationJungfrau Region, Interlaken

TipsThe round trip takes about 4-5 hours. Pick a clear day and check the live webcam beforehand. Be mindful of altitude sickness and bring warm clothing.

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★ 4.7

Lake Thun

Stretching 18km long and 3.5km wide west of Interlaken, Lake Thun showcases classic Swiss scenery where emerald waters meet snow-capped peaks. Lake cruises connect lakeside villages like Thun, Spiez, and Oberhofen, where the medieval Oberhofen Castle appears to float on the water. Summer brings swimming, kayaking, and paragliding, while winter opens nearby ski resorts.

HoursCruises: 09:00-18:00 in summer; reduced winter schedule.

LocationLake Thun, Interlaken

TipsCruises are free with the Swiss Travel Pass. The walking trail through the Spiez vineyards is a local favorite.

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★ 4.7

Harder Kulm Viewpoint

Perched at the summit of Harder mountain (1,322m) north of Interlaken, this viewpoint is reached in about 10 minutes by funicular. The 'Two Lakes Bridge' platform juts out over the cliff edge, offering simultaneous views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau alongside both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun — Interlaken's finest panorama. Sunset and night views are particularly magical. Funicular return about CHF 34 (50% off with Swiss Travel Pass). 10-minute walk from Interlaken Ost station to the funicular.

HoursFunicular: 08:10-21:40 (operating April-November; schedule varies by season).

LocationHarder, Interlaken

TipsTime your visit for sunset to see the Alps glow red. The restaurant offers dining with Alpine views.

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★ 4.7

Lake Brienz

East of Interlaken, Lake Brienz is one of Switzerland's cleanest lakes, famed for its extraordinary turquoise color created by glacial meltwater. A lake cruise leads to the 500m-high Giessbach Falls cascading down 14 tiers, with a charming 19th-century grand hotel beside them. The village of Brienz is the heartland of traditional Swiss woodcarving, and the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum is nearby. Cruises are free with the Swiss Travel Pass. Board at Interlaken Ost station; about 1 hour 15 minutes to Brienz.

HoursCruises: 09:00-17:30 in summer; reduced winter schedule.

LocationLake Brienz, Interlaken

TipsGiessbach Falls is free to visit — take the funicular from the boat landing. Consider combining it with the Brienz Rothorn steam railway.

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★ 4.6

Schynige Platte

At 2,076m, Schynige Platte is reached by a retro cogwheel train running since 1893. The summit features an Alpine botanical garden with over 600 wildflower species, a treat for nature lovers. Views encompass the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau alongside both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, and several well-groomed hiking trails fan out from the top. The 6-hour hike to First is considered one of the finest Alpine treks. Train return about CHF 66 (free with Swiss Travel Pass). Board at Wilderswil station east of Interlaken; about 52 minutes up.

HoursTrain: 07:25-17:25 (June-October; schedule varies by season).

LocationSchynige Platte, Interlaken

TipsThe train runs only June-September. The wildflower garden peaks in June-July; take time to explore before or after your hike.

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★ 4.5

Trümmelbach Falls

Trümmelbach Falls is Europe's only accessible glacial waterfall inside a mountain. Meltwater from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau glaciers pours down ten cascades at up to 20,000 liters per second. Tunnel elevators and walkways bring you face to face with the thundering force of nature, and the spiral shapes carved into the rock over millions of years are mesmerizing. Admission about CHF 11. About 20 minutes by bus from Interlaken toward Lauterbrunnen, located in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

HoursDaily 09:00-17:00 (open April-November).

LocationLauterbrunnen Valley, Interlaken

TipsMay-June glacial melt brings peak water volume and the most dramatic display. Bring a waterproof jacket. Pair with a visit to Lauterbrunnen village.

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★ 4.8

Lauterbrunnen Valley

Lauterbrunnen Valley is a glacial U-shaped valley flanked by vertical cliffs, from which 72 waterfalls plunge. The most famous, Staubbach Falls (297m), is visible right from the village entrance, its spray scattered by the wind like water falling from the heavens. J.R.R. Tolkien reportedly drew inspiration here for Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. Cable cars ascend to clifftop villages like Mürren and Wengen for even grander views. Free to visit. About 20 minutes by train from Interlaken Ost.

HoursOpen 24 hours (cable cars and trains run on their own schedules).

LocationLauterbrunnen, Interlaken

TipsStaubbach Falls is free to see, and a short trail leads behind the waterfall to a cave. Take the cable car to Mürren for the charm of a car-free Alpine village.

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★ 4.7

Grindelwald First

At 2,168m, Grindelwald First is reached by a 25-minute gondola ride and greets visitors with a dramatic head-on view of the Eiger North Face. The 'First Cliff Walk,' a glass-and-steel walkway suspended over a sheer drop of several hundred meters, delivers pure adrenaline. Adventure activities include the First Flyer zip line, mountain carts, and trottibikes. The hike to Lake Bachalpsee (about 2 hours round trip) is one of Switzerland's most picturesque. Gondola return about CHF 60 (50% off with Swiss Travel Pass). 5-minute walk from Grindelwald station to the gondola.

HoursGondola: 08:00-17:00 (varies seasonally; operates year-round).

LocationGrindelwald, Interlaken

TipsThe Bachalpsee hike is a must — on a clear day you get a perfect mirror reflection of the Eiger. Book the First Flyer in advance.

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★ 4.3

Höheweg Promenade

Stretching roughly 1km between Interlaken Ost and West stations, Hoheweg boulevard took shape in the 1860s when two hoteliers lined it with flowers, trees, and grand hotels, and it remains the town's signature street today. At its center lies Hohematte Park, a roughly 14-hectare green space protected since 1864, famous as the landing site for paragliders drifting down against a backdrop of the Jungfrau massif. Historic buildings line the boulevard, including the Hotel Victoria-Jungfrau, which opened in 1870, making a simple stroll feel like a walk through Interlaken's history. The promenade and park are free and open to everyone.

HoursOpen 24 hours (promenade and park; individual shops keep their own hours)

Location인터라켄 시내, 인터라켄

TipsLate afternoon is the best time to catch paragliders landing overhead. The park benches are a great spot to rest while taking in views of the Jungfrau.

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★ 4.4

St. Beatus Caves

Located near Sundlauenen on the northern shore of Lake Thun in the Beatenberg area, St. Beatus Caves form one of the largest stalactite cave systems in Switzerland, over 14km have been explored, with about 1km open to visitors year-round. A roughly 10-minute walk past a waterfall and over bridges leads to the entrance, where a 60-minute guided tour reveals stalactites, stalagmites, and chambers shaped by underground watercourses. Admission is CHF 20 for adults, CHF 12 for children (6-16), and CHF 52 for a family ticket, with a 20% discount for public-transport travelers. The caves are reachable from Interlaken by car, bus, or boat; note that the approach path can close in winter due to snow, so check ahead.

HoursApproximately 09:45-17:00 in summer season; the approach path may close in winter, check the official website before visiting

Location베아텐베르크, 인터라켄

TipsThe cave interior stays cool even in summer, so bring a light jacket. Show an SBB public-transport ticket or app for a 20% discount.

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★ 4.5

Giessbach Falls

Facing the town of Brienz across the lake, Giessbach Falls tumbles down 14 tiers, with the Giessbachbahn funicular, Europe's first two-rail crossing funicular opened in 1879, running alongside. Reach it by taking a lake cruise from Interlaken Ost or Brienz to the Giessbach landing stage, then ride the roughly four-minute funicular through forest, over bridges, and past the falls up to the viewpoint and the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach. Viewing the falls themselves is free, though the funicular and boat fares are charged separately, Swiss Travel Pass holders should check for included benefits. Confirm the current funicular fare and seasonal operating schedule on the official site before visiting.

HoursThe funicular generally operates from around May to October (check exact schedule before visiting)

Location브리엔츠, 인터라켄

TipsCoordinate the boat timetable with the funicular schedule when planning your visit. The lake view from the Grand Hotel's terrace is especially beautiful.

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★ 4.7

Schilthorn (Piz Gloria)

Rising above Murren, the 2,970m Schilthorn summit is home to Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant that served as villain Blofeld's hideout in the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.' The cable car from Stechelberg climbs via Gimmelwald, Murren, and Birg in about 24 minutes, delivering a 360-degree panorama of the Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau, and over 200 other peaks. The round-trip fare from Stechelberg is CHF 108 for adults; children aged 6-15 pay half price when accompanied by an adult, and Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card holders receive discounts. Cable cars run daily every 20 minutes between 09:00 and 17:00.

HoursCable cars run daily 09:00-17:00 every 20 minutes (subject to seasonal change)

Location뮈렌, 인터라켄

TipsTemperatures drop significantly at altitude, so bring a jacket even in summer. The Piz Gloria restaurant offers a '007 brunch' experience.

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★ 4.6

Murren

Perched on a cliff above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Murren has no road access and can only be reached by cable car or mountain railway, via a cable car and train transfer from Lauterbrunnen, or the newly opened cable car from Stechelberg. Home to just around 430 residents, the village retains its wooden chalets and narrow lanes, and from almost anywhere in the village you get a face-on view of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. Simply visiting and walking around the village is free; fares apply only for onward cable cars or trains, such as the ride up to the Schilthorn.

HoursThe village itself is always open; cable cars and trains typically run roughly 06:00-24:00 (varies seasonally)

Location뮈렌, 인터라켄

TipsThe Jungfrau view from the village footpaths is especially striking around sunset. If you have heavy luggage, consider using the baggage-forwarding service from Lauterbrunnen.

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★ 4.6

Wengen

Part of the municipality of Lauterbrunnen, Wengen is a road-free, car-free village reached in about 12 minutes from Lauterbrunnen via the Wengernalp Railway (WAB). From the village you can take in both the sweeping Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger massif, and in winter it hosts the famous Lauberhorn Alpine Ski World Cup race. Entering the village is free; fares apply separately for the Wengen-Mannlichen cable car or the train onward to Kleine Scheidegg.

HoursThe village itself is always open; trains and cable cars run roughly 06:00-24:00 (varies seasonally)

Location벵겐, 인터라켄

TipsOn the train from Lauterbrunnen, sit toward the front so you don't split off toward Grindelwald at Zweilutschinen. In winter, many visitors come to watch the Lauberhorn ski races.

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★ 4.6

Mannlichen

The Mannlichen summit can be reached by two separate cable cars, one from Wengen, one from Grindelwald Terminal, and rewards visitors with views of the Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau, and the Lauterbrunnen Valley all at once. The round trip from Wengen costs CHF 31 one-way (CHF 62 return) for adults, while from Grindelwald Terminal it's CHF 17 one-way (CHF 34 return); children aged 6-15 pay half price. The gentle hiking trail from the summit down to Kleine Scheidegg is popular, drawing many summer visitors for a scenic walk.

HoursCable cars generally operate roughly 08:30-17:30 (varies seasonally; check before visiting)

Location그린델발트, 인터라켄

TipsThe hike from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg takes about 1.5 hours and is gentle enough for beginners.

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★ 4.6

Kleine Scheidegg

Sitting on the pass between the Eiger and the Lauberhorn, Kleine Scheidegg is the transfer station where the Wengernalp Railway (linking Wengen and Grindelwald) meets the Jungfrau Railway bound for Jungfraujoch. This historic rail junction, opened in 1892, offers one of the closest views of the Eiger's north face, and its wildflower meadows make for popular summer hiking. There's no separate admission fee, simply take the train from Wengen or Grindelwald and explore the surroundings for free.

HoursTrains generally run from around 06:30 to about 19:00 (varies seasonally; check before visiting)

Location그린델발트, 인터라켄

TipsLook for the memorial plaques near the station honoring climbers of the Eiger's north face. It's a popular photo spot on clear days.

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★ 4.4

Iseltwald

Once a quiet fishing village on the southern shore of Lake Brienz, Iseltwald became an international sensation after its wooden pier appeared as the piano scene in the Netflix series 'Crash Landing on You.' The pier is about a 5-minute walk from the village harbor, and due to overwhelming visitor numbers a turnstile now charges CHF 5 per adult to access it. There's no train station, so Iseltwald must be reached from Interlaken by bus route 103 or by lake cruise; the lakeside path around Seeburg Castle is also worth a stroll.

HoursThe village is always open; pier access follows the turnstile's operating hours (check before visiting)

Location이젤트발트, 인터라켄

TipsThe pier draws long queues during peak daytime hours in high season, so early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended.

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★ 4.6

Ballenberg Open-Air Museum

Located near Brienz in Hofstetten, the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum recreates over 100 traditional houses, farms, and workshops relocated from across Switzerland, offering a hands-on look at the country's architecture and rural life. Admission includes use of the museum's internal Ballenberg railway (horse-drawn carriage rides cost extra); prices are CHF 32 for adults, CHF 16 for children (6-16), and CHF 72 for a family ticket, with free entry for Swiss Travel Pass holders. The museum is open from early April to early November, and most visitors spend 5-7 hours exploring the 66-hectare grounds.

HoursEarly April to early November, daily 10:00-17:00 (subject to seasonal change)

Location호프슈테텐, 인터라켄

TipsThe grounds are extensive, so wear comfortable shoes and make use of the free internal railway. Check the schedule of traditional craft demonstrations on the official website in advance.

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Things to Do in Interlaken

Adventure

Paragliding over Interlaken

Tandem paragliding over Interlaken with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as your backdrop. Soar 10-20 minutes with lakes and Alps beneath your feet. Advance booking required; beginners fly safely with an experienced pilot.

Price About CHF 170-200Duration Flight about 10-20 minutes (total about 1.5 hours)

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Tour

Jungfrau Railway Day Trip

A mountain railway tour from Interlaken via Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch (3,454m), Europe's highest station. Highlights include the Eiger North Face tunnel, the Ice Palace, and the Sphinx Observatory at the top.

Price About CHF 210 round trip (25% off with Swiss Travel Pass)Duration About 4-5 hours round trip

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Adventure

Canyoning

Explore gorges like Grimmi or Chaufi with rappelling, cliff jumping, and natural waterslides. Guided adventures through glacier-carved canyons, operating only in summer (June-September).

Price About CHF 150-195Duration About 3-4 hours

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Tour

Lake Thun Cruise

Cruise the emerald Lake Thun by steamer, visiting lakeside villages like Spiez and Oberhofen Castle. Free with Swiss Travel Pass. Classic Swiss scenery of Alps meeting lake.

Price About CHF 30-56 (free with Swiss Travel Pass)Duration About 2-4 hours round trip (varies by route)

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Nature

Alpine Hiking (Eiger Trail)

The Eiger Trail runs about 6km from Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher station directly below the Eiger North Face, offering close views of wildflowers and glaciers. Moderate difficulty; best June-October.

Price Free (train access charged separately)Duration About 2.5 hours

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Culture

Swiss Cheese-Making Experience

Learn how Emmental or alp cheese is made at a traditional dairy near Interlaken. Follow the process from milk to cheese, then taste various aged varieties. A family-friendly cultural experience.

Price About CHF 25-40Duration About 1.5-2 hours

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Must-Try Food in Interlaken

Cheese Fondue

🍱 Traditional

Switzerland's signature winter dish: bread dipped into a communal pot of melted cheese.

Swiss Chocolate

🍰 Dessert

World-class Swiss milk chocolate from iconic makers like Lindt and Toblerone.

Raclette

🍱 Traditional

Melted cheese scraped over potatoes and pickles, a Swiss Alpine winter staple. About CHF 25-35. Enjoy with Alpine views at a traditional restaurant in town.

Älplermagronen

🍱 Traditional

A hearty Alpine herder's dish of macaroni baked with potatoes, cream, and cheese. About CHF 18-28. Try the authentic version at mountain hut restaurants in Grindelwald and Mürren.

Bratwurst

🍢 Street Food

A Swiss-German street staple: grilled sausage served with mustard. About CHF 6-10. Easily found at stalls and markets in Interlaken town.

Meringue with Double Cream

🍰 Dessert

Crispy meringue topped with Meiringen-style double cream. Meiringen, near Interlaken, is believed to be where meringue was invented. About CHF 8-14. Try it at Café Schuh.

Rivella

🍵 Drink

Switzerland's unique soft drink made from milk whey, sweet yet refreshing. About CHF 3-5. Available at supermarkets and restaurants everywhere.

Interlaken Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Interlaken?

June-September is ideal for hiking, December-March for skiing. Summer offers paragliding and hiking, winter is prime ski season.

How much does it cost to travel in Interlaken?

Daily budget around $145-290 (accommodation $70-145, meals $30-55, transport and activities $45-85).

How do I get around in Interlaken?

About 2 hours by train from Zurich Airport to Interlaken. The Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, buses, and lake cruises, with discounts on the Jungfrau Railway. Prepaid SIMs are available at the airport or Swisscom stores (about CHF 20-30/week). Card payments are widely accepted. A service charge is included in restaurant bills, so tipping is not required, though rounding up is common.

Do I need a visa to visit Interlaken?

Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days under the Schengen Agreement (Switzerland is a Schengen member).

Is Interlaken safe for tourists?

Switzerland is one of Europe's safest countries. In mountain areas, watch for rapid weather changes and altitude sickness.

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