Interlaken
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Tips
7 places on the map
Nature
- 1
Large central meadow with Jungfrau views, used for paragliding landings.
3 tips
- Free
- Great spot to relax
- Sunny afternoons
📷 Photos
- 2
Mountain with an alpine garden and Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau views.
3 tips
- Historic cog railway ride
- Seasonal, summer only
- Combine with a hike
📷 Photos
- 3
Cascade of 14 waterfalls over Lake Brienz.
3 tips
- Take the historic funicular
- Boat from Brienz or Interlaken
- Hotel terrace has great views
📷 Photos
- 4
Waterfall in Lauterbrunnen valley dropping nearly 300 m.
3 tips
- Short walk from the station
- Stunning in spring melt
- Free to view
📷 Photos
- 5
Glacier waterfalls inside the mountain accessible by lift and paths.
3 tips
- Wear rain gear
- Open summer
- Take the lift inside the rock
📷 Photos
- 6
Riverside path along the Aare with mountain views.
3 tips
- Nice for a calm stroll
- Good for photos
- Easy walking
📷 Photos
- 7
Nature reserve of reeds and wetland where the Aare meets Lake Thun.
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Interlaken tips
Transportation
- Use the Guest Card: Staying overnight in Interlaken usually gets you a guest card with free local buses between Interlaken Ost, West and nearby villages; ask your hotel for it.
- Ride the lake boats: Boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz leave from near the West and Ost stations and are a scenic, relaxed way to reach towns like Spiez, Brienz and Iseltwald.
- Know your two stations: Interlaken Ost is the gateway for Jungfrau region trains to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen; Interlaken West is closer to the main shopping street and lake boats.
Security
- Respect mountain weather: Conditions change fast above the valley; check the forecast and live webcams before heading up, and turn back if clouds or storms roll in.
- Book adventures with licensed operators: Paragliding, canyoning and skydiving are popular here; choose established companies and follow every safety briefing.
- Stay on marked trails: Swiss hiking paths are well signposted by colour; stick to routes that match your fitness and footwear, and carry water and a layer.
Saving
- Do the maths on rail passes: A Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card or Berner Oberland Regional Pass can cut mountain train costs a lot; compare them against your planned trips.
- Shop at Coop and Migros: Supermarkets sell good sandwiches, salads and ready meals; a picnic by the lake beats restaurant prices in one of Europe's priciest countries.
- Pick cheaper viewpoints: Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte or a hike above Lauterbrunnen give stunning Alpine views for far less than a trip up to Jungfraujoch.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack layers in summer: Valley days in summer can be warm, but it is much colder at altitude; bring a fleece, a light rain jacket and sunscreen for high peaks.
- Dress for snow in winter: Winters are cold with snow in the mountains; bring a warm coat, gloves, a hat and boots with good grip for icy paths.
- Wear proper hiking shoes: Even easy trails can be steep, wet or rocky; sturdy shoes with grip and sunglasses for snow glare are worth the suitcase space.
Cultural
- Greet people politely: A friendly Grüezi when entering a shop or passing hikers is expected in this German-speaking region, along with a simple thank you, danke.
- Keep the quiet hours: Swiss towns value calm evenings and Sundays; keep noise down at night and expect most shops to close on Sundays.
- Try Swiss mountain food: Look for rösti, fondue, raclette and Älplermagronen, a hearty alpine macaroni, plus local cheese and chocolate from the region.
Local Hacks
- Drink from fountains: Tap water and most public fountains in Switzerland are safe to drink; refill a bottle unless a sign says kein Trinkwasser.
- Watch paragliders land: The Höhematte meadow in the town centre is a free spot to watch paragliders glide down with the Jungfrau in the background.
- Go up early on clear days: Mountain views are often sharpest in the morning before clouds build; check webcams at breakfast and head up if the summit is clear.
1-day itineraries in Interlaken
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.