Interlaken is Switzerland’s adventure capital, famously nestled between two spectacular glacial lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It serves as the gateway to the stunning Jungfrau region of the Swiss Alps.

The town is a lively hub for extreme sports, offering unparalleled access to mountains, waterfalls, and scenic villages. Its dramatic setting provides unforgettable views and outdoor activities year-round.

Orientation

The town is highly walkable, extending between its two train stations, Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. The main method of transport in the region is the highly efficient Swiss railway system.

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Local buses connect the town center, while trains and funiculars are essential for ascending to mountain villages like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Boats are the scenic choice for crossing the lakes.

Shopping

The main street, Höheweg, hosts the majority of shops, specializing in Swiss souvenir essentials: high-end watches, knives, textiles, and famous Swiss chocolate.

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Look for stores offering local Bernese Oberland handicrafts, especially delicate woodcarvings from Brienz. The area also features shops selling specialized outdoor equipment for hiking and climbing.

Gastronomy

The cuisine is alpine and hearty, featuring classic Swiss dishes like Fondue (melted cheese with bread) and Raclette (melted cheese scraped over potatoes and pickles).

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Sample traditional Swiss Rösti (fried grated potato cakes) and enjoy rich Swiss chocolate at every opportunity. Dining options range from rustic mountain huts to elegant lakeside restaurants.

Additional days in Interlaken

Interlaken is the ideal gateway for exploring the spectacular mountains, hidden valleys, and charming villages of the Bernese Oberland.

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Take the famous railway journey up to the Jungfraujoch (“Top of Europe”), a high-altitude observation deck offering incredible glacier views and an Ice Palace. Visit the village of Lauterbrunnen and its 72 waterfalls.

Travel by train to the capital city of Bern (approx. one hour), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval architecture, Zytglogge clock tower, and bear park along the Aare River.

Explore the small, picturesque town of Thun on Lake Thun, famed for its medieval castle and wooden flower-decked bridges. The St. Beatus Caves on the lake offer unique underground exploration.

Museums

The Touristik Museum der Jungfrau Region is the main local museum, detailing the history of tourism and alpinism in the surrounding Bernese Oberland area since the 18th century.

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Visit the Unspunnen Castle ruins, important to Swiss folklore. For local crafts, explore the Woodcarving Museum in Brienz, showcasing the region’s traditional artisanal specialty.

Other Highlights

Take a scenic boat cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, known for their intensely turquoise waters. Visit Harder Kulm, the local mountain (via funicular), for a stunning view over the town and lakes.

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As the adventure hub, Interlaken offers activities like paragliding, canyoning, and white-water rafting. Explore the picturesque Höhematte park, where paragliders land right in the center of town.

Nightlife

Interlaken has a youthful, casual nightlife, driven by backpackers and adventure tourists. Bars often reflect the sporting theme, offering a relaxed environment for sharing travel stories.

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The area around the central train stations has the highest concentration of pubs and bars. Look for venues offering late-night happy hours or live acoustic music.