Interlaken travel guide
Switzerland
Between two lakes, beneath the Bernese Alps, and a haven for travellers since 1491.
Interlaken sits nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, its name literally meaning 'between the lakes,' with views of the majestic Bernese Alps framing a town that has welcomed travellers for centuries.
Interlaken — current status
Open. (Status checked 2026-08-30.)
Interlaken — TL;DR
Interlaken sits nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, its name literally meaning 'between the lakes,' with views of the majestic Bernese Alps framing a town that has welcomed travellers for centuries.
Interlaken at a glance
- What are the best things to do in Interlaken? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Interlaken trip feel like more than a checklist.
- How many days do you need in Interlaken? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Interlaken — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby…
- When is the best time to visit Interlaken? June to September offers warm weather for the lakes and mountain excursions, while December to March draws visitors for skiing in the surrounding Bernese Oberland.
- Where should I stay in Interlaken for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
- How do you get around Interlaken? Interlaken rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network.
Interlaken overview
- June to September offers warm weather for the lakes and mountain excursions, while December to March draws visitors for skiing in the surrounding Bernese Oberland.
- Interlaken's town centre is walkable; trains and cable cars from the town connect to the surrounding Bernese Oberland peaks and villages like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- German. English is widely spoken in tourism.
- CET (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)
- Interlaken continues to balance its centuries-old Swiss dining tradition, built on dairy, lake fish, and alpine herbs, with a growing range of exotic and international restaurants catering to its year-round international visitor base.
Where to eat, drink & do in Interlaken
Interlaken neighborhoods
- Interlaken West The main train station area and a hub for hotels and restaurants.
- Interlaken Ost The eastern part of town, closer to Lake Brienz and outdoor adventure operators.
- Höheweg promenade The town's central promenade with views of the Jungfrau massif.
Practical info for Interlaken
- Getting around in Interlaken? Interlaken's town centre is walkable; trains and cable cars from the town connect to the surrounding Bernese Oberland peaks and villages like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.
- When to go in Interlaken? June to September offers warm weather for the lakes and mountain excursions, while December to March draws visitors for skiing in the surrounding Bernese Oberland.
- What's changing now in Interlaken? Interlaken continues to balance its centuries-old Swiss dining tradition, built on dairy, lake fish, and alpine herbs, with a growing range of exotic and international restaurants catering to its year-round international visitor base.
- Seek out Lake Brienz turquoise waters in Interlaken? A strikingly turquoise lake on the town's eastern edge, quieter than the more central Lake Thun.
- Base yourself in Interlaken West in Interlaken? The main train station area and a hub for hotels and restaurants. Known for central hub, hotels.
Frequently asked questions about Interlaken
- What are the best things to do in Interlaken? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Interlaken trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Interlaken tends to reward.
- How many days do you need in Interlaken? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Interlaken — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
- When is the best time to visit Interlaken? June to September offers warm weather for the lakes and mountain excursions, while December to March draws visitors for skiing in the surrounding Bernese Oberland.
- Where should I stay in Interlaken for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
- How do you get around Interlaken? Interlaken rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network. Rideshare and taxis fill the gaps for late-night moves or trips outside the centre.
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