Interlaken City Guide

Interlaken serves as the gateway to Switzerland's Jungfrau region, uniquely positioned between the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and the deep blue of Lake Thun. This alpine hub is famed for its proximity to the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, offering a perfect blend of high-altitude adventure and lakeside relaxation. For the best perspective of the town's geography, a funicular ride to Harder Kulm provides an unbeatable panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges.

The heart of the town is the Höheweg, a sprawling green meadow and promenade that connects Interlaken West and East. Here, visitors can watch paragliders descend against a backdrop of snow-capped summits or explore boutique shops and historic grand hotels. Whether boarding a historic paddle steamer for a sunset cruise on the lakes or taking the train toward the Top of Europe at Jungfraujoch, the town remains an essential base for exploring the Bernese Oberland's natural wonders.

Beyond the bustling heights of Harder Kulm and the busy Hoheweg, Interlaken reveals its quieter, more intimate side to those who venture just a few minutes off the main path. Locals often escape the summer crowds by heading to the Burgseeli in nearby Ringgenberg. This natural moor lake warms up much faster than the glacier-fed Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, offering a soft, scenic swimming experience surrounded by protected nature and limestone cliffs.

For a dose of history away from the tour buses, the Gsteig Church in neighboring Gsteigwiler is a hidden gem. This ancient site features a beautifully preserved 12th-century church and a charming covered wooden bridge spanning the Lütschine river, providing a peaceful spot for reflection and photography without the crowds. Finally, spending a Saturday morning at the Unterseen local market offers a true taste of the region. Here, residents gather at the Stadthausplatz to buy alpine cheeses and fresh produce, maintaining a sense of community that feels worlds away from the souvenir shops of the center.

Interlaken is exceptionally safe for travelers, maintaining the high standards of security found throughout Switzerland. While violent crime is nearly nonexistent, visitors should remain mindful of their surroundings in crowded areas like the Interlaken Ost train station or busy shopping strips where minor pickpocketing can occasionally occur. Standard travel precautions are usually sufficient to ensure a worry-free stay in this picturesque town.

The primary safety considerations in Interlaken involve the surrounding natural environment. When embarking on alpine adventures or water sports on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it is vital to monitor local weather conditions, as mountain storms can develop rapidly. Always stick to marked hiking trails and ensure you have the appropriate gear. For any emergencies, dialing 117 for police or 144 for medical assistance provides immediate access to Switzerland's highly efficient emergency services.

Interlaken is a compact and highly walkable town, making it easy to navigate the main stretch between the Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost railway stations on foot in about 20 minutes. For longer distances, the local bus network is exceptionally reliable. Most visitors staying in local hotels, hostels, or campsites receive an Interlaken Guest Card, which offers free travel on all public buses and local trains within the town and its immediate suburbs, including nearby Wilderswil and Bönigen.

While traditional taxis are readily available at both train stations and major hotels, they are a more expensive option with a short trip across town typically costing between 15 CHF and 25 CHF. Ride-sharing services like Uber have a limited presence here compared to larger Swiss cities, so it is best to rely on local taxi companies or the excellent public transport system. For a more scenic pace, many visitors choose to rent bicycles or e-bikes from the train stations to explore the shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

Since Interlaken does not have its own international airport, most travelers arrive via Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA). A standard one-way second-class train ticket from Zurich Airport to Interlaken costs approximately 74 CHF and takes about two hours. For those seeking maximum convenience, a private taxi transfer from Zurich Airport is available but costly, generally starting at upwards of 450 CHF depending on the vehicle size and time of day.

Interlaken is a shopper's paradise that bridges the gap between traditional Swiss craftsmanship and modern luxury. The main artery, Höheweg, connects Interlaken West and East stations and serves as the primary shopping hub. Here, visitors find everything from iconic Swiss watches and intricate jewelry to high-quality outdoor gear perfect for the surrounding Alps. Don't miss out on local specialties like handmade lace or world-renowned Swiss chocolates found in numerous specialty boutiques.

For those on a budget, the town offers plenty of accessible options. Larger supermarkets like Coop provide high-quality Swiss goods at reasonable prices, including delicious chocolates and local cheeses that make excellent souvenirs. Conversely, high-end shoppers will be drawn to the glamorous showrooms of Bucherer or Kirchhofer, which display an impressive array of luxury timepieces. Whether seeking a simple trinket or a lifelong investment piece, Interlaken provides a charming backdrop for every retail preference.

In Interlaken, service charges are legally included in the prices at restaurants, bars, and hotels, so tipping is never an obligation. However, rounding up the bill to the nearest five or ten Swiss Francs (CHF) is a common way to show appreciation for friendly and efficient service. For an exceptional dining experience, a tip of around five to ten percent is considered generous and is always well-received by the staff.

The local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF), which has a rough exchange rate of approximately 1 CHF to 1.15 USD. For smaller services, such as a short taxi ride or assistance with luggage, rounding up or offering a couple of francs is a polite gesture. This subtle approach to tipping aligns with local etiquette while acknowledging the high standard of hospitality found throughout this stunning alpine destination.

Interlaken is a year-round destination, but the ideal visit depends on your desired alpine experience. For hiking and lake activities, summer (July to August) offers the warmest weather and longest days, though this peak season brings the highest prices and largest crowds. If you seek a balance of manageable costs and pleasant temperatures, the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October are excellent choices. During these months, the landscapes are either blooming with spring wildflowers or glowing in autumn gold, and the popular viewpoints are far less congested.

Winter, from December to March, caters to snow enthusiasts as the town serves as a gateway to world-class ski resorts. While accommodation rates rise during the festive period and school holidays, the crisp air and snow-capped peaks provide a magical backdrop for winter sports. Regardless of when you visit, booking well in advance is recommended to navigate the seasonal demand of this popular Swiss hub.