Interlaken Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Interlaken

This overgrown village has been the tourist hub of the Bernese Oberland for nearly 170 years without turning into a Las Vegas, Blackpool, or Torremolinos. You'll still find cows and sheep on the outskirts, and there are few high-rises, motels, and fast-food joints to spoil the landscape.

Although very busy in summer, Interlaken is not a lively resort and has been described by some as lacking in character, although this might be disputed by the many British visitors who come here year after year. A wealth of early 20th-century architecture and a few delightful tearooms and coffee shops lend it some charm.

The main drag is Hoheweg, which stretches 1 ml between the 2 mainline stations and past a large meadow (Hohematte), which offers an inspiring panoramic view of the Jungfrau range in the distance. The residential area called Unterseen, just over the river, is marginally quainter. Matten, an area to the SE of the centre, is largely residential but also includes some accommodation.

Interlaken is a popular summer retreat for all types, especially more mature holidaymakers. A favourite with British visitors. Increasingly popular with international tour groups, and some backpackers.

Hotels here range from small, older, family-run chalets to larger, internationally known establishments (including one world-class 5-star). Even the most basic accommodation is of a good standard, although decor can be somewhat dated. Some studios and apartments offer cheaper accommodation.

Interlaken makes a suitable base for touring the mountain ranges of the region and is close enough to several ski-resorts to provide an alternative place to stay when they are too full or too expensive. As the region's transport hub, it is also well served by train, steamer and coach services.

Locality:

Interlaken is in the heart of the Bernese Oberland region, 38 mls SE of Berne, 12 mls NW of Grindelwald, 76 mls SW of Zurich airport. It is between the lakes Thun and Brienz (hence the resort's name). The River Aare, which links the lakes, runs the length of the town. Totally flat terrain, with low mountains on one side and the Jungfrau range in the distance.

Lake steamer cruises. Take a boat to Brienz, a picturesque woodcarvers' town at the far end of the wild and scenic Brienzersee. Allow time for a morning or afternoon at the Swiss Open-Air Museum at Ballenberg, near Brienz. Or catch a steamer to Thun, where Lake Thun feeds into the River Aare, and enjoy the views from the towers of its medieval castle.

Mountain excursions. The Jungfraujoch Railway is Europe's highest. It takes you through Alpine meadows, then plunges into a stone tunnel on its ascent to permanent snowfields and spectacular views. Other (and less expensive) excursions include the Schilthorn aerial cable car, the Schynigge Platte cogwheel railway, the Brienz-Rothorn-Bahn with its antique steam-driven locomotives, and funiculars such as Harderbahn, which carries tourists up Interlaken's " Hausberg ."

Hikes. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a casual walker, you'll find a plethora of well-marked trails in Interlaken and nearby resorts. (Note: Paved footpaths along Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and baby carriages.)

City, town, and village sightseeing. When the weather turns dreary, head for Bern (the Swiss capital), where you can shop in arcaded passages, visit museums, and enjoy other activities that don't require an umbrella and galoshes. Even when it's sunny, you should allow time to visit Thun, Brienz, and some of the mountain resorts and villages in the area. All are easy to reach by train, bus, and/or boat.

Suggest a change to the Interlaken Things to do section (click to dropdown)

Population: 7.489.400
Languages: German 64%, French 20%, Italian 7% (all official);
Currency: Swiss franc
Currency code: CHF
Local Times:
Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Z�rich

Country Dialling Code: +41
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's alpine landscapes are certainly vast and varied. With the towering Alps, fairytale castles, forested hills, shimmering lakes, renaissance cathedrals, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it's no surprise to see why Switzerland has been one of the world's top tourist destinations for the past 200 years.

Switzerland's peak season starts in November with the launch parties of the various ski resorts with visitors flocking into the resorts throughout the winter and Christmas season before finally hanging up the ski boots with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, the ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most of the resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

Despite being most popular as a Ski destination, Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and summer it offers mountain trails and spa resorts and in the sunny southern region of Ticino, visitors enjoy palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a variety of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 30,000 miles of forest and mountain trails throughout the country.

Switzerland's main cities include:

Zurich - Switzerland's biggest city and a major center of banking also has a thriving nightlife.
Geneva - This center of arts and culture, the second-largest city in Switzerland, is by far the international capital-- home to around 200 governmental and non-governmental organizations. Geneva was the home of John Calvin during the Reformation, elevating the city to the rank of "Protestant Rome," the effects of which drive Geneva today.
Berne - The Swiss capital features an amazingly well preserved old-town with arcades along almost every street. Great restaurants abound, as do bars and clubs. Check out the Einstein sites as well.
Basel - Slightly smaller than Geneva, Switzerland's third city is the traveler's gateway to the German Rhineland and Alsace.
Lausanne - While Geneva is busy being the international capital, Lausanne fills the role in most of the rest of French-speaking Switzerland. Scenery, dining, dancing, boating and the Swiss wine-country are the draws.
Lugano - Italian-speaking Switzerland's top destination, with a gorgeous old-town and a pretty lake. The food is simply amazing.
Lucerne - Central Switzerland's main city with direct water links to all of the early Swiss historic sights. It's pretty too, and though it is heavily touristed the views and museums make putting up with the crowds well worthwhile.

Interlaken Travel Guide

Interlaken Suitability Profile