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Interlaken occupies a flat strip of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, and the name simply reflects that position between the lakes. Since the nineteenth century it has been a resort town and a base for exploring the Jungfrau region, with grand hotels lining the main promenade and the snowy peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rising to the south.
In town, the Höheweg runs alongside the open Höhematte meadow, where paragliders often land, and a funicular climbs to Harder Kulm for a view over both lakes. Across the Aare, the old town of Unterseen keeps a quieter, older feel. Boats cruise Lake Thun past several castles and Lake Brienz toward Iseltwald and the Giessbach falls, and the St. Beatus Caves sit on the Thun shore. Rail lines lead into the mountains: up to Jungfraujoch, into the Lauterbrunnen valley with Staubbach Falls and the glacier-fed Trümmelbach Falls, and on to car-free Mürren and the Schilthorn summit.
Interlaken works best as a hub for active travelers who want hiking, lake trips and Alpine railways from one base. Summer brings the widest choice of trails and boats, and winter shifts attention to skiing in the surrounding resorts.
WiserMap travel guideInterlaken Switzerland Jungfraujoch and LauterbrunnenPlan your Interlaken trip: Harder Kulm, Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen, Lake Brienz cruises, Swiss food, where to stay, seasons and an easy plan for each day.Read the guide
The Hoheweg is Interlaken's main boulevard, lined with grand hotels, shops and the casino. It borders the Hohematte, a large open meadow with a direct view of the Jungfrau, where paragliders often land. Tip: the meadow is a lovely place to watch paragliders and the mountains at sunset.
The historic small town across the Aare river from Interlaken, with old wooden houses, a church and a quiet main square. It has the Touristik Museum, about tourism in the region. Tip: it makes a peaceful walk from the center, just across the bridge from Interlaken West station.
Interlaken's home mountain, reached by a funicular in about 10 minutes. At the top a viewing platform juts out above the town with views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau and both lakes, and there is a restaurant. Tip: it is a great option for sunset, but it is closed in winter.
Known as the Top of Europe, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres, reached by train via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. It has an ice palace, the Sphinx observatory and views of the Aletsch Glacier. Tip: go on a clear day, check the webcam, and watch for altitude effects.
A mountain above Grindelwald reached by gondola, with the First Cliff Walk, a steel walkway along the cliff, and adventure rides like the First Flyer zip line, mountain carts and trottibikes. Tip: an easy hike leads from here to the beautiful lake Bachalpsee in about an hour.
A mountain ridge reached by a historic cog railway from Wilderswil, running since 1893. At the top is an alpine garden with hundreds of plant species and wide views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Tip: the railway runs only from late spring to autumn, so check dates.
Lake Brienz is known for its turquoise water. Iseltwald is a small village on a peninsula made famous by a TV series, and the Giessbach Falls cascade down 14 levels beside a grand hotel. Tip: take a lake boat from Interlaken East to see these villages from the water.
Lake Thun, west of Interlaken, is lined with castles such as Oberhofen Castle with its tower in the water, Spiez Castle and Thun Castle above the old town. Boats link the towns along the shore. Tip: the Swiss Travel Pass covers the lake boats, which are a relaxing way to visit.
Limestone caves on the north shore of Lake Thun with lit paths through chambers, waterfalls and dripstone formations. Legend says St. Beatus drove out a dragon here. There is a small museum and a restaurant with lake views. Tip: the caves stay cool, so bring a warm layer.
A series of ten glacier waterfalls inside the mountain in the Lauterbrunnen valley, made accessible by tunnels, an elevator and walkways. They carry melt water from the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau glaciers. Tip: it is open only from spring to autumn, and you may get wet from the spray.
A village in a deep valley with steep cliffs and dozens of waterfalls. The best known, Staubbach Falls, drops nearly 300 metres beside the village, and a path leads behind it. Tip: the valley is easy to reach by train from Interlaken Ost and is a base for Murren and Wengen.
Murren is a car-free village perched on a cliff above Lauterbrunnen with amazing mountain views. Cable cars continue to the Schilthorn, with its revolving restaurant Piz Gloria and a James Bond exhibition. Tip: walk the cliff paths around Murren, as views are great from anywhere.
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