Interlaken harbor with boats and mountains in the background

82 Things to Do in Interlaken 2025

4.7 (2190 Reviews)

8 Activities

Why book with Swiss Activities?

Largest selection in Switzerland

Over 100,000 satisfied customers

Free cancellation option

5 Stars Swiss customer support

Book mobile tickets in 90 seconds

13 Highlights Interlaken

  • The thundering Giessbach Falls on the south side of Lake Brienz impress with 500m deep falls.
  • Lake Brienz with an area of 30 km2 lies northeast of Interlaken
  • Lake Thun with an area of 48 km2 is located southwest of Interlaken.
  • The Harder Kulm is the local mountain of Interlaken and can be reached by the Harderbahn in eight minutes.
  • The Schilthorn with the Piz Gloria is accessible by the Schilthornbahn. The Schilthornbahn in Stechelberg can be reached from Interlaken after 50 min by public transport.
  • The Schynige Platte can be reached via Wilderswil (4 min from Interlaken by train). The rack railroad goes up in 50 min and passes 4 tunnels and 8 bridges on the way
  • Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are served by excursion boats, including historic paddle steamers.
  • The mystical grottoes of the St. Beatushöhle are also regularly visited by pilgrims.
  • Grindelwald First with the Cliff Walk can be reached from Interlaken in less than 2 hours.
  • The Jungfrau Joch takes about 1.5 hours from Interlaken via Grindelwald. The trip with the Jungfrau Railway takes you to almost 3,500 m above sea level
  • More than 45 mountain railroads, cable cars, chair and ski lifts are in the immediate vicinity.
  • More than 200 km of ski slopes and a dense network of well-signposted hiking trails all around are within easy reach.
  • Interlaken is a Dorado for lovers of activities and nature experiences of all kinds.
Skiing in Interlaken, group of beginners on the slopeSkiing (Photo: MySwitzerland)
Canyoning Grimsel with splash and actionAdventure Tour Canyoning Grimsel (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)

Attractions in Interlaken

The Jungfrau Region around Interlaken offers many exciting destinations that you can reach in various ways.

With the Jungfrau Travel Pass, you can enjoy free rides on the mountain railways to all attractions over three to eight days. The Winterlaken Card

Harder Kulm

At Harder Kulm, the local mountain of Interlaken, you can experience stunning sunsets and find plenty of photo opportunities. At an elevation of 1,300 meters, there's an observation platform with a castle-like restaurant perched on it. The Harder funicular takes you directly from the Interlaken Ost train station to the Harder Kulm.

Schilthorn

The Schilthorn cable car operates in three consecutive sections from Stechelberg to the Schilthorn. The revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, located at 3,000 m above sea level, is by far the most popular destination on the Schilthorn. Various walks will get you even closer to the breathtaking mountain panorama, but you need to be free of vertigo. At the Schilthorn, you'll also learn a lot about the James Bond film “On Her Majesty's Secret Service,” which was filmed here in 1969.

Harder Kulm Viewing Platform with a view of Interlaken and the Alps in autumnHarder Kulm Viewing Platform (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)
Schiltgrat Piz Gloria with a view of the mountains, clouds, and snow.Schiltgrat Piz Gloria (Photo: Schilthornbahnen)

Schynige Platte

One of the popular spots for excursions is the picturesque Schynige Platte. Here, you can find a fragrant alpine garden featuring over 700 alpine plants at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, along with beautiful panoramic hiking trails. A historic steam locomotive climbs a total of 1383 meters over a distance of 7.26 km. The mountain station is at 1967 m above sea level, with an average incline of 19% on the rail line, reaching even 25% within the Grätitunnel.

Grindelwald First

Grindelwald First offers attractions like a Cliff Walk, the crystal-clear Bachalpsee, a 700-square-meter playground at the gondola's intermediate station Bort, and the First restaurant where you can treat yourself with regional delicacies on the sun terrace amid stunning mountain views.

Jungfraujoch

Unforgettable excursions await at the heavily glaciated Jungfraujoch sitting at 3,466 meters. Not without reason do almost a million people visit Europe's highest railway station here each year, accessible via the Jungfraujoch train. Visitors are greeted with breathtaking views of some of the four-thousanders in the Bernese Alps. The unique ice palace built by two mountain guides spans 1,000 square meters and is incredibly impressive.

Brienzer Rothorn

Visitors are brought to the 2,350-meter Brienzer Rothorn via the Brienzer Rothorn railway and a subsequent aerial cable car. Just below the summit, there is a picturesque ice lake and the Rothorn Kulm inn, which also offers overnight accommodations.

Caves of the St. Beatus Caves

Where there are mountains, impressive natural spectacles are also to be experienced. Over millions of years, the stalactites and mystical caves of the St. Beatus Caves above Lake Thun have formed. A prepared, illuminated path leads about a kilometer through gorges, colorful halls, and past underground lakes. Pilgrimage paths to the cave start from several boat stations.

Giessbach Falls

The Giessbach comes from the Faulhorn area and initially cascades over 14 steps before plunging 500 m down. The Giessbach Falls are located on the southeastern side of Lake Brienz. A hiking trail leads to the waterfall, allowing you to walk right under it. The upper steps of the waterfall were named after Bernese heroes as early as the 19th century.

Giessbach Falls with waterfall in front of mountain landscape and hotel.Giessbach Falls (Photo: MySwitzerland)
St Beatus Caves with waterfall and stalactites in InterlakenSt Beatus Caves (Photo: MySwitzerland)

How to spend three perfect days in Interlaken

Interlaken is one of those places that are on the priority list of almost every foreign visitor. And for good reason. The town "between the lakes" is a very popular tourist destination. It is an ideal starting point for trips to the Bernese Alps and other interesting, exciting and impressive places

To help you plan your trip, we have put together this short travel guide. We give you some ideas of what you can do in Interlaken.

Tag 1: Visit Jungfraujoch - the Top of Europe

Yes, visiting Jungfraujoch is pricey. Yes, it can get crowded up there. And yes, with over 8000 mountain peaks in Switzerland, you’ll probably find a cheaper spot with a spectacular view.

But trust us: Jungfraujoch is worth every cent!

The journey up to the highest railway station in Europe will take your breath away. The route is an absolute masterpiece. Considering this steep cogwheel train was built through the Mönch massif over 100 years ago, it’s quite impressive.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by the view of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in Switzerland. The highly recommended one-hour hike to the Mönchsjoch Hut will treat you to even more breathtaking high-altitude photo opportunities. And the peaceful atmosphere in the snow will keep you company all year round.

To learn more about this popular destination, we’ve put together an article with 12 tips for your first trip to Jungfraujoch.

When you get back down to the valley after your visit, we suggest taking it easy for the rest of the day. The altitude and thin air can be quite tiring. If you still have some energy to spare, consider taking the funicular to Harder Kulm. This viewpoint is also known as the “Top of Interlaken.” The view of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and the entire Alpine panorama of the Jungfrau region is simply stunning.

If you prefer, you could also enjoy a leisurely walk along the Aare River or one of the lakes before treating yourself to a cozy dinner in Interlaken.

Swiss Activities Offer:

Jungfraujoch: View of glacier and mountains in winter, ideal for adventure and nature experiences.
Mönchsjochhütte: an alpine shelter in the mountains with impressive rock and clear blue sky.

Day 2: Adventure, Views, and Narrow Gorges

Try to get up early today and catch the train to Brienz. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Right next to the train station, you'll see the steam train that goes up to the Brienzer Rothorn.

Morning: Brienzer Rothorn

Today, you’ll visit the highest point in the canton of Lucerne, at 2,350 m above sea level. The ride on the historic steam train to the Brienzer Rothorn takes just over an hour and is an experience you won't forget quickly. The view that awaits you here is once again spectacular—but it's not on par with the first day at Jungfraujoch.

The crystal-clear, turquoise Brienzersee accompanies you the whole way. On clear days, you can see 690 Swiss mountain peaks from the top. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a lovely lunch before heading back down.

The two activities we recommend for the afternoon are a thrilling jet boat ride on the Brienzersee and a visit to the impressive Aareschlucht. Which one you do first depends on your schedule and preferences.

Swiss Activities Offer:

Steam Railway Brienzer Rothorn: impressive steam locomotive travels through the nature of the Alps.
Brienzer Rothorn: panoramic view of Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains.

Afternoon: Visit the Aare Gorge

The Aare Gorge is a 1400 metres long and 200 metres deep natural wonder. Through well secured and easy to walk paths and tunnels, you’ll be passing through this narrow gorge. For roughly 45 minutes, you’ll enjoy the cool temperatures and the mystical atmosphere by the River Aare.

You can visit the gorge every day between April and October, even if the weather isn’t too good. The large water masses are even more impressive on a rainy day or after a couple of days with heavy rain.

Getting from Brienz to Aareschlucht Ost station takes 25 minutes on the train. Get off at Aareschlucht Ost, walk through the gorge and jump on the train back to Brienz at Aareschlucht West. In case you’re travelling by car, you’ll find parking lots at both entrances.

Aareschlucht: impressive footpath along the river, surrounded by majestic rock walls.
Aare Gorge: impressive gorge with green banks and clear water in Switzerland.

Jetboat Ride on Lake Brienz

You shouldn't miss a ride on the jet boat if you love thrilling twists and an exciting adventure on the turquoise lake.

Your local guide will take you across the lake to the impressive Giessbach Waterfalls and share interesting facts about the region. Along the way, you'll drift over the water in tight turns. The chance of getting splashed is nearly 100%. But don't worry, you'll be equipped with a waterproof suit, a jacket, and a life vest. That way, you can fully enjoy the splashes of water.

The jet boat departs from its base in Bönigen near Interlaken. So take the train from Brienz back to Interlaken and catch the bus to Bönigen.

Swiss Activities Offer:

Jetboat Lake Brienz: Experience an exciting boat tour with friends in the Swiss mountains.
Jet boat Lake Brienz: experience thrilling rides on the clear water amidst green mountains.

Day 3: More Action and Views

Have you ever jumped out of a helicopter and plummeted toward the ground for 40 seconds? If not, today’s your day. Grab a light breakfast and head over to Wilderswil. Here, Christian and his team run a company called Skydive Interlaken with great passion.

The Jump Masters are incredibly experienced, with some having completed up to 13,000 jumps. You’re definitely in good hands here.

Morning: Skydiving

After a brief safety briefing, you'll be taken to the nearby helicopter base. From there, enjoy a scenic flight over the Bernese Alps until you reach the perfect altitude for your jump. Leon and Dennis from our team took the plunge during our first team week in May 2022. Read more about Leon’s experience in his article about skydiving in Interlaken.

Falling towards the ground at 200 km/h might sound a bit extreme to you. If you'd rather experience Interlaken from above without the jump, you can book one of the many paragliding flights around Interlaken instead. Either way, we recommend that you leave the ground at least once during your stay in Interlaken and take a scenic flight.

Swiss Activities Offers:

Skydive Interlaken: Dennis enjoys free falling over the mountains and nature in an exciting adventure
Skydive Interlaken: Skydivers land after an exhilarating jump in the Swiss mountains.

Afternoon: Boat Tour on Lake Thun

After the wild morning, your adrenaline levels will probably need a little time to calm down. That’s why the afternoon is all about slowing things down. Hop on one of the passenger ships on Lake Thun and enjoy a relaxing, leisurely ride on one of Switzerland's most beautiful lakes.

We recommend getting off at Beatenbucht and taking a stroll up to the Beatus Caves. These caves are a fascinating and popular destination from Interlaken. A well-maintained and illuminated path takes you about a kilometer into the Niederhorn massif. Along the way, you'll discover numerous natural wonders like stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams.

After your visit, you can either take the bus back to Interlaken or, if your schedule allows, catch the boat again.

Swiss Activities Offer:

Thun Lake: picturesque landscape with water, surrounding mountains, and gentle waves under a bright blue sky.
Beatus Caves: impressive cave landscape with waterfall in idyllic surroundings, perfect for nature lovers.

Activities in Interlaken

The Swiss vacation region between mountains and lakes forms a center of the eastern Bernese Oberland. It is an ideal destination to practice various sports activities all year round. Every season has its special charms in this atmospheric natural landscape.

Active vacationers can experience the region in various ways, be it on water, on land or in the air. There are numerous providers who have everything from guided hikes to canyoning in their program

If you want to take a break and recover from the worries of everyday life, you will find idyllic retreats and special excursions that will bring you close to nature.

Tandem paragliding over Interlaken, green landscape, mountain viewTandem Paragliding (Photo: Paragliding Interlaken)
Canyoning Grimsel with participants at the waterfall in InterlakenCanyoning Grimsel (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)

The Brienz and Thun lakes offer a unique watersport experience with fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Here, surrounded by the refreshing breeze of the water, you can practice both traditional and modern watersports and explore the two lakes in your own way. You can also enjoy water activities on rivers like the Aare or Lütschine.

Canoeing and SUP in Interlaken

Canoeing is possible all year round in Interlaken. There’s a canoe route about 17 kilometers long in the southern part of Lake Thun, stretching from Leissigen near Interlaken to the Deltapark in Gwatt, which can be divided into stages as you like. You can rent canoes at four different stations.

You can also explore the impressive canoe route while Stand Up Paddling (SUP), which takes you past picturesque villages and idyllic bays. On Lake Brienz, there’s a dedicated Paddle Trail with several routes designed for paddlers. On Lake Thun, you can take an advanced SUP course in Interlaken.

Kayaking and Rafting on the Aare

Lake Brienz is also great for kayaking. With a kayak, you can get really close to the breathtaking rock face that climbers love on the southern side of Lake Brienz. You can also easily reach the Giessbach waterfalls and the Snail Island by kayak.

In summer, tubing on the Aare is a popular activity in Interlaken. You step into the river at one point and float down. The most popular stretch is between Thun and Bern. Guided tubing tours for small groups let you enjoy the experience in a more relaxed way.

Jet Boat and Excursion Boat Trips in Interlaken

If you like things a bit faster and splashier, book an exciting ride with the jet boat. You'll speed across Lake Brienz, including thrilling 360-degree spins. In winter, a jet boat ride is especially an experience, with views of the snow-covered mountain peaks.

With the excursion boat, you can leisurely cruise over the lakes and enjoy the scenery. There’s good food and/or drinks available, like on the historic paddle steamer. With a day ticket for Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, you can experience both lakes in a day.

Kayaking on Lake Thun in Interlaken, four people in colorful boats, mountains in the backgroundBoat tour (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Kayak tour on Lake Thun with mountain panorama and blue skyKayak tour (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)

Water Sports Centers and Swimming in Interlaken

In every town around Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, whether it's Spiez, Gunten, Thun, Leissigen, Iseltwald, or Brienz, you can also try wakeboarding, waterskiing, and windsurfing. There are several water sports centers where you can rent equipment, join courses, and participate in guided excursions.

Of course, you can also enjoy the lake landscape of Interlaken by swimming in the 17 beaches in the region.

Rafting and Canyoning in Interlaken

Unforgettable is the thrilling river rafting, where you conquer the wild mountain rivers of the region with a paddle and inflatable boat. Together with family, friends, and a guide, you navigate through roaring rapids, past thundering waterfalls, and through breathtaking scenery. Rafting from Interlaken mainly takes place on the Lütschine but also on the Simme.

Equally impressive is canyoning in Interlaken, which offers countless variations. Depending on how much challenge you're looking for, the unique outdoor experience is tailored by the providers to your desired difficulty level. From safe beginner tours to challenging gorges, everything is possible in the Interlaken region. Popular spots include the Saxet Gorge and the Chli Schliere Canyon at the Grimsel Pass.

Canyoning Grimsel with jumpers in clear waterCanyoning Grimsel (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Canyoning Slide in Chli Schliere with splashing waterCanyoning Slide Fun Chli Schliere (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)

Hiking, Mountain Hiking, and Glacier Hiking in Interlaken

You truly experience a wild-romantic mountain world best by hiking. Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe knew: "Only where you walked on foot, have you really been." And the great poet often visited Interlaken, just like his contemporary, composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.

For hiking in Interlaken, there’s an extensive network of trails with varying difficulty levels and numerous marked themed paths available for hiking enthusiasts.

Some beautiful hiking trails:

  • Ferry stop Iseltwald to the Giessbach Falls and back: Take the ferry from Interlaken, 12 km, 3.5 hours, 290 meters of elevation gain. This medium-difficulty route runs directly along the southern shore of Lake Brienz.
  • Brienz to the Giessbach Falls and back: take the train from Interlaken Ost to Brienz (16 min), 12.3 km, 3.5 hours, 280 meters of elevation gain. This medium-difficulty route also leads directly along the southern shore of Lake Brienz.
  • Schynige Platte circular route via the viewpoint Daube and the Leiterweg with views of Lake Brienz, 6 km, 2 hours, 150 meters of elevation gain (medium difficulty).
  • From Interlaken Ost to Harder Kulm: 9 km, 4 hours, 720 meters of elevation gain (medium difficulty, but good fitness required. You can return by Harderbahn.)
  • Lakeside path by Lake Thun: between Merligen and Interlaken, below Beatenberg on the northern shore of Lake Thun.

The spectacular ridge hikes on steep high paths are ideal for mountain hikers. Passionate hikers visit the mighty Augstmatthorn, which looms directly above Lake Brienz. It offers a fantastic view over the valley of Interlaken.

  • Augstmatthorn: Starts at the mountain station of Harderbahn, ends in Habkern, 15 km, 6 hours, 1050 meters ascent, 1300 meters descent. This path often zigzags, making it less strenuous. Stations along the way: Wannichnubel, Ringgenberg with the Burgseeli, Roteflue, over the ridge to Horetegg (fantastic panoramic view). Further along the ridge path to Tritt, over the Suggiture to Augstmatthorn. Here, you can see numerous ibex. A very steep descent over an alpine ridge into the valley leads to the Lombachalp parking area. Via Wiesenrain, over Schwendallmi to the Bol Bridge and then to Habkern.

The Morgenberghorn is also a popular hiking destination for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.

An unforgettable experience is a guided glacier hike as an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch.

Climbing Spots and Climbing Gym Interlaken

One of the most well-known climbing areas in Interlaken is Hintisberg. Challenging routes can also be found at Neuhaus. Adrenaline junkies should try Deep Water Soloing in Sundlauenen, which is only accessible by inflatable boat.

Climbing Gym Interlaken

A climbing gym is open year-round in Interlaken, offering 820 m2 of climbing surface. The difficulty levels range from 4a to 8a. There’s also a bouldering cave available. Climbing courses are offered for beginners.

Climbing and Bouldering around Interlaken|Climbing Spot|Difficulty Level|Rock Type|Characteristics|Number of Routes|Best Time| |-------------|:--------:|:--------:|:--------:|:--------:|:--------:| |Hintisberg|3c to 5b|Limestone|Steep wall climbing with numerous plates and roofs|77 over 6 sectors|Summer to early autumn| |Neuhaus|4c to 7a|Quartz. limestone|For hard movers (full body engagement)|60|Spring and autumn| |Sundlauenen|4c to 7a|Limestone|Deep Water Soloing (free solo climbing over deep water)|8 in 2 sectors|Summer|

Hintisberg

From Interlaken, you drive through Lütschental towards Grindelwald and turn left at Hotel Stalden at Burglauenen. Follow the mountain road until the pay parking area.

Access: Walk along the road until you reach a grassy rise. Here, the hiking path leads towards Mändlenen. Before reaching the first telephone pole, turn left and follow the path. Cross two small streams to reach the foot of the climbing area.

Neuhaus

You can reach Hintere Ey from Interlaken in 15 minutes by taking routes 11, 6, and 9.

Access: After crossing the bridge at the parking area, you walk left along the river. After about 15 minutes, you will reach the rock.

Sundlauenen

You can take a bus to Sundlauenen and get off at the Pilgerweg stop. By car, you drive to the parking area just behind Hotel Beatus.

Access: From the bus stop, it takes 5 minutes to reach the ferry landing. You then paddle about 200 meters with the kayak towards Thun to the climbing rocks.

Climbing in Interlaken, participants at the rock with equipment, forest environment.Climbing (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Climbing on Rock in Interlaken with a view into the valleyClimbing on Rock (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)

Canyon Swing, Bungee Jumping and Rope Park Interlaken

If you’re looking for action, Bungee Jumping at Stockhorn, located west of Lake Thun, is the place to go. Just keep in mind, it’s a 45-minute journey to get there. However, guided tours from Interlaken are available. You’ll first take a gondola up to a height of 138 meters and then plunge into a free fall towards the waters of Stocken Lake.

The platform at 90 meters in the Black Walls near Grindelwald lets you swing through the narrow glacier gorge at speeds of up to 120 km/h with a rope.

Not quite as high, but still a blast, is the Rope Park in Interlaken, which features a thrilling forest playground complete with zip lines, Tarzan swings, and wooden bridges. A trip to the Adventure Park is fun for kids and adults alike.

Canyon Swing in Interlaken with a swing over the rock faceCanyon Swing (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Rope Park Interlaken: Child on ropeway in the forest, climbing and playingRope Park (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)

Paragliding and Skydiving in Interlaken

If you want to experience Interlaken from above, you don’t necessarily have to take a helicopter.

Exciting skydiving experiences are available that include a flight over Interlaken and over the iconic trio of peaks: Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. The region also offers various other skydiving options. From an altitude of 4,000 meters, you’ll make the leap with a parachute on your back.

Paragliding is becoming increasingly popular in Interlaken. How about a scenic evening flight at sunset or a 40-minute thermal flight high above the Jungfrau region?

There are also combination packages like Spin and Fly, which includes a thrilling ride on a jetboat followed by a tandem flight, or a Funky Chocolate Flight that adds a visit to a high-quality Swiss chocolatier. Several paragliding providers, which also offer Delta wing flying, operate from different launch spots.

Beatenberg paragliding with paragliders over a green meadow and mountain landscape.Beatenberg Paragliding (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Skydive Interlaken: Spectators and jumpers during parachuting over picturesque landscapes.Skydive Interlaken (Photo: Skydive Interlaken)

Mountain Bike, Monster Scooter or E-Bike in Interlaken

With a mountain bike, you can conquer the peaks of this breathtaking mountainous region. In the Diemtigtal Nature Park and in Schwanden near Brienz, you can ride on groomed downhill trails surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The paths along the lake shores are popular among leisurely cyclists in Interlaken, who explore on city bikes or e-bikes. For road cyclists, the winding mountain roads are perfect.

Guided e-bike tours start in Interlaken.

With the Monster Scooter, you can ride down the mountain from Isenfluh. Guided tours are offered from Matten near Interlaken.

Mountain Lifts in Interlaken

If you prefer to explore this stunning region at a more leisurely pace, you can take one of the 45 cable cars, mountain lifts, chairlifts, and ski lifts to the summits. At certain stations, you can switch to a different lift and, if needed, be taken all the way to the snow-covered Jungfraujoch.

While the mountain lifts are used by hikers from spring to autumn, in winter they attract skiers and snowboarders. After all, the region boasts five snow-sure ski areas with 200 kilometers of superbly groomed slopes and family-friendly offerings.

E-Bike tour through Lauterbrunnen with waterfalls.E-Bike Lauterbrunnen (Photo: Flying Wheels)
Monster Scooter Isenfluh with family on forest path, green surroundings, sunny dayMonster Scooter Isenfluh (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)

Skiing, Snowboarding, Ski Touring and Cross-Country Skiing in Interlaken

From Interlaken, you can quickly reach several large and small ski areas in no time.

Ski Areas in and around Interlaken|Ski Areas|Slope km|Elevation (m a.s.l.)|Number of Lifts/Cable Cars|Distance from Interlaken| |-------------|:--------:|:--------:|:--------:|:--------:| |Axalp ob Brienz|15|1400 to 2000|4|28km| |Niederhorn-Beatenberg|6|1120-1950|3|10km| |Habkern-Sattelegg|8|1100-1485|2|8km| |Hohwald-Beatenberg-Waldegg|4|1245-1580|4|11km| |Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen-Grindelwald/Wengen|102|944-2320|24|12km| |Schilthorn-Mürren/Lauterbrunnen|54|796-2970|16|12km| |First Grindelwald|49|1050-2500|10|20km|

If you find the ski areas in the Interlaken holiday region too small, you can quickly access the massive ski areas nearby.

Winter Hiking, Snowshoeing and Sledding in Interlaken

Besides skiing or snowboarding, you can also enjoy winter hiking or snowshoeing in Interlaken. The trails around the lakes and in the surrounding mountains are easily accessible. Guided snowshoe hikes are also offered from Matten bei Interlaken to Isenfluh.

A special outing is a snowshoe hike that includes a sledding ride and fondue. This is also available from Matten bei Interlaken to Isenfluh. A 4 km sled ride for families awaits you as a guided tour in Sulwald near Isenfluh.

You can access 70 km of sledding trails from Interlaken. Many sledding routes are also open for night sledding. The mountain lifts and restaurants are then open. Not all sledding trails are lit, so it's better to bring a headlamp.

Some selected sledding trails in Interlaken:

  • Niederhorn: take the mountain lift up, slide down from the top station to the middle station (fondue available, also at night on Fridays and Saturdays)
  • Axalp: take the post bus to the Axalp, use the chair lift to Windegg, and enjoy a 3 km descent to Dotzweg (Rösti available at the Hilten restaurant along the way)
  • Wiriehorn in the Diemtigtal Nature Park: take the mountain lift up, slide down 5 km through the fir forest into the valley from the Nüegg top station (open on Fridays at night)
  • Grimmialp in the Diemtigtal Nature Park: for kids at the snow playground Schlaraffenland
Snowshoeing in Interlaken in 2023 on snowy paths with green fir treesSnowshoeing (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Niederhorn Star Sledding at Night with a View of Snow-Covered MountainsNiederhorn Star Sledding (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)

Events Interlaken

Throughout the year, exciting events are organized between Thun and Brienz. From sports to art and music to culinary delights, one or more events are dedicated to each theme. One of the top events, for example, is the annual Greenfield Festival at the Interlaken airfield, which brings international rock and pop stars to the stage.

The Brienzersee Rockfestival features mostly regional musicians, but the atmosphere is still incredible in the evening hours right on the lake. For classical music fans, there are the Thunerseespiele on a specially designed water stage and the Interlaken Classics, which last several weeks and feature concerts at various venues.

You should definitely see the spectacular stunts of the freestyle mountain bikers at the Swatch Rocket Air. The breathtaking show is accompanied by workshops and culinary highlights.

The best of the best compete at the Ironman Switzerland Thun, the Inferno Triathlon from Thun to the Schilthorn and the International Jungfrau Marathon.

The fact that the Swiss are a down-to-earth people can be seen in the many traditional events. These include the Chästeilet in Justistal, where the best cheese of the Jungfrau region is chosen, and the Alpabzug every September in the idyllic Suldtal. Not only can you marvel at the colorfully decorated animals, but you can also sample some of the region's delicacies.

The Christmas markets in the villages of the region are almost fairytale-like with their wintery-romantic charm.

Ironman Thun swimming start with participants in wetsuitsIronman Switzerland Thun (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)
Inferno Triathlon Thun with cyclists at Lake Thun with mountains in the background.Inferno Triathlon Thun (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)

Hotels Interlaken

You will find far more than 1000 hotels and overnight accommodations in and around Interlaken. More than half of the hotels and guesthouses are 3-star establishments, also in the 4-star range you will find many overnight accommodations. Twenty hotels in Interlaken have a SPA and wellness area. As many as 34 hotels in Interlaken have integrated a swimming pool.

Hotel Golday

Located directly on the Aare is the three-star Hotel Golday. It is an aparthotel with breakfast and offers a beautiful view of the Jungfrau massif from the breakfast room. Directly on the shore and promenade of the Aare, the hotel is located in the district of Unterseen. From the center of Interlaken you can reach it in five minutes by foot. 14 comfortable apartments have 2 - 4 rooms each.

Walters Hostel Interlaken

The Walters Hostel is ideal for people on a budget. Here you still don't have to sleep in a common room. There are twin rooms with shared bathrooms. The hostel is located in the heart of Interlaken, just 800 meters from Jungfraupark.

Restaurants Interlaken

There are more than 200 restaurants and bars in Interlaken and the surrounding area. The dishes offered are as varied as their price ranges. There are Swiss specialties as well as oriental cuisine. Almost all restaurants have one thing in common they offer fresh and regional products. Some restaurants offer beautiful sun terraces with panoramic views. Others score points with an atmospheric and rustic atmosphere.

The Beach Cafe Bönigen

The Beach Cafe Bönigen with pools and beach for the summer is located directly on Lake Brienz.The food in the restaurant is international and also vegetarian. A large children's playground and bicycle parking are also available. Access is possible everywhere with strollers and wheelchairs. A winter garden is available for cooler days. It is open from mid-April to the end of September.

Restaurant Luegibrüggli

The restaurant Luegibrüggli is located in Unterseen. It also has guest rooms and is also barrier-free. The restaurant serves regional and vegetarian cuisine. A beautiful beer garden belongs to the restaurant. Open also in winter with rest days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Hotel Golday in Interlaken by the river with mountain views and clear skiesHotel Golday (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)
Cafe Beach Bönigen with swimming area and guests by the waterCafe Beach Bönigen (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)

Arrival to Interlaken

Interlaken is very centrally located in Switzerland.

Car

The municipality of Interlaken is conveniently located in the Bernese Oberland and can be reached by car via several pass roads and via the A8 from Valais, Uri and Lucerne. It is also possible to get there by car or by train through the two valleys of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, which branch off from Interlaken.

Public transport

Trains from Zurich, Bern, Basel and Geneva run to Interlaken every half hour, providing excellent connections to the Swiss airports. Depending on the departure station, you can be in the Jungfrau Region within 45 minutes to a maximum of three hours. The best means of transportation on site are the numerous mountain railroads, with which you can reach every mountain region around Interlaken.

Questions & Answers (FAQ)

  • What excursions and sights are there in Interlaken?

  • What activities can you do in Interlaken?