Explore Interlaken: Gateway to the Jungfrau Region and Outdoor Paradise

Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by the towering peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Interlaken is the ultimate Swiss destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
 

From paragliding and skydiving to peaceful lake cruises and alpine excursions, Interlaken truly has something for everyone. It’s more than a town — it’s a gateway to the Jungfrau Region, one of the most iconic and scenic parts of Switzerland.

📍 Where is Interlaken?

Region: Bernese Oberland, Canton of Bern

Elevation: 568 meters (1,864 feet)

Population: ~5,700

Languages spoken: German (Swiss German), English widely understood

Its central location makes Interlaken an ideal base to explore nearby destinations like Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and more.

🌟 Why Visit Interlaken?

🏞️ Unmatched views of the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau

🪂 Capital of outdoor adventure: paragliding, canyoning, skydiving

🚠 Easy access to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

🚤 Scenic cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

🏘️ Charming Swiss town with shops, cafes, and traditional alpine architecture

🧳 Ideal base for exploring the entire Bernese Alps

Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping sports or tranquil lakeside relaxation, Interlaken delivers year-round.

🗺️ Top Things to Do in Interlaken

1. 🪂 Paragliding over Interlaken

One of the most iconic experiences in Switzerland, paragliding offers a bird’s-eye view of Interlaken, the lakes, and the surrounding mountains.

Flight time: ~15–20 minutes

Departure point: Beatenberg

Landing zone: Höhematte Park in central Interlaken

Best for: First-timers and thrill-seekers

No experience is needed — you fly tandem with a professional pilot.

2. 🏞️ Visit Harder Kulm – Interlaken’s Local Mountain

Altitude: 1,321 meters

Access: Funicular from Interlaken Ost (10 mins)

Attractions:

Viewing platform with glass-bottom extension

Restaurant with panoramic terrace

Sunset and night views over both lakes

It’s the best close-up view of Interlaken and perfect for photos, dining, or a short hike.

3. 🚤 Take a Cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Both lakes are glacial and turquoise-blue, perfect for scenic boat rides.

Lake Thun:

Visit castles like Spiez, Oberhofen, Thun Castle

Stop at charming lakeside villages

Lake Brienz:

Ride to Giessbach Falls

Stop in Iseltwald, famous from Crash Landing on You

Cruises operate from spring to autumn and are included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

4. 🚠 Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Elevation: 3,454 meters

Travel time: ~2 hours via Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald

Highlights:

Europe’s highest railway station

Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory

Views of the Aletsch Glacier

A bucket-list Swiss experience — reachable from Interlaken with ease.

5. 🏔️ Schynige Platte Railway

Duration: ~1 hour ride from Wilderswil

Altitude: 1,967 meters

Best for:

Panoramic hiking trails

Viewpoints of Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau

Alpine Garden with over 650 native plants

A great summer option for nature lovers and photographers.

6. 🚲 Adventure Sports in Interlaken

Interlaken is known as the "Adventure Capital of Switzerland" for good reason. Try:

Skydiving from planes or helicopters

Canyoning through gorges and waterfalls

River rafting on the Lütschine River

Bungee jumping from Stockhorn or gondolas

Certified operators like Outdoor Interlaken ensure safe and thrilling experiences.

7. 🛍️ Explore Interlaken Town Center

Höhematte Park: Open green space with Matterhorn views

Unterseen: Quaint old quarter with medieval charm

Shopping: Watch boutiques, Swiss knives, chocolate shops

Dining: Fondue, rösti, and international cuisine

Interlaken has a mix of modern amenities and alpine heritage — great for a relaxing stroll or souvenir shopping.

🏨 Where to Stay in Interlaken

🌟 Luxury Hotels

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (5⭐): Elegant 19th-century hotel with Matterhorn views

Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage: Riverside beauty near Interlaken Ost

Hotel Royal St. Georges: Stylish and central

🏡 Mid-Range Options

Hotel Interlaken: Historic, cozy, and near Höhematte

Hotel Krebs: Comfortable and centrally located

Hotel Beausite: Great value with lake views

💰 Budget-Friendly

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof: Clean, modern, social atmosphere

Alplodge: Budget rooms with a rooftop view

Camping Jungfrau: For outdoor and camper van travelers

🍽️ Where to Eat in Interlaken

Husi Bierhaus: Pub-style Swiss food, large beer selection

Restaurant Taverne: Traditional Swiss dishes with alpine charm

La Terrasse at Victoria Jungfrau: Upscale dining

Ox Restaurant & Grill: Modern steakhouse

Layaly Beirut: Great for halal and Middle Eastern cuisine

🚉 How to Get to Interlaken

By Train:

From Zurich: ~2 hours

From Geneva: ~3 hours

From Bern: ~1 hour

By Car: Accessible, but parking is limited in town

Nearest Airports: Zurich, Bern, or Geneva

The town is served by two train stations:

Interlaken Ost (East) – for travel toward Jungfrau, Luzern

Interlaken West – for connections to Bern, Thun

📅 Best Time to Visit Interlaken

Summer and fall are most popular, but Interlaken is beautiful year-round.

📸 Top Photo Spots in Interlaken

📍 Harder Kulm Viewing Platform

📍 Höhematte Park with paragliders

📍 Lake Brienz from Iseltwald pier

📍 Jungfraujoch snowy landscapes

📍 Unterseen’s old-world charm

🧭 Suggested 1-Day Itinerary in Interlaken

Morning:

Ride the Harder Kulm funicular

Enjoy breakfast with panoramic views

Stroll through Höhematte Park

Afternoon:

Cruise on Lake Brienz or

Paragliding adventure

Evening:

Explore Unterseen Old Town

Enjoy traditional Swiss dinner

🧠 Fun Facts About Interlaken

“Interlaken” means "between lakes" — Thun and Brienz

It has hosted celebrities and royalty since the 19th century

Featured in Korean dramas and Bollywood films, making it famous in Asia

Interlaken is one of the few towns in the Alps where you can see the Jungfrau from the main square

✨ Final Thoughts: Why Interlaken Should Be on Your Swiss Itinerary

Interlaken is Switzerland in a nutshell — a place where turquoise lakes, majestic peaks, and alpine adventure collide. It’s more than a scenic stop; it's a basecamp for unforgettable journeys, whether you seek adrenaline or tranquility.

Whether you're riding a cogwheel train to a glacier, paragliding above snow-capped mountains, or relaxing with fondue by a lake, Interlaken promises the experience of a lifetime in every season.