16 Things to See and Do in Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is one of the most special places I have visited in all of Europe. This Swiss village is located between the lakes Brienz and ThunIn addition to this unique location, it is surrounded by mountains and other villages that seem to be taken out of a fantasy story.

Due to the nature of my work I have been staying in Interlaken on numerous occasions, I usually spend periods of 3 to 4 days and each time I go I do new activities and enjoy the scenery. Here I will inform you in detail of each and every one of the activities you can do in Interlaken. and surrounding areas. You will also find out how to get around and how to get discounts on local transportation.. Get ready because this article is one of the most complete you will find, are you ready for your new adventure?

Before you start planning your activities, I recommend that you take a look at the Swiss Travel Pass:

One of my favorite places to explore Interlaken is Lake Brienz, from this lake you can see the iconic Brienz Mountain. Augstmatthorn. For this reason, I booked a kayak tour to see Interlaken from the lake, and I can tell you that the views and scenery did not disappoint me at all.

The tour has a duration of about 2 hoursAs you walk around the lake a guide will explain you some curiosities and stories of the villages surrounding Interlaken. The following picture was taken from my iphone while I was doing the tour. As you can see, the turquoise color of the water will not leave you indifferent.

Along the way, during the tour you stop in small corners to take a break and enjoy the scenery. Without a doubt this was one of the activities I enjoyed the most.

If your carrier does not include internet in Switzerland, you can buy a SIM card when you arrive at your destination, but I recommend something even more convenient: Purchase a Holafly eSIM with discount before your trip. You can book now with the code "MIRADASNOMADAS"and get a 5% discount. This way, you will have unlimited internet from the moment you land or cross the border. It is perfect for short stay trips between one and two weeks, here you can read my experience using Holafly's eSIM in Switzerland.

Another place you should visit is GrindelwaldA mountain village that looks like something out of a fairy tale. This place is known for its scenery and cozy atmosphere. You take a train from Interlaken Ost station and in about 45 minutes you reach this place.

One of Grindelwald's highlights is Grindelwald First, a mountain offering activities of all kinds. I clarify that Grindelwald is not the same as Grindelwald first, the latter is a mountain peak that you reach from Grindelwald. To get there, you will have to take another cable car to the top. I'll tell you in advance that the views from the trail are breathtaking. From the top, you can see the entire valley and the surrounding mountains.

You can buy an open ticket to the cable car and save you the queue and money by clicking hereThe price if you buy it in the office is 68 Swiss francs which is what I paid as you can see in the following image (one Swiss franc is 1.06€).

Once in Grindelwald First there are several activities to enjoy. One of the best known is the First Cliff Walk, a suspended walkway that takes you along the edge of the mountain, and if the day is clear, the view you will have will be spectacular.

Additionally, there are several hiking trails that take you through breathtaking alpine landscapes. In my case I chose to do the trail to Bachalpsee LakeI highly recommend it if you visit Grindelwald first. I was caught in the snow and my views were not the best, but if you go in summer this will be a highlight of your trip..

Other activities that I did not have time to try but that looked very good are the mountain carts and the first Glider (a zip line from first to grindelwald).

Lauterbrunnen, known as the Valley of the Waterfallsis one of the most impressive places to see near Interlaken. This valley 72 waterfalls incredible views hanging from the surrounding mountains. From Interlaken, can be easily reached by a 30-minute train ride.The ride itself is already a marvel, with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Don't miss my article about Lauterbrunnen here..

Once in Lauterbrunnen, the Staubbach waterfall is one of the first waterfalls you will see. This waterfall is impressive, with a waterfall of almost 300 meters that falls over a cliff. Just below the waterfall there are stairs so you can get a closer look.

Another hidden treasure in Lauterbrunnen is the waterfall TrümmelbachThe waterfalls are accessible through a series of tunnels and platforms that allow you to see the water roaring through the rock. These waterfalls are accessible through a series of tunnels and platforms that allow you to see the water roaring through the rock. It is a unique and truly breathtaking experience.

Murren is another must-see destination when in Interlaken. This mountain village has a unique charm that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. To get to Murrenthe easiest way is take advantage of your visit to Lauterbrunnen and take a cable car directly to the village.. The cable car is located at the end of the valley in Lauterbrunnen.I recommend you to take a bus and save yourself a walk of more than 1 hour, which I mistakenly did.

What makes Murren so special is its tranquility and panoramic views of the entire valleyspecifically to the mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. From several points of the village, you can see these snow-covered peaks.

Walking through the streets, you will see traditional Swiss houses and gardens full of flowers. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the local people are very friendly.

In Murren, there are also several hiking trails you can explore, such as the trail to Allmendhubel, a nearby hill that offers panoramic views of the valley. The hike was fairly easy and the views from the top are worth it.

If you are looking for the best panoramic views of Interlaken, Harder Kulm is the perfect place. This lookout point is located 1,322 meters above sea level and offers a breathtaking view of the Brienz and Thun lakes as well as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.

To reach Harder Kulm, you will take a funicular from Interlaken that will take you directly to the top. The funicular ride is short but full of spectacular views. Once at the summit, there is an observation platform that enters into the void, allowing you to have a 360 degree panoramic view.

In addition to the views, at Harder Kulm there is a restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Swiss food. I personally chose to try the cheese fondue, but you can also taste other traditional dishes such as Rösti, a typical Swiss dish made with potatoes.

If you are an adrenaline lover, skydiving or paragliding in Interlaken is your thing. This place is famous for being one of the best places in the world to fly paraglidingThe view is breathtaking and the conditions are perfect for flying when there is a good day.

There is also the possibility of paragliding. After a brief instruction and equipping you with everything you need, you will be put on a plane from which you will see the mountains and the two lakes of Interlaken.

The free fall lasts about 45 seconds and is pure adrenaline. Then, the parachute opens and you can enjoy a quiet and panoramic view as you gently descend. Seeing Interlaken from the sky is a unique experience that I recommend to everyone who visits Interlaken.

Parachute jumping is more expensive than paragliding, you can opt for the latter if you want to save some money, as the views will be very similar and paragliding will last longer in the air.

After all the adventures, taking some time to relax is essential. Interlaken has several outdoor pools that are perfect for enjoying a relaxing day. These pools are located around Lake Brienz and Thun, here is an example of some of them. map of the pools in case you are interested, a bath in summer never hurts. The one you can see in this image is the one of Leissigen.

Interlaken is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The region has an extensive network of trails that take you through some of the most impressive landscapes of the Swiss Alps. One of my favorite routes is the hike through the Aareschlucht, a breathtaking gorge, here's one of my favorites. the map of the route. If you want more information I leave you here the link to the official website.

The Aareschlucht trail is a unique experience. You walk along footbridges that are suspended over the Aar River, surrounded by rock walls that soar into the sky.

The region is famous for its spas and wellness centers, which offer a wide range of treatments and therapies to rejuvenate body and mind.

One of the most famous is the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, a landmark in Interlaken known for its luxury facilities and service.

The spa offers a variety of treatments, from relaxing massages to aromatherapy therapies and steam baths. I have to say that in this case I did not visit the facilities as I was out exploring nature. In any case, if you are looking for some relaxation this could be an ideal option.

The natural caves of St. Beatus-Höhlen are located at located on the slopes of the Beatenberg mountainare full of history and are an ideal visiting option when it rains in Interlaken or other activities cannot be carried out.

According to legend, these caves were home to a dragon that terrorized the region until it was defeated by St. Blessed, an Irish monk.

The cave tour is well lit and takes you through stalactite and stalagmite formations. There are several large chambers and narrow passages that make exploration varied. In addition, there is a subway waterfall.

As you leave the caves, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Thun and the surrounding mountains from the terrace of the nearby restaurant.

If speed and excitement are your thing, a jetboat ride in Interlaken is an experience not to be missed. This activity was one of the craziest of my trip. The jetboat takes you at full speed on Lake Brienz, making turns and maneuvers. as if you were in a formula 1 car on the water.

The tour starts in the harbor of Bönigen, where you are equipped with life jackets and given a brief safety briefing. Once on the water, the captain of the jetboat accelerates and starts the ride at high speed. The maneuvers of the boat, combined with the breathtaking view of the lake and mountains, make this a truly unique experience.

Throughout the tour, they will share interesting information about the region and its points of interest. It's a way to combine excitement with a bit of learning about the history and geography of Interlaken.

A visit to Interlaken would not be complete without a trip to the Jungfraujochknown as the Roof of Europe. This is the highest point in Europe accessible by train.at an altitude of 3,454 meters above sea level. The journey begins in Interlaken Ost, where you will take a scenic train through breathtaking alpine landscapes to the station of Kleine Scheidegg.

From there, a cog railway will take you to the top. The ride itself is an incredible experience, with breathtaking views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Once at the top, the view is simply spectacular. From the observation platform, you can see the Aletsch glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps, as well as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.

At Jungfraujoch, there are also several attractions to enjoy. You can visit the Ice Palace, a series of tunnels and chambers carved into the glacier, and the Sphinx observatory, which offers even more impressive panoramic views.

In Interlaken, there are several opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of Swiss chocolate. You will be able to make a visit to one of the local factories for learn about the manufacturing process and, of course, taste some delicacies.

Specifically, the chocolate factory Funky Chocolate Club offers an interactive experience where you can participate in the making of chocolate. During the workshop, you will learn about the different types of cocoa and the processes that are followed to turn it into chocolate..

You will be able to taste different varieties of chocolate, from the darkest to the creamiest milk chocolate and you will also have the opportunity to create your own personalized chocolate bar, adding ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits and spices. On a rainy day it is one of the best activities you can do in Interlaken without a doubt. In my case I didn't do this activity but I know what I'm talking about since I learned about it first hand when I arrived in Interlaken.

Schynige Platte is a destination that offers spectacular views and an authentic alpine experience. To get there you have to take a train from Interlaken Ost to Wilderswil and from this village a cog railway to Schynige Platte. This is a special train to climb slopes and mountains of the nineteenth century of which there are almost no more. The simple fact of riding this train is an experience and offers panoramic views of the landscape throughout the journey.

Once in Schynige Platte, there are several routes and viewpoints. In my case I decided to take a short one to the Oberberghorn viewpointFrom here you have breathtaking views of the Thun and Brienz lakes, as well as the surrounding mountains. The trail was quite easy and the views from the viewpoint were spectacular, I leave you here the route map in alltrails.

The Giessbach waterfalls are another of Interlaken's natural treasures. Located near Lake Brienz, these waterfalls fall in multiple levels through the forest and are easily accessible from Interlaken. In my case I didn't have time during my visit to do the route, but you can find it here at alltrails.

In addition, right next to the waterfalls is the Grandhotel Giessbach, a historic hotel that offers a spectacular view of the waterfalls and the lake.

Monten Nissen, known as the "Mountain of the Swiss", is another impressive destination very close to Interlaken. This mountain is famous for its pyramidal shape and panoramic views, especially at sunset. To get to the top, you have to take a train from Interlaken to Mülenen, and then a funicular will take you to the intermediate station.

The trip itself is an incredible experience, with breathtaking views along the way. Once at the top, the views are simply spectacular. From the lookout, you can see the Thun and Brienz lakes, as well as the peaks of the Swiss Alps.

Besides the views, at the top there is a restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Swiss food and try the cheese foundue. I highly recommend you to visit the Nissen if you have several days in interlaken and above all to check out the Nissen webcams before your climb to ensure you have a clear view of the landscape.

Interlaken offers a wide variety of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets, but you will definitely notice that you are in Switzerland. During my stay I stayed at Backpackers Villa SonnenhofHere I tell you about my experience and share with you some recommendations.

For a budget option the Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof is an excellent choice, the hostel I told you about earlier and where I stayed. This hostel has clean and comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere and many facilities for travelers, such as VERY spacious shared kitchen and cozy common areas. In addition, all the rooms have spectacular views as you can see in these photos I took from my window.

If you are looking for something more luxurious, the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is a very good choice. This five-star hotel has elegant rooms and a world-class spa. It's a perfect place to relax after a day of adventures, and I look forward to working with them on my next Interlaken adventure.

If you prefer something more intimate, there are several bed and breakfasts and boutique accommodations in the area. One of my favorites is Swiss Inn Hotel & Apartments, which offers comfortable rooms and personalized service.

Interlaken is not very big, so the best way to get around is walking or by bus. One thing to note about public transportation is that it is totally free when you book your accommodation in the city. At least that was the case in Villa Sonnenhofwhere I was given a tickect to move around the town for free.

My visit to Interlaken was a real blast, without a doubt it is a place where there is no room for boredom. As you have already seen in this article you will find activities of all kinds, but, especially it is a destination that you will enjoy to the fullest if you are an adrenaline and nature addict like me.

Something that seems super important to me and that I overlooked when visiting Interlaken was the season in which I made my trip. I highly recommend traveling in the summer months.when the likelihood of rain and cancellation of activities is reduced. In my case I made this trip in mid-May, I was lucky because it did not rain much, but definitely, if you want to make your experience more authentic and not take risks, this is a factor to take into account.