Interlaken
Interlaken is that little Swiss town that feels straight out of a postcard. It’s tucked right between two lakes—Lake Thun and Lake Brienz—and surrounded by massive mountains, making it a total magnet for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Even though it’s small, with around 6,000 residents, Interlaken gets a ton of visitors—over a million every year. And honestly, it’s easy to see why. The town is super chill, but there’s always something to do if you’re into being outdoors, exploring, or just enjoying unreal views.
The weather’s pretty mild most of the year, with an average temperature of about 9°C. Winters get snowy and magical, and summers are fresh and perfect for hiking or chilling by the lake. If you’re wondering when to go, late spring to early autumn is the sweet spot—sunny days, open trails, and everything looking extra stunning. Interlaken isn’t loud, but it definitely leaves a mark.
church and Staubbach waterfalls
Polenta, Salami, and Cheese
Arriving to Interlaken
Interlaken is one of those places that makes you feel like you’re inside a postcard. Right in the heart of Switzerland, it’s squeezed between two dreamy lakes—Thun and Brienz—and surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in the Alps. Getting there is super easy: the train system in Switzerland is on point, and Interlaken has two main train stations (Ost and West), so whether you’re coming from Zurich, Lucerne, or even Geneva, you’ll roll in smoothly while enjoying unreal views out the window.
When it comes to staying over, Interlaken is small but packed with options. Most tourists stay around Interlaken Ost (east side), which is well-connected and close to all the outdoor tours. Matten and Unterseen are two nearby areas that are super chill, great for sleeping well but still close enough to the action.
Moving around town is easy. You’ve got local buses, boats, mountain trains, and even funiculars that take you up into the clouds. If you’re feeling sporty, renting a bike is a fun way to cruise along the lakes. Walking is also a solid option since the town itself is really compact and scenic.
Now, let’s talk food. You’ll find all the classic Swiss stuff—cheese fondue, raclette, and Rösti are everywhere and honestly hit the spot after a day in the mountains. Also, don’t sleep on the pastries—Swiss bakeries know what they’re doing.
As for what to see, the list is long even if the town is small. Interlaken is your basecamp for the whole Jungfrau region, so you’ve got access to insane mountain views, lakes, waterfalls, and loads of little alpine villages that look straight out of a movie. The town itself has chill parks, little rivers, and cute shops—perfect for slow mornings.
If you’re into experiences, this place is a playground. You can go paragliding, take a train up to Jungfraujoch (aka the “Top of Europe”), go kayaking on turquoise water, or hike some of the most breathtaking trails in Europe. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just here to relax and stare at the mountains, Interlaken delivers with no fuss and all the magic.
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Currency: The official currency of Interlaken is the Swish Franc (CHF) 1 is equivalent to 1.25 USD.
Keep in mind before travelling to Interlaken
Interlaken might be a small Swiss town, but it definitely knows how to throw a good party. Between its epic natural backdrop and cozy alpine vibes, it hosts some pretty awesome festivals throughout the year that make any visit even more special.
One of the coolest is the Unspunnen Festival, a traditional Swiss celebration with yodeling, stone throwing, and all the alpine culture you can imagine. The Greenfield Festival brings big music energy every summer with international rock bands and a fun crowd. You’ve also got the Tellspiele, an open-air William Tell play that’s pure Swiss storytelling. In winter, SnowpenAir brings live music to the slopes. Then there’s the Jungfrau Marathon, which is intense but iconic. Swiss National Day on August 1st is full of fireworks, local food, and mountain pride. And if you’re around in winter, the Interlaken Christmas Market feels straight out of a snow globe.
Need a quick escape? From Interlaken, you’re super close to places like Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Thun, Brienz, and Jungfraujoch. All of them are easy day trips and totally worth the ride—whether you’re chasing mountain views, waterfalls, or just a change of scenery.
Tips to visit Interlaken
Interlaken is chill and full of mountain charm, but it’s got its own way of doing things. The people from here are called Interlakers (in English) or just locals from the Bernese Oberland region. When greeting someone, a simple “Grüezi” works wonders—it’s the Swiss German go-to.
Swiss German is the main language spoken around here, but most people also speak High German and a decent amount of English, especially in tourist spots. Locals usually have lunch around 12–1 pm and dinner between 6:30 and 8 pm. Don’t expect super late meals!
Shops and businesses are open from around 9 am to 6:30 pm, and most close on Sundays. Tipping isn’t mandatory, since it’s often included, but people usually leave around 5–10% for good service. Healthcare is private but highly regulated, and everyone has to be insured. Dress code? Think casual but tidy, especially in the mountains. Oh, and you might hear “Hoi zäme!”—that’s a friendly hello to a group.
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