The 11 essential things to do in Interlaken

Staying in Switzerland? Don’t miss visiting Interlaken, a region of lakes and mountains in the heart of Bernese Oberland!

Interlaken is both a city and a tourist region, a green lung of Europe. Since the 19th century, the region has welcomed many celebrities, like writer Goethe. Ideally located between Lake Thoune and Lake Brienz, not far from Bern, the resort is the ideal starting point for many excursions and activities. Its imposing alpine environment attracts winter skiers, before leaving room for a vast network of hiking in the summer. Boat excursions on the lake or by train to Cremail, historical monuments and museums complete the great range to visit Interlaken as it should be.

You don't know where to start? Follow our selection of the 11 must-sees in Interlaken!

1. Mount on the Jungfrau, the “roof of Europe”

Visiting Interlaken is first of all taking a large bowl of air on the alpine summits! The snow-capped Jungfrau mountains have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. In addition to the superb landscapes of the Hautes Alpes, the Jungfrau combines the superlatives: it houses the largest glacier in Europe and the highest station in Europe.

In winter, the resort is the paradise of slippers. Two valleys, three mountainous mountains and about 206 km of trails offer an incomparable playground. In the summer, marked hiking trails lead to the summits or mountain lakes, in the valleys or along the torrents.

2. Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm is one of the most beautiful views in the region. At 1,322 metres above sea level, a bridge offers a breathtaking view of the two lakes of Thoune and Brienz and the summits of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Summer and winter, marked trails make Harder Kulm the paradise of hikers. With a bit of luck, you'll see bouquetins, chamois, marmots or royal eagles in the park Alpenwildpark ! A restaurant with castle airs is also present on the site, to prolong the pleasure of this incredible view.

3. Grottes de Saint Béatus

Looking for an original place to visit in Interlaken? On the shore of Lake Thoune, the caves of Saint Béatus are mythical! Legend tells us that once, a dragon was terror in a large cave on the shore of Lake Thoune. It was an Irish monk named Saint Béatus, who had managed to hunt him, allowing visitors to access the caves safely.

A short walk in the forest, punctuated with small bridges and waterfalls leads today to the entrance of the place. Once inside, nearly 1,000 meters of marked and illuminated paths lead to immense stalactites and stalagmites, large cavities and deep gorges. Pedagogical and playful, the cave museum completes the visit very well. The site is open from March to October.

4. Train du Rothorn de Brienz

Since 1892, this cremail train has been transporting its passengers from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm. The nostalgic ascent by steam train lasts about an hour. On the way, you will cross meadows, forests and steep cliffs. Once you arrive, a breathtaking panorama awaits you on Lake Brienz and the 693 surrounding summits. A way not like others to visit Interlaken that promises an unusual experience!

5. Lake Thoune

On the banks of Lake Thoune, you can enjoy pleasant walks to admire the views of the surroundings. Excursion boats, including a historic, aub-wheeled steamer, also offer beautiful river rides.

The crossing of the lake leaves Interlaken, takes the direction of the caves of Béatus, to Thoune. The trip lasts a little over two hours. Cruises also allow you to enjoy a good meal while admiring the surrounding mountains and castles on the shores of the lake. Perfect for lovers!

6. Castle of Thoune

Built in the 12th century by the Dukes of Zähringen, the Château de Thoune is full of four remarkable white towers. It is the emblem of the city of the same name and a good of national importance in Switzerland.

Visiting Interlaken through this medieval monument is above all enjoying the panoramic view! Indeed, the castle offers a superb view of the city, Lake Thoune and the summits of Bernese Oberland, the highest region in the canton of Bern. On its five floors, the building houses a local historic museum and regularly hosts concerts and events, including in its knights’ room.

Medieval history lovers, and if you go back to time?

7. Natural beach of Burgseeli

It’s summer and you wonder how to visit Interlaken with children? Go to the natural beach of Burgseeli! Let your little swimmers patauger in this clear water basin, between ducks and nenuphars! The temperature of the water is pleasant and the possibilities of leisure are numerous. Plunger, raft, table tennis, pirate boat share the places, between water tank and large lawn.

This nature reserve is an ideal place to picnic and relax with family between two excursions.

8. Interlaken Tourism Museum

The Interlaken Tourism Museum, opened since 1980, is dedicated to the history of Alpine tourism. Nearly 250 years of history are traced on three floors, through the testimonies of yesterday and today’s travellers.

To discover it, go to the heart of the old town of Unterseen, a few minutes’ walk from the city of Interlaken.

9. Männlichen

Winter sports and summer hikes await you on this peak at 2,227 meters above sea level. The particularity of the Männlichen? It is accessed by the longest cable car in Europe (6.2 km) ! Once on site, the panorama opens onto many alpine areas, such as Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau, on vertiginous summits such as Silberhorn, Lake Thoune and the village of Wengen.

10. Lütschine

The Lütschine River is located between Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and flows glacier water directly into Brienz Lake. If you are visiting Interlaken for sporting leisure that the region offers, try rafting!

In summer, the ice snow melts in the sun and fills the river with exciting rapids. Outings are organized in the beautiful season, several times a day. The excursions are adapted to different levels and take their departure to Interlaken.

11. Brienz Wood Sculpture Museum

Wood sculpture is a well-established tradition of the Interlaken region, which is still practiced today. The village of Brienz is also considered the local capital of this artistic discipline. This is where the Schweizer Holzbildhauerei Museum or wooden sculpture museum!

The Schweizer Holzbildhauerei Museum is an interesting step for amateur and craftsmen who wonder what to do in Interlaken. Opened since 2009, it presents finely cut pieces. You can also buy some souvenirs... in wood of course!

How do I get to Interlaken?

Several means of locomotion allow you to reach Interlaken and its region. Large Swiss cities, such as Geneva and Zurich, are the most important avenues of arrival and departure.

• Train : from Paris, you will need about 5h30 from TGV to reach Interlaken via Geneva.
• Aircraft + train : combining plane and train is often shorter. An average Paris-Genève flight takes 1 hour and the Geneva-Berne-Interlaken train is about 3 hours. Several airlines – including low costs – provide international connections. The best is to study prices and times on a comparison as Ulysses. You will benefit from the best rates based on your departure dates.
• Car : if you prefer to go by car, the Swiss motorways are safe and fast enough. You will however put a little more time than by train or by air. For example, count 7 hours from Paris.

Once on site, you will not have trouble moving, many local buses and trains serve the city and its surroundings, to the summits.

Where to stay in Interlaken?

The Interlaken tourist region has a wide range of accommodations, ranging from Airbnb to the big hotel, passing through the campsite.

If you want to stay in a relaxing and central location, the city of Interlaken is a wise choice. The center is very shopping, and the presence of the lake is conducive to beautiful walks. When you get away, you will surely have the opportunity to sleep in the midst of spectacular landscapes, whether it’s views of the lakes or the alpine summits. Whatever your favorite place and if you opt for the hotel, visit a hotel Compare hotels to have an idea of the offer available during your stay.

You are now ready to go to Interlaken, a good stay in Switzerland!