INTERLAKEN & LAKES
Interlaken is the adrenaline capital of the Swiss Alps, nestled between the turquoise waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It is the perfect base for exploring the high peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
This iconic resort town offers a perfect fusion of natural beauty, from glacial lakes to dramatic mountain landscapes. It is a world-renowned destination for year-round outdoor adventure.
Most Popular Attractions
Mountain Peaks & Viewpoints:
Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe): A mountain saddle connecting the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks, featuring an ice palace, observatory, and panoramic views from Europe’s highest railway station.
Harder Kulm (Top of Interlaken): Easily accessible via funicular, this is Interlaken’s local mountain, offering a “Two Lakes Bridge” viewing platform with a spectacular view of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Schynige Platte: Reachable by a historic cogwheel railway, this mountain offers the stunning Panorama Trail and a beautiful Alpine Garden, with classic views of the famous triple peaks.
Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure): A mountain peak with a range of adrenaline activities, including a famous cliff walk and the First Flyer zip line.
Kleine Scheidegg: A mountain pass and railway junction offering iconic views of the Eiger North Face and serving as a starting point for famous alpine hikes.
Niederhorn: A scenic viewpoint mountain on the northern shore of Lake Thun, popular for hiking and scooter-bike descents.
Heimwehfluh: A small mountain with a funicular and a summit park, offering family fun and a beautiful vista over Interlaken.
Lakes & Waterways:
Lake Brienz (Brienzersee): Known for its intense turquoise-blue waters, perfect for scenic paddle steamer cruises and kayaking.
Lake Thun (Thunersee): The larger of the two flanking lakes, warmer for swimming and dotted with historic castles along its shores.
Oeschinen Lake (Oeschinensee): A stunning, UNESCO-listed mountain lake near Kandersteg, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and glaciers.
Aare River Float: A popular summer activity allowing visitors to relax and float down the crystal-clear, turquoise Aare River between the two lakes.
Thun Castle: A medieval castle on a hill overlooking the town of Thun and Lake Thun, housing a historical museum.
Spiez Castle: A beautifully preserved castle and vineyard directly on the shores of Lake Thun.
Natural Wonders & Gorges:
St. Beatus Caves: A vast system of limestone caverns high above Lake Thun, featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground waterfalls.
Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht): A deep, narrow gorge carved by the Aare River over thousands of years, traversable via walkways and tunnels.
Lauterbrunnen Valley: A U-shaped glacial valley famous for its 72 waterfalls, often cited as the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Rivendell.
Trümmelbach Falls: A series of ten glacier waterfalls inside a mountain, made accessible by a tunnel funicular.
Giessbach Falls: A massive waterfall that plunges in 14 stages into Lake Brienz, accessible by the oldest funicular in Europe.
Town Core & Culture:
Höhematte Park (Höheweg): The central meadow in Interlaken, a popular landing spot for paragliders and the main promenade for hotels and shops.
Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum: An expansive park showcasing traditional, historic buildings from all over Switzerland, offering a glimpse into rural life and crafts.
Unterseen Old Town: The historic, quieter part of the Interlaken urban area, featuring traditional wooden houses and picturesque squares.
Interlaken Monastery and Castle: A former Augustinian monastery complex dating back to the 12th century, located in the town center.
Brienz Rothorn Railway: A historic steam cogwheel railway that climbs the Brienzer Rothorn mountain, offering incredible views.
Activities & Experiences
Go Tandem Paragliding: Take to the skies for breathtaking panoramic views of Interlaken, the two lakes (Thun and Brienz), and the iconic trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
Take a Boat Cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz: Enjoy a scenic cruise on the deep blue waters, stopping to explore charming lakeside villages like Iseltwald or visit historical sites like Oberhofen Castle.
Visit the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: Take a scenic cogwheel train ride to the highest railway station in Europe, where you can explore the Ice Palace, the Sphinx Observatory, and marvel at the Aletsch Glacier.
Explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Waterfalls: Visit the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls,” including the impressive Staubbach Falls and the unique, subterranean Trümmelbach Falls.
Hike to Harder Kulm: Take the funicular up Interlaken’s “local mountain” for a magnificent viewpoint that offers spectacular views of the town and the two lakes from its panoramic viewing platform.
Try Canyoning or River Rafting: Get an adrenaline rush by canyoning through narrow gorges or river rafting down the powerful glacial waters of the Lütschine River.
Hike the Schynige Platte Panorama Trail: Ride the historic cogwheel train up to Schynige Platte for a high-alpine hike with stunning views of the mountain peaks, often accompanied by the sound of alpenhorns.
Go Kayaking on Lake Brienz: Rent a kayak or join a guided tour to paddle the sapphire waters, exploring the sheer cliffs, hidden beaches, and seeing the Giessbach Falls from the water.
Visit the St. Beatus Caves: Explore this natural wonder located high above Lake Thun, featuring impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, with a path leading past thundering waterfalls.
Walk the First Cliff Walk near Grindelwald: Take the cable car to Grindelwald-First and experience the thrilling Cliff Walk, a metal walkway built into the side of the mountain, offering spectacular views.
Experience the Giessbach Falls: Take the oldest funicular in Europe up to the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach and walk the path that allows you to go behind the multi-tiered waterfall as it crashes into Lake Brienz.
Local Tips & Transport
Swiss Public Transport is Key: The entire region, including mountain peaks, is exceptionally well-connected by an efficient network of trains, buses, funiculars, and boats. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) app is essential for checking timetables and purchasing tickets.
Train Hubs: Interlaken has two main stations: Interlaken West (for Lake Thun connections and local buses) and Interlaken Ost (for trains to Lucerne, the Jungfrau region, and Lake Brienz boats). They are a short walk or train/bus ride apart.
Travel Passes are Recommended: For extensive travel, consider purchasing a pass like the Swiss Travel Pass, the Jungfrau Travel Pass, or the Bernese Oberland Pass. These offer unlimited travel or significant discounts on trains, buses, and most mountain railways/cable cars.
Guest Card for Local Travel: If you stay in a registered accommodation, you will receive an Interlaken Guest Card, which grants free use of local buses and some discounts on attractions in the immediate Interlaken area.
Driving/Parking: While possible, driving is generally discouraged due to mountain roads, high tolls, and very limited, expensive parking in Interlaken and the villages. The public transport system is often faster and more relaxing.
Altitude and Weather: Be prepared for fast-changing weather and dramatic temperature swings. Dress in layers, especially when heading up to high-altitude areas like the Jungfraujoch, where snow can be present year-round. Always check mountain webcams and weather forecasts before setting out.
The Aare River Swim: In the summer, join locals for a refreshing (and cold!) float/swim down the clear, turquoise Aare River, which connects the two lakes. Enter upstream (e.g., at the Thun end of Lake Thun) and exit in Interlaken. Only for confident swimmers.
Chocolate and Cheese: Take a Swiss Chocolate making workshop or visit a local cheese factory in the surrounding area. Don’t leave without trying authentic Swiss fondue, raclette, and sampling local Swiss chocolate.
Cash vs. Card: Switzerland is generally cashless, and most places accept credit cards. However, having some Swiss Francs (CHF) for very small vendors or remote areas is a good idea. Euros are sometimes accepted, but your change will be in CHF and the exchange rate may not be favorable.
The “Adventure Capital”: Interlaken is famous globally for its extreme sports. Booking popular activities like paragliding, canyoning, or skydiving should be done a few days in advance, especially during peak summer season.
Hidden Gems
- Iseltwald Village: Located on Lake Brienz, this picturesque village offers stunning photo opportunities and a serene atmosphere, easily accessible by bus or boat.
- Unterseen: Interlaken’s original historic neighbor, Unterseen is just across the Aare river and features a charming old town center with traditional wooden chalets, which is a quieter escape from the main tourist strip.
- Panoramic Bridge Sigriswil: A spectacular suspension bridge near Lake Thun offering incredible views, accessible via a PostBus from Interlaken.
Top Restaurants
Restaurant Laterne [$30-$50] – Highly recommended by locals, this cozy, charming restaurant in a residential area of Interlaken offers authentic Swiss cuisine like fondue and raclette in a beautiful, non-touristy setting.
Restaurant Taverne [$30-$50] – Located in Hotel Interlaken, this restaurant is known for its traditional Swiss dishes, including its popular daily menu (Tagesmenu), offering simple, quality food.
Chalet Beizli [$25-$40] – A charming spot often mentioned for simple, hearty Swiss bar food and traditional, filling dishes in a relaxed setting, particularly known for hot ham and sausage with potato salad.
Gasthaus Riedboden [$30-$50] – Situated in Beatenberg, just above Interlaken, this restaurant is a local favorite offering traditional Swiss cuisine with a focus on simple, hearty, and tasty food, away from the main tourist crowds.
Brasserie 17 [$25-$40] – Considered a typical Swiss restaurant with a nice atmosphere and not overly expensive prices for the area, serving local dishes and daily specials.
Restaurant Krone [$35-$55] – Found in Spiez (Lake Thun), this cozy village restaurant serves imaginative Swiss cuisine and attractive seasonal offers in a welcoming setting.
Hotel Restaurant Hirschen [$35-$60] – A well-regarded hotel restaurant in Interlaken mentioned for its excellent, substantial Swiss meals and traditional feel.
Grand Café-Restaurant Schuh [$40-$70] – While it can be busy, this establishment in Interlaken is a local institution since 1818, still frequented by locals for its traditional Swiss specialties and excellent patisserie.
Berghaus Niesen Kulm [$40-$70] – Located at the summit of the Niesen mountain, accessible by funicular, it offers a fantastic panoramic view with its culinary offer of Swiss coziness and local dishes.
Hotel Alpenblick: Bistrorestaurant [$35-$50] – Situated in Wilderswil (near Interlaken), this rustic restaurant is a reliable choice for fine Swiss specialties like cheese fondue.
Hotel Châlet du Lac [$40-$65] – Located in Iseltwald (Lake Brienz), this restaurant is a local gem with a focus on fish, perfect for a meal right by the lake.
Ristorante Pizzeria Città Vecchia [$25-$40] – Located in the “Old Town” area of Unterseen (Interlaken West), this is a beloved spot for authentic Italian food, especially pizza, often preferred by locals over more central tourist traps.
Restaurant Laterne (Brienz) [$30-$50] – A cozy establishment in Brienz (Lake Brienz) known for good food, including regional Swiss dishes, in a traditional setting.
Allmendhof [$30-$50] – Located in Thun, this charming inn offers authentic Swiss cuisine with a focus on local flavors and a cozy atmosphere.
Ratsstübli [$35-$60] – Located in Thun, this restaurant offers authentic Swiss cuisine, blending tradition with modern culinary excellence in a charming setting.
Restaurant Burehuus [$30-$50] – A restaurant in Thun providing authentic Swiss flavors in a cozy, traditional setting.
Thun: Quartierbeiz 13 [$25-$40] – A popular “neighborhood pub” in Thun that offers a fusion of Asian and other flavors in a vibrant atmosphere, often frequented by locals for its unique menu.
Trattoria Rimini [$30-$50] – Located in Thun, this spot is known for savoring authentic Italian dishes, offering a delightful blend of tradition and flavor.
Hüsi Bierhaus [$25-$40] – A lively brew-bar-restaurant in Interlaken popular with locals and travelers alike, known for Swiss bar food with Americanized items, huge portions, and a great selection of craft and local beers.
Little Thai [$20-$35] – A vibrant and highly-regarded family-owned Thai eatery in Interlaken known for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and a laid-back ambiance, offering a quality alternative to Swiss food.
Velo Cafe & Bar [$15-$30] – A trendy vegetarian and vegan cafe in Interlaken’s Old Town, popular with a modern crowd for its plant-based options, good coffee, and stylish decor.
Layaly Beirut [$25-$45] – A charming Lebanese restaurant near Interlaken West Station, offering authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in a relaxed setting with colorful lamps.
Restaurant Stein & Sein [$45-$75] – A modern restaurant in Interlaken focusing on creative and contemporary dishes, often highlighting seasonal ingredients.
Bistro Pier One [$30-$50] – Located in Interlaken, it’s a modern bistro offering light meals, good coffee, and aperitifs in a pleasant setting, perfect for a casual yet chic stop.
Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori [$35-$60] – Though located in a grand hotel in Interlaken, this Italian restaurant is highly regarded for its Italian cuisine and is a great option for a refined Italian meal.
Restaurant im Hotel Seepark [$50-$80] – Located in Thun, this restaurant offers elegant surroundings and a creative, passionate kitchen with a focus on pleasurable moments and culinary artistry by the lake.
Ristorante Riviera by Elio [$40-$70] – Situated on the lakeshore in Spiez (Lake Thun), this restaurant is known for modern Italian cuisine in a beautiful location, easily accessible by boat.
Dampfschiff [$40-$70] – A chic restaurant on the waterfront in Thun, housed in a historic building, specializing in modern Mediterranean cuisine with stunning views of Lake Thun.
vera calma – Café & Bar [$20-$40] – A café & bar in Thun that focuses on “peace and pleasure,” offering a serene spot for coffee, drinks, and small meals.
THE HEY HOTEL: Restaurant & Bar Lisi [$35-$60] – A trendy spot in Interlaken offering modern dishes and a lively bar atmosphere, popular with a younger, hip crowd.
OX Restaurant & Grill [$40-$70] – A modern restaurant in Interlaken known for its grilled meats and contemporary menu, providing a more upmarket casual dining experience.
Radius by Stefan Beer [$80-$150] – Located in the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel in Interlaken, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience focused on local and regional cuisine with a refined, modern approach.
Hotel Alpenblick: Gourmetstübli [$70-$120] – This is the gourmet segment of the hotel in Wilderswil, where they serve first-class culinary delicacies in a more formal setting.
Grandhotel Giessbach: Restaurant Les Cascades [$60-$100] – Located in a historic grand hotel above Lake Brienz, this restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the Giessbach Falls and fine dining with warm, rich decor.
La Terrasse Brasserie [$60-$100] – Located in the luxurious Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel, this brasserie offers elegant, contemporary cuisine, making it a spot for a special occasion meal.
1910 Gourmet by Hausers [$100-$180] – While located in Grindelwald (in the wider region), this is a highly-rated, Michelin-recognized spot known for contemporary, high-quality cooking in the Bernese Oberland.
Salzano Hotel – Spa – Restaurant [$50-$80] – Located slightly outside Interlaken in Matten, this hotel restaurant offers excellent cuisine, often focusing on seasonal and local produce in a tranquil setting.
Hotel-Restaurant Luegibrüggli [$40-$70] – Situated directly above Interlaken, this excursion restaurant has a uniquely situated terrace with fantastic views, offering a more upscale dining experience than the average gasthaus.
Restaurant La Pinte [$60-$100] – A fine dining choice in Thun, focusing on refined Swiss and international cuisine with a commitment to quality ingredients and an elegant atmosphere.
Elsa’s (Thun) [$50-$90] – Located in a historic house in Thun, this restaurant is known for its modern and innovative Swiss cuisine, with a strong emphasis on seasonal and local produce.
Ristorante Pizzeria La Taverna (Spiez) [$35-$60] – While it serves pizza, this highly-regarded spot in Spiez is known for its high-quality, authentic Italian dishes and is a local favorite for a great meal.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Barracuda Cafe & Bar (Interlaken): Located in Matten bei Interlaken, this popular bar is known for its creative cocktails and relaxed, international atmosphere, a great spot for an après-adventure aperitif.
Top o’Met Roof Top Bar (Interlaken): Situated on the roof of the Hotel Metropole in central Interlaken, this bar is the premier spot for a stylish cocktail with a spectacular panoramic view of the Jungfrau region and the lakes.
Metro Bar (Interlaken): Also located in the Hotel Metropole in Interlaken, this bar has a distinct charm and a dedicated chef de bar who offers an exciting journey through the world of cocktails, including a dedicated Smokers Lounge.
Jamming Corner (Unterseen, Interlaken): This vibrant bar and lounge, situated in the Unterseen area, is known for its unique cocktails and alternative flair, perfect for a lively evening with friends.
Mühlibar (Thun): A favorite spot in Thun’s Mühleplatz, this bar is celebrated for its delicious cocktails, extensive wine selection, and cozy atmosphere, making it feel like a second home.
Restaurant & Bar Lisi (Interlaken): Offering a blend of culinary excellence and a vibrant atmosphere, this is a welcoming spot in Interlaken to enjoy fine drinks and a lively ambiance.
Riff Raff Bar (Interlaken): A well-known venue in Interlaken’s nightlife scene, where music, drinks, and fun come together in perfect harmony, offering a great atmosphere for socializing.
Hangar 32 (Unterseen, Interlaken): Found in Unterseen, this bar features a unique vintage aviation charm and offers delightful drinks in a captivating and relaxed setting.
The Lounge Lobby Bar (Matten bei Interlaken): Located in Matten bei Interlaken, this bar offers a cozy atmosphere amidst the stunning Swiss landscapes, ideal for enjoying exceptional drinks in a more intimate setting.
Crazy Mary’s Pub (Interlaken): Located on Rosenstrasse in Interlaken, while primarily a pub, it offers a great open bar experience and serves up some fine cocktails alongside high-quality live music.
Brasserie 17 – Happy Inn Lodge (Interlaken): A charming mix of a bar and a restaurant in Interlaken, popular for a well-mixed gin and tonic or local beer, and is frequented by outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Victoria Jungfrau Bar (Interlaken): Located within the luxurious Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, this is the place for a fancy, expertly crafted cocktail in an elegant and sophisticated Interlaken setting.
Hüsi Bierhaus (Interlaken): Known as a modern, Bavarian-style “bierhaus” in the heart of Interlaken, it also provides a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a good mixed drink along with its extensive selection of local and international craft beers.
Tie Break Lounge Bistro (Interlaken): A cozy lounge bistro in Interlaken that combines relaxation with a delightful culinary and drinks experience.
Schmiedstube Bar (Thun): Located in Thun, this bar features stylish and elegant interiors and offers a huge range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic spirits, including a great cocktail selection.
Balmers Bar & Club (Matten bei Interlaken): Located at the popular Balmers Hostel in Matten bei Interlaken, this is considered the heartbeat of the area’s nightlife, famous for its energetic parties, music, and being a great place to meet people.
Club Caverne (Interlaken): A lively club in Interlaken, offering a vibrant spot to dance and party late into the night.
Hangover (Interlaken): This club is one of the most recent additions to Interlaken’s nightlife, located close to the train station, and is a wild location for those wanting to dance all night, typically focusing on electro and techno music.
Club Sendli (Interlaken): Another well-known club in Interlaken for those looking for a late-night party atmosphere.
Crazy Mary’s Pub (Interlaken): While primarily a pub, this venue on Rosenstrasse in Interlaken often transforms into a lively late-night spot, especially when featuring live music and a vibrant, friendly crowd.
Jamming Corner (Unterseen, Interlaken): This venue in Unterseen features various DJs on the weekends, offering a dance floor and a relaxed, international party vibe.
Funny Farm (Interlaken): A lively hostel with a dedicated nightlife, including a lounge, happy hours, and sometimes special events like Blues nights and bonfires, popular for meeting other travelers.
Grand Casino Kursaal Interlaken (Interlaken): Offers a different kind of upscale nightlife with table games and slot machines, as well as an elegant setting for drinks.
McArthur’s Pub (Thun): Located in the Old Town of Thun, this Celtic-style pub often features a lively atmosphere and is a great spot for evening drinks, especially during live sports.
Mundwerk Kulturbar (Thun): This cultural bar in Thun serves coffee by day and transforms into a lively bar by night, often hosting live music events for a good night out.
Galerie Boutique Bar (Thun): Located in Thun, this establishment uniquely combines an art gallery, bar, and restaurant, offering a trendy and cultured spot for an evening drink.