Information
City: InterlakenCountry: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Interlaken, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
Interlaken, a charming resort town in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, sits between deep-blue Lake Thun to the west and the emerald waters of Lake Brienz to the east, with the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps rising high around it.The town draws crowds for its stunning scenery, endless trails for hiking or skiing, and its close-up view of some of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain peaks.Interlaken sits at the doorstep of the Jungfrau region, where snow-capped peaks frame the horizon, adventure comes in many forms, and Swiss warmth greets you at every turn.First.Interlaken sits in the Bernese Oberland, a mountainous stretch of western Switzerland tucked between the deep blue waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.The town sits at the base of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger, three legendary peaks of the Swiss Alps, their snowcaps gleaming in the sun.Interlaken has a temperate climate, with summers that stay pleasantly mild and winters that bite with alpine cold.In summer, the air warms to between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F), perfect for sitting outside with an iced drink, while winters drop to -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) and the mountains often lie under a thick blanket of snow.In summer, the town usually basks in sunshine, though rain still falls now and then-especially in the soft, cool days of spring and the crisp air of autumn.Its name, Interlaken, comes from German for “between the lakes,” a nod to its spot tucked neatly between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.Interlaken began as a quiet little settlement, but in the 19th century it blossomed into a tourist hotspot, spurred by its first grand hotels and the arrival of wealthy visitors stepping off new Swiss railway trains.European aristocrats and tourists once flocked to the town for its sweeping alpine views and the fresh thrill of new outdoor pursuits, from crisp morning hikes to lakefront strolls.Today, Interlaken still ranks among Switzerland’s top destinations, luring mountaineers, adventure seekers, and those who simply want to unwind amid its stunning scenery.Interlaken is a key stop for adventure seekers, with paragliders drifting over emerald lakes and trails leading into Switzerland’s most iconic peaks.Tourism drives its economy, earning it the title of the country’s adventure sports capital.Visitors flock here for the thrill of the outdoors-hiking forest trails, soaring on a paraglider, carving fresh snow on skis or a board, plunging from a bungee platform, racing river rapids, and tearing down rocky bike paths.The town makes a perfect base for trips to nearby Jungfraujoch-called the “Top of Europe”-as well as to favorites like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.In Interlaken, you’ll find sleek resorts, elegant hotels, and places to eat ranging from candlelit fine dining to cozy Swiss cafés with the smell of fresh bread drifting out the door.The town boasts a lively retail scene, from glinting Swiss watches in polished glass cases to the rich scent of fresh chocolate and hand‑carved wooden crafts that draw crowds of visitors.Interlaken’s easy to reach by road, rail, or even a lake ferry, so travelers can slip quickly into nearby mountains, cities, or quiet valleys.The town runs a dependable public transport network-buses and trains that whisk you into the wider Bernese Oberland-and its cultural life beats to the rhythm of Swiss tradition, from lively Alpine music echoing in festival squares to hand‑carved wooden crafts at local markets.All year long, the town bursts with cultural events, including the Interlaken Music Festival, where you might hear a string quartet one night and a rock band the next.And when you’re hungry, Swiss favorites like bubbling cheese fondue, crispy rösti, and rich raclette fill the menus of cozy local restaurants.The region’s famous for its rich, high-quality chocolates, and you’ll find small shops where the air smells of cocoa and the counters gleam with handmade truffles.Framed by rugged peaks, you can linger over local specialties in cozy alpine chalets, the scent of melting cheese drifting from the tables.The town also tucks away small galleries and cultural spots, including the Interlaken Museum, where the story of the region and its rise as a tourist haven comes vividly to life.Local artists take their cues from the rugged sweep of the Alps, sketching icy peaks and shadowed valleys, and you’ll find their work in cozy galleries and art shops.Interlaken brims with sights worth the trip, from Jungfraujoch-“Top of Europe,” reached by the Jungfrau Railway, where the Aletsch Glacier stretches like a silver ribbon below-to Harder Kulm’s hilltop platform and restaurant, perched 1,322 meters up and reached by a rattling funicular.From here, you can take in a wide sweep of Interlaken, its twin lakes, and the mountains rising beyond.Out on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, a boat cruise lets you feel the cool spray and watch the scenery drift by from the water.In summer, the lakes invite you to swim, paddle a kayak, or stroll along the shore with the scent of pine in the air.The Schilthorn, another favorite peak, rewards visitors with sweeping views of the Bernese Alps.Perched high on the Schilthorn, the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant once starred in the James Bond film *On Her Majesty’s Secret Service*; nearby, the roaring Trummelbach Falls thunder through the heart of a mountain in Lauterbrunnen Valley, just a short ride from Interlaken, where adventure seekers come for everything from gentle lakeside walks to steep alpine hikes that leave your boots dusty and your lungs full of crisp mountain air.Hike the Eiger Trail, wander across Schynige Platte, or tackle the long climb to Faulhorn; in summer you can even soar above Interlaken by paraglider, drifting over turquoise lakes and jagged peaks, while winter turns the town into a hub for skiing and snowboarding at nearby Grindelwald, Mürren, and Wengen.You’ll find perfect slopes here for skiing, snowboarding, and all sorts of snowy adventures, from crisp morning runs to powder-soft descents.On warmer days, head to Lake Thun or Lake Brienz for boat rides, kayaking, or a swim in the clear, cool water.Thrill seekers can leap into the void with bungee jumps at the First Cliff Walk or Grimsel Pass.Getting in and out is easy, too-Interlaken’s on the Swiss Federal Railways line, with direct trains to Bern, Lucerne, and Zurich.You can also reach the town by road, traveling smooth, well-kept highways that wind through Switzerland and connect to nearby countries.Funicular and cable cars:
Landmarks in Interlaken
