Information
Landmark: Interlaken West Railway StationCity: Interlaken
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Interlaken West Railway Station, Interlaken, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
Interlaken West Railway Station is one of two main stops in Interlaken, Switzerland, set right in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, where mountains rise sharply behind the town.The station is the main gateway for travelers bound for the Alps, with trains that roll out toward cozy towns, bustling ski resorts, and winding trails through pine-scented hills.It’s especially famous for linking to the Jungfrau and other beloved Swiss Alpine destinations, where snow-dusted peaks rise against a crisp blue sky.Interlaken West sits on the town’s western edge, serving as one of its two main train stations; the other, Interlaken Ost, lies to the east.Perched between the glassy blue of Lake Thun and the towering Bernese Alps, Interlaken West Station draws tourists setting off for the Jungfrau region, lakeside towns, and nearby mountain resorts; built in the mid-1800s, it remains a proud landmark in Switzerland’s railway history.It first linked travelers from Interlaken to the broader Swiss rail network, its quaint station blending fresh conveniences with steep-roofed timber and flower boxes under the windows.Today, Interlaken West remains a vital hub for both everyday trains and some of the country’s most scenic routes.From Thun, SBB trains glide to Interlaken West, giving travelers quick access to Lake Thun’s deep blue waters and the villages along its shore.From there, the Berner Oberland Railway carries you to Grindelwald, a favorite for skiing, hiking, and high‑alpine adventures.For Lake Brienz, you can hop a train to Interlaken Ost, then step onto a boat and watch green hills and snow‑dusted peaks slide past.Interlaken West also links directly to the Jungfrau Railway, with routes to Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and all the way up to Jungfraujoch-the highest railway station in Europe.Trains from here connect straight to Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne, and along the way, the windows frame some of the most breathtaking views in Switzerland.From the station, you can spot the shimmer of Lake Thun, the jagged outline of nearby peaks, and the snow-capped trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.Trains leaving Interlaken West wind through green valleys, glassy lakes, and bright alpine meadows, drawing travelers eager for postcard-worthy views.The station’s facilities serve both daily commuters and visitors.At Interlaken West, you’ll find ticket counters and self-service machines for buying train tickets, an information desk stocked with details on schedules and local sights, and a small shopping area where the scent of fresh pastries drifts from a bakery near the souvenir shop.There are restaurants and cafés for a relaxed meal or quick coffee, plus car rentals and taxi stands for trips beyond town.The station offers modern comforts like clean restrooms, waiting areas, and free Wi‑Fi in select spots.Buses connect you to places like Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, while the nearby boat dock sends ferries gliding across Lake Thun to Thun, Spiez, and Niesen-often timed with train arrivals.Built for travelers, the station is a launch point for mountain adventures from hiking and paragliding to skiing and snowboarding, and local tour operators line the streets with offers for cruises, canyoning, and cable car rides.From here, you can reach the Jungfraujoch via the Berner Oberland Railway or from Interlaken Ost, and Harder Kulm’s panoramic lookout is just a short cable car ride away.The station is open every day, with train access around the clock.At Interlaken West Railway Station, shops, cafés, and other facilities open at different hours-some as early as sunrise, others well into the night.The station’s fully wheelchair-accessible, with lifts, level platforms, and helpful staff ready to assist.It’s a vital gateway to the Bernese Oberland, placing travelers within easy reach of sweeping alpine views, famed mountain resorts, and a host of outdoor adventures.The station bustles with travelers heading to nearby towns or far-off countries, and it’s the perfect starting point for adventures into the snow-capped Swiss Alps-making it a must-stop for anyone visiting Interlaken.Arrive by train, boat, or bus, and you’ll find Interlaken West both easy to reach and stunning, with mountains rising like a painted backdrop behind the town.
