Things to Do in Interlaken

About Interlaken

Between two crystalline alpine lakes and beneath the dramatic north face of the Eiger, Interlaken commands one of Switzerland's most spectacular natural amphitheaters. This compact town pulses with an electric energy where Swiss precision meets adventure culture, drawing travelers who crave both mountain grandeur and cosmopolitan comfort. The surrounding peaks don't just frame the horizon—they define every moment of life here, casting their morning shadows across the valleys and their evening alpenglow into your soul.

Travel Tips

• 80 for the 8-minute train between the two stations, take the free hotel shuttle buses that run every 20-30 minutes—you don't need to be a hotel guest to use them.

When to Visit

# When to Visit Interlaken

Interlaken's tourism landscape transforms dramatically across the seasons, with summer (June-August) being peak season when temperatures range from 18-25°C, drawing massive crowds for paragliding, hiking the Jungfrau region, and attending events like the Unspoken Festival in late July, though hotel prices can surge 40-60% above off-season rates and popular trails become congested with tourists queuing for photo opportunities at attractions like Harder Kulm. Winter (December-February) offers a contrasting experience with temperatures dropping to -2 to 5°C in the valley while nearby ski resorts like Grindelwald and Wengen receive abundant snowfall, making this period ideal for skiing and winter sports, with Christmas markets lighting up Höhematte Park in December and New Year's bringing festive crowds, though lift tickets and accommodations reach premium pricing from late December through February half-term holidays. The shoulder seasons present exceptional value, with spring (April-May) offering temperatures of 8-16°C, fewer tourists, and spectacular views of snow-capped peaks against blooming Alpine meadows, while autumn (September-October) delivers crisp 10-18°C weather, golden larch forests, and significantly reduced accommodation costs (often 30-40% lower than summer), making it perfect for photographers and hikers seeking solitude on trails before many mountain facilities close by late October. March and November represent the true low season with unpredictable weather patterns, temperatures hovering around 2-10°C, many mountain railways operating on reduced schedules, and some hotels closing entirely for maintenance, though intrepid travelers can find accommodation discounts exceeding 50% and experience an authentically quiet Alpine atmosphere. Consider that Interlaken sits at just 568 meters elevation, so while the town itself remains accessible year-round with relatively mild valley weather, your intended activities in the surrounding Bernese Oberland mountains should dictate timing, as cable cars to Jungfraujoch (operating year-round) and Schilthorn face occasional weather closures, while hiking trails above 2,000 meters typically remain snow-covered from October through June, fundamentally shaping what experiences are available during your visit.