Things to Do in Interlaken

About Interlaken

Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Swiss valley that leads straight into the Alps. Horse-drawn carriages move through cobblestone streets while paragliders prep their gear for launch. Old-world charm meets adrenaline junkies. The Jungfrau massif dominates the skyline—ice and stone rising above meadows and wooden chalets. Morning mist rolls across the green lakes. You'll hear cowbells in the distance, mixed with the sound of glacial rivers cutting through the valley. Interlaken won't just show you the Alps from a distance. It puts you at the base of them, where sunrise lights up the peaks and evening settles the valley into quiet.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Swiss public transport costs 4.40 CHF ($4.77) for local trips with efficient train connections. Postal buses to mountain villages charge 8-20 CHF ($8.68-21.70) return. Uber limited but taxis available at 5 CHF ($5.43) start plus 3.50 CHF ($3.80) per km. Jungfrau Railway to Top of Europe costs 204 CHF ($221.45) return - book online for discounts. Lake steamers cost 28-68 CHF ($30.38-73.79) for scenic routes. Walking and hiking trails are free with excellent signage throughout the region.

Money: Swiss franc (CHF) with card payments preferred everywhere. Credit Suisse and UBS ATMs reliable. Budget $100-200 daily due to Swiss pricing. Tourist tax 2.50 CHF ($2.71) per night added to accommodation. Tipping included but rounding up appreciated. Half-fare travelcard at 120 CHF ($130.23) saves money on transport. Restaurant prices high so consider picnicking. Mobile payments through TWINT common. Some tourist areas accept Euros but change given in francs.

Cultural Respect: German is the local language though English widely spoken in tourism. Punctuality crucial - Swiss are never late. Quiet hours strictly observed (10pm-6am, Sunday afternoons). Environmental protection deeply valued - stay on marked trails. Greet with firm handshakes and direct eye contact. Conservative dress in villages and churches. Sunday is family day with limited services. Hiking etiquette important - right of way rules. Quality and precision valued in all interactions.

Food Safety: Traditional restaurants serve älplermagronen for 18-26 CHF ($19.53-28.21). Fondue costs 22-35 CHF ($23.87-37.98) per person. Coffee at mountain huts runs 4-7 CHF ($4.34-7.59). Swiss chocolate bars cost 3-8 CHF ($3.26-8.68). Tap water excellent quality everywhere and free. All food safety standards extremely high. International options available but expensive. Grocery shopping at Coop saves money compared to restaurants. Picnic supplies ideal for hiking adventures.

When to Visit

Summer (June-August)brings peak conditions with temperatures 15-25°C, minimal rainfall (80-120mm monthly), but also peak crowds and prices 40-60% higher. July offers the Greenfield Festival and optimal hiking weather.Spring (April-May)delivers moderate temperatures 8-18°C, blooming wildflowers, and 30% lower prices, though some high-altitude activities remain closed.Autumn (September-October)provides crisp weather 5-15°C, impressive fall foliage, and 25% savings with fewer crowds—ideal for scenic train rides and lake activities.Winter (December-March)transforms Interlaken into a snow-covered wonderland with temperatures -2 to 8°C, heavy snowfall (100-150mm monthly), and winter sports galore. Christmas markets enchant December visitors, while January-February offer the lowest prices (50% off summer rates).Best for families: July-August for swimming and hiking.Best for budget travelers: November-March excluding holidays.Best for photography: October for autumn colors, January for snow-capped peaks.Best overall balance: September combines pleasant weather, moderate crowds, and reasonable prices while maintaining access to most activities.