Events & Festivals in Interlaken

A major open-air concert held on the Kleine Scheidegg ski area, often featuring well-known international rock and pop acts. Attendees take a mountain railway to the venue for performances against the backdrop of the Eiger North Face. This is a unique alpine concert experience where ski gear is part of the dress code.

A colorful gathering of hot air balloons that launch from the main Hoeheweg promenade in Interlaken. Pilots from around the world participate in this scenic event, creating an impressive display of shapes and colors against the mountain skyline.

On January 2nd, costumed figures called 'Potschete' parade through Interlaken streets. They ring bells. They playfully engage spectators. This quirky folk event ties to Berchtoldstag.

A weekend dedicated to ice climbing and winter mountaineering skills, held around the artificial ice tower in the center of Interlaken. Visitors can watch demonstrations by professional climbers, try introductory lessons, or watch competitions on the vertical ice walls.

This specialized event serves sledging enthusiasts with talks, equipment demos, and guided group descents on selected mountain runs in the Jungfrau region. It mixes practical fun with technical knowledge of this popular winter pastime.

Interlaken marks the end of winter with traditional Swiss carnival festivities. Expect masked parades, costumed Guggenmusik bands playing loud brass music through the streets, and small local parties in hotels and restaurants. The mood is playful and community-focused.

Interlaken hotels and restaurants host evenings showing wines from Swiss cantons. These intimate events feature a sommelier or winemaker presenting selections paired with small dishes.

An annual gathering for vintage and classic car enthusiasts held in the central Kursaal gardens. Owners display their meticulously maintained vehicles, ranging from pre-war models to 1980s sports cars. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with music and local food stalls.

Running races of various distances follow flat, scenic paths between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Events include a marathon, half marathon, and shorter family runs.

A traditional spring market and fair held in the Bödeli area between the lakes. It features stalls selling local crafts, plants, and regional food products. There are also fairground rides and attractions for children, making it a popular family weekend event.

One of Switzerland's major open-air rock and metal festivals, held just outside Interlaken. It features an international lineup across multiple stages, with camping available on site. The festival draws a large crowd and has a dedicated, energetic atmosphere.

Regional artists display and sell work directly to the public in the shaded Kursaal gardens. The range covers paintings, photography, ceramics, and jewelry. Artists attend to discuss their pieces.

A celebration of Swiss dairy traditions held in central Interlaken. Visitors can sample and purchase a wide variety of regional cheeses, watch cheesemaking demonstrations, and enjoy Alpine folk music and traditional dance performances.

Outdoor cinema runs select evenings in the large Höhematte park. Films span recent blockbusters to classics. All screen on a large setup with the Alps behind. Attendees bring blankets and low chairs.

A challenging open water swimming race covers the clear, cold waters of Lake Brienz. Swimmers follow the shoreline in various distance categories. This matters to the Swiss open water community.

This challenging mountain marathon starts in Interlaken and finishes at the foot of the Jungfrau in Wengen. The route climbs steadily with impressive views, attracting elite and amateur runners from around the world. Spectator points are set up along the course in various villages.

A series of classical music concerts held in various historic churches and halls around Interlaken. The festival often features well-known orchestras, chamber groups, and soloists performing a program ranging from Baroque to contemporary works.

Several farms around Interlaken host autumn harvest celebrations. These small, family-oriented events offer apple pressing, pumpkin displays, farm tours, and sales of fresh produce and cider.

Local hiking clubs and tourism offices organize this series of guided hikes. Difficulty varies across mountain trails around Interlaken. The focus falls on autumn foliage and quieter paths before winter.

A traditional autumn market with roots in Bern that is also celebrated in Interlaken. While smaller than the main event in Bern, it features stalls selling braided strings of onions, garlic, and seasonal handicrafts. Look for local crafts like wooden carvings.

Local ski areas like Männlichen or Kleine Scheidegg host festive opening weekends to mark winter's start. Expect live music at mountain restaurants. Early-bird lift passes appear. A party atmosphere takes over the slopes.

A festive market set up around the Kursaal and Höhematte park. Wooden chalets sell handmade gifts, decorations, and seasonal treats like mulled wine and raclette. A central ice rink and carousel add to the family-friendly atmosphere, with daily musical performances.

A formal gala concert held on December 31st in the historic Kursaal building, featuring a program of popular classical pieces like Strauss waltzes. It is a traditional and elegant way to welcome the new year, often followed by a festive gathering.

The historic old town of Unterseen, across the river from Interlaken, hosts special Advent evenings. Shops stay open late. Streets glow with candlelight. Choirs perform seasonal music in small squares and courtyards.