Things to Do in Interlaken in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Interlaken
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak hiking season with clearest mountain views - visibility reaches 25-30 km (15-18 miles) on clear days, perfect for Jungfraujoch and Harder Kulm
- Warmest lake temperatures of the year at 20-22°C (68-72°F) making Lake Thun and Lake Brienz ideal for swimming and watersports
- Longest daylight hours with sunset at 8:30pm, giving you 15+ hours of outdoor activity time
- Alpine wildflower season peaks in high meadows above 1,500m (4,920 ft) - best time for scenic train rides to see blooming landscapes
Considerations
- Highest tourist season means 40-60% higher accommodation prices and crowded trains - Jungfraujoch Railway can have 2-hour queues by 10am
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur 60% of days between 2-5pm, often forcing early descent from high altitude hikes
- Heat and humidity make valley activities uncomfortable midday - temperatures in town can feel like 28°C (82°F) with 70% humidity
Best Activities in August
Jungfraujoch Railway and Ice Palace Tours
August offers the clearest weather for Europe's highest railway station at 3,454m (11,332 ft). Morning departures before 8am provide best visibility and smaller crowds. The Aletsch Glacier viewing is optimal with 80% clear day probability versus 40% in other seasons.
Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Swimming and Boat Tours
Warmest water temperatures of the year at 20-22°C (68-72°F) make August perfect for swimming. Lake Thun reaches peak temperature by mid-August. Morning boat tours offer mirror-like water surfaces and cool breezes before afternoon heat sets in.
Harder Kulm Sunrise and Sunset Viewpoint Experiences
August's stable weather patterns provide 70% success rate for clear sunrise views over both lakes and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The funicular runs until 9:30pm in August for sunset viewing. Cool morning temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) at the summit are refreshing.
Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfall Hiking Circuits
Peak snowmelt creates strongest waterfall flows in August. Staubbach Falls reaches maximum volume, and the valley's 72 waterfalls are at full power. Early morning hikes (7-11am) avoid afternoon thunderstorms and provide cooler temperatures for the 8-12 km (5-7.5 mile) circuits.
Grindelwald First Adventure Activities
August's warm, stable weather is ideal for the cliff walk, zip lines, and mountain cart rides at 2,168m (7,113 ft). Clear visibility showcases the Eiger North Face. Activities operate daily with minimal weather closures in August unlike shoulder seasons.
Interlaken Paragliding Tandem Flights
August provides optimal thermal conditions for paragliding with consistent afternoon thermals and clear visibility. Success rate for flights is 85% versus 60% in other months. Flights from Beatenberg offer spectacular views of both lakes and the entire Bernese Alps range.
August Events & Festivals
Swiss National Day Celebrations
August 1st features lakeside fireworks over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, traditional folk music, and communal grilling areas. The celebration includes boat parades and mountain bonfires visible from the valley floor.
Unspunnen Festival
Traditional Swiss folk festival held every 12 years (next scheduled 2029), but smaller alpine festivals occur throughout August in surrounding villages featuring stone throwing, flag throwing, and traditional Swiss wrestling.