Interlaken Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Interlaken.
Healthcare System
Switzerland operates one of the world's best healthcare systems with universal coverage for residents. Interlaken has modern medical facilities including Spital Interlaken, a regional hospital with emergency services. The healthcare system is highly efficient, with short wait times and English-speaking medical professionals commonly available in tourist areas.
Hospitals
Spital Interlaken (Interlaken Hospital) on Weissenaustrasse provides 24/7 emergency care, with specialized services for sports injuries and mountain-related trauma. For serious emergencies, patients may be transferred to larger hospitals in Bern (30 minutes away). Private clinics are also available for non-emergency consultations.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Apotheke/Pharmacie) are well-stocked and staffed by highly trained pharmacists who can provide medical advice for minor ailments. Most common medications are available, though some require prescriptions. Pharmacies operate on a rotation system for after-hours service. Duty pharmacy information is posted on pharmacy doors and available through tourist information.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is MANDATORY and strictly enforced. Switzerland is not part of the EU, so European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are not valid. Medical costs are extremely high by international standards—a simple doctor's visit can cost CHF 200-300, and emergency helicopter rescue can exceed CHF 10,000. Ensure your insurance covers mountain sports and adventure activities if participating.
Healthcare Tips
- Always carry your insurance documentation and emergency contact numbers
- REGA (Swiss Air Rescue) offers annual patronage for CHF 40 that covers helicopter rescue costs—highly recommended for anyone doing mountain activities
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions, as Swiss regulations are strict
- Pharmacists can dispense some medications without prescriptions that might require one elsewhere
- Keep receipts for all medical expenses for insurance claims
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Interlaken and from mountain fountains marked 'Trinkwasser'
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
The most significant risk in Interlaken relates to adventure sports and mountain activities. Injuries from hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities occur regularly. Risks include falls, altitude sickness, hypothermia, and weather-related incidents.
While rare compared to other European tourist destinations, opportunistic theft can occur in crowded tourist areas, particularly during peak season. Unattended belongings and distracted tourists may be targeted.
Alpine weather changes rapidly and unpredictably. Sunny conditions can turn to storms within minutes at higher elevations. Lightning, sudden temperature drops, fog, and strong winds pose risks to unprepared hikers.
Roads are well-maintained but mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Cyclists share roads with vehicles. In winter, roads can be icy despite regular maintenance.
E-bikes are popular but can reach high speeds. Accidents involving tourists unfamiliar with e-bikes or mountain biking terrain occur occasionally.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some tourist-focused restaurants may add unexpected service charges, charges for tap water (which should be free), or inflated prices for items not clearly listed on menus. This is more overcharging than traditional scamming.
Occasionally, unlicensed individuals offer discounted adventure sports or tours. These operators lack proper insurance, safety equipment, or qualifications, putting participants at serious risk.
Some currency exchange offices offer poor rates with hidden fees, particularly those in high-traffic tourist areas. The displayed rate may not include commissions.
Rare but occasionally present, individuals approach tourists claiming to collect for charities or disability organizations, sometimes using clipboards or fake ID badges.
Unofficial parking attendants may approach drivers in public lots claiming to offer help or collect fees, pocketing the money instead of legitimate parking charges.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Mountain Safety
- Always inform your hotel or a friend of your hiking plans and expected return time
- Download offline maps (Swiss Mobility app recommended) as cell coverage can be spotty in mountains
- Carry the Swiss emergency number (117 or 1414 for mountain rescue) and know your location
- Pack the 'ten essentials': map, first aid kit, flashlight, extra food/water, warm clothing, rain gear, fire starter, knife, whistle, and emergency shelter
- Turn back if weather deteriorates—mountains will be there tomorrow
- Respect your fitness level; Swiss mountain trails can be more challenging than they appear
- Yellow trail markers indicate mountain hiking trails requiring proper equipment and experience
Adventure Sports Safety
- Book only with certified operators displaying Swiss tourism quality labels
- Verify that activities include comprehensive insurance coverage
- Don't let peer pressure push you beyond your comfort zone—it's okay to decline activities
- Follow all safety briefings carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear
- Ensure your travel insurance covers adventure sports (many standard policies exclude them)
- Check weather conditions and operator safety records before booking
- For paragliding, tandem skydiving, and similar activities, confirm pilot certifications and equipment maintenance records
Money and Valuables
- Switzerland is largely cashless but keep some Swiss francs for small mountain huts or vendors
- Credit cards are widely accepted; inform your bank of travel dates to avoid blocks
- Use hotel safes for passports, excess cash, and valuable items
- Carry photocopies or digital copies of important documents separately from originals
- Be aware that Switzerland is expensive; budget accordingly to avoid financial stress
- ATMs are abundant and offer best exchange rates; avoid currency exchange offices
- Tips are included in bills (service charge) but rounding up is appreciated for good service
Transportation Safety
- Swiss public transportation is extremely reliable, safe, and punctual—use it confidently
- Validate tickets before boarding trains/buses; ticket inspectors are common and fines are steep (CHF 90+)
- Keep belongings close on trains, especially on busy routes to/from Zurich or Bern
- Pedestrians have right of way at crossings but always make eye contact with drivers
- Bicycle lanes are well-marked; don't walk in them as cyclists travel fast
- If renting a car, be aware of strict parking regulations and expensive fines
- Mountain railways and cable cars are extremely safe with excellent maintenance records
General Urban Safety
- Interlaken is safe to walk at all hours, but stay aware of your surroundings
- Keep valuables out of sight to avoid opportunistic theft
- Be cautious of distractions from strangers in crowded tourist areas
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Emergency services respond quickly; don't hesitate to call if needed
- Street lighting is excellent throughout town; poorly lit areas are rare
- Police maintain regular patrols in tourist areas, especially during peak season
Health and Wellness
- Stay hydrated, especially at altitude and during physical activities
- Pace yourself with alcohol at high altitudes as effects are intensified
- Tap water is safe and high-quality throughout Switzerland
- Pharmacies can help with minor ailments; pharmacists are highly trained
- Be aware of your physical limits; Swiss hiking trails can be strenuous
- Protect against sun exposure—UV radiation is stronger at altitude
- If you have pre-existing medical conditions, bring documentation in English and German
Communication
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants
- Learn basic German phrases—locals appreciate the effort (Swiss German differs from standard German)
- Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, restaurants, and public areas
- Consider purchasing a Swiss SIM card for reliable data and local calls
- Save important numbers and addresses offline in case of connectivity issues
- Tourist information centers provide excellent English-language assistance
- Emergency operators speak English and can coordinate responses efficiently
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Interlaken and Switzerland generally are very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Gender-based harassment and assault rates are among the lowest in Europe. Women can confidently explore the town at any hour, use public transportation, and participate in outdoor activities. The culture is respectful, and inappropriate behavior is not tolerated. However, standard travel precautions still apply.
- Solo hiking is generally safe on popular trails, but inform someone of your plans and carry a charged phone
- Public transportation is extremely safe at all hours; women commonly travel alone without incident
- Harassment is rare but if it occurs, Swiss bystanders typically intervene; don't hesitate to seek help
- Hotel and hostel accommodations maintain high security standards with key card access and 24-hour reception
- Dress codes are relaxed; wear whatever is comfortable for your activities without concern
- Emergency services take all reports seriously and respond promptly
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if you prefer company for mountain activities
- Trust your instincts—if someone makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation
- Women-only accommodations are available if preferred, though mixed dorms in hostels are perfectly safe
- Evening walks along lakeshores and through town are safe and commonly done by locals and tourists alike
- Swiss men are generally respectful; aggressive approaches or catcalling are very uncommon
- Bars and clubs in Interlaken are safe, though standard precautions apply (watch drinks, stay with friends)
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Switzerland has strong LGBTQ+ protections. Same-sex marriage has been legal since July 2022. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal, and hate crimes are prosecuted. Switzerland ranks among Europe's most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Same-sex couples can openly book double rooms without any issues or discrimination
- Public displays of affection are generally accepted; harassment is rare and not tolerated
- Hotels and tourism businesses are professional and non-discriminatory
- For nightlife, Zurich (1.5 hours away) has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene if desired
- Switzerland's anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals in all public accommodations
- Medical providers are professional and non-judgmental regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- No specific safety concerns for LGBTQ+ travelers beyond standard travel precautions
- Gender-neutral bathrooms are increasingly common in modern facilities
- Transgender travelers should carry documentation matching their gender presentation to avoid issues, though Switzerland is generally progressive
- Swiss Pride events occur in major cities if you're visiting during summer months
- English-speaking LGBTQ+ travelers will find Interlaken welcoming and safe
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL for visiting Interlaken and cannot be overstated. Switzerland has some of the world's highest medical costs, and emergency services are not free. A simple doctor's visit costs CHF 200-300, emergency room treatment can exceed CHF 1,000, and helicopter mountain rescue (common for hiking/skiing accidents) can cost CHF 10,000-25,000. Without insurance, you could face financial ruin from a single incident. Switzerland will treat you but will bill you fully, and these debts are enforceable internationally.