If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, Interlaken is a must-visit destination. It’s known for its beautiful scenery, perfect climate, and plenty of things to do.
To experience the true essence of Interlaken, you should go beyond its city limits and explore its surrounding lakes and mountains. Check out the epic viewpoints at Harder Kulm, Jungfraujoch, and Schynige Platte, or take a day hike in Grindelwald.
Thun Castle
A major eye-catcher of the Zahringer city, Thun Castle boasts four towers that give it a distinct look and incomparable views of the city, Lake Thun and the Alps. This impressive castle is home to a wealth of medieval artifacts that offer an insight into the history of Thun and surrounding areas.
The castle is a popular stop on lake boat tours and is worth a visit. It also hosts a castle museum that is full of fascinating exhibits.
During summer, Schloss Thun is open daily at 10:00 am and costs around 10 CHF per person. It is also possible to visit the museum at other times of the day.
To add a bit of adventure to your Interlaken trip, hop on a historic paddle wheel steamer from Thun to Interlaken and spend the rest of your time exploring the region by water. The route includes stops at St. Beatus Caves and the Beatenbucht stop, which gives easy access to Mt. Niederhorn, while the Interlaken West stop offers great opportunities to explore Spiez and Oberhofen.
Trummelbach Falls
Trummelbach Falls is one of the most spectacular natural sites in Switzerland, and it’s also a must-see for visitors to Interlaken. Here, ten glacial waterfalls cascade into the gorge of one of the cliff faces that frames the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
The water drains the glacial melt from Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. It carries over 20,000 tons of boulders and scree, creating a thunderous sound and gushing out a powerful flow that fills the gorge below.
It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the area, as it takes less than an hour to explore and can be added on to other activities you might want to do in the area.
To get to Trummelbach Falls from Interlaken, hop on the train and take the journey to Lauterbrunnen (about 20 minutes). Once in town, jump on bus #141 that takes you right to the stop for the falls, which is located outside the train station.
Jungfraujoch
Located in the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is the gateway to the Jungfrau region of the Swiss Alps. It is a popular holiday resort during summer and winter, offering hiking and mountain excursions, plus a host of snow sports activities, too.
One of the most iconic spots in Switzerland, a trip to the top of the famous Jungfraujoch is definitely a must-see. The journey to the mountain top is a memorable one, taking you through tunnels carved into the rock and up to a spectacular glacier.
Once you reach the summit, you can take in the views of Europe from a terrace and walk around the ice palace. You can also enjoy a multimedia show called Alpine Sensation.
There are also plenty of other things to do in the area. Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a family trip, Interlaken has something for everyone. If you are planning on spending more than a day at the mountains, consider purchasing a transportation pass. This is a great way to save money and make the most of your time in Interlaken.
Old Town
The main street of the town runs parallel to the Aare River, which flows from Lake Brienz into Lake Thun. It's known as Hoheweg and is lined with hotels and flower-beds.
- Old Town also offers visitors the chance to relive the past through its buildings. Among the most important are the former monastery and castle.
- This medieval settlement is a must-see for anyone who wants to discover the origins of Swiss culture. It's located within a short walk from Interlaken.
- Those visiting in winter will want to take advantage of the ski region, including Grindelwald, First, and Kleine Scheidegg.
- You can get to the region by train, bus or boat. Besides hiking and climbing, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy during your stay in Interlaken.
