Interlaken, Switzerland travel guide

Switzerland's adventure capital. Two turquoise lakes, the Jungfrau peaks, and adrenaline in every direction.

Best time to visit: June-September
Average daily budget: $150 to $350 USD
Ideal trip length: 3 to 4 days

Interlaken sits on a flat valley floor between two brilliant turquoise lakes, Thun and Brienz, with the snow-capped Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau towering above. It's Switzerland's adventure hub, where paragliders drift over the town, cogwheel trains climb to alpine villages, and boats cruise the lakes. Joy Plus organises your mountain excursions, hikes and adrenaline activities around the train timetables and weather windows so you maximise the clear-sky views.

Interlaken itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Take the train to Jungfraujoch. The 'Top of Europe', the highest railway station on the continent.

Afternoon: Explore Interlaken West & East, The two halves of town with stations, hotels and the central Höhematte park.

Evening: Paraglide over the valley. Soar above Interlaken with the lakes and peaks all around.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Visit Lauterbrunnen valley. Staubbach Falls and cliffs that inspired Tolkien's Rivendell.

Afternoon: Explore Höhematte, The huge open meadow in the centre where paragliders land with peak views.

Evening: Ride to Grindelwald-First. Cliff walks, the First Flyer zipline and trails beneath the Eiger.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Cruise Lake Brienz or Thun. Turquoise water, lakeside castles and storybook villages.

Afternoon: Explore Lauterbrunnen, The famous valley of waterfalls and cliffs, a short train ride away.

Evening: Hike Schynige Platte to First. A classic alpine ridge walk with panoramic views.

Best neighbourhoods

Interlaken West & East: The two halves of town with stations, hotels and the central Höhematte park.
Höhematte: The huge open meadow in the centre where paragliders land with peak views.
Lauterbrunnen: The famous valley of waterfalls and cliffs, a short train ride away.
Grindelwald: An alpine resort village beneath the Eiger, gateway to First and the Jungfrau.
Wilderswil: A quiet village at the foot of the Schynige Platte railway.

Must-do experiences

Take the train to Jungfraujoch: The 'Top of Europe', the highest railway station on the continent.
Paraglide over the valley: Soar above Interlaken with the lakes and peaks all around.
Visit Lauterbrunnen valley: Staubbach Falls and cliffs that inspired Tolkien's Rivendell.
Ride to Grindelwald-First: Cliff walks, the First Flyer zipline and trails beneath the Eiger.
Cruise Lake Brienz or Thun: Turquoise water, lakeside castles and storybook villages.
Hike Schynige Platte to First: A classic alpine ridge walk with panoramic views.

Hidden gems

The car-free clifftop village of Mürren, with views straight onto the Jungfrau.
Lake Brienz's Iseltwald, a tiny lakeside hamlet with photogenic jetties.
The Harder Kulm funicular for sunset views over both lakes.
The lesser-known Saxeten valley for quiet meadow hikes.

Daily budget

$150 to $350 USD per day.

What to eat

Swiss cheese fondue and raclette in a mountain chalet
Älplermagronen, the alpine macaroni with apple sauce
Rösti topped with cheese, egg or speck
Lake fish from Brienz or Thun, freshly grilled

Getting around

Interlaken is compact and walkable between its two stations, but the real magic is the famous Swiss mountain railways, cable cars and lake boats. The Jungfrau and Bernese Oberland regions are superbly connected, and travel passes like the Swiss Travel Pass or regional Jungfrau passes can save money on the frequent but pricey trips. Trains run on time, so plan connections precisely. A car is unnecessary and often less convenient than the rail network.

Safety

Interlaken is extremely safe, with the main risks tied to its adventure activities, paragliding, canyoning, skydiving and hiking, so always use reputable operators and respect mountain weather. High-altitude excursions like Jungfraujoch can cause mild altitude effects, so take it easy up top. Alpine weather changes fast, so carry layers and check forecasts. Costs are very high, so budget carefully. Solo travellers, including women, feel completely comfortable here.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Interlaken?

Three to four days is ideal. That gives you time for a major mountain excursion such as Jungfraujoch, a day exploring Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, an adventure activity like paragliding, and a lake cruise or a scenic hike. Because the best mountain trips depend on clear weather, having a few days gives you flexibility to pick the sunniest days. If you only want a taste, two days can cover the highlights at a faster pace.

Is Interlaken good for solo travellers?

Yes, it's one of the best spots in the Alps for solo travel. It's extremely safe, easy to navigate by train, and packed with adventure activities and hostels that make it social and easy to meet other travellers. Group activities like paragliding, canyoning and guided hikes are great for connecting with people. The main consideration is cost, as Switzerland is expensive. Solo women travellers feel completely comfortable here, day and night.

When is the best time to visit Interlaken?

June to September is best for hiking, lake activities and clear mountain views, with long days and green alpine meadows. July and August are busiest and warmest. Late spring and early autumn are quieter and beautiful, though higher trails may still have snow or start to close. Winter (December-March) transforms the region into a ski destination, with nearby resorts like Grindelwald and Wengen, though some summer activities pause.

Is Jungfraujoch worth the trip and cost?

For many visitors, yes, on a clear day. Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', is the highest railway station on the continent, with glaciers, an ice palace and stunning high-alpine views. It is expensive and can be crowded, and views are poor in bad weather, so it's worth checking the forecast and the live webcams before committing. If the summit is clouded over, alternatives like Schilthorn, First or Schynige Platte offer spectacular views for less.

Is Interlaken expensive?

Yes, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, and Interlaken's mountain excursions, restaurants and hotels reflect that. You can manage costs by using travel passes like the Swiss Travel Pass or Jungfrau regional passes, staying in hostels or nearby villages, self-catering some meals, and choosing cheaper viewpoints over the priciest summit trips. Booking trains and activities in advance and travelling in shoulder season also helps reduce the bill.

What adventure activities can you do in Interlaken?

Interlaken is Switzerland's adventure capital. Popular activities include paragliding over the valley, skydiving, canyoning, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and ziplining at Grindelwald-First. In winter there's world-class skiing and snowboarding nearby. There are also gentler options like lake cruises, e-biking and countless hiking trails for all levels. Always book with reputable, licensed operators, as the activities are run to high safety standards but still carry inherent risks.

How do you get to Interlaken?

Interlaken is well connected by Switzerland's superb rail network, with direct or easy connections from Zurich and Geneva airports in around two to three hours, and from Bern in under an hour. The town has two stations, Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost, the latter being the hub for mountain railways. Trains are punctual and scenic, so there's no need to drive. The Golden Pass and other scenic rail routes also pass through the region.

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