13 Highlights Interlaken
- The thundering Giessbach Falls on the south side of Lake Brienz impress with 500m deep falls.
- Lake Brienz with an area of 30 km2 lies northeast of Interlaken
- Lake Thun with an area of 48 km2 is located southwest of Interlaken.
- The Harder Kulm is the local mountain of Interlaken and can be reached by the Harderbahn in eight minutes.
- The Schilthorn with the Piz Gloria is accessible by the Schilthornbahn. The Schilthornbahn in Stechelberg can be reached from Interlaken after 50 min by public transport.
- The Schynige Platte can be reached via Wilderswil (4 min from Interlaken by train). The rack railroad goes up in 50 min and passes 4 tunnels and 8 bridges on the way
- Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are served by excursion boats, including historic paddle steamers.
- The mystical grottoes of the St. Beatushöhle are also regularly visited by pilgrims.
- Grindelwald First with the Cliff Walk can be reached from Interlaken in less than 2 hours.
- The Jungfrau Joch takes about 1.5 hours from Interlaken via Grindelwald. The trip with the Jungfrau Railway takes you to almost 3,500 m above sea level
- More than 45 mountain railroads, cable cars, chair and ski lifts are in the immediate vicinity.
- More than 200 km of ski slopes and a dense network of well-signposted hiking trails all around are within easy reach.
- Interlaken is a Dorado for lovers of activities and nature experiences of all kinds.
Skiing (Photo: MySwitzerland)
Adventure Tour Canyoning Grimsel (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)Excursion destinations Interlaken
The Jungfrau Region around Interlaken offers numerous exciting excursion destinations, which you can reach in different ways.
By the way, with the Jungfrau Travel Pass you can enjoy free travel on the mountain railroads to all attractions within three to eight days. The Winterlaken Card
Harder Kulm
On the Harder Kulm, Interlaken's local mountain, you can experience the most beautiful sunsets and look forward to plenty of photo opportunities. At an altitude of 1,300 meters, there is a viewing platform on which a castle-like restaurant is enthroned. The Harder funicular goes directly from the train station in Interlaken Ost to the Harder Kulm.
Schilthorn
The Schilthornbahn runs as an aerial cableway in three successive sections from Stechelberg to the Schilthorn. The revolving restaurant Piz Gloria at 3000 m above sea level is by far the most popular destination on the Schilthorn. You can get a little closer to the overwhelming mountain panorama via various walks, provided you have a head for heights. On the Schilthorn you will also learn a lot about the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and its actors. It was filmed here in 1969.
Harder Kulm viewing platform (Photo: Interlaken Tourismus)
Schiltgrat Piz Gloria (Photo: Schilthornbahnen)Schynige Platte
The idyllic Schynige Platte is also a popular excursion destination. A fragrant alpine garden with over 700 alpine plants awaits you here at 2000 m above sea level, as well as magnificent panoramic hiking trails. A historic steam locomotive overcomes a whole 1383 meters of altitude on the 7.26 km route. The mountain station is located at 1967 m above sea level. The average gradient of the railroad line is 19 %, within the Gräti tunnel it is even 25 %.
Grindelwald First
The Grindelwald First, on the other hand, attracts visitors with a cliff walk, the crystal-clear Bachalpsee, a 700-square-meter playground at the intermediate gondola station Bort, and the Restaurant First, where you can indulge in regional delicacies on the sun terrace in the midst of the fantastic mountain panorama.
Jungfraujoch
Unforgettable are excursions to the heavily over-firned Jungfraujoch at an altitude of 3,466 meters. It is not for nothing that almost a million people visit Europe's highest railroad station every year, which can be reached by the Jungfraujochbahn. Visitors can expect a breathtaking view of some of the four-thousand-meter peaks in the Bernese Alps. Created by two mountain guides, the unique 1,000 square meter ice palace is also very impressive.
Brienzer Rothorn
Visitors are taken up to the 2,350-meter Brienzer Rothorn by the Brienzer Rothorn cable car and a subsequent aerial cableway. Below the summit there is a picturesque ice lake and the Rothorn Kulm inn, which also offers rooms for overnight stays.
Grottoes of the St. Beatus Cave
Where there are mountains, there are also impressive natural spectacles. The stalactites and mystical grottoes of the St. Beatushöhle above Lake Thun were created over millions of years. A prepared, illuminated path leads about a kilometer through gorges, colorful halls and past underground lakes. Pilgrimage routes run from several boat stations to the cave.
Giessbach Falls
The Giessbach comes from the Faulhorn area and plunges first over 14 steps and then 500m into the depths. The Giessbach Falls are located on the southeastern shore of Lake Brienz. A hiking trail leads to the waterfall. You can also walk directly under the waterfall via this path. The upper steps of the waterfall were already named after Bernese heroes in the 19th century.
Giessbach Falls (Photo: MySwitzerland)
St Beatus Caves (Photo: MySwitzerland)How to spend three perfect days in Interlaken
Interlaken is one of those places that are on the priority list of almost every foreign visitor. And for good reason. The town "between the lakes" is a very popular tourist destination. It is an ideal starting point for trips to the Bernese Alps and other interesting, exciting and impressive places
To help you plan your trip, we have put together this short travel guide. We give you some ideas of what you can do in Interlaken.
Day 1: Visit Jungfraujoch - aka Top of Europe
Yes, it is expensive to visit Jungfraujoch. Yes, it gets busy up there. And yes, with over 8000 mountain peaks across Switzerland, you are very likely to find a more affordable place with a spectacular view.
But let us assure you: Jungfraujoch is worth every cent!
Just the ride up itself to Europe’s highest railway station will leave you breathless. It’s an absolute piece of art. To think they built this steep cogwheel railway through the massif of Mount Mönch over 100 years ago is impressive, to say the least.
Once you reach the top, you will be amazed by the views over the Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland’s largest glacier. The highly recommended one-hour walk to Mönchsjoch hut will spoil you with even more high alpine photo opportunities. And the peaceful atmosphere in the snow will likely blow you away all year round.
But enough with the spoilers. To find out more, we have specifically put together an article with 12 tips for your first trip to Jungfraujoch.
Once you get back from your visit, we recommend you take it easy for the rest of the day, as the altitude and the thin air have a tendency to make you very tired. If you still have it in you, catch the funicular to Harder Kulm, also known as Top of Interlaken. You’ll be met with even more spectacular views over Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and the complete alpine panorama of the Jungfrauregion.
Alternatively, take a relaxed stroll along the River Aare or one of the lakes before settling for a nice dinner in Interlaken.
Swiss Activities Offer:
View on the Jungfraujoch (Photo: Seraina Zellweger)
Mönchsjochhütte (Photo: Mathias Graf)Day 2: Action, views and narrow gorges
Try to rise early today and catch the train to Brienz, which takes roughly 20 minutes to get to. Right next to the train station, you’ll see the steam train that’s going up to Brienzer Rothorn.
Visit Brienzer Rothorn in the morning
Today, you’re visiting the highest point of the Canton Lucerne at 2350 m.a.s.l. Getting up to Brienzer Rothorn on this historical steam train takes just over an hour and is something you won’t likely forget anytime soon. The views awaiting you here are, once again, spectacular. But completely different from the ones you saw on day one at Jungfraujoch.
The crystal clear and turquoise Lake Brienz will accompany you all the way. And on a clear day, you’ll get a view over 690 Swiss mountain peaks at the top. This is the perfect place to enjoy a nice lunch before heading back down.
The two activities we recommend in the afternoon are a speedy jetboat ride on Lake Brienz and the visit of the impressive Aare Gorge. Which one you do first depends on your timing and your preferences.
Swiss Activities Offer:
Steam railroad Brienzer Rothorn (Photo: Brienz Rothorn Bahn AG
View Brienzer Rothorn (Photo: Brienz Rothorn Bahn AGAfternoon: Visit the Aare Gorge
The Aare Gorge is a 1400 metres long and 200 metres deep natural wonder. Through well secured and easy to walk paths and tunnels, you’ll be passing through this narrow gorge. For roughly 45 minutes, you’ll enjoy the cool temperatures and the mystical atmosphere by the River Aare.
You can visit the gorge every day between April and October, even if the weather isn’t too good. The large water masses are even more impressive on a rainy day or after a couple of days with heavy rain.
Getting from Brienz to Aareschlucht Ost station takes 25 minutes on the train. Get off at Aareschlucht Ost, walk through the gorge and jump on the train back to Brienz at Aareschlucht West. In case you’re travelling by car, you’ll find parking lots at both entrances.
Footpath in the Aare Gorge (Photo: Seraina Zellweger)
Aare Gorge (Photo: Seraina Zellweger)Jetboat ride on Lake Brienz
Going on a jetboat ride is something you just cannot miss if you’re into speedy spins and an exciting adventure on a turquoise lake.
Your local captain will take you across the lake to the impressive Giessbach waterfalls and tell you interesting facts about this region. On the way there, you’ll be doing spins and turns on the lake. Your chances of getting wet in the process are just under 100%. But don’t worry, you’ll be equipped with waterproof pants, a jacket and a lifejacket.
The jetboat leaves its base in Bönigen next to Interlaken. So catch the train in Brienz back to Interlaken and hop on the bus to Bönigen.
Swiss Activities Offer:
Swiss Activites jet boating (Photo: Pirate Bay Nautical Center)
Jetboat Lake Brienz (Photo: Mathias Graf)Day 3: Even more action and views
Have you ever jumped out of a helicopter and hurtled toward the ground for 40 seconds? If not, today is your day. Grab a breakfast (as light as possible) and make your way to Wilderswil. Here, Christian and his crew are passionate about running a business called Skydive Interlaken.
The Jump Masters are all incredibly experienced and some of them have already completed up to 13'000 jumps. You're definitely in good hands here.
Morning: Skydiving
After a short safety briefing you will be taken to the nearby helicopter base. From here you will enjoy a panoramic flight over the Bernese Alps until you have reached the right altitude for your jump. Leon and Dennis from our team dared to do this jump during our first team week in May 2022. Read more about Leon's experience in his article about skydiving in Interlaken.
Falling towards the ground at 200 km/h may be a bit extreme for you at best. If you still want to experience Interlaken from a bird's eye view, you can book one of the many paragliding flights around Interlaken instead. In any case, we recommend that you leave the ground at least once during your stay in Interlaken and take a sightseeing flight.
Swiss Activities Offers:
Dennis at the Skydive (Photo: Skydive Interlaken)
Landing after the parachute jump (Photo: Seraina Zellweger)Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Thun in the afternoon
Chances are, your adrenaline level will need some time to readjust after your crazy morning. That’s why the afternoon is all about taking it slow. Hop on one of the passenger ships on Lake Thun and enjoy a very relaxing and slow cruise on one of the prettiest lakes in Switzerland.
As you get to Beatenbucht, get off board and walk up to Saint Beatus Caves. These caves are fascinating to visit. A well-built and illuminated path leads you roughly one kilometre into the massif of Mount Niederhorn. On the way, you’ll be exploring incredibly old natural wonders like stalactites, stalagmites and underground streams.
Once you’re done with your visit, either catch the bus back to Interlaken or get on the passenger ship if your schedule allows.
Swiss Activities Offer:
Lake Thun (Photo: Seraina Zellweger)
Beatus Caves (Photo: Seraina Zellweger)Activities in Interlaken
The Swiss vacation region between mountains and lakes forms a center of the eastern Bernese Oberland. It is an ideal destination to practice various sports activities all year round. Every season has its special charms in this atmospheric natural landscape.
Active vacationers can experience the region in various ways, be it on water, on land or in the air. There are numerous providers who have everything from guided hikes to canyoning in their program
If you want to take a break and recover from the worries of everyday life, you will find idyllic retreats and special excursions that will bring you close to nature.
Paragliding Tandem (Photo: Paragliding Interlaken)
Canyoning Grimsel (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)Lakes Brienz and Thun offer a unique water sports world with fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Surrounded by the fresh water breeze, you can practice both traditional and new water sports and explore the two bodies of water in your very own way. You can also practice water activities on the rivers like the Aare or the Lütschine.
Canoeing and SUP in Interlaken
Canoeing is possible in Interlaken all year round. Between Leissigen near Interlaken and the Delta Park near Gwatt, there is a canoe trail in the southern part of Lake Thun that is about 17 kilometers long and can be divided into stages as desired. You can rent canoes at four different stations.
You can also explore the impressive canoe route, which passes picturesque villages and idyllic bays, by Stand Up Paddling (SUP). On Lake Brienz, a separate paddle trail with several routes has also been designed. On Lake Thun you can take an advanced course in SUP Interlaken.
Kayak and Aare Böötle
Lake Brienz is also well suited for kayaking. By kayak, for example, you can get very close to the breathtaking rock face popular with climbers. It is located on the south side of Lake Brienz. You can also reach the Giessbach Falls and the Snail Island very well by kayak.
In summer people like to take the rubber dinghy on the Aare in Interlaken. At the Böötle you get in at one point of the river and let yourself drift. Between Thun and Bern is the most popular stretch for this. Guided Böötle for small groups let you experience the pleasure even more relaxed.
Jetboat and excursion boat trip Interlaken
If you like it a bit faster and more lively, book an exciting trip on a jet boat. The trip takes you across Lake Brienz at high speed and includes action-packed 360-degree turns. Especially in winter, a jetboat ride is an experience. The view goes thereby on the snow-covered mountain tops.
With the excursion boat, you sail across the lakes in a very relaxed way and enjoy the landscape. With a day ticket for Lake Thun and Lake Brienz you have the opportunity to experience both lakes at once.
Boat tour (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Kayak tour (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)Water sports centers and swimming in Interlaken
You can also go wakeboarding, waterskiing and windsurfing in any of the towns around Lakes Thun and Brienz, be it Spiez, Gunten, Thun, Leissigen, Iseltwald or Brienz. There are several water sports centers where you can rent the equipment you need, participate in courses and guided excursions.
Of course, you can also enjoy the lake scenery of Interlaken while swimming in the 17 lidos of the region.
Rafting and Canyoning in Interlaken
Unforgettable is the adventurous river rafting, where you conquer the wild mountain rivers of the region with paddle and rubber dinghy. Together with family, friends and a guide you will go through rushing rapids, past thundering waterfalls and through a breathtaking landscape. Rafting from Interlaken takes place mostly on the Lütschine, but also on the Simme.
Similarly impressive is the Canyoning in Interlaken, for which there are countless variations. Depending on how much of a challenge you are looking for, the unique outdoor experience is adapted by the providers to the desired level of difficulty. From safe beginner tours to challenging canyons, everything is possible in the Interlaken region. Popular here, for example, are the Saxeten Gorge and the Chli Schliere Canyon at the Grimsel mountain pass.
Canyoning Grimsel (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Canyoning Slide Fun Chli Schliere (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)Hiking, mountain hiking and glacier hiking in Interlaken
The best way to experience a wild and romantic mountain world is by hiking. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe already knew: "Only where you have been on foot have you really been." And after all, just like his contemporary, the composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, the great poet himself was a frequent visitor to Interlaken
For hiking in Interlaken, hikers can choose from an extensive network of hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty and numerous signposted theme trails.
Some beautiful hiking trails:
- Ferry station Iseltwald to the Giessbach Falls and back: By ferry from Interlaken, 12 km, 3.5 hours, 290 meters altitude difference. The moderately difficult hiking route leads directly along the southern shore of Lake Brienz
- Brienz to the Giessbach Falls and back: by train from Interlaken Ost to Brienz (16 min), 12.3 km, 3.5 hours, 280 vertical meters. The medium-difficulty hiking route also leads directly along the southern shore of Lake Brienz
- Schynige Platte circular route via Daube vantage point and the Leiterweg with views of Lake Brienz, 6 km, 2 hours, 150 m difference in altitude (moderately difficult)
- From Interlaken Ost to the Harder Kulm: 9 km, 4 hours, 720 meters altitude difference (moderately difficult, but good physical condition required. Return with the Harderbahn.
- Lakeside trail on Lake Thun: between Merligen and Interlaken, below the Beatenberg on the north shore of Lake Thun
The spectacular ridge walks on steep high-altitude trails are ideal for mountain hikers. Passionate hikers visit the mighty Augstmatthorn, which towers directly above Lake Brienz. It offers a fantastic view over the lake valley of Interlaken
- Augstmatthorn: start at the mountain station of the Harder cable car, end in Habkern, 15 km, 6 hrs, 1050 meters ascent, 1300 meters descent. The trail often zigzags, making it less strenuous. Stops along the way: Wannichnubel, Ringgenberg with the Burgseeli, Roteflue, over the ridge height to Horetegg (magnificent panoramic view).Further along the ridge path to Tritt, over the Suggiture to the Augstmatthorn. Here you can see numerous ibexes. Very steeply it goes over an alpine ridge into the valley to the parking lot Lombachalp. Over the Wiesenrain, via Schwendallmi to the Bol bridge and to Habkern.
The Morgenberghorn is also a popular hiking destination for hiking professionals who appreciate the challenge.
An unforgettable experience is a guided glacier hike as an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch
Climbing spots and climbing hall Interlaken
One of the most famous spots for climbing in Interlaken is the Hintisberg. Challenging routes for climbing can also be found near Neuhaus. Adrenalin junkies should try the deep water soloing in Sundlauenen, which can only be reached by rubber dinghy.
Climbing hall Interlaken
Open year-round, Interlaken has an indoor climbing gym that offers 820 m2 of climbing space. The difficulty levels range from 4a to 8a. There is also a bouldering grotto here. Climbing courses are offered for beginners.
Climbing and bouldering around Interlaken
| climbing spot | difficulty | rock | characteristics | number of routes | best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hintisberg | 3c to 5b | limestone | steep wall climbing with numerous slabs and roofs | 77 over 6 sectors | summer to early autumn |
| Neuhaus | 4c to 7a | Quarzy limestone | for hardmovers (full body) | 60 | spring and autumn |
| Sundlauenen | 4c to 7a | Lime | Deep Water Soloing (free solo climbing over deep water) | 8 in 2 sectors | Summer |
Hintisberg
From Interlaken you drive through the Lütschental towards Grindelwald and turn left at Hotel Stalden near Burglauenen. Follow the mountain road until you reach the parking lot
Access: You walk along the road until you reach a grassy ridge. Here the hiking trail runs in the direction of Mändlenen. Before the first telephone pole turn left and follow the path. Cross two small streams to reach the foot of the wall.
Neuhaus
You reach the Hintere Ey from Interlaken in 15 min. There you take the routes 11, 6 and 9.
Access: Cross the bridge at the parking lot and walk left along the river. After about 15 minutes you have reached the rock
Sundlauenen
To Sundlauenen you can take the bus and get off at the bus stop Pilgerweg. By car you drive to the parking bay shortly behind the Hotel Beatus
Access: You get from the bus stop in 5 min to the Schiffländte. Then you paddle about 200 m with the paddle boat in the direction of Thun to the rocks.
Climbing (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Climbing on the rock (Photo: Interlaken Tourismus)Canyon Swing, Bungee Jumping and Rope Park Interlaken
Bungee jumping on the Stockhorn to the west of Lake Thun offers plenty of action. However, this means a 45-minute drive for you. But there are guided tours from Interlaken. First you go by gondola to a height of 138 meters and then you fly in free fall towards the water of the Stockensee.
After all, at 90 meters is the platform in the Black Walls near Grindelwald, from which you swing with a rope at a speed of 120km / h through the narrow glacier gorge.
Not quite so high up is the Seilpark Interlaken, an adventurous forest playground with rope slides, Tarzan swings and wooden bridges. Not only children enjoy a trip to the Adventure Park.
Canyon Swing (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Rope Park (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)Paragliding and skydiving in Interlaken
To experience Interlaken from above, you don't necessarily have to use a helicopter.
Parachuting including a sightseeing flight over Interlaken and over the trio of peaks Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger is exciting. But the region also offers other parachute jumps. From 4,000 meters you then dare to jump with the parachute on your back.
By the way, paragliding is becoming more and more popular in Interlaken. How about an atmospheric evening flight at sunset or a 40-minute thermal flight high above the Jungfrau region?
There are also combination offers such as Spin and Fly, which combines a speedy ride on a jet boat followed by a tandem flight, or a Funky Chocolate Flight, which includes an additional visit to a high-quality Swiss chocolatier. Several paragliding operators, who also offer flying with delta gliders, serve different take-off spots.
Beatenberg paragliding (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Skydive Interlaken (Photo: Skydive Interlaken)Mountain bike, monster scooter or e-bike in Interlaken
With a mountain bike you can conquer the peaks of the fantastic mountain world. In the Diemtigtal Nature Park and in Schwanden near Brienz, you can go downhill on prepared trails through the stunning mountain panorama. The paths along the lakeshores are used for cycling in Interlaken by pleasure cyclists, who travel by city bike or e-bike. For racing cyclists, the serpentine mountain roads are ideal. Guided tours by e-bike start in Interlaken.
You can ride the Monster Scooter down the mountain from Isenfluh. Guided tours are offered from Matten near Interlaken.
Interlaken mountain railroads
Those who prefer to explore this fantastic region at a leisurely pace can let the 45 cable cars, mountain railroads, chairlifts and ski lifts take you to the summits. At certain stations, you can switch to a different mountain railroad each time and be taken all the way to the snow-covered Jungfraujoch if you wish.
While the mountain railroads are used by hikers from spring to fall, in winter it's the skiers and snowboarders. After all, there are five snow-sure ski areas in the region with 200 kilometers of excellently groomed slopes and family-friendly offers.
E-bike Lauterbrunnen (Photo: Flying Wheels)
Monster Scooter Isenfluh (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)Skiing, snowboarding, ski touring and cross-country skiing in Interlaken
From Interlaken you can reach several large and small ski resorts within a short time.
Ski resorts in and around Interlaken
| Ski resorts | Piste km | Altitude (m a.s.l.) | Number of lifts/lifts | Distance from Interlaken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axalp ob Brienz | 15 | 1400 to 2000 | 4 | 28km |
| Niederhorn-Beatenberg | 6 | 1120-1950 | 3 | 10km |
| Habkern-Sattelegg | 8 | 1100-1485 | 2 | 8km |
| Hohwald-Beatenberg-Waldegg | 4 | 1245-1580 | 4 | 11km |
| kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen-Grindelwald/Wengen | 102 | 944-2320 | 24 | 12km |
| Schilthorb-Mürren/Lauterbrunnen | 54 | 796-2970 | 16 | 12km |
| First Grindelwald | 49 | 1050-2500 | 10 | 20km |
If the ski areas in the Interlaken vacation region seem too small for you, you can also very quickly get to the huge ski areas in the surrounding area
Winter hiking, snowshoeing and sledding in Interlaken
Besides skiing or snowboarding, you can also go winter hiking or snowshoeing in Interlaken. The tours are easily accessible around the lakes and in the mountains of the area. Guided snowshoe tours are offered from Matten near Interlaken also for Isenfluh.
A special excursion is a snowshoe hike including a sledge ride and fondue. It is also offered from Matten near Interlaken for Isenfluh. A 4km long toboggan run for families awaits you as a guided tour in Sulwald near Isenfluh.
70 km of toboggan runs can be reached from Interlaken. Many toboggan runs are also opened for night sledging. The mountain railroads and restaurants are open then. Not all toboggan runs are illuminated then, so you better bring a headlamp.
Some selected sledding trails in Interlaken:
- Niederhorn: with the mountain railroad to the top, descent from the top station to the middle station (fondue possible, on Fridays and Saturdays also at night)
- Axalp: by post bus to Axalp, by chair lift to Windegg, 3km downhill to Dotzweg (Rösti on the way at Restaurant Hilten)
- Wiriehorn in the nature park Diemtigtal: with the mountain railroad to the top, from the top station Nüegg 5km through the fir forest down to the valley (on Fridays at night)
- Grimmialp in the Diemtigtal Nature Park: for children at the snow playground Schlaraffenland (land of milk and honey)
Snowshoeing (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Niederhorn star sledding (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)Events Interlaken
Throughout the year, exciting events are organized between Thun and Brienz. From sports to art and music to culinary delights, one or more events are dedicated to each theme. One of the top events, for example, is the annual Greenfield Festival at the Interlaken airfield, which brings international rock and pop stars to the stage.
The Brienzersee Rockfestival features mostly regional musicians, but the atmosphere is still incredible in the evening hours right on the lake. For classical music fans, there are the Thunerseespiele on a specially designed water stage and the Interlaken Classics, which last several weeks and feature concerts at various venues.
You should definitely see the spectacular stunts of the freestyle mountain bikers at the Swatch Rocket Air. The breathtaking show is accompanied by workshops and culinary highlights.
The best of the best compete at the Ironman Switzerland Thun, the Inferno Triathlon from Thun to the Schilthorn and the International Jungfrau Marathon.
The fact that the Swiss are a down-to-earth people can be seen in the many traditional events. These include the Chästeilet in Justistal, where the best cheese of the Jungfrau region is chosen, and the Alpabzug every September in the idyllic Suldtal. Not only can you marvel at the colorfully decorated animals, but you can also sample some of the region's delicacies.
The Christmas markets in the villages of the region are almost fairytale-like with their wintery-romantic charm.
Ironman Switzerland Thun (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)
Inferno Triathlon Thun (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)Hotels Interlaken
You will find far more than 1000 hotels and overnight accommodations in and around Interlaken. More than half of the hotels and guesthouses are 3-star establishments, also in the 4-star range you will find many overnight accommodations. Twenty hotels in Interlaken have a SPA and wellness area. As many as 34 hotels in Interlaken have integrated a swimming pool.
Hotel Golday
Located directly on the Aare is the three-star Hotel Golday. It is an aparthotel with breakfast and offers a beautiful view of the Jungfrau massif from the breakfast room. Directly on the shore and promenade of the Aare, the hotel is located in the district of Unterseen. From the center of Interlaken you can reach it in five minutes by foot. 14 comfortable apartments have 2 - 4 rooms each.
Walters Hostel Interlaken
The Walters Hostel is ideal for people on a budget. Here you still don't have to sleep in a common room. There are twin rooms with shared bathrooms. The hostel is located in the heart of Interlaken, just 800 meters from Jungfraupark.
Restaurants Interlaken
There are more than 200 restaurants and bars in Interlaken and the surrounding area. The dishes offered are as varied as their price ranges. There are Swiss specialties as well as oriental cuisine. Almost all restaurants have one thing in common they offer fresh and regional products. Some restaurants offer beautiful sun terraces with panoramic views. Others score points with an atmospheric and rustic atmosphere.
The Beach Cafe Bönigen
The Beach Cafe Bönigen with pools and beach for the summer is located directly on Lake Brienz.The food in the restaurant is international and also vegetarian. A large children's playground and bicycle parking are also available. Access is possible everywhere with strollers and wheelchairs. A winter garden is available for cooler days. It is open from mid-April to the end of September.
Restaurant Luegibrüggli
The restaurant Luegibrüggli is located in Unterseen. It also has guest rooms and is also barrier-free. The restaurant serves regional and vegetarian cuisine. A beautiful beer garden belongs to the restaurant. Open also in winter with rest days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Hotel Golday (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)
Cafe Beach Bönigen (Photo: Interlaken Tourism)Arrival to Interlaken
Interlaken is very centrally located in Switzerland.
Car
The municipality of Interlaken is conveniently located in the Bernese Oberland and can be reached by car via several pass roads and via the A8 from Valais, Uri and Lucerne. It is also possible to get there by car or by train through the two valleys of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, which branch off from Interlaken.
Public transport
Trains from Zurich, Bern, Basel and Geneva run to Interlaken every half hour, providing excellent connections to the Swiss airports. Depending on the departure station, you can be in the Jungfrau Region within 45 minutes to a maximum of three hours. The best means of transportation on site are the numerous mountain railroads, with which you can reach every mountain region around Interlaken.