thrillophilia-logo
INR
Login

Interlaken

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Interlaken

Interlaken is a quintessential Swiss town that sits in the lap of the majestic Alps. The long-fabled mountains surrounding the town have welcomed visitors for over a hundred years, making Interlaken the much-visited destination that it is today. The unparalleled scenic beauty of the Swiss Alps along with its rich culture and a very quaint, small-town vibe make Interlaken a holiday-maker's paradise.

From its azure lakes to snow-capped mountains, Interlaken has a lot to offer! The old heart of the town, its centre is dotted with buildings that date back centuries. You can walk past old hotels, quirky cafes, and chocolate-making workshops here. Just like the rest of Switzerland, Interlaken also has an enviable variety of cheese that you must try on your Switzerland tour. As far as culture is concerned, Interlaken has loads of it, including ancient musical instruments, colourful traditional dresses, and local food. If you are lucky, you will be able to have a glimpse into all of these on a walk through the town.

If you love nature and would love to go on hikes and treks on your trip to Interlaken, then you have landed at the right place. You can catch one of over 45 cable cars that leave from Interlaken and get off at a different destination, allowing you access to hundreds of trails, summits, cliff-fronts, caves, waterfalls and more! There are trails that would take you through old villages, trails that run along Lakeshores and trails that go up the mountain tops. Whether you are here to enjoy the luxurious holiday destination of the Victorians or want to get your heart pumping with some amazing adventure sports, Interlaken has everything.

You can stand at the highest point of the continent or float down rivers, you can enjoy a private spa by a lake or glide through the air. Its beautiful landscape is steeped in history, myth, and legend and you will find everything from dragons to castles and old convents here. Interlaken has something for everyone!

Read More

Interlaken FAQ's

Which are the major tourist attractions in Interlaken?

1. Bernatone Alphornbau: If you want to skip the touristy sites and experience the traditional side of Switzerland, then you must visit the workshop run by the master alphorn maker, Heinz Tschiemer. Here, you can watch the alphorns being made, learn about their traditional significance and get yourself one! There also are several other bigger and smaller musical instruments to choose from. It is a unique experience, the likes of which are hard to find outside Switzerland. 

Location: Im Holz, 3804 Habkern, Switzerland
Timings: Open 24 hours

2. Harder Kulm: Harder Kulm is the nearest mountain to the city of Interlaken and takes only a 10-minute ride on a 100-year-old funicular railway to reach. Standing at a height of 1322 metres above sea level, the mountain affords breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks of Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch. If you are not afraid of heights, you can enjoy even better views of this masterpiece of nature from the overhanging Two-Lakes-Bridge or Zwei-Seen-Steg. 

Location: Harder Kulm, 3800 Unterseen, Switzerland
Entrance Fee: Free
Timings: The funicular railway runs every day from 9:10 AM to 9:40 PM

Check Out & Book Now: Harder Kulm Tickets

3. St Beatus Caves: A half an hour-long bus or train ride from Interlaken West would bring you to these millennia-old caves that are seeped into Interlaken's culture and lore. It is believed that in the 6th century, a beastly dragon hid in these very caves to escape the wrath of St. Beatus, a monk, and was eventually beaten on this very site.

Today, you can enjoy walks through these almost kilometre-long caves which are lit to showcase the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. The walkways are lit by LED lights to offer better views of the natural formations and make for an interesting tour. The place also has a museum where you can learn about the history, geology and tourism-related information of these caves. 

Location: 3800 Beatenberg, Switzerland
Entrance Fee:
- Adult: CHF 18 or Rs. 1,322
- Child: CHF 10 or Rs. 735
Timings: 9:45 AM to 5:00 PM

4. Heimwehfluh: After getting off at the Interlaken West station, you can literally walk to the cable car station which will take you up to Heimwehfluh. Heimwehfluh is a hill sitting at an altitude of 680 metres above sea level, from the top of which you can enjoy the magnificent scenery. There is a restaurant at the top from where you get panoramic views of the surrounding peaks while sipping on your coffee at the restaurant.

 It is especially fun for the kids as they can play and run around at the adventure playground situated close to the cafe. The highlight, however, is the sledging run which takes people of all ages sledging down the slopes of the hill, passing through forests! You can choose the speed at which you want to sledge down the incline making it a fun activity for all! 

Location: Heimwehfluh Str. 60, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
Entrance Fee: Free
Timings: Model Railway, Sledge Run: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

5. Tourism Museum: Tourists have been enjoying the scenic beauty of Interlaken and the entire region known as the Bernese Oberland for more than the last five hundred years. This is the first museum of its kind in Interlaken that talks about the history of tourism in the region. The exhibit stretches to all three floors of the museum and covers everything from railways, local culture, mountaineering and local industry! Some of the older displays include curios like everyday objects from a luxury hotel in the 1900s. 

Location: Obere G. 28, 3800 Unterseen, Switzerland
Entrance Fee:
- Adult: CHF - 5 or Rs 366
- Child: CHF - 2 or Rs 147
Timings: Wednesday to Sunday- 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM 

6. Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe: Jungfrau is the highest peak in the entire continent and a day trip from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch will afford you the best of Alpine scenery. You can reach Grindelwald from Interlaken by train and then take the historic cogwheel train to the Jungfraujoch pass.

Here, you will arrive at the Jungfrau railway station, the highest railway station in the entire Europe. At the top, you will be able to view the stunning vistas of the snow-capped peaks of Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau. Here, you can immerse in the magnificence of Europe's longest glacier and walk through it to the ice palace. You can also visit the Sphinx Observatory, which is one of the highest in Europe! 

Location: Jungfraujoch3823 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Entrance Fee: CHF 20 or Rs. 1,468
Timings: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM 

Checkout & BookZurich to Jungfraujoch Day Trip

7. Höhematte Park: This is a 14-acre park situated right in the heart of the town and is a popular leisure spot for both locals and tourists. The land which once belonged to the Augustinian convent was acquired by a group of hoteliers back in 1860 to retain the scenic beauty around their hotels.

The 150-year-old Victoria Jungfrau Hotel still sits at the site and is a major tourist landmark. The beautifully manicured park has blooms of various colours with the backdrop of the Jungfrau peak, making it a scenic destination. When here, you can choose to grab a coffee from the Kursaal and watch the paragliders descend in the park! 

Location: 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
Entrance Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours 

8. Schynige Platte: If you are in the mood to get out of town and stretch some muscles, then there is no better place than Schynige Platte. A five-minute walk from the Central railway station at Interlaken will take you to the rack railroad. This particular railroad has been in operation since 1893, taking visitors through some impressive scenery.

The ride lasts for about an hour and passes through the alps, offering you changing vistas of the peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau and also the Lake Thun. Once at the top, you can go on a 45-minute long easy walking trail which will take you through picturesque Alpine gardens with over 600 types of flowers and high-altitude plants! 

Location: 3812 Gündlischwand, Switzerland
Entrance Fee: Rs 4,834 for a guided tour
Timings:
- Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:15 PM & 2:15 PM to 7:00 PM

Also CheckoutSwitzerland Tour Package

What can we do in Interlaken in 1 day?

1. Take a Funicular to Harder Kulm: When in Interlaken, you can enjoy a scenic funicular ride to the top of the Harder Kulm mountain. The ten-minute long ride takes you to the top of Interlaken, standing at a height of 1,322 meters above sea level. You can enjoy spectacular views of the lakes and neighboring peaks from the cable car. 

2. Go Kayaking in Lake Brienz: There is no better way to enjoy the calm, blue waters and majestic mountain scenery surrounding Lake Brienz than by taking a kayak. You can choose to kayak with a partner or go out on your own and soak in the peace and quiet of the place. 

3. Enjoy a picnic at Giessbach Waterfalls: You can make your way to the lovely Giessbach Waterfalls and enjoy a picnic spread with the family. It is also an excellent spot for taking insta-worthy pictures! 

4. Trek to Iseltwald: An easy, leisurely lakeshore trek will take you to the quaint mountain village of Iseltwald. Here you can dive into the local culture and enjoy untouched scenery.

5. Visit the St Beatus Caves: You can visit this kilometer-long complex of interconnected caves that have existed for millennia. The place also has a museum where you can learn more about the history, legend and geology of the place.

Must Checkout: 
Europe Trip Packages

What is Interlaken known for?

Interlaken has been a favourite amongst tourists for centuries. The spectacular scenery comprising of snow-capped mountains and blue lakes is second to none! It is a quintessential Swiss city where you can buy Swiss speciality items from chocolates, watches to cheese. It also offers the perfect approach to the world-famous Jungfrau region with over 45 ski lifts taking you to different parts of the Alpine scenery.

What is there to do in Interlaken in winter?

1. Paragliding: Paragliding is one of the most popular adventure sports in Interlaken. The place offers both tandem and solo paragliding opportunities where you can enjoy unparalleled bird’s-eye views of the town as you descend! 

2. Cruising: You can go cruising on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, even in the winter. You will be provided with warm suits and all the instructions to have an enjoyable trip. 

3. Skiing: Interlaken is surrounded by beautiful Alpine mountains which lend themselves to some of the most memorable skiing experiences in the entire continent. 

Which are the best water sports to try in Interlaken?

1. Kayaking: Kayaking in the two vast lakes of Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is an activity that can be performed in both summers and winters. You can hire a kayak and other gear if you have some prior experience or join a guided tour. The tour instructor will provide all the gear and give instructions before you get in the water.

2. Canyoning: Canyoning is extreme water support which you can try when in Interlaken. The rugged landscape, twisting canyons and numerous waterfalls and streams make for an excellent canyoning experience. You can join a group or choose to rent out the necessary gear if you have prior experience. 

3. Rafting: For all the adrenaline junkies visiting Interlaken, rafting, be it tandem or independent, is a must thing to try! You can choose to ride the waters of the mighty Lütschine as it flows down the Alps or choose the Simme to try out your skills. 

4. Jet-boating: Nothing compares to the thrills of riding the waves as you speed through the lakes of Interlaken. Jet-boating in Interlaken encompasses a ride on a powerful jet-boat as you visit far-flung attractions across the town, including Iseltwald, Giessbach falls, and more!

Also Checkout: Europe Tour Packages For Couple

How is the weather in Interlaken?

The overall climate in Interlaken is a cold and dry one. The months between June and August are the most pleasant ones with the temperatures peaking in July. The temperatures during these months stay, more or less, around 20 degrees to 25 degrees.

The coldest month, on the other hand, is January and the driest month is February. Temperatures can drop below freezing during the winter months. If you do not like travelling during the rains, avoid visiting during July as it is the wettest month in the year.

How to reach Interlaken?

Interlaken has excellent connectivity not only to the other major towns in Switzerland but also to other major cities in Europe. You can choose to take a train or bus or drive to Interlaken. 

By Air: The nearest airport is in Bern, the national capital, and can be reached by a 45-minute long car ride. If you are flying in from an international destination, you will land at the Zurich International Airport which is a 2-hour long train ride away. 

By Road: Interlaken has excellent connectivity by road and you can always choose to drive or take a bus to Geneva. If money is not a concern, then taking a cab is also a good option. 

By Train: If you are traveling from Bern, you can catch a direct train to Interlaken which will take a little over 45 minutes. Other major cities like Zurich, Zermatt and Geneva don't have direct trains to Interlaken, but you can always take a train to Bern and then change for Interlaken.

Do I need a visa for Interlaken?

Only citizens belonging to the EU, EEA and the Schengen area are exempt from visas when arriving in Interlaken and that too for a stay of up to 90 days. Rest, every other country's citizens require a visa to enter Interlaken and Switzerland in general.

Is Interlaken worth visiting?

Interlaken is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire continent and is dotted with remnants from its rich history and culture. If you are planning to visit the Jungfrau region or spend time at Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, you might want to stop over at Interlaken. It is a quintessential European town and has cobbled streets, churches, forts and castles.

How do I get from Jungfrau to Interlaken?

Regular cable cars run between Jungfrau and Interlaken and take around two hours with two changes. The first one is at Lauterbrunnen and the other one is at Kleine Scheidegg, with stopping times of about ten minutes each.

What is the best time to visit Interlaken?

Interlaken is a year-round travel destination and each season has its own perks. You can decide upon the best time to travel based on what you want to do when you get to Interlaken. For all winter sports enthusiasts, the months between December to March are the best to visit Interlaken. 

If you would like more moderate weather, then the months between June and September are the best for visiting. You can go on numerous hikes and treks in the surrounding mountains, visit the waterfalls and take leisurely strolls around the town. Lake cruises are also more enjoyable around this time and visiting the Jungfrau region is much more comfortable.

What are the essential items that one must pack while travelling to Interlaken?

- A pair of walking shoes 
- A warm jacket for the evenings 
- A fleece or light jacket for the day 
- A rain jacket just in case it rains 
- A bag with water and some snacks 
- Sunglasses for your eyes 
- Sunscreen with a good SPF level
- Moisturizer for your face, body and lips 
- A knit hat to protect your head and ears
- Hiking boots if you plan to hike 
- Extra pairs of socks in case they get wet 
- A swimsuit if you plan to swim in the lakes

How do I get from Geneva to Interlaken?

You can choose to take a train from Geneva to Interlaken or drive the distance. The train takes around two hours and forty-five minutes on average. Driving between the two cities takes around two hours and twenty minutes.

Interlaken Reviews

review-img
Durgeshwari Deshpande
Reviewed: 12 Jun 2022
5.0/5
This was my first time paragliding, and it was the best experience of my whole life. The guides were very helpful and professional, and the sceneries of Interlaken were straight out of a movie and all thanks to Thrillophilia for giving such amazing deals.
review-img
Abhishek Saxena
Reviewed: 12 Apr 2022
5.0/5
We booked our trip to Jungfraujoch from Thrillophilia, and we were really happy with our experience. The booking process was quite easy, and the trip was super smooth. We didn’t have to wait in line to purchase any tickets, which was quite a relief considering the cold!
review-img
Geetanjali Sethi
Reviewed: 18 Jul 2022
4.0/5
This Jungfraujoch Day Tour from Interlaken was a fantastic and well-planned tour organized by Thrillophilia. Our tour guide was really informed and assisted us in making the most of the visit. He even shot some fantastic photos and answered all of our questions about the location. We appreciated the... Read More
review-img
Kashyap Trivedi
Reviewed: 27 Mar 2022
5.0/5
We booked this round-way train trip to Harder Kulm to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Swiss mountainside. I must say the trip was awesome and the surrounding views from the train left us spellbound. The arrangements of the Thrillophilia team were up to the mark. The best part was that I scheduled i... Read More
review-img
Tushar Dubashi
Reviewed: 22 Mar 2022
5.0/5
I booked this package during my family holiday here for my parents and I. Everything was organized and structured very nicely, and our guide was knowledgeable and friendly as well. It was lovely to meet and interact with locals along the way to Jungfraujoch. All Thanks to thrillophilia for organizin... Read More
review-img
Shashi Naik
Reviewed: 15 Jul 2022
4.0/5
Flying at the Interlaken was one of the most enchanting experiences we had in Switzerland. My partner and I signed up for it. Neither of us had any prior experience in the sport but there was an instructor to guide us along. Interlaken is most beautiful to begin with, but the bird's eye views are ju... Read More

Why Choose Thrillophilia