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Interlaken
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Interlaken combines alpine scenery, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Jungfrau-region adventures, historic streets and Swiss mountain culture in one base.

Between Two Lakes and High Mountains

Interlaken occupies a narrow stretch of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Bernese Alps rising dramatically beyond the town. Its name, derived from the Latin inter lacus, means ‘between the lakes’, while the surrounding landscape gives the resort its enduring appeal. Snowy peaks, green foothills and clear waterways are never far from view, whether walking along the Höheweg, crossing the railway district or pausing in the open lawns of Höhematte.
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A Resort Shaped by Travel

The town developed around the former Augustinian monastery and grew into an international resort during the nineteenth century, when improved roads, railways and grand hotels brought visitors from across Europe. Today, Interlaken remains a practical base for exploring the Jungfrau region, with railway connections from Interlaken Ost leading towards Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the high mountain world beyond. The town itself is compact, and its streets combine Belle Époque hotels, contemporary outdoor-sports businesses, Swiss restaurants and shops serving an international clientele.

Town Life and Alpine Culture

Interlaken’s atmosphere changes with the seasons. Summer brings lake cruises, hiking, paragliding and canyoning, while winter visitors use the town as a starting point for snow sports and mountain excursions. The quieter streets of neighbouring Unterseen reveal older houses and a more traditional Bernese character, contrasting with the activity around Höheweg and the station areas. Local food, seasonal markets, folk events and views towards the Jungfrau massif provide a cultural counterpoint to the region’s many outdoor pursuits.

When is the best time to visit Interlaken?

Best: June, August–September · 22–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January375
February469
March871
April1394
May20158
June (best)25188
July26184
August (best)26175
September (best)22137
October15121
November999
December681

Getting to and around Interlaken

How to get there

Interlaken is best reached by Swiss Federal Railways services, with Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West providing the town’s principal railway access. Trains connect with Bern and other Swiss cities, while Interlaken Ost is the main departure point for routes towards Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the Jungfrau region. Interlaken West is useful for western connections and access towards Lake Thun. The nearest major international airports are Zurich Airport and Geneva Airport, both requiring onward rail travel; Bern Airport is closer geographically but has a smaller range of services. Road access is straightforward via the Swiss motorway network, although parking in the central resort area can be limited and expensive.

Transportation

Interlaken’s central areas are readily explored on foot, and walking is often the simplest way to connect the stations, Höheweg, Höhematte, the former monastery and Unterseen. Local PostBus services and railways link the town with surrounding communities and mountain gateways, while boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz provide seasonal scenic connections from the relevant piers. Taxis are available, but visitors should check availability during busy periods. Cycling can be practical on flatter valley routes, whereas mountain excursions require trains, cable cars or organised transport. A car is useful for some regional journeys but is rarely necessary within the centre.

Best attractions in Interlaken

Interlaken’s principal sights combine resort history with access to Alpine scenery. Höhematte is the town’s broad central park, opening a long view towards the Jungfrau massif and providing a memorable setting for watching paragliders descend from the slopes. The Höheweg forms the main promenade, with hotels, cafés and shops leading towards the Kursaal and gardens. From Interlaken Ost, boat trips on Lake Brienz and railway journeys towards the Jungfrau region begin a short distance from the centre, while Harder Kulm offers a high viewpoint above town reached by funicular. The former monastery precinct and Schlosskirche introduce the settlement’s medieval and Reformation-era history. Across the Aare, Unterseen has a quieter historic centre of traditional houses and small streets. The lakes, river paths and surrounding foothills also make walking a central attraction, even when the day’s main excursion lies beyond the town itself.

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Best landmarks in Interlaken

The Schlosskirche, formerly the church of Interlaken’s Augustinian monastery, is the town’s most important historic religious landmark and preserves the memory of the medieval institution that shaped the settlement. Nearby Schloss Interlaken, now associated with civic and administrative use, forms part of the former monastery precinct. The Höheweg is less a single monument than a defining urban landmark: its grand hotels, gardens and open alignment express the nineteenth-century resort that developed around Alpine tourism. The Kursaal, with its historic resort architecture and landscaped setting, represents Interlaken’s tradition of hospitality and entertainment. In Unterseen, the Stadthaus and surrounding old-town streets reflect the separate history of the medieval market town. Together these places show how religious foundations, civic communities and international tourism successively moulded Interlaken’s identity.

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Explore Interlaken on the map

Plan your Interlaken trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Interlaken

Interlaken’s dining scene reflects both Bernese Oberland traditions and its long history as an international resort. Swiss staples such as rösti, cheese fondue, raclette and Berner Platte appear alongside seasonal menus using Alpine dairy products, mountain herbs and, around the lakes, freshwater fish. Bakeries and cafés provide pastries, coffee and informal daytime meals, while restaurants along the central Höheweg and around the station areas cater to visitors with a broad range of Swiss and international cuisines. Unterseen offers a more local-looking setting for traditional meals, and the surrounding valley has farm shops and producers selling cheeses, breads and regional specialities. Dining customs are generally relaxed but orderly, with table service common and service charges included in Swiss prices; a small additional gratuity is customary when service has been good.

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Best bars in Interlaken

Interlaken’s evening scene is varied but compact, shaped by its role as an Alpine resort rather than a large city. Bars around Höheweg, the central hotels and the station districts offer places for Swiss beer, wine, cocktails and relaxed conversation, while some venues attract younger international travellers after days spent outdoors. The Kursaal and adjoining cultural spaces host concerts, performances and seasonal events, and Casino Interlaken provides a more formal evening setting for adults. Nightclubs and late venues exist, but the scale is modest and activity can vary with the season. Traditional Swiss music, live entertainment and hotel events sometimes provide an alternative to clubbing. Visitors should remember that mountain towns become quieter away from the centre, particularly on weeknights and outside peak holiday periods.

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Best nightclubs in Interlaken

Interlaken’s evening scene is varied but compact, shaped by its role as an Alpine resort rather than a large city. Bars around Höheweg, the central hotels and the station districts offer places for Swiss beer, wine, cocktails and relaxed conversation, while some venues attract younger international travellers after days spent outdoors. The Kursaal and adjoining cultural spaces host concerts, performances and seasonal events, and Casino Interlaken provides a more formal evening setting for adults. Nightclubs and late venues exist, but the scale is modest and activity can vary with the season. Traditional Swiss music, live entertainment and hotel events sometimes provide an alternative to clubbing. Visitors should remember that mountain towns become quieter away from the centre, particularly on weeknights and outside peak holiday periods.

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Best shops in Interlaken

Shopping in Interlaken is concentrated around Höheweg, Bahnhofstrasse and the areas near Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. Retailers cater to both residents and visitors, with Swiss watches, Victorinox products, chocolate, biscuits, cheese and carefully packaged regional foods among the familiar purchases. Outdoor shops reflect the surrounding mountains, selling clothing and equipment for hiking, climbing and winter activities, while souvenir stores offer Alpine-themed gifts and cowbells. Independent boutiques and jewellers sit alongside practical everyday businesses, giving the central streets a commercial character shaped by tourism. Unterseen provides a quieter setting for browsing small shops and local services, while periodic markets bring food, crafts and seasonal produce into the public spaces. Visitors should distinguish genuinely Swiss-made goods from generic Alpine souvenirs and check product labelling when provenance matters.

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Interlaken essentials

Currency and Payment
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, written as CHF or Fr. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, railway facilities, restaurants and larger shops, and contactless payment is common, although smaller businesses, market stalls and some mountain establishments may still prefer cash or have minimum card amounts. ATMs are available in Interlaken and at transport hubs. Swiss francs are the most reliable form of cash; euros may occasionally be accepted in tourist-facing businesses, but change is normally given in francs and exchange rates may be unfavourable. Inform your bank of travel plans and check foreign-transaction fees before departure.
Safety
Interlaken is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain sensible in a busy resort. Keep passports, phones and wallets secure around stations, crowded promenades and organised excursion departures, and avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles. Mountain and water activities require greater care: follow marked routes, use appropriate equipment and respect instructions from guides, railways and boat operators. Weather can change rapidly in the Alps, so check forecasts before hiking or travelling to higher elevations. After dark, use well-lit streets and licensed transport when returning from evening venues, particularly if travelling beyond the compact centre.
Emergency Situations
In Switzerland, dial 112 for the general emergency number; 117 reaches the police, 118 the fire service and 144 ambulance services. Give the exact location, describe the problem clearly and follow the operator’s instructions. For an incident in the mountains, on a lake or during an adventure activity, provide the route, landmark, trail name or nearest station if known. Travel insurance with medical and rescue cover is especially important for activities in Alpine terrain. Pharmacies and medical practices serve the town, while emergency treatment should be obtained through the appropriate local service rather than self-diagnosing a serious injury.
Do's and Don'ts
Be punctual for trains, mountain railways, boat departures and organised activities, and allow passengers to leave public transport before boarding. Keep to marked paths, close gates and avoid disturbing livestock when walking in the countryside. Quiet, respectful behaviour is expected in churches, historic buildings and residential streets, while Swiss restaurants generally appreciate polite table manners and modest tipping rather than a mandatory large gratuity. Do not assume that every rural route is suitable in all weather, and do not enter restricted railway, construction or farming areas. Switzerland is orderly without requiring visitors to be formal at every moment.
Local Tips
The most useful orientation is to treat Interlaken Ost, Interlaken West and the centre around Höheweg as separate reference points rather than assuming all transport leaves from one station. Unterseen rewards a slower walk through older streets, while the Aare river and lakeside paths offer quieter scenery away from the main resort thoroughfare. Reserve flexibility for mountain days because cloud can obscure views and disrupt plans. Regional rail and boat tickets can involve different operators and routes, so check the complete journey before setting out. Tourist information offices and station staff can clarify current connections and weather-sensitive excursions.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGuten Tag[goo-ten tahg]
GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen[ouf vee-dur-zay-en]
YesJa[yah]
NoNein[nine]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[bih-tuh]
Thank youDanke[dahn-kuh]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[ent-shool-dee-gung]
How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?[vee gayt es een-en]
Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?[goot oont een-en]
Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?[shprek-en zee eng-leesh]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[eekh fair-shtay-uh nikht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Speisekarte sehen, bitte[eekh meer-khte dee spay-zuh-kahr-tuh zay-en, bih-tuh]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[eekh ess-uh kine flysh]
Cheers!Prost![prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen[eekh meer-khte bih-tuh tsah-len]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![hil-fuh]
Go away!Gehen Sie weg![gey-en zee vayg]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsai]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![roo-fen zee ine-en ahrts]
I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt[eekh hah-buh meesh fair-eert]
I'm illIch bin krank[eekh been krahng]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...[eekh meer-khte kou-fen]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[eekh shou-uh noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?[vee feel kohs-tet es]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?[ker-nen zee den prees zen-ken]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[vee shpayt ist es]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[es ist ine oor]
Half past (10)Halb zehn[halb tsayn]
MorningMorgen[mohr-gen]
AfternoonNachmittag[nahkh-mit-tahg]
EveningAbend[ah-bent]
YesterdayGestern[geys-tern]
TodayHeute[hoy-tuh]
TomorrowMorgen[mohr-gen]
1eins[ines]
2zwei[tsvay]
3drei[dry]
4vier[feer]
5fünf[foonf]
6sechs[zex]
7sieben[zee-ben]
8acht[ahkt]
9neun[noyn]
10zehn[tsayn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?[voh ist ine/der]
What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?[vahs ist dee ah-dreh-suh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?[ker-nen zee meer das tsay-gen (ouf der kar-tuh)]
When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?[vahn kohmt der naykhs-te (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)[ine fahr-kahr-te (nahkh)]

History of Interlaken

The Monastery Between the Lakes

Interlaken’s recorded history is closely linked to the monastery that gave the settlement its identity. An Augustinian community was established here in the twelfth century, with the monastery documented from 1133. Its lands and religious influence extended across parts of the surrounding Bernese Oberland, while farming communities and local settlements developed around the institution. The monastery stood beside the Aare between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, an advantageous position on regional routes through the valleys. Although little of the medieval complex survives in its original form, the former monastery church, now the Schlosskirche, remains a central reminder of Interlaken’s ecclesiastical origins.

Reformation and Secular Change

The Protestant Reformation transformed Interlaken’s religious and political landscape. In 1528, Bern adopted the Reformation, and the monastery was dissolved; its property passed under Bernese administration. The former monastic buildings acquired new civic and administrative uses, helping to shape the settlement later known as Interlaken. Nearby Unterseen, founded as a town in the thirteenth century, retained its own civic traditions and developed a distinct historic centre. This division between monastery lands, market-town life and surrounding rural communities remains visible in the area’s built character, where the Schlosskirche and old streets of Unterseen provide different perspectives on the region’s medieval and early modern past.

From Market Town to Resort

Interlaken’s transformation into a tourism centre gathered pace in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Travellers were drawn by the lakes, dramatic mountain scenery and access to the Bernese Oberland, while hotels and promenade buildings began to reshape the settlement. The development of the Höheweg created a formal centre for visitors, lined by accommodation, gardens and views towards the mountains. Interlaken’s reputation grew alongside the wider European fashion for Alpine travel, and the town increasingly served international visitors rather than only local agricultural and commercial communities.

Railways Open the Oberland

Railway construction made Interlaken considerably easier to reach and accelerated its role as a base for mountain travel. The Bödelibahn connected the town with the Lake Thun route in the 1870s, while links towards the eastern and western shores of the town developed into the stations now known as Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. Further mountain railways and branch lines connected the resort with destinations including Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and later the Jungfrau railway system. These connections changed tourism from a lengthy journey into a more accessible organised experience and established Interlaken as a transport gateway to the high Alps.

Modern Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region

During the twentieth century, Interlaken consolidated its position as an international leisure destination while remaining part of the administrative and cultural landscape of the Bernese Oberland. Traditional hotels, the Kursaal and the Höheweg continued to serve visitors, while newer businesses developed around hiking, climbing, rafting, paragliding and winter sports. The town’s economy now combines tourism, hospitality, transport and services, with seasonal changes influencing everyday life. Its historic core and former monastery buildings provide continuity, while the railway stations and outdoor-adventure industry reflect the modern role of Interlaken as a departure point for the Jungfrau region.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Interlaken

100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Interlaken.

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Planning a trip to Interlaken, Switzerland? Evendo is your perfect travel companion! This comprehensive, free app-based travel guide provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Interlaken. Imagine strolling through the beautiful streets of Interlaken and having instant access to descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for every must-see location.

Visit famous landmarks like the Harder Kulm, the Interlaken Monastery and Castle, and the stunning Lake Thun. Discover top attractions such as the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe and the Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Garden. When it comes to dining, Evendo guides you to the best restaurants like the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa and Benacus.

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