Interlaken: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun lies the town of Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland. The local mountains Harder Kulm and Heimwehfluh present themselves as a paradise for nature lovers. You can easily reach the popular excursion mountain Heimwehfluh with a funicular. The Kunsthaus Interlaken offers exciting exhibitions.
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Interlaken - Must-see attractions
Harder Kulm
Passionate hikers cover the path to Harder Kulm at an altitude of 1,322 meters on foot, which takes two to three hours. It's more convenient with the Harderbahn. The cogwheel train takes visitors to the viewing platform every ten minutes. Once at the top, a spectacular panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau trio and Lake Brienz and Lake Thun awaits you. A cozy restaurant, where traditional Brienz wood carvings are displayed, provides hungry hikers with regional delicacies.
Lake Thun
The elongated Lake Thun measures almost 18 kilometers. A boat tour is one of the most beautiful ways to discover the lake region. Active visitors hike around the lake on the approximately 60-kilometer panoramic trail in several stages or embark on a day tour. In the warm summer months, the beach baths along the lake invite you for a refreshing cool down. Pleasure travelers are also in the right place at Lake Thun. On the sunny slopes of the Bernese Oberland, the sweet grapes for the white Müller-Thurgau or the red Pinot Noir thrive.
Lake Brienz
The Lake Brienz measures around 14 kilometers, while it is barely 3 kilometers wide. Brienz, Oberried, and Iseltwald are just some of the starting points for a vacation with extended walks, mountain bike tours, or summer swimming fun in one of the beach baths. A boat tour is a great way to explore the holiday region from the water side. Along the shore, attractions such as the roaring Giessbach Falls or the medieval Ringgenberg castle ruins beckon. For families, a trip to the Brienz Wildlife Park is worthwhile.
Underseen
The Bernese Alps frame the fantastic lake scenery around Unterseen. Here, in the warm summer months, you have the choice between a dip in the cool waters at the lake baths of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, as well as extended walks and bike tours. A ferry ride across the two lakes is one of the most beautiful ways to explore the holiday region around Unterseen in a compact manner. It also offers the convenient option of being comfortably ferried back to the starting point after extended excursions.
Schynige Platte
The Schynige Platte is named after a slate rock wall that strikingly reflects light when it rains. But the surrounding alpine meadows with wild alpine flowers also delight hikers. From the ridge, it takes about 6 hours to reach the viewpoint First. The ascent to the Schynige Platte with the historic cogwheel railway evokes nostalgic feelings. With its wooden benches and rolling stock from the 19th century, passengers feel transported back in time. A mountain restaurant ensures the physical well-being of visitors.
St. Beatus Caves
The St. Beatus Caves near Interlaken offer numerous natural attractions for excursionists. On an illuminated path, you can marvel at colorful stalactite formations that glitter in the light. A special feature is the masses of water flowing through the cave's interior, thundering down steep rock walls outside. Even the wooded, shady walking path to the cave entrance is an unforgettable experience. You cross several bridges that offer breathtaking views of the sparkling waterfalls and the turquoise-blue Lake Thun. An additional highlight for children is the playground with a dragon slide.
Interlaken - Secret spots
Weissenau Nature Reserve
The Weissenau Nature Reserve is a gem in Interlaken. This idyllic refuge is home to a variety of rare plants and animals. Surprisingly, it is also an archaeological paradise, with remnants of a medieval castle dating back to the 13th century. A must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Hohbühl Pavilion
Hidden in Interlaken is the Hohbühl Pavilion, a breathtaking viewpoint. This place offers an unparalleled view of the majestic Swiss Alps. Did you know that the pavilion was originally built in 1905? A visit here is like a journey into the past, coupled with a touch of natural wonder.
Iseltwald
Iseltwald, a picturesque village on Lake Brienz, is a hidden gem in Switzerland. With its charming chalets and breathtaking mountain scenery, it is a paradise for nature lovers. A fascinating fact is that Iseltwald was once an important site for iron production, underscoring its historical significance.
Kifferinseli
Hidden in the picturesque town of Interlaken lies Kifferinseli, an undiscovered paradise for nature lovers. This small island, surrounded by crystal clear water, offers a breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps. Surprisingly, it is only accessible by foot or bicycle, making it a perfect place for peace and relaxation.
Interlaken - In 3 days
Day 1
Start your first day in Interlaken with a stroll through the charming downtown. Discover the Hohematte, a large green space with views of the surrounding mountains, and admire the traditional Swiss architecture. Enjoy a first coffee in a cozy café before continuing. In the morning, a boat trip on Lake Thun is recommended. The peaceful ride offers spectacular views of the mountains, charming villages, and historic castles along the shores. Disembark in Spiez and visit Spiez Castle before returning. After a light lunch with Swiss specialties like Rösti or a cheese platter, you can spend the afternoon at Lake Brienz. Take a hike along the shore or relax on one of the small beaches overlooking the emerald green water. End the day with dinner in a traditional chalet restaurant. Try Raclette or Fondue and enjoy a glass of Swiss white wine while soaking in the Alpine atmosphere.
Day 2
The second day begins with a highlight: a ride on the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch, "Top of Europe." The train ride offers breathtaking views of glaciers and snow-covered peaks. Once at the top, you can explore the Ice Palace, stroll on the Aletsch Glacier, or enjoy the view from the Sphinx observation deck. After returning to Interlaken, enjoy a lunch with regional dishes, such as Älplermagronen (a type of Swiss mac and cheese) or a hearty filled Rösti. In the afternoon, a hike or a ride on the funicular to Harder Kulm, the local mountain of Interlaken, is recommended. From the panoramic platform, you have an incredible view of the two lakes and the surrounding peaks, including Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. In the evening, stroll through the streets of Interlaken, perhaps with a stop at a chocolate shop. End the day with a traditional dinner and a dessert like meringue with Nidle (whipped cream).
Day 3
Your last day in Interlaken is dedicated to outdoor activities. Start the morning with a paragliding adventure. Glide over the impressive landscape of Interlaken and enjoy the view of the lakes and mountains – an unforgettable experience. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, a leisurely bike ride along the Aare River, which connects Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is recommended. Along the way, you can enjoy nature and take a break at one of the idyllic picnic spots. At lunchtime, visit a restaurant to enjoy a light meal, such as a vegetable soup or fresh fish from the lakes. In the afternoon, visit the St. Beatus Caves, an impressive dripstone cave on Lake Thun. Discover the fascinating formations and enjoy the cool atmosphere inside. In the evening, enjoy one last Swiss dinner. Fondue Chinoise or Zürcher Geschnetzeltes are perfect farewell dishes, accompanied by a glass of wine or a regional beer. End the evening comfortably and reflect on your journey.
Interlaken - Climate
No matter what time of year you travel to Interlaken, it is worth bringing rain protection. Showers can occur throughout the year, with an average of 10 rainy days per month. Precipitation is above average in the summer. The months of June to September offer more than seven hours of sunshine. This season is perfect if you want to combine a city trip with a beach holiday. Lake Brienz is up to 22 degrees warm in the summer. The maximum air temperature reaches an average of 24 degrees in July and August. In the coldest month, January, it is a maximum of five degrees cool.