Interlaken: The Alps Base That Makes Switzerland Easy
Description
Interlaken sits between two lakes with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on its doorstep, so one hotel can cover Jungfraujoch, First, Lauterbrunnen and a lake cruise.
Most visitors treat Interlaken as a base rather than a destination. The town itself is small and pleasant, with a flat promenade along the Aare, but the reason to stay is the train network: Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the Jungfrau railway all start within 30 minutes. That means you unpack once and still see the headline mountains.
The big-ticket day is Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe at 3,454 m, which costs well over CHF 200 from Interlaken and needs a clear forecast. Cheaper days are just as good: the First cliff walk above Grindelwald, the waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen Valley, the Harder Kulm viewpoint with its sunset restaurant, or a boat on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Adventure sports (paragliding, canyoning, skydiving) are what the town is known for; tandem paragliding typically runs from about CHF 190 to 230.
Activities
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JungfraujochThe Top of Europe at 3,454 m: a cogwheel train through the Eiger to the Sphinx observatory, the Ice Palace and views over the Aletsch glacier. A day trip costs roughly CHF 200 to 230 from Interlaken, so go only on a clear day.Book
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Harder KulmA funicular climbs 700 m above town to a viewing platform between the two lakes, with a restaurant for sunset. The return ticket is about CHF 40 and the ride takes ten minutes.Book
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Lauterbrunnen ValleyA glacial valley with 72 waterfalls, including the 300 m Staubbach Falls, reached by a 20-minute train. Free to walk, and the Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain charge a small entry fee.Free
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Trümmelbach FallsTen glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain, reached by a tunnel lift and walkways. Open April to November; entry is about CHF 16.Book
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OeschinenseeA turquoise lake above Kandersteg, reached by gondola and a flat 40-minute walk. Day trip from Interlaken by train takes about an hour.Book
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Top things to do in Interlaken
Gallery
Where to eat
Mid-range Taj Mahal Indian and Nepali Restaurant
Easygoing nook offering Indian standards such as chicken tikka masala served in a modest setting.
Vegetarian options- 220 m from Interlaken Mini Golf
- 920 m from Interlaken Swimming Steps
Mid-range Pure Vegetarian Chotivala (Unlimited Thali)
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Interlaken, rated 4.6 on Google by 1,924 guests.
Vegetarian options- 270 m from Interlaken Mini Golf
- 820 m from Interlaken Swimming Steps
Mid-range Café de Paris
Breakfast, seafood & bistro-style French cuisine in a warm wood dining room with a sidewalk terrace.
Vegetarian options- 410 m from Interlaken Mini Golf
- 850 m from Tandem Paragliding over Interlaken
Mid-range India Village Restaurant
Informal Indian eatery with a riverside terrace, plus relaxed rooms & apartments in an annex.
Vegetarian options- 620 m from Interlaken Swimming Steps
- 1.0 km from Tandem Paragliding over Interlaken
Mid-range Madras Jungle
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Interlaken, rated 4.7 on Google by 870 guests.
Vegetarian options- 290 m from Interlaken Mini Golf
- 870 m from Interlaken Swimming Steps
Mid-range Taste of India
Near Interlaken West station, with clearly marked vegetarian curries, paneer dishes and dal.
Vegetarian options- 270 m from Interlaken Mini Golf
- 890 m from Interlaken Swimming Steps
Mid-range Afghan Central Restaurant Interlaken
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Interlaken, rated 4.7 on Google by 437 guests.
Vegetarian options- 260 m from Interlaken Mini Golf
- 830 m from Interlaken Swimming Steps
Mid-range Ganesha Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Interlaken, rated 4.9 on Google by 147 guests.
Vegetarian options- 310 m from Interlaken Mini Golf
- 840 m from Interlaken Swimming Steps
Where to stay
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof - Hostel Interlaken
Basic rooms & dorms in a bright hostel offering free breakfast, plus a bar & a shared kitchen.
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof
Highly rated, budget-friendly hostel accommodation with great facilities.
Adventure Hostel Interlaken
Unfussy dorms & private rooms in a basic hostel offering free breakfast & mountain views.
Hotel Rössli Interlaken
Snug rooms in a down-to-earth hotel featuring a TV lounge & a library, plus free breakfast & Wi-Fi.
Hotel Royal St. Georges Interlaken - MGallery Collection
Polished rooms & suites, some with balconies, in an luxe hotel offering upscale dining & a sauna.
Hotel Interlaken
Polished circa-1491 hotel offering simple or rustic-chic quarters, plus a woodsy restaurant & a bar.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
Swanky rooms & suites in an elegant hotel with 2 refined restaurants, a bar, a spa & an indoor pool.