Interlaken, Switzerland: Essential Travel Insights & Local Trends

Interlaken has no commercial airport of its own, so your flight to Interlaken always ends at a nearby hub. The closest option is Bern Airport (roughly 45 minutes by car), though its international routes are limited, which is fine if you're flying in from within Europe, but less ideal otherwise. For most travelers, Zurich Airport is the practical choice. You can take direct trains that run to Interlaken in about two hours, while international connections are also great. Geneva Airport is another solid option at around 2 hours 20 minutes by car or just over two hours by train via Bern. Basel EuroAirport is similarly well-connected. Upon landing, take advantage of Switzerland's rail network. In case you want to explore the region at your own pace, sort car hire in Interlaken in advance.

For most visitors, no. Switzerland has one of the most efficient, punctual, and comprehensive public transport systems in the world. Trains, buses, and boats connect Interlaken to almost every mountain village, waterfall, and hiking trailhead you'll want to visit. In fact, many of the most popular destinations nearby—like Mürren, Wengen, and the Jungfraujoch—are completely car-free. If you have a car, you'll have to pay to park it in the valley (like in Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg) and take the train or cable car anyway. A car hire in Interlaken only makes sense if you are planning extensive travel to remote valleys not well-served by trains, or if you have a large family where renting might be cheaper than buying multiple Swiss Travel Passes. Otherwise, grab a rail pass and enjoy the view without keeping your eyes on the road.

There's no shortage of things to do in Interlaken. The question is where to start. The town sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, making an Interlaken boat tour one of the most relaxed ways to take in the scenery. For altitude, ride the funicular up to Harder Kulm (1,322 m). The panorama puts both lakes in the same frame. Interlaken, Switzerland attractions extend well beyond the town itself. The Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" excursion, the car-free village of Mürren, and the waterfall-laced Lauterbrunnen Valley are all classic best day trips from Interlaken. *If you want to compare hotels in Interlaken to stay close to the action, KubikTrip makes it easy to plan everything. You can find cheap hotels in Interlaken, Switzerland, as well as Interlaken 5-star hotels on our website.*

Nestled between two glacial lakes and framed by iconic Alpine peaks, the city is one of Switzerland's most rewarding hiking bases. The best hikes in Interlaken include both leisurely lakeside strolls and demanding ridge-line adventures. Serious hikers should prioritize the Schynige Platte to First traverse — a 16 km route delivering unobstructed views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, reached via a charming 1892 cogwheel train from Wilderswil. To marvel at dramatic views, choose the Augstmatthorn trail. It follows an exposed ridge at 2,137 meters with sweeping panoramas over both lakes. Families and casual walkers, meanwhile, will love the Lauterbrunnen Valley route. This is 13 km of meadows and waterfalls with minimal elevation gain.

The Jungfrau Region consistently ranks among the world's top paragliding destinations. For the best paragliding in Interlaken, you should visit 2 main launch zones. Beatenberg (1,370 m) is one of the most popular activities to do in Interlaken, Switzerland. A tandem flight from here takes 15–30 minutes and gives you sweeping views of Lakes Thun and Brienz, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. For something more dramatic, the Lauterbrunnen Valley option launches from Mürren at around 1,650 m, gliding above waterfalls and clifftop villages before landing in Stechelberg. Leading operators include Paragliding Interlaken (running since 1990), Skywings, AlpinAir, and Twin Paragliding. They are all fully licensed and operating under strict Swiss safety regulations. Tandem flights start from around CHF 160–180, no experience necessary. The season runs year-round, though April–October offers the most reliable conditions. Prices and availability shift, so booking a few days ahead is advisable.

The Jungfraujoch is a saddle connecting the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks, home to the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters. It's heavily marketed as the "Top of Europe." The journey there is half the experience. You take a cogwheel train that tunnels directly through the Eiger mountain, stopping for panoramic glacier views along the way. At the top, you'll find the Aletsch Glacier (the largest in the Alps), an Ice Palace carved into the glacier, and the Sphinx Observatory. Is it worth it? Yes, if the weather is clear. The views are genuinely spectacular and it's an engineering marvel. However, tickets are expensive (often over CHF 200 round trip from Interlaken), and if the peak is clouded over, you won't see much. Always check the live webcam at the Interlaken station before buying your ticket.

Fondue is practically a rite of passage in Switzerland, and Interlaken delivers. Fondue Villa & Garden is a special place, and many locals claim it serves the best fondue in Interlaken. Housed in a 1901 mansion with direct views of the Alps, it offers classic cheese, mushroom, tomato, and chocolate fondue varieties, including an all-you-can-eat option. Restaurant Taverne (inside Hotel Interlaken) is another favorite, serving Älpler, chili, and truffle cheese fondue alongside a chocolate fondue dessert featuring Swiss chocolate and seasonal fruit. For atmosphere over altitude, the mountaintop restaurant at Harder Kulm pairs its fondue with panoramic views at 1,322 metres. Interlaken food culture leans hearty and traditional, and prices reflect Swiss standards – around CHF 40–60 per person. Among the best restaurants in Interlaken, Switzerland, these three are consistently praised for both quality and setting. *KubikTrip can help you find the best area to stay in Interlaken so the evening walk back from dinner is just as good as the meal.*

Interlaken is a true dual-season destination. The best time to visit Interlaken depends entirely on what you want to do. Summer (June to September) is peak season for hiking, lake cruises, and paragliding. Interlaken weather in these months is generally warm (20-25°C), though mountain storms can roll in quickly. This is when the trails are fully open and the lakes are warm enough for a quick swim. Winter (December to March) turns the region into a snowy playground. While Interlaken itself sits in the valley and gets less snow, it serves as the perfect base camp for skiing in Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. Winter temperatures hover around freezing. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November) are quieter. The shoulder seasons offer crisp air and fewer crowds, but be aware that some mountain railways, cable cars, and high-altitude hotels close for maintenance during these periods.