Interlaken West Interlaken
Adventure capital nestled between two lakes, offering thrilling activities and access to the majestic Swiss Alps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Interlaken West Interlaken
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Adventure capital nestled between two lakes, offering thrilling activities and access to the majestic Swiss Alps.
"A must stop for you on any Swiss day, more adventure awaits for you at any direction, with any means of transportation."
Station Savvy
Know your stations! Ost for mountains, West for town center. Saves time and hassle. :train2:
Pack for All Weather
Even in summer, pack layers and waterproofs. Mountain weather changes fast! :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harder Kulm Viewpoint
Interlaken
Panoramic views of Interlaken, two lakes, and the Alps. A must-see for breathtaking vistas.
Lake Brienz Cruise
Lake Brienz
Scenic boat trips offering stunning views of turquoise waters and charming villages like Iseltwald.
Aare Gorge
Near Meiringen
Walk through a dramatic natural canyon with towering cliffs and a rushing river.
+1Lauterbrunnen Valley
Lauterbrunnen
Explore a valley of 72 waterfalls, including the impressive Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Interlaken's Stations
Embrace the Outdoors (and the Weather!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Station Savvy
Know your stations! Ost for mountains, West for town center. Saves time and hassle.
Pack for All Weather
Even in summer, pack layers and waterproofs. Mountain weather changes fast! :cloud:
Book Adventure Tours
Paragliding and rafting are popular. Book in advance, especially during peak season. :windblowingface:
Lake Views on a Budget
Consider bus travel for lake views; it's cheaper than ferries and offers breathtaking scenery. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Station Savvy
Know your stations! Ost for mountains, West for town center. Saves time and hassle.
Pack for All Weather
Even in summer, pack layers and waterproofs. Mountain weather changes fast! :cloud:
Book Adventure Tours
Paragliding and rafting are popular. Book in advance, especially during peak season. :windblowingface:
Lake Views on a Budget
Consider bus travel for lake views; it's cheaper than ferries and offers breathtaking scenery. :bus:
Chocolate Deals
Shop for Swiss chocolate at Coop supermarkets for better prices than tourist shops. :chocolate_bar:
Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring gorges and hiking trails. Paths can be narrow and wet.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Interlaken is praised for its stunning natural beauty, offering a gateway to the Alps and adventure activities. Visitors love the breathtaking views, the convenience of train travel, and the variety of outdoor pursuits. However, some find it overly touristy and expensive, and caution is advised regarding personal belongings due to instances of theft.
"Took a ferry from Spiez back to Interlaken West. The view on the ferry is too mesmerising. Even though it is summer, but the weather is chilling"
sophia wws
"A must stop for you on any Swiss day, mire adventure awaits for you at any direction, with any means of transportation"
Markus Stampfli
"Beautiful, simple and very well connection train station.
They only operate trains from platform 1, which means no stairs or lifts.
The station is in the heart of the city so a few steps off the train and you in the middle of action.
Well done SBB 👏"
A Kanjani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by train from Zurich Airport or Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station) to Interlaken West. The journey typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours with one change, often in Bern.
Interlaken Ost is the primary hub for mountain excursions (Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald) and is closer to Lake Brienz. Interlaken West is more central, with more hotels and restaurants, and is closer to Lake Thun.
Yes, Interlaken is very well-connected by train. You can easily reach cities like Bern, Lucerne, and Zurich within a few hours.
Absolutely! The GoldenPass Express scenic train runs from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost, offering stunning views.
Take a train from Interlaken Ost to Meiringen (about 50 minutes), then a local train to Aareschlucht West. It's a short walk from there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For popular attractions like Jungfraujoch or specific adventure sports, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. For Aare Gorge, tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
The entrance fee for Aare Gorge is CHF 12 for individuals. Children under 6 are free. It's not included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
Yes, some accommodations like Hotel du Nord offer discounts using promo codes like 'PERALEJO' for Klook bookings.
The Swiss Travel Pass covers most public transport, including trains and buses, and offers free entry to many museums. However, it does not cover Aare Gorge or Trümmelbach Falls.
Aare Gorge is typically open from April to November. Hours vary seasonally, generally from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours until 6:30 PM in summer.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Harder Kulm offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, lakes, and Alps. +2
You can enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. The cruise to Giessbach waterfall on Lake Brienz is highly recommended. +1
Yes, Interlaken is a fantastic base for hiking. Popular trails include Schynige Platte and routes in the nearby Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys. +2
Try 'Raclette Rafting' for a fun food and adventure combo, or explore the Gelmerbahn funicular for thrilling, steep rides (not for the faint of heart!). +1
Visit Staubbach Falls, explore Trümmelbach Falls (entry fee applies), and walk the scenic valley path.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Asllanis Corner is highly recommended for juicy burgers and crispy chicken tenders.
Spatz is a recommended spot for brunch with lovely water views.
Restaurant Bären near Interlaken West station is praised for its meat dishes, including pork steak and schnitzel.
Yes, Asllanis Corner offers Halal burgers and other dishes.
The Victoria Jungfrau Hotel is mentioned as a place to enjoy a drink with a sophisticated ambiance.
📸 📸 Photography
Harder Kulm for panoramic mountain and lake views, Lauterbrunnen Valley with its waterfalls, and the charming village of Iseltwald on Lake Brienz are highly photogenic. +2
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the stunning landscapes. Golden hour in the evening also provides beautiful light.
The photo spot of the church with the falls in Lauterbrunnen is a popular choice.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for mountain details. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures of waterfalls.
Yes, many scenic train rides offer excellent photo opportunities. Ensure you have a window seat on trains like the GoldenPass Express for the best views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Lauterbrunnen Valley is also a hit with families, offering easy walks and the chance to see numerous waterfalls. Trümmelbach Falls, while requiring an entrance fee, is an impressive sight that kids often find fascinating.
💰 Budget Travelers
Many hiking trails are free to access, offering incredible mountain vistas without any cost. Exploring towns like Lauterbrunnen and walking through the Aare Gorge (with its modest entrance fee) are great value experiences.
Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses, which are more budget-friendly than hotels. couples
Consider a leisurely stroll through charming villages like Iseltwald or Wengen. For a touch of luxury, enjoy a cocktail at a historic hotel like the Victoria Jungfrau.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Interlaken's Two Stations
Interlaken West, on the other hand, is more centrally located within the town, offering easier access to hotels, restaurants, and the promenade Höheweg. It's also the station you'll likely use for travel towards Lake Thun and the city of Thun. Many visitors find West to be a more convenient starting point for exploring the town itself, while Ost is essential for day trips into the higher Alps.
+2Being aware of which station serves which purpose can save you significant time and prevent travel mishaps, ensuring you catch the right train for your intended adventure.
Adventure Activities Galore
For thrill-seekers, options abound. You can try canyoning through narrow gorges, white-water rafting on the Lütschine River, or even experience the adrenaline rush of a canyon swing. For those who prefer slightly less extreme thrills, activities like kayaking, paddleboarding on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun, and hiking offer incredible ways to connect with the natural beauty.
Some unique experiences include 'Raclette Rafting,' combining a scenic boat trip with a traditional Swiss cheese meal, or riding the steep Gelmerbahn funicular for a thrilling ascent with dramatic views.
Exploring the Natural Wonders
The Aare Gorge, located near Meiringen, offers a different kind of natural spectacle. This narrow canyon, carved by the Aare river, allows you to walk through towering rock walls, tunnels, and over wooden bridges, experiencing the raw power of nature up close.
+3Cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun provide serene perspectives of the surrounding mountains and charming lakeside villages. The cruise to Iseltwald on Lake Brienz is particularly scenic.
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