Interlaken sits in one of the most beautiful settings in Switzerland. This lively mountain town lies between the clear blue waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Alps. If you’re to visit Interlaken for the first time and you’re looking for the best things to do in Interlaken, you’ll find far more than mountain views.
This beautiful Swiss town is the perfect base for enjoying turquoise lakes, spectacular Alpine scenery, scenic train rides, easy day trips, charming villages and memorable experiences for all ages. From the famous Harder Kulm viewpoint and a relaxing boat trip to Lake Brienz to exploring Lauterbrunnen and riding into the mountains, these are the top things to do in Interlaken for a first visit.
Yes, definitely. Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s most loved summer holiday resorts. The name “Interlaken” comes from German and simply means “between lakes,” which perfectly describes its setting between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The scenery around these lakes is extraordinary. Turquoise water, wooden piers, flower-filled balconies, and snow-capped peaks create photo opportunities in every direction.
Many travelers come here with a camera in hand because the views around Interlaken are widely considered some of the most photogenic in the world.
Naturally June to August (summer) is always the best time to visit Interlaken and surrounding beautiful villages like Wengen and Grindelwald.
If your aim is to enjoy all ten experiences (that we’re going to list below), I would choose late June to early September, with July and August offering the best overall combination.
Interlaken is particularly good in summer: the lakes, mountain villages and surrounding Alps are all accessible.
Winter time obviously is beautiful with the snow and snow ski opportunities in the surrounding mountains.
Now that you know the best time to visit, it’s time to explore what makes Interlaken such a special place to spend a few days. Surrounded by lakes, mountains, and charming villages, this area offers an incredible variety of experiences. Scenic boat rides, mountain viewpoints, lakeside walks, and unforgettable photo spots are all within easy reach, making Interlaken a wonderful base for discovering some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland.
It might sound strange to begin our conversation with these two hotels, but you’ll soon see why:
The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is one of Interlaken’s landmark hotels, facing the large Höhematte park with the mountains rising behind it. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth walking past to see the grand Belle Époque architecture and the setting.
It also makes a good coffee, afternoon tea or special meal stop if your budget allows. You get to experience a little of the elegant side of Interlaken without paying for a night’s accommodation.
This elegant, classic contemporary hotel is just beautiful. The Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa has a fabulous festive atmosphere during the holiday season which makes it particularly special, to stay at. Truly magical and an excellent Christmas photo stop.
The Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage is just a five-minute stroll from Interlaken Ost train station, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the region when you book your stay here.
The building itself is grand and elegant, with a classic Swiss facade overlooking the Aare River. Inside, the hotel combines modern comfort with traditional charm, featuring spacious rooms, refined dining, and attentive service.
LA BELLE RIVIÈRE
TERRACE, LOUNGE & BAR
From the terrace and riverside gardens, you can enjoy stunning views of the Bernese Alps, while enjoying your prosecco, or an aromatic coffee, with sweet and savory treats.
The central location means shops, cafés, and the Höhematte Park are all within easy reach.
It’s the kind of hotel that feels both luxurious and welcoming—a perfect base for experiencing the beauty and atmosphere of Interlaken.
Right in the center of town, Höhematte Park is a wide, open green space framed by mountains. It’s perfect for a relaxed walk, picnic, or just sitting with a coffee. In summer the grass is vibrant and flowers bloom along the paths. Paragliders often drift down to land here, giving you a scene that feels straight out of a postcard. Views of the Bernese Alps make it one of the most scenic public spaces in town.
Don’t try to cram all ten into two days. Interlaken works best when you leave some time simply to enjoy the scenery. I’d combine one major mountain excursion with an easier experience each day — for example, Lauterbrunnen in the morning + a relaxed afternoon beside Lake Brienz, or Grindelwald + dinner back in Interlaken.
For many travelers, finding the perfect souvenir is part of the fun. Interlaken has plenty of tempting options, and a few classic Swiss treats stand out.
You might not be able to take all these delicious treats home with you because of customs restrictions, but enjoying them while you are here is part of the Swiss travel experience.
Schloss Oberhofen (Oberhofen Castle) is a gem on the shores of Lake Thun, just a short drive or boat ride from Interlaken. The castle dates back to the 13th century, but its lakeside setting and turreted silhouette make it feel straight out of a fairy tale.
Visitors can wander through elegantly furnished rooms, stroll along manicured gardens, and enjoy the peaceful promenade along the lake. The views from the castle terraces are spectacular — the turquoise lake stretches out with the Bernese Alps rising in the distance. It’s one of the most photogenic spots around Interlaken and a perfect escape from the bustle of town. A café on site makes it easy to linger, watch the swans glide by, and soak in the serene atmosphere.
If you are looking for a beautiful restaurant with wonderful views, The restaurant Schloss Oberhofen is just the place. Just book your table well in advance.
When people talk about unique places in Interlaken, they often mean spots that are special to the area. In reality, almost every destination has places that feel unique once you arrive. Interlaken is surrounded by mountain villages, lakes, and viewpoints that you won’t easily find elsewhere in Switzerland.
Yet when you start thinking about places that feel unique in Europe, the Interlaken region truly stands out. Few places combine turquoise alpine lakes, dramatic peaks of the Bernese Alps, and easy access to high mountain railways like the one leading toward Jungfraujoch.
Within a short distance you can reach extraordinary locations that feel completely different from typical European towns and cities, which is exactly what makes exploring around Interlaken so rewarding.
Aare Gorge: (Located near Meiringen, about 40 minutes from Interlaken) A dramatic narrow canyon carved by the Aare River. Wooden walkways hug the rock walls, sometimes just meters above rushing turquoise water. The scale of the gorge feels surprisingly wild for a place that is easy to reach.
These places show why the Interlaken region stands out in Europe. You are not just visiting a mountain town. Within a short distance you find caves above a lake, railways climbing into glaciers, waterfalls you can walk behind, and deep alpine gorges. Each one adds a completely different experience to the trip.
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Suggested Read: 5 of the best day trips from Interlaken >>
The Seilpark Interlaken is a fun and scenic adventure right in the heart of Interlaken. Nestled among the trees with views of the Bernese Alps, it’s a rope course and climbing park designed for all ages and skill levels. You can swing, zipline, and navigate suspended bridges high above the forest floor, all while taking in the mountains and fresh Alpine air.
Even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie, the park is visually striking, and the trails weaving between tall pines make for a beautiful spot to capture photos. It’s also a great way to experience the natural surroundings of Interlaken from a unique perspective—combining outdoor fun with the kind of scenery that feels distinctly Swiss.
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the nearest International Airport, serving Zurich and with links to pretty much everywhere in Switzerland. From Zurich Airport you can take a train to Interlaken or hire a car.
Suggested Read: Visit Interlaken like a local – for 1st time visitors >>>