Beautiful Interlaken, Switzerland: Best attractions, things to do and places to see

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.

Is it worth a visit?

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.

When is the best time to visit?

June to August (summer) is the best time to visit Interlaken and surrounding beautiful villages like Wengen and Grindelwald. Summer is ideal for hiking and water sport on the lakes. 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.

Souvenirs and Shopping in Interlaken Switzerland

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 will see shops selling the famous Victorinox pocket knives all over Switzerland. A Swiss Army knife is a practical souvenir that lasts for years and always brings back memories of the trip. The well-known Alscher Swiss Shop is a good place to browse for knives and traditional Swiss gifts. They also sell music boxes and clocks.
Chocolate is another easy choice. Switzerland is famous for it, and a visit to a local Lindt shop is almost impossible to resist. Pick up a few bars or beautifully packaged boxes to enjoy later.
Cheese lovers should look out for a cheese and chocolate tasting experience. It’s a wonderful way to try some of the best Swiss cheeses and learn more about the local flavors.

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.

3 Beautiful places to visit

Höheweg Promenade: In summer the main street in Interlaken feels like a storybook with flower-filled balconies, grand hotels, and mountain views at every turn. Walking from Interlaken West to Interlaken Ost, you pass elegant buildings like the Victoria‑Jungfrau Grand Hotel, fountains, and small gardens. It’s one of the most photogenic streets in Switzerland.
Chapel of Interlaken (Christ Church / Kirche Interlaken): A historic 19th-century Protestant church in the heart of town with stone arches and a peaceful courtyard. From the outside, it blends elegance and Alpine character, giving you that “castle-like” feel on a smaller scale.

Visit Schloss Oberhofen / Oberhofen Castle:
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.

Höhematte Park is free

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.

2 Beautiful Hotels to visit

The 5-Star Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (During December)

This elegant, classic contemporary hotel is just beautiful. The Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is widely regarded as one of Switzerland’s premier luxury hotels, and its festive atmosphere during the holiday season makes it particularly special.

Grand Hotel Beau Rivage or Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage

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.

The building itself is grand and elegant, with a classic Swiss façade overlooking the Aare River. Inside, the hotel combines modern comfort with traditional charm, featuring spacious rooms, refined dining, and attentive service. From the terrace and riverside gardens, you can enjoy stunning views of the Bernese Alps, while 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.

Nearest International Airport

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.

Unique Places to visit

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.

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Within the Jungfrau region:

The St. Beatus Caves (Located along the cliffs above Lake Thun, roughly 15 minutes from Interlaken by bus or car) is a large cave system that features pathways through tunnels in Beatenberg. The cave system is situated near Lake Thun and has over 14 kilometers of tunnels that can be explored.
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: (Reached by train via villages such as Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. The journey takes around 1.5–2 hours from Interlaken) One of the most extraordinary places in the Alps. A railway climbs through the mountains to reach one of the highest train stations in Europe. Snow and glaciers stretch across the landscape, even in summer. Standing here feels completely different from visiting a typical alpine village.
Harder Kulm: (This viewpoint rises directly above Interlaken. A funicular from town takes you up in about 10 minutes.) A short funicular ride takes you high above town to a dramatic viewing platform. The lookout sits directly over Interlaken with both lakes visible at the same time — Lake Thun on one side and Lake Brienz on the other. Very few places in Europe give such a clear “between two lakes” view. The viewpoint sits at 1,321 meters overlooking the towns of Interlaken and Unterseen.
Giessbach Falls: (On the shores of Lake Brienz, about 20 minutes away by boat or car) A series of waterfalls cascading down a forested cliff into Lake Brienz. What makes it unusual is the path that lets visitors walk behind the waterfall, something that always surprises first-time visitors.
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.

Fun things to do in and around Interlaken

Paragliding is the best way to get awesome views from the top.
Visitors can enjoy a boat tour on the picturesque Lake Brienz.
Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and scenery with a boat trip on Lake Thun.
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.