Interlaken walking tour & city guide
Between two turquoise lakes, beneath the Jungfrau.
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Interlaken, as its name suggests, lies between two lakes: the turquoise Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Above it rise the snowy peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and the town is the main base for exploring the Bernese Oberland, one of the most spectacular regions of the Alps.
The town
Höheweg, the main street, runs along the Höhematte, a large green meadow where paragliders land with a view of the Jungfrau in the background. The street is lined with grand 19th-century hotels from the early days of Alpine tourism, along with shops selling watches and Swiss souvenirs.
The Aare river, a vivid turquoise color, flows through the town between the two lakes. The funicular to Harder Kulm climbs to a viewpoint with a platform overlooking both lakes and the mountains.
The lakes and the Jungfrau region
Boats cruise both lakes. On Lake Brienz, the village of Iseltwald and the Giessbach Falls are favorite stops, while Lake Thun is lined with castles such as Oberhofen. The Brienz Rothorn Bahn is a historic steam railway climbing high above the lake.
Trains from Interlaken Ost lead up to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren, and on to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Interlaken is also known as Switzerland's capital of adventure sports, from paragliding and skydiving to canyoning.
Visiting tips
Mountain trips are expensive, so look into regional travel passes. Check the weather and webcams before going up the mountains. Summer is best for hiking and lakes, while winter brings skiing in the nearby resorts.
Top sights in Interlaken
- 1
Höhematte
A meadow with views of the Jungfrau.
- 2
Harder Kulm
A viewpoint over both lakes.
- 3
Lake Brienz
A turquoise lake with villages and falls.
- 4
Lake Thun
A lake lined with castles.
- 5
Jungfraujoch
The 'Top of Europe' railway station.
- 6
Iseltwald
A tiny lakeside village with a famous pier.
Food markets & where to eat in Interlaken
Höheweg
The main street with cafés and Swiss restaurants.
Unterseen
The old town across the Aare with traditional inns.
Lakeside villages
Fish restaurants on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
Mountain huts
Simple Alpine food with a view.
Food to try in Interlaken
Cheese fondue
Shared melted cheese, perfect after a mountain day.
Raclette
Melted cheese scraped over potatoes.
Älplermagronen
Alpine macaroni with potatoes, cheese and apple sauce.
Meringues
With double cream, a Bernese Oberland classic.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Interlaken
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in InterlakenCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Interlaken.
- eSIM for SwitzerlandStay online from the moment you land.
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