More than just being lush and cool, Interlaken, located in Switzerland, is one of the best travel destinations, especially for those who love outdoor adventures and adrenaline-pumping activities like hiking or trekking.
Not only that, you can also enjoy stunning mountain views while relaxing on a cable car ride!
1. Höhematte Park
Begin your vacation in Interlaken with a relaxing walk in Höhematte Park, located right in the heart of the city. You can enjoy a peaceful picnic, jog, or simply sit back and enjoy the spectacular views of the snow-capped Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch mountains. This open-air park is easily accessible and free to visit.
How to Get There: Höhematte Park is located just a short walk from the Interlaken West Railway Station. It’s centrally located, making it very convenient to visit.
Entry Fee: Free
2. Lake Thun
Lake Thun, located to the west of Interlaken, is famous for its blue-green waters and breathtaking surroundings. You can take a boat cruise around the lake and admire the picturesque mountains, castles, and quaint townscapes that dot the shore.
How to Get There: From Interlaken West Railway Station, head to the nearby boat station for access to cruises on Lake Thun.
Entry Fee: The cost of a boat cruise varies, with half-day tickets starting at around $50. Full-day cruises are available for about $85. Cruises operate from April to October, and winter services are also available.
3. Lake Brienz
On the eastern side of Interlaken lies Lake Brienz, another beautiful lake with similarly stunning blue-green waters. The shore of the lake is lined with Alpine chalets, offering a charming view. You can rent a boat to explore the lake or simply enjoy the surroundings.
How to Get There: Lake Brienz is easily accessible from Interlaken Ost Railway Station. From here, you can take a boat tour starting from behind the station.
Entry Fee: Boat rides on Lake Brienz start from around $40 for a short trip. Full tours typically cost between $75 to $100 depending on the length of the cruise.
4. Jungfraujoch
Located at an elevation of 3,454 meters above sea level, Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe. The mountain station offers incredible views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, with several activities including snow sports, sightseeing, and hiking.
How to Get There: Begin your journey from Interlaken Ost Railway Station, taking a train to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg. The total travel time is about 2.5 hours.
Entry Fee: A return ticket for the train to Jungfraujoch costs approximately $100 - $120. If you're planning to do additional activities, such as visiting the Ice Palace or participating in snow sports, expect to pay extra fees.
5. Harder Kulm
At 1,323 meters above sea level, Harder Kulm offers panoramic views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz. You can reach the summit by a 10-minute funicular ride, where you’ll find a restaurant and hiking trails.
How to Get There: From Interlaken, take the Harderbahn funicular from the town center to the top. The funicular operates regularly throughout the day.
Entry Fee: The cost for a round-trip ticket on the funicular is about $40 for adults and $25 for children.
6. Giessbach Waterfalls
Located on the southern shore of Lake Brienz, Giessbach Waterfalls is a magnificent cascade that drops 500 meters in 14 stages. You can walk along a bridge that runs behind the waterfall for a unique perspective.
How to Get There: Take a boat or car to the Giessbach Hotel area, located near the base of the falls. From there, it’s a short walk to the falls.
Entry Fee: Free, but there may be a small parking fee if you're driving.
7. Grindelwald
A scenic village nestled in the Swiss Alps, Grindelwald is known for its stunning mountain views and is a hotspot for adventure activities like skiing, zip-lining, and mountain scooter rides.
How to Get There: Grindelwald can be reached by a 30-minute car drive or a 35-minute train ride from Interlaken.
Entry Fee: Free to visit the village. Activities like zip-lining and skiing can range from $50 to $150, depending on the activity.
Interlaken is a beautiful destination, offering a wide variety of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. You can make your trip even easier by booking tickets and tours in advance through travel platforms, which often offer great discounts and promotions!
Interlaken Switzerland Travel Guide: 15 BEST Things to Do in Interlaken
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