Interlaken, Switzerland — Travel Guide
Switzerland
4.7/5.0

Interlaken

Nestled between two glacial lakes with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau rising to the south, Interlaken is Switzerland's adventure capital and Alpine gateway. The Jungfraujoch — the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454m — is the world's most dramatic train ride, and Interlaken's outdoor sports range from paragliding to skydiving over the Alps.

Best Time to Visit
June–September (hiking) or December–March (skiing)
Budget From
$1,800/week
Region
europe

Budget Breakdown by Tier

All prices are estimates for one person. Double for couples (hotels are often the same price for 1–2 guests).

$

Budget Smart

$90/day
$1,800/week

Hostels, supermarket meals, Jungfraujoch train (book in advance for discounts)

$$

Business Class

$280/day
$4,500/week

Grand hotels, adventure activities, mountain railway day trips

$$$

Luxury

$500/day
$8,000/week

Victoria-Jungfrau, private guiding, helicopter to mountain huts, spa

Top Experiences

1.
Take the cogwheel railway to Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe at 3,454m
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
2.
Paraglide over the Lauterbrunnen valley with 72 waterfalls below
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
3.
Hike from Grindelwald through the First Cliff Walk above the Eiger
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4.
Raft down the Lütschine River through gorges below the Bernese Alps
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
5.
Take the gondola to Schilthorn for 360° views over 200 Alpine peaks
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
6.
Skydive above the Alps with a tandem jump from 4,200m
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
7.
Explore the car-free village of Mürren — the most beautifully sited village in Switzerland
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
8.
Ski the Jungfrau ski region in winter — 214km of pistes
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this

Where to Stay

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof — hotel in Interlaken
$ Budget Smart

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

$45/night

What guests say

Brad C.★★★★4.4

Best hostel in Interlaken — the view of the Jungfrau from the garden is staggering and the activity booking service is excellent.

Nina K.★★★★4.3

Genuinely lovely place with a social atmosphere. They organized our paragliding and Jungfraujoch trip efficiently and cheaply.

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel — hotel in Interlaken
$$ Business Class

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel

$400/night

What guests say

Elizabeth H.★★★★★4.8

The grandest hotel in the Alps — a Belle Époque palace facing the Jungfrau. The spa is magnificent and the service is white-glove perfect.

Maximilian W.★★★★★4.7

To wake up and see the Jungfrau from your bedroom window is an experience unlike any other. This hotel matches the landscape.

Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage — hotel in Interlaken
$$$ Luxury

Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage

$550/night

What guests say

Claudia M.★★★★★4.7

Elegant lakeside hotel with magnificent mountain views. The indoor pool area is superb and the location for the Old Town and adventure bookings is perfect.

Frederick B.★★★★★4.6

Belle Époque luxury in one of the most dramatic settings on earth. Watching the Jungfrau turn pink at sunset from the restaurant is something you never forget.

Getting There

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Tours & Activities

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Getting Around

Car Rental

Rent from locals or traditional agencies for maximum flexibility exploring Interlaken.

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Private Transfer

Door-to-door service with professional, vetted drivers.

Available at Business tier and above

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Local Insider Tips

  • The Jungfraujoch Early Bird ticket (first morning train) is EUR30 cheaper
  • Mürren and Gimmelwald are more beautiful and peaceful than Interlaken itself
  • Book paragliding in advance in summer — slots sell out fast
  • The Swiss Travel Pass covers all mountain railways at a significant discount
  • Weather changes fast at altitude — always bring a waterproof layer hiking

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Interlaken?

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The best time to visit Interlaken is June–September (hiking) or December–March (skiing). During this period you can expect the most favorable weather conditions and a great overall travel experience.

How do I get to Interlaken?

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Getting to Interlaken in Switzerland is straightforward — most international travelers fly into the nearest major airport and connect via local transport. World Destination Club can arrange all transfers and logistics for you.

What is the average cost for a trip to Interlaken?

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Budget travelers can explore Interlaken from around $1,800 per week. Mid-range travelers typically spend $3,600–$6,300 per week. Luxury experiences start at $9,000+ per week. See the full budget breakdown on this page.

Is Interlaken safe for tourists?

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Interlaken is generally considered safe for tourists. As with any international destination, we recommend exercising normal travel precautions, purchasing travel insurance, and checking your government's latest travel advisories before departure. World Destination Club provides up-to-date safety guidance for all members.

What are the must-see attractions in Interlaken?

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Top must-see attractions and experiences in Interlaken include: Take the cogwheel railway to Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe at 3,454m, Paraglide over the Lauterbrunnen valley with 72 waterfalls below, Hike from Grindelwald through the First Cliff Walk above the Eiger, Raft down the Lütschine River through gorges below the Bernese Alps, Take the gondola to Schilthorn for 360° views over 200 Alpine peaks. Our local guides and WDC advisors can help you prioritize based on your travel style and budget.
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