There are few places better to find outdoor adventure in the Swiss Alps than in Interlaken, the lively alpine town known as the Adventure Capital of Switzerland. With Lake Brienz and Lake Thun at its shoulders and mountains at its head and heels, Interlaken sits within easy reach of outdoor fun in the Bernese Oberland. The outdoorsy types who flock here can get extreme kicks from activities like bungee jumping or relax with serene hikes and summertime swimming—there’s no shortage of things to do.
With lake and mountain appeal, Interlaken is a year-round destination. If you want to experience more of what this outdoor mecca has to offer, the summer months are best, with fewer rainy days and warmer weather for lake swimming. Music fans may want to plan for the Greenfield Festival in June and the Lake Brienz Rock Festival and Thunfest, which set the lakes abuzz in August.
Unlike nearby Wengen, Interlaken allows cars, and you can reach the town with ease by road. However, the train journeys are easy into Interlaken, and it’s worth ditching the car and using the efficient Swiss public transportation system instead. Check out the Swiss Travel Pass, which covers unlimited journeys by train, boat, and bus in the area; the big plus for families is that children travel free.
With all the adrenaline rushing around in Interlaken, you’ll be forgiven for taking a break. Those who are ready for a breather (or those who like a relaxed approach) can get some decent downtime in the spas of Interlaken’s wellness hotels, enjoying steaming hot saunas or a massage with mountain views. At Lake Brienz, there are even “hot pot” options where you can lounge with friends in a lakeside hot tub, sharing a Swiss cheese fondue.
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Yes. Nestled between lakes Brienz and Thun, Interlaken offers plenty of things to do over two days. Dedicate one day to Interlaken itself, then the second day to one of the lakes. If you have more free time, Interlaken makes a great base for a week exploring the Bernese Oberland.
...MoreYes, most people find Interlaken well worth a visit. Fearless adventurers can get their lake-and-mountain thrills amid spectacular surroundings, while less-active visitors can get their kicks from the spas and guided tours instead. And unlike some European alpine towns, Interlaken has excellent transportation links for easy journeys in and out.
...MoreInterlaken is known as an adventure sports hot spot, and most visitors have more activity options than time. Paragliding, bungee jumping, canyoning, and river rafting make up some of the summertime fun. In winter, skiers can use the town as a base to access the slopes of Mürren, Grindelwald, or Wengen.
...MoreIt depends. Grindelwald has village ambience, and serious hikers and skiers can hit the trails and pistes right away. Interlaken, with its transportation links and town facilities, is a better base for exploring the Bernese Oberland. It’s also a good choice for water sports, being close to two big lakes.
...MoreYes, Interlaken town isn’t too big, and it’s easy enough to walk around its shops and cafés. Public transportation will get you to nearby hiking routes and attractions like the Giessbach Falls without hassle. Plus, transit options include cogwheel trains, aerial cableways, and buses, so you can choose your routes.
...MoreYes. Interlaken’s mountain terrain is perfect for aerial adventure and unsurpassable views. While hang gliding is seen as more extreme—flying faster, horizontal to the ground—paragliding offers an upright flight with less of the terror. Plus, many flights include photos from action cameras like GoPros to give you extra bragging rights.
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