Interlaken, located in the heart of Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, there are common tourist mistakes that can impact your experience. With some insider knowledge, you can avoid these pitfalls and make the most of your trip. Let’s dive into the 11 tourist mistakes to avoid in Interlaken!

Confusing the Train Stations in Interlaken
Interlaken has two main train stations: Interlaken Ost (East) and Interlaken West, and mixing them up can cause some unnecessary confusion during your trip.
Interlaken Ost: This is the station closer to Lake Brienz and is the starting point for most of the region’s mountain excursions. If you’re heading to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or even Jungfraujoch, this is your go-to station. If you’re traveling from Lucerne, you’ll also arrive here. The Harder Kulm funicular, another popular attraction, is nearby as well.
Interlaken West: Closer to Lake Thun, this station is in the livelier part of town. It’s surrounded by more restaurants, shops, and hotels, making it a good choice if you want to explore the town’s social scene.
Getting between the two stations is easy. You can take a short train or bus ride, or even walk—it’s only about 20 minutes on foot. However, knowing the difference beforehand can help you pick the right area to stay and avoid booking accommodations or activities in the wrong spot. If you want quick access to the mountains, stick to the Interlaken Ost area. For a more vibrant town experience, Interlaken West is the better option.


Confusing Routes: Bern vs. Lucerne
If you’re traveling to Interlaken from Zurich or Zug, you’ll need to choose between two routes: one through Bern and the other through Lucerne. Many travelers opt for the faster Bern route, but that’s often a missed opportunity for incredible scenery.
The Bern route takes about two hours and offers a small scenic stretch along Lake Thun. On the other hand, the Lucerne route, though an hour longer, is far more rewarding. The Lucerne Interlaken Express winds through picturesque landscapes, with views of charming villages like Lungern and Brienz, as well as stunning lakes and mountains. For the best experience, grab a seat on the right-hand side of the train.
If you’re coming from Geneva, things are a bit different. While the fastest route is through Bern, the scenic option is to take the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken—a truly unforgettable journey. Both routes have their perks, but choosing the more scenic path adds a lot more to your Switzerland experience.
Only Looking for Accommodation in Interlaken Itself
Interlaken might be the first place you think of when booking a stay in the region, but there are better options depending on the experience you want. While Interlaken is a convenient hub with great infrastructure, staying in the nearby mountain villages offers something truly special.
Places like Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren and Gimmelwald are nestled in the heart of the mountains. These villages give you direct access to stunning scenery and a more peaceful, immersive experience. Most are within 30 minutes to an hour from Interlaken by train or cable car, making them just as accessible.
If you prefer to stay close to Interlaken without being right in the middle of town, consider nearby areas like Unterseen, Matten, or Bönigen. These smaller villages often have more traditional accommodations, like cozy chalet-style hotels, and can be less expensive.
Think about what kind of vibe you want—convenience in Interlaken, or charm and immersion in the surrounding villages. Either way, it’s worth exploring beyond Interlaken itself.


Not Planning Enough Days in the Region
A common mistake is rushing through Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region, often squeezing it into just one day. While it’s tempting to fit as much as possible into a Switzerland itinerary, this area truly deserves more time.
Spending at least three days in the region allows you to experience its highlights properly. There’s so much to see, from Lake Thun and Lake Brienz to the mountain villages of Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Mürren. Big attractions like Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn are must-sees, but they take time to enjoy fully.
If you have more days, you can explore hidden gems like Grindelwald First, with its hiking trails and adventure activities, or take a side trip to Oeschinen Lake near Kandersteg, one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Switzerland.
Rushing through this region often means missing its true charm. If possible, give yourself enough time to relax and explore the mountains, lakes, and villages at a more leisurely pace.
Spending Too Much Time in Interlaken Town
Interlaken itself is a great base, but it’s not the main attraction. Many visitors make the mistake of spending too much time in the town, thinking it’s the highlight of the region.
While Interlaken offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities, the true beauty lies in the surrounding areas. Use Interlaken as a starting point to explore places like Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Mürren. These mountain villages offer incredible views, outdoor adventures, and a more authentic Swiss experience.
If you do want to explore Interlaken, a quick walking tour is often enough to see its highlights. From there, head out into the region for the real magic, whether it’s hiking, taking boat rides on the lakes, or riding mountain railways. Don’t let the convenience of Interlaken keep you from exploring everything the region has to offer.
- Insider Tips from a Local: Get the inside scoop on the Jungfrau Region from a Swiss local.
- Insight to all the Attractions: Discover everything there is to do! Unsure where to start? I’ll share my own favorites to help you decide.
- Practical Information: From transportation and train passes to seasonal tips and safety advice.
- Top 10 Experiences: A curated list of must-see highlights to inspire your adventure.
- Digital Map: Navigate like an expert with a custom digital map highlighting top attractions, trails, restaurants, and more.
- Detailed Itineraries: Whether you’re visiting for 1, 3, or 7 days, follow ready-made plans to make the most of your time in the region.
- Hidden Gems: Explore lesser-known spots and unique activities that even many visitors miss!
- Restaurant Guide: Handpicked recommendations for the best Swiss cuisine and international dishes.
- Accommodation Guide: Find the perfect place to stay with options for every budget and preference.
Choosing the Wrong Travel Pass
Switzerland offers several travel pass options, and picking the wrong one can either cost you extra money or limit what you can do during your trip. To avoid this, match your itinerary with the right pass:
- The Swiss Travel Pass is ideal if you’re traveling across the country. It covers trains, buses, and boats, but the discounts for mountain excursions like Jungfraujoch are limited.
- The Berner Oberland Pass works well for exploring the broader Jungfrau Region, although its mountain discounts have decreased in recent years.
- The Jungfrau Travel Pass is focused specifically on the Jungfrau Region and offers the best deals for mountain railways and cable cars. However, it doesn’t cover trips outside the area, so you’ll need separate tickets for journeys like getting to the airport.
Prices are fairly similar, so the key is to choose a pass that aligns with your travel plans. Taking the time to plan this out can save you money and make your trip much smoother.
Skipping the Lakes
Interlaken is literally named for its position between two lakes, but many visitors focus only on the mountains and miss out on the stunning beauty of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Lake Brienz is known for its vibrant turquoise color and picturesque spots along its shore. Highlights include the village of Iseltwald, famously featured in Crash Landing on You, and Brienz, a charming town that serves as the starting point for the Brienz Rothorn Railway. Don’t forget to visit the Giessbach Falls, where you can walk behind the cascading water.
Lake Thun offers its own charm, with peaceful spots like Spiez, which features a lakeside castle and serene views. It’s also a great spot for relaxing boat rides.
Both lakes are perfect for swimming in the summer, and boat cruises on either lake offer unique perspectives of the surrounding mountains and villages. Don’t make the mistake of skipping these beautiful natural gems—they’re an essential part of the region’s charm.


Overlooking Nearby Attractions
Many visitors focus solely on Interlaken and the major mountain excursions, but there are some incredible attractions close to town that often get overlooked.
One must-visit spot is the St. Beatus Caves, located near Lake Thun. These caves feature stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and a unique underground experience that’s still relatively under the radar.
Another hidden gem is Schynige Platte, accessible by a cogwheel train. It offers breathtaking views and is the starting point for the Panorama Trail, a ridge hike with spectacular scenery. For those who enjoy hiking, the ridge trail from Harder Kulm to Augstmatthorn is a challenging yet rewarding option. Along the way, you might even spot ibexes in their natural habitat.
These nearby attractions provide a different perspective on the region and can be a refreshing break from the busier, well-known spots. Make sure to include them in your itinerary for a more well-rounded experience.


Not Booking Popular Activities in Advance
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make in Interlaken is assuming they can just show up and participate in popular activities without prior reservations. During peak season, this approach can lead to disappointment.
Take Grindelwald First, for example. Known for its action-packed attractions like the First Glider, First Flyer, and mountain carts, this area gets extremely busy in summer. If you don’t book ahead, you may find yourself waiting for hours—or worse, missing out entirely.
Paragliding is another bucket-list activity in the region. Flying between the lakes with views of the Jungfrau mountains is an unforgettable experience, but spots fill up quickly, especially on clear days.
Lastly, Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” is one of Switzerland’s most iconic attractions. During the summer, it’s highly recommended to reserve seats for the final stretch of the journey, as trains from Kleine Scheidegg or Eigergletscher can be fully booked.
By reserving in advance, you’ll avoid long waits and guarantee your spot for these memorable experiences. It’s a simple step that can save time and make your trip much smoother.
Assuming Everything is Open Year-Round
A common oversight for visitors is expecting all attractions in the Interlaken region to operate year-round. Many key spots have seasonal closures, and not checking schedules can throw a wrench in your plans.
For example, Schynige Platte is only open from June to late October, and Harder Kulm, another popular viewpoint, closes during the winter months. Similarly, Trümmelbach Falls, the incredible waterfalls inside the rock, shut down completely in winter. Even some cable cars and mountain railways, like those in Grindelwald First or Männlichen, have maintenance periods in November, when they stop operating for weeks.
Boat cruises also vary by season. On Lake Brienz, they typically pause in early winter, while Lake Thun offers a limited schedule during the colder months.
The good news is that some attractions, like Jungfraujoch, are open all year. If you’re visiting outside the main April to October tourist season, double-check opening dates for all major activities to avoid disappointment.
Expecting Snow in Interlaken During Winter
Many visitors come to Interlaken in winter expecting to find a snowy wonderland, but this isn’t always the case. Interlaken’s location between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun creates a microclimate that keeps the town slightly warmer, meaning snow on the ground is rare.
If you’re set on experiencing snow, you’ll need to head to higher-altitude locations. Villages like Wengen, Mürren, and Gimmelwald have a much higher likelihood of snow during winter. For guaranteed snow, go even higher to places like Kleine Scheidegg, where skiing is possible until late April. And, of course, Jungfraujoch has snow all year round, making it a reliable option regardless of the season.
Interlaken is a great base for winter activities, but don’t expect snow in town. Instead, plan day trips to higher elevations to get that magical winter experience.
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