Interlaken Q&A: What You Really Need to Know Before Visiting

When I asked my community what they wanted to know about Interlaken, I got swamped with questions. So I decided to answer as many of them as possible in one place based on local insight and real experience.

What are the top 2 to 3 things to do in Interlaken?

If you do nothing else, focus on these.

Explore the Jungfrau Region. Head into the Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald valleys and take a trip up to one of the surrounding peaks like Schilthorn or Männlichen.

Get on the water. Choose either Lake Brienz or Lake Thun. I personally prefer Brienz for the color and mountain backdrop.

Visit Harder Kulm. Ride or hike up to Interlaken’s local viewpoint. You’ll see both lakes, the town below, and a full view of the Jungfrau massif.

Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen — where should I stay for 3 to 4 days?

They offer very different experiences.

Interlaken is a town with more infrastructure, including train stations, shops, and easier access to other parts of Switzerland.

Lauterbrunnen is set in a steep valley with cliffs on both sides. If you want that deep mountain village feel, this is the place.

Both have chalet-style stays, including in the quieter suburbs of Interlaken. It really depends on whether you prefer convenience or atmosphere.

Is Interlaken a good base without a car?

Yes, it’s actually one of the best.

The region’s public transport is fast and well-connected. You’ll rarely be on a train for more than 30 minutes, and villages like Wengen and Mürren are car-free anyway. Those places are built for train or cable car access.

If you’re not planning to drive across mountain passes, there’s no reason to rent a car here.

What’s one hidden gem around Interlaken that people miss?

A place called Heimwehfluh. Most people overlook it.

It’s a small hill just west of Interlaken West station with a vintage funicular that looks like it hasn’t changed in 40 years. At the top, there’s an old-school toboggan run through the forest, a playground, and a unique view over the town that’s totally different from Harder Kulm.

It’s quiet, nostalgic, and feels like time stood still. Locals know it, but tourists usually don’t.

What’s the minimum number of days you need in Interlaken?

Technically, one.

But to see the area without rushing, 3 to 4 days is ideal. Much longer and you’ll start repeating activities — and accommodation in this region isn’t cheap.

This gives you time for a couple of mountain trips, a lake day, and some wandering through nearby towns.

Want to Be Prepared?

These quirks don’t ruin your trip but knowing them in advance can make it a whole lot smoother.

If you want even more help planning your trip, my travel guides are packed with itineraries, train routes, great places to eat, hidden gems, and more.

👉 Get the guides here

What are some offbeat places nearby for people who’ve already visited the main sights?

Head toward Lake Thun. That side often gets overlooked because Swiss tourism mostly promotes the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys and Lake Brienz. But Lake Thun has its own charm.

You’ve got mountains like Niesen and Niederhorn, lakeside castles in Spiez, Oberhofen, and Thun itself, and smaller towns that feel more local and less touristed. If you want to go further out, check out Meiringen for the Aare Gorge and Reichenbach Falls — a Sherlock Holmes spot — or visit the Rosenlaui Gorge. Still feels wild, even today.

If I only do one mountain excursion and skip Jungfrau, which should it be?

Go to Männlichen. It has amazing views into both Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys and a great mix of easy hikes. You see the Jungfrau massif clearly but from a quieter, less commercialized place.

It’s also not as expensive, and the cable car from Wengen makes it easy to reach. It gives you the mountain feel without the crowds.

What’s the best way to get to Interlaken from Zurich?

There’s a direct train via Bern, which is the fastest and easiest option. But if you’ve got the time, take the scenic route.

Go from Zurich to Lucerne, then ride the Lucerne–Interlaken Express. Sit on the right side in the direction of travel and enjoy the mountain and lake views. It takes a bit longer but it’s absolutely worth it if you’re not in a rush.

How do I get from Interlaken to Mürren?

First, take the train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. From there, you have two options.

Option one is to take a bus to Stechelberg and then ride the cable car up to Mürren. It’s very steep and fun to ride.

Option two is to take the cable car right from Lauterbrunnen up to Grütschalp, then switch to the mountain train that goes across to Mürren. If you’re planning to go to Schilthorn, the Stechelberg option is better since it’s directly connected.

How do I get around the region if Interlaken is my base?

Mainly by train. The network is super reliable and runs often.

For shorter hops, you can also use buses or even boats — like from Interlaken to Brienz or Thun. You can rent bikes too, especially if you want to explore the valleys. But public transport is more than enough for most visitors and usually more convenient.

Is it easy to reach Interlaken by car?

Yes, very easy. You can drive in from Bern on the highway or come from Lucerne over the Brünig Pass, which is open year-round. It’s a proper mountain road but manageable and scenic.

If you follow your GPS, it might route you along the faster highway on the south side of Lake Brienz. But if you have time, take the slower road on the north side — it passes through small villages and gives you a better view of the lake. Worth the extra time.

Is there parking available for rental cars in Interlaken?

Yes. There are parking garages, outdoor lots, and even a park-and-ride option at Wilderswil where it’s cheaper during the day. At Interlaken Ost station, there’s long-term parking if needed.

Prices are pretty normal for Switzerland. Just make sure to check the parking meter signage — hours and rates can vary, and sometimes it’s free on Sundays or overnight.

Is St. Beatus Caves worth visiting?

Yes, especially on a rainy day or if you’re curious about something a little different. The cave system is carved into the cliffs above Lake Thun and has trails, underground chambers, and legends tied to it.

It’s not super famous yet, so it’s not packed, and it gives you a break from the usual mountain or lake activities. There’s also a restaurant with lake views and a small museum.

Should I go paragliding in Interlaken?

If it’s on your bucket list, absolutely go for it. Interlaken is one of the best places to do it in Switzerland because of the views over both lakes and the backdrop of the Alps.

Most flights land right on the big field in town in front of the Victoria Jungfrau Hotel. Just make sure to book ahead, especially in summer, as it can fill up fast.

Is swimming in the lakes a good idea?

Yes, it’s one of the most underrated things to do here.

There are designated swimming areas called lidos where you can change and leave your stuff, but you’re also free to hop in wherever it’s not explicitly marked as off-limits. Just avoid harbors and ferry zones, and don’t swim in the Aare River as the current is strong and it’s not safe.

The water can be cold, but on a summer day it’s amazing.

Is the boat cruise worth it? And which is better — Lake Thun or Lake Brienz?

Both are worth doing, but they offer different experiences.

Lake Brienz has that deep turquoise color and a more dramatic mountain backdrop. The villages feel more peaceful and less touristy. It’s my personal favorite.

Lake Thun has a longer boating season and connects more castles and towns like Spiez and Thun itself. If you’re visiting outside summer, it might be the only option running. If you’re visiting in high season, Brienz is hard to beat.

What’s the best way to experience Lake Brienz?

You’ve got options. The classic way is by boat — especially if you can catch one of the paddle steamers, which feel like a throwback to early Swiss tourism days.

You can also rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Some companies even offer fondue or chocolate fondue tours on the water. For a bit more adrenaline, there’s a jet boat experience that gives you speed and lake spray with great views.

Can I do Grindelwald First and Jungfraujoch on the same day?

Yes, but only if you’re prepared to move fast and follow a schedule. You won’t have time to hang around or do long hikes.

It’s doable and popular with people who want to fit both in — and I’ve even included it as a full-day option in my travel guides — but be realistic. It’ll be a packed day.

What should I do on a rainy day in Interlaken or the Jungfrau Region?

Don’t let the weather stop you. Unless you’re going up to Jungfraujoch for the view, rain doesn’t ruin most of the experience.

You can hike in light rain, visit St. Beatus Caves, do indoor chocolate workshops, or just take a scenic train ride. Bring a rain jacket and keep going. Honestly, some of the lake views are extra moody and photogenic when it’s misty out.

Any tips for visiting Interlaken with a toddler?

Switzerland is super kid-friendly. You’ll find child seats in restaurants, playgrounds in most villages, and stroller-friendly paths in the valleys.

Harder Kulm, Männlichen, and Schynige Platte all have playgrounds or kid zones. Many cable cars and trains are fine with strollers, and you’ll even find child-specific themed trails like the Lieselotte cow trail at Männlichen.

Are there kid-friendly trails and activities in the area?

Definitely. Männlichen is one of the best spots, especially the Lieselotte trail — it’s based on a children’s book character and has little activities and stamps along the way. The trail is easy, has views, and even ends at a playground.

Schynige Platte and Allmendhubel also have themed paths and kid zones, and most valleys like Lauterbrunnen have flat, stroller-friendly walking paths. Great if you want something scenic but low effort.

What’s the best bike route with kids?

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is perfect for that. It’s flat, scenic, and car-free in large sections. You can rent bikes in town and even get trailers for smaller kids.

It’s an easy way to see waterfalls and little side paths without having to hike. Just make sure to return before it gets dark — there’s not much lighting once you’re out of the village.

Jungfrau or Mount Titlis — which is better for a group with kids?

If you’re already in the Jungfrau area, stick with Jungfrau. But if you’re deciding based on price and simplicity, Titlis is much cheaper and still delivers a big mountain experience.

Don’t travel across the country just to switch between the two. Go with whichever region you’re already in. Both have snow, views, and family-friendly setups — Titlis just tends to be more budget-friendly for larger groups.

What’s the best thing to do in late August if I only have 2 to 3 days?

Hiking is ideal around that time. Most tourists are gone, the weather is cooler, and the air gets super clear — which means incredible visibility.

Take advantage of that for photos, long walks, or just quiet time on a mountaintop terrace. It’s one of the most peaceful times of the year to be here, and you can enjoy all the classic activities without the crowds.

What’s your favorite place to visit nearby, or a must-see site close to Interlaken?

Männlichen is my favorite. It’s easy to reach, not too expensive, and offers panoramic views in both directions — into Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.

You can go up, hike, or even sleep at the top. It’s less crowded than the bigger name spots, and still gives you that full alpine experience.

Is Interlaken a good base for day trips to Grindelwald, Lucerne, Lauterbrunnen, or even Zermatt?

Yes, it’s very doable. Swiss distances are short by international standards, even if locals think two hours is a long ride.

You can get to Lucerne and back in a day. People also do day trips to Zermatt from here, though it’s a bit longer. Trains run on time, and if you plan ahead, you can fit a lot in without switching hotels every night.