By the beginning of the 19th century Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland had already become renowned for its impressive mountain scenery. Famous contemporaries such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Felix Mendelssohn traveled in these mountains. Interlaken's success as a tourist destination was further enhanced by the completion of the Bernese Oberland Railway in 1890 and the Jungfrau Railway in 1912.
As a vacation destination and convention location of international importance, Interlaken is an ideal starting point for countless excursions. Over 45 mountain railways, cable cars, chair lifts and ski lifts lead to 200 kilometers of pistes and a dense network of hiking trails. Excursion ships, including historic paddle steamers, ply the waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Summer
Trains to the Jungfrau region in the direction of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen with connections to the railways to Mürren and from there to the Schilthorn as well as via the Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch depart from the Interlaken Ost railway station. A fleet of ships, including one historic paddle-steamer on each lake, cruises on Lakes Thun and Brienz. Interlaken is located on the «Golden Pass» panorama route from Montreux on Lake Geneva past the luxury holiday resort of Gstaad to Interlaken and from there across the Brünig Pass to Lucerne.
Just ten kilometres away from Interlaken, on a sunny south-facing slope, lies Beatenberg-Niederhorn, a paradise for paragliders. For hikers there is an extensive network of hiking routes. The Niederhorn also provides a habitat for ibexes, chamois and marmots.
Highlights
- Schynige Platte near Wilderswil – nostalgic rack-railway, fascinating view of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, Alpine garden with about 500 plant species and a lot of hiking possibilities.
- Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn – the rides by rack-railway to the highest railway station in Europe and the cableway to the Piz Glora revolving restaurant: two top mountain experiences in the Bernese Oberland.
- Harder Kulm – a cableway takes passengers up to Interlaken’s „house mountain“ which affords a view of the health resort and the whole Jungfrau region. The Alpine wild animal park near the valley station is an experience for children.
- Heimwehfluh – a nostalgia funicular provides transport to the vantage terrace with a restaurant, all-weather toboggan run, model railway display and large playground.
- Jungfrau Tourism Museum in Unterseen – the regional tourism museum shows 200 years of tourism in the Jungfrau region.
- St. Beatus Caves – one kilometre of lit limestone caves with stalagmites, impressive halls and waterfalls accessible by boat, car, bus or on foot on the historic pilgrims way.
11 Comments
loida castaneda
Hi! I am planning to visit your country 1st week of November, 2011.I want to ask you if there is snow already at that time so that we know what clothings to bring. Pls send me some scenic view or pictures of Interlaken and Geneva. Thank you so much. Philippines..
Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 12:11 AM
Anirudh A
Hi I went to Interlaken during Easter this year... sadly most of the things were shut and whatever had opened had just done so. I recommend summer as the best time to go, but Schilthorn and the other mountain attractions are supposedly open all year. It is really worth going there and it definitely does snow in winter. I would expect it so start becoming cold around this time of year and even more so in Jan/Feb, so take some warm clothes. People are generally friendly and they have great pride in their town. The no 1 way to travel is the train. Everybody loves it and there are many things to do with kids. Just make sure you have your valid ticket/rail pass with you or the conductor will be very cross with you, demand a fine and kick you out at the next stop. Apart from that, most places are already kid friendly,but some of the adventurous things such as rafting etc. might be a little scary or overwhelming for kids. Mountains are also suitable. Schilthorn is my mountain recommendation along with Jungfrau. Another recommendation is the Trummelbach falls and Harder Kulm. There is also supposedly a river cruise which is very nice. Finally, there's walking. Walking around interlaken is just so wonderful. Everything is nice and scenic, the weather is nice and if you go by the riverside. In that aspect, interlaken is definitely the best hub for seeing the reason in terms of convenience and practicality. More information is available at the tourist office on Hoheweg street. Hope every one found that useful Thanks :-D
Sunday, Sep 25, 2011 11:36 AM
Rahul
I want to know is the month of January or February is good time to visit Switzerland.
Thursday, Sep 22, 2011 7:14 PM
Poonam Gala
Hi, I am planning to visit Switzerland during October, 2011. I would like to know if Mount Titlis, Jungfrau, Schilthorn, Pilatus are open or shut in October??? Also, are the adventure sports in Interlaken like paragliding, bungee-jumping, hot air balloon open or shut in October??? Thank You, Poonam Gala
Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 10:05 AM
Poonam Gala
hello, I am planning to visit Switzerland in october end. My basic query- Is it better to stay at Interlaken or at Lucerne ( I want to go to mount titlis, Jungfrau, schilthorn, and Pitalus) ... Hence, will it better to stay at Lucerne or at Interlaken to travel to these places?? And is mid-October and October-end a crowded season in Switzerland or not? Thank You, Poonam Gala
Tuesday, Sep 13, 2011 2:41 PM
Jessie Chong
I be in Norther Europe in Early to Mid Nov 11. Wish to experience snowing and wonder whether at this time in Switerland will I be able to see snow falling. I don't mind to go to the Alps to have my first experience of snowing. Please advise where and when is the best time that promise snowing in Switerland. Thank you. Singapore
Thursday, Sep 8, 2011 3:15 PM
mamta
i am travelling to interlaken for 3 days starting on 2nd october 2011 2 adults and 2 children please suggest things to do and weather.Will it be really chilly ?
Monday, Sep 5, 2011 6:06 PM
nitin lunkad
Want to know more about winter holiday in switzerland would like to visit in jan 2012
Monday, Aug 22, 2011 10:02 AM
avathi
I hate your new look website. Earlier it was much better to get information and very user friendly. May be you have taken help of Brits to modify your website. Now I cant find the cam link which made you feel like you were there with all the mapping of streets.
Saturday, Jul 16, 2011 7:05 PM
cathy george
I am taking the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St-Moritz and would like to travel from St Moritz to Interlaken, go to Muren, the Shilthorn on the cablecar and then take the Jungfrau train from Interlaken. I will be there mid-october. I will fly back to the states from Zurich. If time permit I may be interested to also go to Lucerne and Mt-Pilatus. What is the best way to go. Like to travel during the day preferably. I will have a swiss rail pass. Thank you in advance for your answer.
Tuesday, Jul 12, 2011 8:58 PM
Parag Agarwal
I am really interested in vacation at this place. kindly send the details.
Wednesday, Jun 15, 2011 5:35 PM