Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? 5 Honest Reasons (and Review)
Is Interlaken worth visiting? Short answer: absolutely yes. Out of everywhere I’ve traveled in Switzerland, Interlaken completely stole my heart from the moment I got off the train.
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland and want an epic spot tucked between 360-degree mountains and crystal-clear lakes, Interlaken deserves a spot on your itinerary.
The vibes here are electric — it’s easily one of the best towns in Switzerland for adrenaline seekers. But it’s also surprisingly laid-back, with casual energy that makes exploring the streets or relaxing by the lakes just as enjoyable.
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My favorite travel resources:
⭐️ Best Tours: GetYourGuide
⭐️ Best Accommodations: Booking.com
Getting here is easy too — trains from Zurich and nearby cities make it perfect for a day trip or a few nights of adventure.
In this guide, we will cover the top 5 reasons why Interlaken is worth visiting based on my experiences. I’ve also included top hotel recommendations in Interlaken and a special FAQ spection. Let’s dive in!
Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?
Yes — Interlaken is absolutely worth visiting. I didn’t spend much time wandering the town itself, but everything I did made me fall in love with this area.
I spent my days hiking nearby trails with jaw-dropping views, went skydiving in one of the most epic places with 360 degrees of moutains, and took a day trip to Lauterbrunnen and the surrounding valleys.
One day, there was a wild heat wave, so I spent most of the afternoon swimming in the lake — and let me tell you, the water was insanely blue.
This town is made for anyone who loves being outdoors. If you’re looking for a casual stroll along the river, swimming in the lakes, skiing, or canyoning, there’s something for every kind of adventure.
Even a short visit is worth it! I made a couple of friends when I stayed at a hostel one night and another at a restaraunt.
A lot of the visitors I met were kind and we got to share recommendations. It was fun to meet other like-minded travelers, and I even spent a half day exploring with them.
Interlaken is amazing for outdoor adventures and day trips, but if you’re looking for a big city vibe, it might not be your scene. It can get a bit touristy with the day-trippers, and the restaurants and shops are more geared toward visitors than local charm.
If you’re passing by on one of the trails, I still think the quick stop is worth it. The scenary and Swiss mountain energy make it a memorable spot on the way to your next destination.
Hassle-Free Travel: Jungfrau Travel Pass
⭐️ Great for mountain lovers staying in the region
⭐️ Covers trains, lifts, and cable cars across the Jungfrau area.
⭐️ Ideal for hopping between Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and beyond
Best Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland
There are so many reasons why Interlaken is worth visiting, but I’ll keep this guide short and sweet. If you’re visiting in the winter, check out my full guide for 25 things to do in Interlaken during winter.
After spending time in Interlaken myself, these are the top activities that make it such a magical destination.
The list below mixes outdoor adventures, nearby day trips, and fun things to do in town — a little something for every type of traveler.
1. Skydiving Above the Alps
If you’ve ever wanted to free-fall with a view of the Jungfrau, here’s your chance.
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, skydiving in Interlaken is unbeatable. Jump from an airplane at 14,000 feet with 360 degrees of rugged mountains, turquoise lakes, and the town below. After a 45-second freefall at up to 200 km/h, you’ll glide peacefully for a few minutes, taking it all in.
The team at Skydive Interlaken is highly skilled and enthusiastic. Before my epilepsy diagnosis, I had a skydiving license and jumped here—their professionalism and safety standards were outstanding.
Pro tip: Skydives fill up fast, especially in peak season, so book ahead.
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Other Adventure Activities:
⭐️ Paragliding
⭐️ Canyoning
⭐️ Skiing & Snowboarding
⭐️ Hiking
2. Take a Boat Cruise on Lake Thun/Lake Brienz
If you want to see Interlaken from a different angle, hop on a boat cruise. Both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are stunning with tourquoise water and surrounded by mountains that don’t even look real.
I took the cruise on a sunny afternoon and then ended up having a lakeside lunch, followed by swimming in the lake. (Yes I waited at least 30 minutes 😜)
The boat cruise is a laid-back experience that is relaxing and worth it. If you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, this is a perfect way to soak in Interlaken’s beauty without having to plan much at all.
3. Take a Day Trip to Lauterbrunnen
From Interlaken, hop on a quick scenic 30-minute train ride to Lauterbrunnen. You may have heard of it from being called the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls”.
The valley is a hub for adrenaline seekers, with people BASE jumping and paragliding. (Just a friendly note: I don’t recommend BASE jumping unless you’re very experienced — it’s an extreme sport!)
That said, it’s a lot of fun to grab a snack on the valley floor and watch everyone in flight. Just be mindful of the landing zones so you don’t get in the way. 🙂
⭐️ Related Posts:
Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls | The Top 9 You Can’t Miss
Best Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen | 2025 Travel Guide
I spent a lot of time hiking around Lauterbrunnen, exploring the valley trails, and visiting Trümmelbach Falls, a series of incredible waterfalls inside the mountain that feel almost magical.
And of course, I took the cable car up to Mürren. Perched high above the valley, this car-free village is quiet, impossibly scenic, and a perfect starting point for more hiking or just soaking in the views.
4. Try Local Foods
Sure, Interlaken is touristy, but it still has that classic Swiss charm—chocolate shops, cozy cafés, and traditional wooden chalets. After a day of adventuring, there’s nothing better than digging into a hot pot of fondue.
Or grabbing a plate of rösti and a side of raclette. And, of course, you can’t leave without stocking up on Swiss chocolate. I think I ate almost my body weight in Toblerone and Lindor chocolates…and it was worth it!!
Must-Try Swiss Eats:
⭐ Fondue: Because melted cheese is always a good idea.
⭐ Rösti: Crispy Swiss-style hash browns (the perfect comfort food).
⭐ Raclette: Melted cheese scraped onto potatoes and pickles.
⭐ Swiss Chocolate: Switzerland = chocolate heaven.
⭐️ Related Post:
Favorite Swiss Cuisines | 7 Must-Try Dishes
5. Ride the Harder Kulm Funicular
Before I visited Interlaken the first time, I remember seeing pictures of Harder Kulm and not actually believing that it was in Switzerland. The building at the top, as well as the epic views, looked too good to be true. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint.
Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s own balcony, literally. It’s just a short funicular ride from town. From the top, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun shimmer below with bright blue water, framed by Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Where to Stay in Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken Town Center is perfect if you want restaurants, winter markets, and easy train access right outside your door. To keep it short, here are a few standout options:
Top Hotels in Interlaken:
⭐️ Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
⭐️ Hotel Interlaken
⭐️ Balmers Hostel
If you’re looking for additional accommodations, consider checking VRBO, Booking.com, or Expedia for more!
Is Interlaken Worth Visiting: FAQ
1. How many days in Interlaken is enough?
I would recommend at least 4 days in Interlaken if you love spending time outdoors and want to take a few day trips. If you would prefer to explore the town and visit local attractions, 3 days will be enough.
2. Is Interlaken safe?
There are relatively low crime rates in Interlaken, but it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings and practice caution wherever you are.
3. What is the best time to visit Interlaken?
The best time to visit Interlaken is between May and September, when the weather is ideal and a wide range of activities are in full swing.
- Spring: Wildflowers, waterfalls, and great hiking weather.
- Summer: Peak adventure season—warm weather, long days, and lake swims.
- Fall: Fewer crowds, golden trees, and crisp mountain air.
- Winter: A snowy paradise with skiing, sledding, and Christmas vibes.
4. Is Interlaken a walkable city?
Yes! We walked almost everywhere in Interlaken and took trains for day trips—it’s a super easy and convenient way to get around.
Conclusion: Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?
Interlaken is one of those rare places that truly lives up to the hype. I had planned to stay just three or four days, but loved it so much that I ended up extending my trip by another three.
Whether you’re leaping out of a plane, hiking through alpine meadows, or simply sipping coffee by the lake, it’s a magical place that stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re on the fence, just go — you won’t regret it. For anyone who loves nature, adventure, and jaw-dropping Swiss landscapes, the answer is 100% yes. It may not be the cheapest destination, but the views, experiences, and memories make it more than worth it — even if extreme sports aren’t your thing.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
