Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? (5 Honest Reasons Why You Should Visit)
Is Interlaken worth visiting? Short answer: yes! Out of everywhere I have traveled in Switzerland, Interlaken took my breath away. It is one of my favorite places in the world!
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland and looking for an epic city wedged between mountains and lakes, Interlaken deserves a spot on your itinerary.
The vibe is fun in Interlaken, it’s a blend of casual, laid-back energy mixed with adrenaline activities. With that being said, it may not be the place for everyone. Let’s get into the real talk of things to do and reasons why you should visit Interlaken.
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Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?
Interlaken is worth a visit for a variety of reasons. It’s an easy location to take a train to if you are traveling from other cities nearby or larger cities such as Zurich. With that being said, Interlaken is a fun city to visit for a day trip or to spend the night at for a few nights.
Each city or region in Switzerland typically has something that the area is known for. For example, Zurich is known for cathedrals like the Fraumünster and Grossmünster, and Zermatt is known for the Matterhorn.
What is Interlaken known for? Good question! Interlaken is known for its outdoor adventures with beautiful scenary in every direction, with a little Swiss charm.
This area is the perfect spot for those who want to spend time outdoors, seek a thrill, enjoy a walk along the river or a swim in the lake, or visit one of the well-known attractions. Let’s break it down so you can decide if it fits your vibe.
5 Reasons Why Interlaken is Worth Visiting
Now don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of reasons why Interlaken is worth visiting. After visiting Interlaken myself, I believe that these are the top reasons people visit, and what makes it a magical location.
A lot of the reasons have to do with the beauty, nature, the charming town, and that it is a mecca for outdoor activities.
If you’re not a fan of the outdoors, adrenaline sports, or colder weather and would rather spend your trip shopping, this might not be your ideal destination.
That said, Switzerland has plenty of other cities that cater more to those interests!
Zurich is a little less than a two-hour train ride away, and you could easily spend your entire trip in Zurich as a home base and make day trips from the city. Additionally, there are plenty of beautiful cities in the Swiss Alps nearby.
1. The Adventure Capital of Switzerland
Interlaken isn’t just pretty—it’s adrenaline-packed. This is the place to jump out of planes, paraglide over lakes, raft down wild rivers, and bungee jump off cliffs. If your idea of fun involves your heart racing at 100 mph, Interlaken is your dream come true.
And for those who prefer their adventure a little slower, there’s hiking—lots of it. From easy scenic walks to hardcore alpine treks, the trails here are unreal.
Top Adventure Activities:
🚀 Paragliding: A unique view while soaring above turquoise lakes with the Alps in the background.
🚀 Skydiving: If you’ve ever wanted to free-fall with a view of the Jungfrau, here’s your chance.
🚀 Canyoning: Scrambling, jumping, and sliding through gorges like a true explorer.
🚀 Hiking & Climbing: From easy scenic walks to technical alpine climbs, Interlaken has trails for every skill level.
🚀 Winter Sports: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing—winter turns this place into a snowy paradise.
2. Unreal Scenery That’ll Blow Your Mind
Squeezed between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau standing like giants in the distance, Interlaken feels almost too scenic to be real. The shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are perfect for a picnic or boat ride.
And if you want to experience winter magic, visit Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe”. From here you will look out at snow, glaciers, and epic mountain views.
A simple stroll through town is enough to make you pause—but if you want the best views, you’ve got plenty of ways to level up the experience.
Take the funicular up Harder Kulm for insane panoramic views of the whole region.
Head up to Schynige Platte for one of the most scenic ridge hikes in Switzerland.
3. Perfect Base for Exploring the Jungfrau Region
Interlaken is your gateway to some of the most beautiful spots in Switzerland. Hop on a train, and in less than an hour, you can be deep in the Swiss Alps, wandering through car-free villages or standing in front of thundering waterfalls.
Easy Day Trips from Interlaken:
Lauterbrunnen is a dream, with 72 waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs. Grindelwald offers stunning hikes and views straight out of a fantasy movie. Mürren and Wengen are charming, car-free villages that feel like stepping back in time.
And if you’re after a James Bond moment, head up to Schilthorn, home to a 360° rotating restaurant with breathtaking alpine views.
🚗 Bonus Spot: Trümmelbach Falls has underground waterfalls that are seriously mind-blowing.
Related Post: Berner Oberland Pass: Everything You Need to Know for 2025
Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls | The Top 9 You Can’t Miss!
4. Swiss Charm & Local Culture
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. It’s Stunning in Every Season
Interlaken doesn’t have an off-season. Summer means bright blue lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and perfect hiking conditions. The first time I visited Interlaken, there was a wild heat wave, so I spent most of the time swimming in the lake and it was a blast.
Let me tell you, the waters are blue!
We were lucky that it wasn’t too crowded during the busy season. The hostels and hotels had many visitors at night. However, there is so much to do in the area that most people seem to split up their days walking the town, taking a nearby trip, or relaxing in the mountains.
Quick Overview of Seasons:
- 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.
The rest of the trip brought perfect summer temperatures, and I spent most of my time hiking and skydiving. Since I have my skydiving license, I was able to get in a few jumps—nothing compares to free-falling with mountains stretching in every direction, feeling like you’re truly on top of the world.
Winter transforms the region into a snowy wonderland, ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy alpine nights.
Fall brings fewer crowds and golden landscapes, while spring bursts to life with blooming valleys and rushing waterfalls. No matter when you visit, it’s going to be spectacular.
So, Should You Visit Interlaken?
If you love nature, adventure, and stunning Swiss landscapes, 100% yes. It’s not the cheapest place in the world, but it’s an unforgettable experience. Even if you’re not into extreme sports, the views alone make it worth visiting.
Pro Tip: If budget is a big factor for your trip, it was for us too! We stayed at campsites and Balmer’s Hostel for the majority of the time and cooked our own lunches and dinners to save money.
Interlaken might not be for you if:
❌ You prefer city lights, shopping, and luxury hotels
❌ You’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination (Interlaken is popular and can get crowded)
Who Will Love Interlaken?
✅ Adventure seekers
✅ Hikers & nature lovers
✅ Anyone who loves scenic train rides
✅ Travelers who want an epic Swiss experience
✅ Photographers looking for mind-blowing landscapes
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 it better to stay in Zurich or Interlaken?
If you prefer a location that is a larger city with more of an urban feel, Zurich will be a better place to stay in. There are plenty of trains, boats, car rentals, and airports in that area as well.
3. Is Interlaken overrated?
I wouldn’t say that Interlaken is overrated at all. It is a trafficked tourist hub, but there are plenty of things to do to avoid the crowds.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Is Interlaken walkable?
Yes! We walked almost everywhere in Interlaken and took trains for day trips—it’s a super easy and convenient way to get around.
Is Interlaken Worth Visiting Concluded
Interlaken is one of those rare places that truly lives up to the hype. I originally planned to stay for just three or four days, but I loved it so much that I ended up extending my trip by another three days.
Take the leap (literally) out of a plane, soar above the lakes, hike through the alpine meadows, and enjoy that cup of coffee by the lake, it’s a magical place and one that you’ll remember forever.
So if you’re on the fence, go for it. You won’t regret it.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
