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Interlaken – being a guest at the very heart of Switzerland

Plan your ideal holiday

Discover the variety of nature, adventure and hideaways

Everybody has their own idea of the perfect holiday. Are you looking for relaxation and unforgettable hideaways in the very heart of Switzerland or are you looking for challenges and adventure? Whatever you are looking for, your holiday dreams will come true in Interlaken. Experience the impressive interplay of mountains and lakes – a breathtaking mix you will love. The idyll of the mountain world, picturesque alpine landscapes and spectacular views as well as excursions are all close by and easy for you to reach from Interlaken. Here you will also find urban flair and shopping to your heart's content.

  • Your 2-in-1 holiday: discover mountains and lakes at the same time

  • You will find spectacular panoramas and mountain excursions close by

  • Ideal starting point for excursions to the Jungfrau Region and the entire Bernese Oberland

  • Europe’s number one adventure sport destination

  • Discover the incredible variety of hideaways and numerous water experiences

The gentle hills of the Central Plateau become higher, the first mountain peaks become visible, idyllic villages adorn the lake shores. Interlaken is embedded in the unique landscape of the Bernese Oberland – a holiday destination and congress venue of international significance. It lies on an alluvial plain nestled perfectly between Lakes Thun and Brienz. Thanks to attractive railway connections and road networks, your holiday actually begins on the journey to get here. Interlaken is easy to reach thanks to its excellent rail, road and air connections. The first wow experience comes on your journey to get here by rail or car. Because you will experience a view you’ll never forget. You encounter staggering scenery as soon as you have passed through the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The deep blue Lake Thun, lush green alpine meadows, eternally white mountain peaks and, in the distance, the turquoise-coloured Lake Brienz all come into your field of vision. Along the mountains and between the dense forests, fine wafts of mist make for a magic and at the same time refreshing atmosphere.

In Interlaken, picture-book moments are reality. Guests from all over the world meet here, in the very heart of Switzerland, stroll along the Höhematte and through the alleyways of Interlaken or simply enjoy doing nothing in one of the many cafés. Naturally while enjoying the spectacular view of the world-famous Jungfrau. And Interlaken has far more to offer than just attractive shops, mountains and lakes. The place combines different contrasts and thus attracts all kinds of holidaymakers. There’s an appropriate offer whatever your requirements.

Everything for your ideal holiday

Blick auf die Orte Interlaken – Matten – Unterseen sowie die Berner Oberländer Berge und den Thunersee

Nature-lovers long for beautiful, secluded spots in and around Interlaken that are perfect for recharging their batteries: gentle activities, dreaming, experiencing, celebrating enjoyable moments. Families want to spend time together and are looking for entertaining activities and adventures: experiencing, discovering and learning together. The brave and the active are looking for sporting challenges, variation and even the ultimate adrenaline kick: faster, higher, further.

Paraglider mit orangem Schirm fliegt über Interlaken mit Blick zu den Bergen

Interlaken is Europe’s number one adventure destination. Such a range of professionally organised adventure activities in a small space, set in perfect landscapes, glaciers and lakes is absolutely unique. The town is the ideal starting point in particular for everyone wanting to see the tourist highlights and the well-known excursion destinations of the holiday region such as, for example, the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe in eternal ice and the Schilthorn – Piz Gloria with its 360-degree panorama. A holiday in Interlaken remains an unforgettable experience whatever the season. What are you looking for?

Magic waterworld

Blick auf die türkise Aare in Interlaken vom Harder Kulm im Frühling

Do you want to experience water? Then you could not choose a better place than Interlaken. Lakes Thun and Brienz are linked by the Aare which consequently flows through the charming town of Interlaken. Playful mountain streams and spring water which cleave their way down into the valley from the adjacent mountains converge in the Aare. Close by and just a few metres of altitude away, clear mountain lakes glitter and send thunderous waterfalls over rugged cliff edges down into the depths. Untiringly, mineral water gushes from the numerous countryside standposts, usually in the very best, healthy drinking water quality. A genuine privilege: in your hotel or holiday apartment, you only need to switch on the tap to get top-class drinking water. It is healthy, tasty and what's more extremely sustainable and good for the environment.

Aussicht vom Harder Kulm mit Blick auf Interlaken und den Brienzersee sowie Eiger Mönch und Jungfrau

Water, particularly the Aare, was always a central element in the history of Interlaken. The current town of Interlaken used to be called Aarmühle. From 1562, the monastery mill which gave the town its name belonged to the bailiffs. From 1708, however, the four millwheels of Aarmühle stood still. In 1891 the name was then changed to "Interlaken". The name is derived from the Latin “Inter Lacūs” which means between the lakes.

 

Place of opposites and contrasts

Steg im Neuhaus bei Interlaken

Interlaken stands for variety, contrast and individualism in different areas. Diverse activities and possibilities, but also coloured contrasts created by the scenery of the surrounding mountains, nearby glittering waters, green forests within walking distance and lush meadows with grazing cattle. But you will also be inspired by Interlaken's urban flair. The picturesque old town of Unterseen is a veritable insiders’ tip. Charming restaurants and cafés invite you to dream and enjoy. A gentle walk along the Aare or into the Weissenau nature reserve close by on the shores of Lake Thun helps you to switch off and recharge your batteries.

Blick auf die sanft verschneite Unterseener Altstadt vom Aarekanal aus

Unterseen is connected to the bustling centre of Interlaken by the Marktgasse. On the popular Höheweg and on the Höhematte, you will find the complete opposite to the quiet old town. Hustle and bustle is the order of the day here whatever the season. Guests from all over the world marvel at the picture-postcard setting, created by the famous white giants Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Taking a snapshot of the Three Peaks is bound to be on your to-do list regardless of the season. Take your perfect souvenir photo.

Winter sport and cosy venues

Take the ski shuttle bus or the PostAuto to one of the region’s skiing areas, and ski down perfectly groomed slopes. Take a trip to Lake Brienz and join a guided winter kayaking tour across the still waters. For a more laid-back experience, opt for a boat trip on Lake Thun to admire the natural wintry backdrop reflected in the placid surface. Combine your winter experience with a romantic stroll along the banks of the lake. The picture-perfect landscape of snowy peaks is also ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoe treks. Tourist Information Interlaken can provide full details of the range of winter adventures. Whether escaping the grey monotony of the city or the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Interlaken simply does you good.

Winter magic in Interlaken

In winter the Höhematte transforms into a magical winter wonderland. From mid-December to the end of February, ICE MAGIC offers a uniquely captivating skating experience of winding ice paths and fields, colourful light shows and a cosy winter lounge. With snow-capped peaks all around and the lakes of Thun and Brienz sparkling in the winter sun, the scenery is incomparable. Interlaken’s central location is another plus point: in the near vicinity, guests will find a wealth of excursion possibilities, wellness options and memorable outdoor activities on snow, ice and even in the air.

Folklore meets rock music

Particularly in summer, there is plenty of folklore and customs to experience in Interlaken. Visit the many concerts on the cultural stage: listen to authentic yodelling, the sounds of alphorns playing and the folk music, marvel at traditional dances in local costumes and flag-wavers as artists show off their skills. The absolute highlight is the Unspunnen Festival now over 200 years old. Typical Swiss sports are carried out here such as Hornussen (which involves hitting a puck), stone throwing, shooting and, most popular of all, Swiss Alpine Wrestling. The main festival takes place every twelve years; the Swiss Alpine Wrestling festival every six years. A massive contrast to this is the Greenfield Festival, the hardest of the great Swiss music festivals with punk rock and heavy metal always on the agenda. Two weeks later, 1400 trucks arrive in Interlaken for the Trucker and Country Festival attended by many thousands. There is a suitable event to suit every taste in the town's cultural calendar. Interlaken is all about large, but also small, exquisite events against a magnificent backdrop.

Herrliche Frühlingsabend auf der belebten und mit Blumen geschmückte Höhematte in Interlaken
Casino Kursaal Interlaken
Ein Paar schlendet entlang des Thunersees über einen Holzsteg im herbstlich verfärbte Naturschutzgebiet Weissenau
Luftnahme von Interlaken mit Stadtlichtern in der winterlichen Abenddämmerung

Your highlights in Interlaken

Unterseen Old Town

Mountains & panoramas

Harder Kulm

Sport & adventure

Cruises on Lake Brienz

Cruises on Lake Thun

Lakeside path at Unterseen

Feel at home in Interlaken

You are bound to find just the right accommodation for your stay in Interlaken to make sure you feel at home. Are you looking for a bed in a trendy hostel for a spontaneous trip with your friends? Nowhere in Switzerland has as many hostels and student hotels in such a compact space as Interlaken. Do you prefer a room in a charming, romantic wellness hotel, a luxurious starred hotel or perhaps a holiday home for the whole family? Whatever you are looking for, Interlaken offers everything your heart desires. Simply book your accommodation directly online. Here you will find all types of accommodation, special packages and offers in and around Interlaken. Browse our range of holiday apartments, holiday homes, camping sites as well as hotels and hostels and choose the perfect accommodation to suit your holiday plans. Combine your desired accommodation with attractive offers in and around Interlaken. Make your holiday an unforgettable experience.

Find your accommodation
Accommodation list (pdf)

Discover Interlaken:

Experiences in Interlaken

Events in Interlaken

Contact the local tourist office

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Symbolbild Team Interlaken Tourismus

Address and contact

Interlaken Tourismus
Marktgasse 1
3800 Interlaken

Tel. +41 33 826 53 00
mail@interlakentourism.ch
www.interlaken.ch

To the tourist office

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