Visit Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
In a previous article, I presented our long weekend in Lauterbrunnen , Switzerland. However, before heading home, we spent a day visiting Interlaken. It wasn’t the first time we’d been there, by the way.
Nestled between the crystal-clear lakes of Thun and Brienz, and surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Swiss Alps, Interlaken offers a multitude of activities. It’s a must-see on any trip to Switzerland.
So in this article, we take you on a tour of the city and its surrounding region. We share with you the best experiences for a memorable stay in Interlaken.
At the end of the article you’ll find Kiki’s opinion of the Interlaken event.
Where is Interlaken?
Interlaken is located in the Canton of Berne, in the Bernese Oberland region of German-speaking Switzerland. The town, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, owes its name to its unique position between two lakes: Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east. This exceptional location offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Interlaken is also 118 km from Zurich and 216 km from Geneva.
How do I get to Interlaken?
Interlaken is well served by public transport and is about two hours by train from Zurich, Geneva and Lucerne. The Swiss rail network, renowned for its punctuality and efficiency, will take you directly to Interlaken.
For those coming from abroad, Zurich or Geneva airports are the most convenient.
If you prefer to drive, be sure to remember the vignette when driving on Swiss freeways.
After this introduction, here’s a list of must-do activities in Interlaken.
Visit downtown Interlaken
We start with a visit to Interlaken and its town center. If you follow us on this blog, you know that I particularly like Switzerland and its typical towns. However, I was disappointed by Interlaken, which I don’t think has much charm. In particular, when we were there, there were busloads of tourists arriving to squeeze into the luxury stores.
However, I have to admit that the Höhenmatte Park is an ideal place to relax and admire the mountains. For thrill-seekers, paragliding is a must-do activity in Interlaken. Treat yourself to a breathtaking view of the surrounding lakes and mountains as you fly over the area with a guide.
We spent long minutes watching the paragliders fly and land in Interlaken.
To the Harder Kulm: Interlaken’s lookout point
Perched at 1,322 meters above sea level, Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s iconic viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding region.
How do I get to Harder Kulm?
The Harderbahn funicular is the fastest and most scenic way to reach Harder Kulm. It’s a 5-minute walk from Interlaken Ost station.
The ten-minute funicular ride takes you through dense forest and breathtaking Alpine scenery.
Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll have to walk for a few minutes to reach the summit in an exceptional setting.
What to do in Harder Kulm
One of Harder Klum’s main attractions is the Two Lakes Bridge platform, which juts out into the void and offers a direct view of the two lakes and the valley below. Unfortunately, it was so crowded that we weren’t able to take a photo at the end of the platform. Tourists think they’re alone and take photos of each other, again and again and again.
In addition, Harder Kulm’s panoramic restaurant offers traditional Swiss cuisine in a unique setting. You can dine while admiring the view through large picture windows or from the outdoor terrace.
Finally, we made our way to the children’s playground above the restaurant. If you’ve got kids, they’ll love it!
You can admire the scenery from the many benches. You’ll have a breathtaking view of Interlaken, Lakes Thun and Brienz, and the imposing peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The landscape stretches as far as the eye can see.
For hiking enthusiasts, Harder Kulm is also the starting point for several trails.
Practical tips for visiting the Harder Kulm in Interlaken
The Harderbahn funicular to the summit of Harder Kulm usually runs from mid-April to the end of October. The first funicular leaves at 9.10 a.m. and then every 30 minutes. We recommend checking the timetable on the official website. It is possible to buy tickets directly at the funicular station. We absolutely do not recommend this. In fact, it’s best to book online to avoid the queues. Besides, even if you have a ticket, you’ll have to wait to buy it.
To take full advantage of the view and avoid the crowds, it’s advisable to come early in the morning. We arrived at 9am and couldn’t get on the first cable car because it was so crowded (even though we had our tickets). Granted, it was a weekend in May, but we were amazed by the early-morning crowds. And when we set off again, we were surprised by the queue.
Climbing the Harder Kulm is a must on any visit to Interlaken.
Visit to the caves of Saint Béat
Located on the shores of Lake Thun, the St. Beatus Höhlen are a natural wonder not to be missed. The caves take their name from St. Beatus, a 6th-century Irish monk who, according to legend, chased away a dragon living in the caves. Today, the caves are a popular tourist attraction, blending natural beauty with captivating stories.
Visit the Saint-Béat caves
You’ll have to climb for 10 minutes to enter the caves. Your calves will heat up, but the view is magnificent.
The tour of the caves lasts 60 minutes. You’ll be immediately immersed in an underground world of stalactites and stalagmites, impressive rock formations and subterranean waterfalls. A well-marked route of almost a kilometer allows you to explore these natural wonders safely and independently.
Inside, you’ll discover several spectacular chambers, each with its own unique geological formations. The caves are also home to underground waterfalls, adding a magical touch to the experience. The sound of trickling water adds to the mystical atmosphere.
Finally, at the entrance to the caves, a small museum displays exhibits on the geology of the caves, their history and the legend of Saint Béatus.
How do I get to the St. Beatus caves in Interlaken?
The St. Beatus Caves are located around 10 kilometers from Interlaken in Beatenberg, on the north shore of Lake Thun. They are easily reached by car, bus or boat:
- By car: a small parking lot is available close to the caves. You’ll have to be lucky to find a space, or be patient!
- By bus : Buses leave regularly from Interlaken and Thun, dropping you off just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance.
- By boat: cruises on Lake Thun stop at the Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen station, from where a short panoramic walk takes you to the caves.
Practical tips for visiting the St. Beatus Höhlen in Interlaken
The caves are generally open from mid-March to mid-November. We invite you to visit the official website for seasonal opening times. Tickets can be purchased on site or online.
In addition, the caves maintain a constant temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius. Warm clothing and comfortable footwear are therefore advisable. Having witnessed a fall, we can assure you that it’s slippery!
If you’re coming to visit Interlaken, the St. Beatus Höhlen are a must!
Cruise Lakes Thun and Brienz
For a moment of relaxation, you can opt for a boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lakes Thun and Brienz. They offer a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape and are an excellent way to discover the region.
We didn’t do it for lack of time, but regretted it as it looked so peaceful. You can book your day ticket and take advantage of the opportunity to visit Thun and Spiez.
What to do around Interlaken
Here are a few ideas for visits around Interlaken.
Visit Unterseen
After discovering Interlaken’s city center, we went on foot to Unterseen. This charming community lies north-west of the center of Interlaken, on a small alluvial plain formed by the River Aare, between Lakes Thun and Brienz. Unterseen is easily accessible by train. The Interlaken-West train station is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Founded in the Middle Ages, Unterseen has a rich history that is reflected in its architecture and local traditions. The town has preserved its old-world charm, with well-preserved historic buildings, cobbled streets and a picturesque atmosphere.
We really appreciated the charm of this small town. It’s so peaceful! Far from the crowds of Interlaken!
Discover Lauterbrunnen and its valley
We spent several days in Lauterbrunnen, a real favorite. In fact, we went on some magnificent hikes with incredible scenery.
We invite you to read our article on our stay in Lauterbrunnen.
Going to the Jungfraujoch, the top of Europe
The Interlaken region is the gateway to the Jungfrau massif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, on our previous visit to Interlaken, we travelled from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station.
An unforgettable experience! I also invite you to read our article on our excursion to the Jungfraujoch.
Go to the Schilthorn and think you’re James Bond
We also went to the Schilthorn for an incredible day out. We discovered Piz Gloria and the Schilthorn in a film set.
Find out more about this excursion to the Schilthorn.
The best way to visit the Interlaken region
The Jungfrau Travel Pass gives you unlimited access to trains, cable cars and funiculars in the Jungfrau region (Grindelwald, Mürren, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, Unterseen and Wengen). You can choose a 3, 5 or 7-day pass. If you’re staying in the region for several days, your pass will quickly pay for itself, given the price of transport in Switzerland. You can buy your pass online here.
Kiki’s opinion of his visit to Interlaken
Kiki has visited Interlaken twice, and each time it was a completely different world. The first time was many years ago, in the middle of COVID, when the streets seemed deserted. Now, on his second visit on a sunny weekend, Interlaken was a completely different place, alive and full of people. Despite this impressive transformation, Kiki didn’t really manage to get excited about the city this time either.
Yes, Interlaken is nestled between two beautiful lakes, but there still seemed to be something missing, a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that makes the heart beat faster. Strolling leisurely through the narrow streets, Kiki was nonetheless irritated by the diversity of the restaurants he discovered: Indian, Korean, Chinese, Lebanese. Where had he ended up here?
Nevertheless, visits to the Beatus and Harder Kulm caves were highlights. Unfortunately, Kiki had a bit of a rough time of it this weekend, and the walking wasn’t so easy for him this time. As a result, he found himself limping behind Sophie on the ascent to the Beatus caves. Sophie, completely stimulated and full of energy, made her way through the crowd, not even stopping in front of the little children! Be prepared for this area to be overrun by tourists. If you’re patient and considerate, you’ll still be able to enjoy it.
