Best Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland: A Complete Travel Guide
Interlaken is a stunning destination known for its majestic Alpine peaks, turquoise lakes and incredible natural beauty. With its picturesque surroundings and easy access to some of Switzerland's most iconic landscapes, it's the perfect place to experience the Swiss Alps, explore charming mountain villages and take in some truly unforgettable views.
Dreaming of exploring Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes but not sure where to start? Interlaken is the perfect place to experience the magic of the Swiss Alps, with turquoise lakes, towering mountain peaks and picture-perfect villages that look straight out of a postcard. Whether you're planning your first trip to Switzerland, a romantic getaway, or simply looking for the most beautiful spots to add to your travel bucket list, Interlaken won't disappoint. In this travel guide, I'll take you through the best things to do in Interlaken, must-visit attractions, stunning photography spots, practical travel tips and a suggested itinerary to help you plan an unforgettable Swiss adventure.
Where Is Interlaken, Switzerland?
Located in Switzerland's stunning Bernese Oberland region, Interlaken is a picturesque resort town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Surrounded by the spectacular Swiss Alps, with the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks dominating the landscape, it's an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Interlaken also makes a fantastic base for exploring some of Switzerland's most beautiful places, including the waterfall-lined valley of Lauterbrunnen, the charming mountain village of Grindelwald and the famous Jungfraujoch, known as the Top of Europe.
Interlaken is also well connected by train, making it convenient for travellers exploring Switzerland without a car.
Best Things to Do in Interlaken
Visit Harder Kulm - Top of Interlaken
Harder Kulm is one of Interlaken's most famous attractions and a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience spectacular Alpine scenery. At 1,322 metres above sea level, this mountain viewpoint offers panoramic views of Interlaken.
The easiest way to reach the summit is by taking the Harderbahn funicular from Interlaken, with the journey taking around 10 minutes. While the panoramic views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, the ride down to Interlaken was a highlight in itself. As the funicular descends the mountainside, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, making the return journey just as memorable as the experience at the top.
Once you reach the top, make your way to the famous Two Lakes Bridge viewing platform, where you'll witness the spectacular views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the majestic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountain peaks. It's the perfect spot to capture some incredible photographs with the Swiss Alps as your backdrop. If you fancy taking a break, head to the Panorama Restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Swiss specialities, including cheese fondue, while soaking up the breathtaking scenery.
Why visit Harder Kulm?
- Enjoy panoramic views over Interlaken and the surrounding lakes.
- Photograph the famous Two Lakes Bridge.
- Admire the Swiss Alps from an elevated viewpoint.
- Enjoy a meal or drink at the Panorama Restaurant.
- Watch the sunset when conditions and operating times allow.
Travel tip: Check the weather forecast before your visit, as clear conditions offer the best mountain views. The funicular operates seasonally, so check the official timetable before travelling.
Explore Interlaken Town Centre
Although many travellers use Interlaken as a base for exploring the surrounding mountains and villages, the town itself is also worth discovering. Take a walk along Höheweg, the main promenade, where you will find hidden gems, hotels, shops, cafés and views towards the mountains. You can browse Swiss souvenirs, stop for coffee or chocolate and explore the streets at your own pace.
For a little more history and atmosphere, walk towards Unterseen, the neighbouring historic area with traditional buildings and quieter streets.
Things to do in central Interlaken:
- Walk along Höheweg.
- Visit the Japanese Garden
- Visit local shops and souvenir stores.
- Explore the streets of Unterseen.
- Photograph the Alpine scenery.
- Enjoy Swiss chocolate, pastries or a meal.
Asslani Restaurant in Interlaken
After searching Google for halal restaurants in the area, this spot caught my attention thanks to its excellent reviews. I had to visit and see what all the hype was about! One of the first things I noticed was the restaurant's beautiful pink interiors, which created a chic, elegant and Instagram-worthy atmosphere with a soft, romantic feel. As the weather was warm, we decided to sit outside and enjoy the lovely outdoor views while dining.
The restaurant was quite busy, even during the daytime, which gave us a good impression from the start. With a wide variety of dishes on the menu, we asked the staff for their recommendations and decided to try some of their popular options.
The burgers were delicious, satisfying and generously filling. However, the prices were on the higher side, with a single burger costing around £16. Adding extras can increase the bill further, so it is worth keeping this in mind when ordering.
Overall, I would recommend giving this place a try if you are looking for a halal-friendly dining spot in the area. The food was enjoyable, and compared with some of the other restaurants nearby, I felt the pricing was reasonable for the experience. There are also plenty of other halal restaurants along the same street, offering a variety of cuisines and dishes. Ultimately, it comes down to what you are in the mood for, but this spot is definitely worth considering!
Best Day Trips from Interlaken
If you're staying in Interlaken, then you have a big advantage shifting around the popular spots. Some of the region's most famous attractions are outside the town itself but can be visited on day trips. Places like Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Lake Brienz, Jungfraujoch and Iseltwald can be visited via Interlaken on a day trip.
Interlaken and its surrounding region are full of beautiful photography opportunities. If you enjoy creating travel content, these are some of the best places to include in your itinerary.
- Harder Kulm: Capture the Two Lakes Bridge, the town below and the mountain panorama.
- Höhematte Park: Photograph the Jungfrau massif from the centre of Interlaken.
- Lake Brienz: Capture the striking turquoise water with the surrounding mountains.
- Iseltwald: Photograph the picturesque waterfront and traditional village scenery.
- Lauterbrunnen: Capture Staubbach Falls, the green valley and the towering cliffs.
- Grindelwald: Photograph traditional chalets and the dramatic mountain backdrop.
- Jungfraujoch: Capture the high-Alpine landscape and glacier views when the weather is clear.
For the best results, check the forecast, allow enough time at each destination and avoid rushing between locations. I recommend spending around three to four days in Interlaken if you want to explore the town and visit some of the surrounding highlights.
Final Thoughts
Interlaken is one of those destinations where the scenery is the main attraction. From the lakes and mountain viewpoints to the surrounding villages, there is something beautiful to discover in every direction. If you enjoy Bollywood movies, then you can rewind time and enjoy the moments when DDLJ was filmed here. If you have the budget, then I highly recommend staying around this area, as it saves you time travelling into Interlaken in order to get to other main spots. As we stayed in Bern, it always took us nearly an hour just to get here and back as well.
The town itself is relatively compact, but its location makes it especially valuable as a base for exploring some of Switzerland's most recognisable landscapes. You can enjoy panoramic views from Harder Kulm, admire the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, explore the beautiful valley of Lauterbrunnen and take unforgettable excursions into the Swiss Alps.
Whether you prefer relaxed sightseeing, photography, scenic train journeys or adventurous activities, Interlaken offers plenty of ways to experience Switzerland.
For first-time visitors, I would prioritise Harder Kulm, Lake Brienz, Iseltwald and Lauterbrunnen, then choose either Grindelwald First, Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn depending on your time and budget.
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