In the beautiful Bernese Oberland region, Interlaken nestles between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz against the peerless mountain backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Interlaken is a perfect base for all manners of excursions and activities. The charming villages around the two lakes offer excellent accommodation options for those staying in the region of Interlaken. Holidays with plenty of variety are guaranteed amid the lakes and mountains! Discover scores of other natural wonders, including waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch, the Brienzer Rothorn and many more. Learn about the traditions and history of Switzerland at the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, at the William Tell Open-Air Theatre, or take part in an adventurous activity. Here in the heart of Switzerland, there is always something to do, so come and see for yourself.
Mountain peaks with panoramic views
Many of the mountain summits are accessible by foot or in comfort via mountain railway. The views across the turquoise lakes and the Bernese Alps beyond are simply incredible – plus, every mountain excursion has special features of its own.
Our tips for those perfect panoramic views:
HARDER KULM. INTERLAKEN’S LOCAL MOUNTAIN AT 1,322 METERS ABOVE SEA LEVEL
Anyone standing in Interlaken and looking up towards the north will see the striking dome of the Panorama-Restaurant Harder Kulm. Even from the foot of the mountain, you can tell that a magnificent view awaits at the summit. A 10-minute funicular ride transports you from Interlaken to the summit station, where it is a further five-minute walk to the Harder Kulm. Venture onto the overhanging Two Lakes Bridge to drink in the panoramic sight of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, as well as Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Savor a delicious Swiss speciality on the terrace of the mountain restaurant, or tackle one of the many hiking trails to choose from. Insider tip: Be amazed by the breathtaking sunsets from this vantage point.
SCHYNIGE PLATTE. NOSTALGIA IN A NATURAL PARADISE AT 1,967 METERS ABOVE SEA LEVEL
The Schynige Platte is conveniently reached via rack-and-pinion railway from Wilderswil, a village close to Interlaken. The striking red train snakes through forests and meadows as it climbs the mountain and the views growing more breathtaking by the second. Arriving at the summit, a picture-perfect panorama lies in front of you, enabling you to see the trio of vast, ice-crested mountains right up close. The Schynige Platte is a genuine paradise for hikers. The high-altitude hike over to the “First” simply has to be experienced. For a shorter walk, follow the panorama trail to the “Daube” viewpoint. For those wanting a gentler pace, stroll through the colorful Botanical Alpine Garden to admire more than 650 species of plants. Let your experiences soak in over a delicious slice of cake on the sunny terrace of the mountain hotel. Insider tip: In summer, alphorn players perform in front of the hotel.
BRIENZER ROTHORN. A PEAK EXPERIENCE AT 2,244 METERS ABOVE SEA LEVEL
From Brienz, you can ride a rack-and-pinion steam railway to the Brienzer Rothorn. The Brienz Rothorn Railway is the only rack-and-pinion railway in Switzerland operating steam trains on a daily basis. Along the way you will traverse lush forests, verdant meadows, tiny bridges and dark tunnels. At the summit, the Berghaus awaits with fine food and beverages. Suitably refueled, you can tackle any number of hiking trails.
The undisputed highlight is the stunning sight of turquoise Lake Brienz and the 690-plus mountain peaks beyond – pause here for a while to absorb the magic of nature. Insider tip:
Full moon dinners are served at the Restaurant Rothorn Kulm on selected dates. With luck, you may even spot a couple of ibexes.
JUNGFRAUJOCH. HIGH ALPINE WORLD OF GLACIERS AT 3,454 METERS ABOVE SEA LEVEL
Discover a perpetually white world of glaciers on the Jungfraujoch. Visit Europe’s highest railway station and immerse yourself in a mesmerizing environment of ice and snow. Take the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald Terminal and then travel on the new Eiger Express, a cable car that whisks you up to the Eiger Glacier. From here, take the Jungfrau railway to the Jungfraujoch.
The Sphinx viewing platform guarantees stunning views of the Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Ice Palace that extends deep into the mountain to admire figures hand carved in ice. Elsewhere, the “Alpine Sensation” museum promises a voyage through time. There is a great deal to experience at an altitude of 3,454 meters – including, of course, several restaurants. Insider tip: Hike to the Mönchsjoch hut, which serves food.
CRUISE OVER TURQUOISE LAKES IN THE BERNESE OBERLAND
Interlaken is home to the deep blue Lake Thun and bright turquoise Lake Brienz. Both lakes are encircled by steep mountain slopes and picturesque villages. The best way to explore these idyllic waters is on a boat trip – so sit back, feel the breeze in your face and look out for the many points of interest.
BOAT TRIPS ON LAKE THUN
Lake Thun, the largest lake in the Bernese Oberland, takes its name from the city of Thun on the north bank of the lake. The many sights worth seeing around the lake include the five castles on Lake Thun, St. Beatus Caves and a string of mountains. Picture-perfect locations like Spiez and Oberhofen and the city of Thun are easily accessible by boat. Take a two-hour boat ride from Interlaken to Thun (or vice versa) and enjoy culinary delights along the way. The trip aboard the steam boat “Blümlisalp” is sheer nostalgia – a very special experience. Insider tip: If you board a Thun-bound boat in Interlaken at 6:10pm (summer timetable), you will witness an incredible sunset from the middle of the lake.
BOAT TRIPS ON LAKE BRIENZ
Lake Brienz is famed for its striking turquoise waters. Take a boat trip and see for yourself! The dramatic rock faces and charming villages that surround the lake make any boat ride a major highlight. The trip takes in the roaring Giessbach Falls, the little fishing village of Iseltwald, and much more. The journey from Interlaken to Brienz takes one hour and 15 minutes. Travel back to the days of the Belle Époque as the steam boat “Lötschberg” glides you over the crystal clear water. Enjoying a delicious meal during an atmospheric evening trip makes for a hugely enjoyable experience. Insider tip: Stop off at the Giessbach Falls to marvel at the thundering mass of water.
For more information, visit: interlaken.ch
