Travel Guide to Interlaken: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink and Explore.

Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s most spectacularly located towns. Sitting between the turquoise waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it is surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

The town is best known as a base for mountain adventures, but there is more to Interlaken than hiking boots and cable cars. You will find welcoming hotels, traditional Swiss restaurants, lively backpacker bars and enough outdoor activities to fill an entire holiday.

Interlaken itself is compact and easy to explore. Its two railway stations connect the town with lakeside villages, mountain resorts and famous destinations such as Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the Jungfrau region.

Whether you are planning a relaxed alpine break or an adrenaline-filled adventure, here is what you need to know about Interlaken’s nightlife, accommodation, outdoor activities, food and drink.

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Nightlife in Interlaken

Interlaken’s nightlife is smaller and more relaxed than you would find in a major European city. However, the town attracts travellers from around the world, giving its bars and pubs a sociable, international atmosphere.

Much of the nightlife is concentrated around the town centre and Matten, just south of central Interlaken. This is where you will find casual pubs, hotel bars and venues popular with backpackers and adventure travellers.

The atmosphere is generally informal. After a day of hiking, rafting or paragliding, most people are more interested in good music and a cold drink than dressing up for an exclusive club.

Hostel bars can be some of the liveliest places in town. They often attract a mixture of guests, seasonal workers and other travellers, making them useful for solo visitors who want to meet people. Some organise live music, themed evenings, DJs and social events during the busier months.

For a quieter evening, choose one of the hotel bars along Höheweg, Interlaken’s main boulevard. Several hotels have terraces or lounges where you can enjoy wine, cocktails or a local beer with mountain views.

Summer evenings are especially pleasant. Lakeside restaurants and bars around Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offer drinks, music and sunset views, although reaching them may require a short train, bus or boat journey.

Interlaken is not a destination built around all-night clubbing. Nights often begin early and finish earlier than in cities such as Berlin or Barcelona. This suits the town’s outdoor character, as many visitors have trains, excursions or adventure activities booked the following morning.

Check current event listings during your stay. Seasonal concerts, festivals, outdoor events and hostel parties can make some nights much busier than others.

Accommodation in Interlaken

Interlaken has a broad range of accommodation, including luxury hotels, traditional guesthouses, hostels, campsites and self-catering apartments. Prices can be high during summer and the winter ski season, so booking early is strongly recommended.

Staying near Interlaken Ost is convenient if you plan to make several mountain excursions. Trains towards Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald depart from here, and connections to boats on Lake Brienz are nearby.

This part of town is practical rather than particularly atmospheric, but it can save valuable time in the morning. It is a good option for hikers, families and visitors with a busy sightseeing itinerary.

The area around Interlaken West is better for shops, restaurants and access to Lake Thun. It places you close to the western end of the town centre and is convenient for train and boat connections.

Stay around Höheweg if you want to be in the heart of Interlaken. This central boulevard is lined with hotels, shops and restaurants and overlooks the broad Höhematte park. It is particularly appealing if you want mountain views and easy access to both railway stations.

For somewhere quieter, consider Unterseen, the historic settlement just across the River Aare. Its attractive old square, traditional buildings and calmer streets feel more local than central Interlaken.

Matten is a good choice for budget accommodation, hostels and nightlife, while nearby villages such as Wilderswil and Bönigen suit visitors looking for a more peaceful base. Wilderswil has useful rail connections, while Bönigen sits beside Lake Brienz.

Apartments can be excellent value for families or longer stays, particularly if you want to prepare some of your own meals. The official Interlaken accommodation guide covers hotels, holiday apartments, hostels and other places to stay across the region.

Guests paying the local visitor’s tax normally receive a guest card from their accommodation provider. According to the official guest-card information, it includes local public transport and reductions on selected attractions and mountain journeys.

Outdoor Activities in Interlaken

Outdoor activities are the main reason many people visit Interlaken. The town is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading adventure-sports destinations, with options ranging from gentle lakeside walks to skydiving and canyoning.

Paragliding is one of Interlaken’s signature experiences. Tandem flights usually take off from the slopes above the town before gliding towards the Höhematte. From the air, you can see Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains. Flights operate throughout the year when conditions allow.

Hiking opportunities are almost endless. Beginners can enjoy riverside and lakeside walks, while experienced hikers can use trains, buses and mountain railways to reach more challenging routes around Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the wider Jungfrau region.

One easy local excursion is Harder Kulm, the viewpoint above Interlaken. A funicular carries visitors up the mountain, where panoramic views extend across the town, both lakes and the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It can become busy, so visit early or later in the day.

The two lakes provide plenty of summer activities. You can swim at designated bathing areas, join a boat cruise or hire a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard. The Lake Thun Canoeing Trail operates seasonally and includes routes of different lengths.

Adventure seekers can also try white-water rafting, canyoning, bungee jumping, skydiving and canyon swings. Always use an established operator, check what insurance is included and be honest about your fitness and experience.

Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, sledging, winter walking and snowshoeing in the surrounding resorts. Interlaken is not itself a ski resort, but its transport connections make it a useful base for reaching several winter-sports areas.

Mountain weather can change quickly. Wear suitable footwear, carry water and warm or waterproof layers, and check conditions before beginning a hike. The official Interlaken adventure guide provides current information on activities and local operators.

Food and Drink in Interlaken

Interlaken has a varied food scene shaped by traditional Swiss cooking and its international visitors. You will find cosy inns, mountain restaurants, cafés, pizzerias and restaurants serving dishes from around the world.

Cheese fondue is the classic meal to try. Bread is dipped into a pot of melted cheese, creating a filling and sociable dinner after a cold or active day. Raclette, which involves melted cheese served with potatoes, pickles and onions, is another popular choice.

Look out for rösti, a crisp potato dish that may be served by itself or topped with cheese, egg, bacon or sausage. Other traditional options include veal dishes, regional sausages, game in autumn and beautifully made Swiss pastries.

Swiss meals can be expensive, particularly in central tourist areas. Bakeries, supermarkets and self-service restaurants provide more affordable lunches, while daily specials can offer better value than ordering from the full menu.

The surrounding region also produces wine, cheese and other alpine ingredients. A meal in a mountain restaurant or beside one of the lakes may cost more, but the setting can make it one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

Chocolate is naturally difficult to avoid. Visit a local chocolate shop, enjoy a rich hot chocolate or simply choose a few Swiss bars for your journey home.

The official Interlaken restaurant guide lists traditional Swiss specialities alongside international choices throughout the holiday region.

Final Thoughts

Interlaken combines comfortable accommodation, sociable evenings, traditional food and some of the best outdoor adventures in Europe.

Choose your base according to the excursions you want to take, reserve popular activities in advance and keep some flexibility for changing mountain weather. Most importantly, do not overload your itinerary.

Some of Interlaken’s finest moments are wonderfully simple: watching paragliders land beneath the mountains, eating fondue after a cold day or sitting beside a bright blue lake with nowhere else you need to be.

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