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From peak walking to lake exploring: 8 things to do in Interlaken

Holidays to the Swiss Alps are all about rugged mountain views, authentic alpine fare and chugging trains, and Interlaken is a great spot for making the most of it all. It’s a picture-perfect town in between two lakes – Thun and Brienz – and has loads to explore, like caves, castles and gardens. Take a look at eight of the best things to do in Interlaken.

Top tip: You’ll get an Interlaken Visitor Card from your hotel so you can hop on local buses and trains for free, and get cheaper tickets for mountain lifts, castles and museums in the area.

1. Take a train to the 'Top of Europe'

Tick ‘visit the highest train station in Europe’ off your list by taking the Jungfrau Railway up to the Jungfraujoch – at 3,454m, it’s known as the ‘Top of Europe’. Here, you can look out over the Great Aletsch glacier from the Sphinx Observatory, and see all the way to Italy, France and Germany. Then head inside the glacier itself to explore glittering tunnels and sculptures in the Ice Palace.

2. Explore the shores by boat

Hop on a ferry and head to the other towns and villages dotted around both lakes – you’ll see waterfalls, islands and forests along the way, so get your camera ready to click some pics. And for something extra special, step back in time on a traditional steamer, or book a boat trip that includes an evening meal on board with a side of sunset views.

3. Count the peaks from the Two Lakes Bridge

Jump aboard the funicular to ride up to 1,322m on the Harder Kulm mountain, and step out onto the Two Lakes Bridge. It hangs right off the edge of the peak, looking out over one of Europe’s best views of Interlaken and the lakes below – see if you can spot the three most famous Swiss summits, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Plus, there’s a network of walking trails up here that weave through the forest, and you can stop at the Panorama Restaurant for a drink after – or linger a little longer for cheesy fondue with a side of sweeping views.

4. Visit a castle (or six)

Get a taste of the royal life and visit the five castles that Lake Thun’s known for – like the Art Nouveau-style Hünegg Castle, and the medieval Oberhofen Castle right on the water’s edge. There’s also Interlaken Castle in the town itself, which was a monastery back in the 12th century and then used as a hospital. Today, it’s a lovely place to stroll through the grounds and snap some photos of the Gothic columns that line the courtyard.

5. Set your sights on the Schynige Platte

Soak up the scenery on a steam train as it chugs up to the Schynige Platte peak, and wander among the sweet-smelling blooms of the Alpine Garden when you get to the top. If you fancy stretching your legs a bit more, follow the gentle 3km Panorama path for cracking views of Interlaken and the mountains around it. Back down in town, keep an ear out for traditional alphorn players, who perform daily at the railway stations – a simple but memorable taste of Swiss culture.

6. Delve into a dragon's cave

Legend has it that a dragon used to live in the St Beatus Caves on Lake Thun’s north shore. Nowadays, they’ve still got a fantasy feel, with fairy-tale towers at the entrance and caverns carved out over millions of years, full of waterfalls and bridges. And you can learn about more of the local history in the museum here too.

7. Take a dip in a lake

You can swim in both lakes here and lidos line the shores, but Lake Brienz feels a little different to your standard summer dip. Fed by glacial meltwater, it stays refreshingly cool, and the water itself is incredibly clear – an opaque, glowing turquoise that looks almost unreal against the steep, dramatic alpine backdrop. The shoreline can be rocky, so water shoes are a good idea, and it’s worth keeping an eye out for boats, too. Between dips, there are plenty of spots to stretch out and take in the views – it’s just as much about the setting as the swim itself.

8. Have a go at watersports

There are a few places to hire pedalos and stand-up paddleboards around here – or join a canoe or kayak tour and weave your way along the shore with a guide. On Lake Brienz, you can head to the Giessbach Falls to watch the water gush down 400m straight into the lake, and on Thun you can get a front-row view of Spiez Castle surrounded by rolling vineyards.

Where to stay in Interlaken

Hotel Chalet Swiss

This 160-year-old, family-run guesthouse has heaps of Swiss charm – from the wood cladding and green shutters to the flowers spilling over the balconies. It’s a 5-minute walk from the middle of town and, after a day of exploring, you can pop into the sauna before sipping a local tipple in the traditional bar.

Start planning your Interlaken trip, and head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover more about our favourite holidays.

Author: Daisy Colley

Last updated: 13.05.2024

Holiday Type

Destination

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