Zurich To Interlaken Train Tickets

Guide to Interlaken

Guide to Interlaken: Attractions, Special Events, More

Guide to Interlaken: Attractions, Special Events, More

This page delves into two distinct sections, offering essential information about the villages of Interlaken, Grindelwald and Zermatt and their surrounding areas compiled as accurate quick facts, as well as some intriguing details and interesting tidbits, presented as fun facts that you won’t find in just any article about the city castle complex and that’ll make you go ooh and aah…

Quick Facts about Interlaken

  • Coordinates Interlaken Ost (east) train station: N 46° 41′ 25.08 E 7° 52′ 8.5548
  • Canton (Territory): Bern
  • Altitude: 1863 feet (568 meters) above sea level
  • Area: 1,65 square miles (1055 acres, 4,27 square kilometers)
  • Population: 5926 (2022, December 31st)

Interlaken is renowned for

  • Its location between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The name Interlaken is derived from the Latin “inter lacūs” (between the lakes)
  • Being a major tourism center of Bernese Oberland (Bernese Highlands)
  • Being a gateway to iconic Swiss Alpine peaks such as Jungfraujoch and the Eiger
  • Its adventure sports opportunities, including paragliding, skydiving, and hiking

Tourism in Interlaken

In terms of accommodations, Interlaken boasts an extensive infrastructure, offering approximately 60 hotels providing around 4100 beds, along with six youth hostels offering around 450 beds, and eight campsites featuring 1045 pitches. Additionally, there are holiday apartments available, providing approximately 1000 beds for visitors to choose from, ensuring a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. In 2019, Interlaken had almost 3 million overnight stays – a record number!

Winter

During winter, Interlaken’s central location offers visitors the convenience of choosing from a variety of ski regions daily, including the Jungfrau Top Ski Region with options like Mürren/Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen, and First, as well as family-friendly spots like Beatenberg or Axalp-Brienz. With over 45 mountain railways, aerial cableways, chairlifts, and ski lifts, adventurers can access 200 kilometers of pistes. 

Additionally, cross-country skiers and toboggan enthusiasts have ample options nearby, while more than 220 kilometers of winter walking trails in Interlaken, Beatenberg, Axalp-Brienz, Habkern, Wilderswil, and the Jungfrau region cater to those seeking leisurely strolls. Guests lodging in the Interlaken holiday region can benefit from a daily ski bus transfer, linking Interlaken with ski regions like Mürren/Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen, and First.

Summer

Trains departing from the Interlaken Ost railway station offer access to the Jungfrau region, connecting to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen with further connections to Mürren and the Schilthorn, as well as routes via the Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch. 

Additionally, a fleet of ships, including historic paddle steamers, cruises on Lakes Thun and Brienz. Interlaken is situated along the “Golden Pass” panorama route, which traverses from Montreux on Lake Geneva through the upscale holiday destination of Gstaad to Interlaken and onward across the Brünig Pass to Lucerne.

Merely ten kilometers from Interlaken, Beatenberg-Niederhorn sits on a sunny south-facing slope, offering an ideal setting for paragliders. Hikers can explore an extensive network of trails, while the Niederhorn serves as a habitat for ibexes, chamois, and marmots.

Activities in and around Interlaken

  • Boat Tours: Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun to see the sights from a different perspective. You can choose from a variety of tours, including short cruises, dinner cruises, and even sunset cruises.
  • Helicopter Tours: For a truly unforgettable experience, take a helicopter tour over the Jungfrau region. Soar over the snow-capped peaks and glaciers for breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Paragliding: Interlaken is a popular destination for paragliding. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can tandem paraglide with a qualified instructor and experience the thrill of flying over the beautiful scenery.
  • Other popular adventure sports in Interlaken area are skydiving, bungee jumping, canyoning, river rafting, and kayaking.
  • Thrill Park: Test your courage at the Interlaken Thrill Park, located on the outskirts of town.  This adventure park offers a variety of activities, including zip lines, rope courses, and a giant swing.
  • Spielboden: If you’re traveling with children, take them to Spielboden, a family-friendly fun park located in Matten bei Interlaken. This park offers a variety of activities, including go-karting, mini golf, and a bouncy castle.
  • More activities in Interlaken https://www.interlaken.ch/en/experiences/sport-adventure

Sights in Interlaken

  • Harder Kulm: For a breathtaking panoramic view of Interlaken, the surrounding lakes and mountains, take a funicular (Harderbahn) ride up Harder Kulm. This lookout point offers stunning vistas and a restaurant with a lovely terrace.
  • Höhematte Park: This expansive park in the heart of Interlaken is a great place to relax and soak in the fresh mountain air. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenades, rent a pedal boat on the small lake, or let the kids have fun at the playground.
  • Schlosskirche: This historic church, with its iconic clock tower, is one of the oldest buildings in Interlaken. Explore its beautiful interior and learn about the town’s rich history.
  • Heimatwerk Interlaken: Immerse yourself in Swiss culture at Heimatwerk Interlaken, a traditional handicraft shop. Browse through a wide selection of locally made souvenirs, including wood carvings, textiles, and delicious local treats.
  • Spielcasino Interlaken: Try your luck at the Spielcasino Interlaken, a grand casino with a long history. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just looking for a fun night out, the casino offers a variety of games and entertainment options.
  • Tourismuseum Interlaken: A museum offering insights into the evolution of tourism in the area, from its early beginnings to the present day, highlighting the role of Interlaken as a popular destination for travelers worldwide.

Sights around Interlaken

  • Jungfraujoch: Nicknamed the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch is a mountain pass between the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks. Europe’s highest railway station sits here, offering access to an otherworldly high-alpine wonderland of glaciers, snowfields, and ice caves.
  • Lake Thun: This turquoise colored lake is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the shores and admire the surrounding mountains.
  • Lake Brienz: Nestled south of Interlaken, Lake Brienz is another gem with its crystal-clear waters. Explore the lake by boat, go for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day, or visit the charming village of Iseltwald located on the lake’s eastern shore.
  • Giessbachfälle: A short journey from Interlaken, near Lake Brienz, are the Giessbachfälle waterfalls. Take a funicular railway up the mountainside for stunning views of the cascading waterfalls.
  • Unterseen: This charming town on the western shore of Lake Thun is part of Interlaken. Explore its narrow streets lined with shops and cafes, and don’t miss the historic town center.
  • Ruins of Unspunnen Castle: Step back in time and explore the ruins of Unspunnen Castle, dating back to the 12th century. While the castle itself is in ruins, the surrounding grounds offer beautiful walking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Special Events in Interlaken

  • Touch the Mountains (every January 1st): An annual open-air music festival held in Interlaken, Switzerland. It features live performances by various artists and bands, covering a wide range of music genres such as rock, pop, electronic, and more. The festival typically takes place in a stunning outdoor setting, allowing attendees to enjoy the music amidst the picturesque Swiss Alps.
  • Gaukler-Fest (May): A lively street performer festival that brings together talented jugglers, acrobats, magicians, clowns, and other entertainers from around the world to showcase their skills and dazzle audiences with their captivating performances.
  • Greenfield Festival (June): An annual outdoor music festival featuring a diverse lineup of international and local artists across various genre.
  • International Trucker & Country Festival(June): One of the largest trucking events in Europe, featuring live music, trucker competitions, and a parade of customized trucks.
  • Wilhelm-Tell-Games (June-September): A series of traditional Swiss cultural and sporting events inspired by the legendary figure of William Tell. These games typically include activities such as crossbow shooting, wrestling, stone throwing, and other traditional Swiss sports.
  • Porsche-Meeting (August): An annual gathering of Porsche enthusiasts and owners, where they come together to showcase their vehicles and enjoy scenic drives through the Swiss Alps.
  • Unspunnen-Fest (Augusut): A traditional Swiss festival held every 12 years, celebrating Swiss folklore, culture, and heritage. It features traditional Swiss music, dance, sports, and culinary delights, as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts and customs.
  • Unspunnen-Schwinget (August): A traditional Swiss wrestling competition held every six years as part of the larger Unspunnen Festival. Schwingen, or Swiss wrestling, is a traditional Swiss sport where competitors seek to throw each other to the ground onto their backs.
  • Jungfrau-Marathon (September): An annual mountain marathon, starting in Interlaken and finishing at Kleine Scheidegg, near the base of the Jungfrau mountain. It is known for its challenging course, featuring steep ascents, rugged terrain, and stunning alpine scenery.

>>Click here for More events in Interlaken

Interlaken Fun Facts

Forget the usual tourist fodder! Here are some jaw-dropping facts about Interlaken that will leave you speechless!

Secret Agent Sanctuary

Interlaken’s history is intertwined with espionage! During World War II, the town played a crucial role as a meeting ground for spies. Neutral Switzerland provided a safe haven for covert operations, and Interlaken’s hotels hosted clandestine meetings between agents.  Imagine yourself walking the same streets where history unfolded!

Hidden Tunnels and Bunkers

Whispers of a secret network of tunnels and bunkers linger beneath Interlaken. Built during World War II as a precautionary measure, these underground structures were intended to serve as a last line of defense. While their exact locations remain shrouded in secrecy, the idea of hidden passageways adds an intriguing layer to Interlaken’s history.

Einstein’s Playground

Did you know that Albert Einstein, the genius physicist, vacationed in Interlaken? He was spotted sailing on the pristine lakes and enjoying the fresh mountain air. Perhaps the breathtaking scenery or the peaceful atmosphere sparked some of his groundbreaking ideas!

Champions on Skis (and … Unicycles?)!

Interlaken is a breeding ground for champions!  While winter sports legends like Bernhard Russi honed their skills here, a lesser-known fact is that Interlaken is also home to world champions in… unicycle trials! Imagine the thrill of conquering challenging mountain trails on a unicycle!

Music in the Mountains

Interlaken isn’t just about outdoor adventures; it’s also a haven for music lovers.  The town boasts a rich musical heritage, having hosted the prestigious International Kuhreihen Shepherd’s Music Festival for over 70 years. This unique festival features traditional alphorn music and yodelling competitions, filling the mountains with a truly unique soundscape.

Chocolate Paradise (Literally!)

Switzerland is synonymous with chocolate, and Interlaken offers a delightful surprise for chocoholics. The town is home to the largest Lindt chocolate shop in the world!  Imagine stepping into a wonderland of chocolate fountains, giant chocolate sculptures, and endless varieties of delectable treats.

Fairytale on Ice

Lake Brienz transforms into a magical winter wonderland every few years. When weather conditions are perfect, the entire lake freezes over, creating the world’s longest natural ice rink! Imagine gliding across a vast expanse of frozen water surrounded by majestic mountains – a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Underwater Secrets

Lake Brienz, one of the gems flanking Interlaken, holds an unexpected secret. A submerged forest lies hidden beneath its pristine waters! Dating back to around 1100 AD, these ancient trees were revealed during a particularly dry period in the 19th century. Boat tours with glass bottoms sometimes offer glimpses of this underwater wonder.

Home to Europe’s First “Vertical Cable Car”

Interlaken boasts a unique piece of transportation history. The Harder Kulm funicular railway, which opened in 1883, was the first vertical cable car in Europe. This ingenious feat of engineering still carries passengers up the mountainside today, offering stunning panoramic views.

A Haven for Falconry

Interlaken has a long and fascinating history with falconry, the ancient art of training birds of prey for hunting. The town even hosts an annual falconry festival, where visitors can witness these magnificent birds in action and learn about this traditional practice.

Champions of Yodeling

While yodeling is a national tradition in Switzerland, Interlaken takes it to another level. The town has hosted the World Yodeling Championships several times, showcasing the vocal talents of yodelers from all over the globe.

Home to James Bond’s Villain

Attention 007 fans! The fictional villain Blofeld, from the Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” is said to have had his mountaintop hideout located near Interlaken. While you won’t find a real-life lair with laser beams, it’s fun to imagine secret plots unfolding amidst the majestic mountains.

Champions of Precision

Interlaken holds an unexpected record – the most accurate clock ever built! Created by a local watchmaker in 1984, this marvel boasts an accuracy of one second deviation in over 1000 years. That’s some serious Swiss precision at work!