Ranked #6 in our Top 10 Must-Sees, Interlaken is where Switzerland’s dramatic alpine geology and an appetite for adventure meet in full technicolor. Tucked in a sunlit corridor between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the town’s name is literal — inter-lake — but its draw is anything but in-between. Interlaken is a launchpad for the Bernese Oberland, a compact town with big views and even bigger heart rates.
Start with the setting: jewel-toned lakes framed by soaring peaks. Lake Brienz shimmers turquoise, fed by glacier melt; Lake Thun’s deep blue waters stretch toward castle-dotted shores. Walk the Höhenweg promenades or take a leisurely boat cruise to appreciate the contrast between water and rock before you raise the tempo.
Adventure is the town’s signature. Interlaken has earned a reputation as Switzerland’s outdoor-sports capital for good reason. Paragliding tandem flights lift you above the lakes and villages in a hush of wind and awe — the slow, cinematic descent delivers a perspective of the Jungfrau massif that photos struggle to match. For river lovers, white-water rafting and canyoning routes carve through alpine limestone with exhilarating drops and crystal pools. If you prefer gravity in a different form, skydiving flights into the valley are available for those seeking an uncompromising rush.
Not an adrenaline junkie? Interlaken still seduces. Ride the funicular to Harder Kulm for a classic postcard panorama: the twin lakes beneath you and the trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau forming a jagged, regal skyline. The town is also the practical, picturesque gateway to the higher-altitude wonders of the Jungfrau region — connect via scenic rail to Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Grindelwald and, if you wish, onward toward the famed Jungfraujoch railway to experience permanent ice and broad glaciated views.
Cuisine and culture in Interlaken are pleasantly grounded. After a day on the water or in the air, head to a cozy bistro for hearty alpine fare — raclette, rösti and seasonal specialities — or sip coffee on a lakeside terrace as the light softens over the mountains. On summer evenings, the promenade hums with a mix of international travelers, swing bands and local families, offering a convivial counterpoint to the high-adrenaline daytime activities.
Practical notes: Interlaken is compact and easy to navigate on foot or by local bus. It makes an excellent base for day trips into the Bernese Oberland and offers a range of accommodation from boutique hotels to luxury properties with mountain views. For outdoor adventures, book experiences with certified local providers who emphasize safety and environmental stewardship.
Why visit: Few alpine towns combine dramatic scenery, effortless lake access and a menu of outdoor activities so complete. Interlaken is vivid, immediate and fundamentally active — perfect for travelers who want their Swiss Alps with a