Switzerland

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Interlaken

Between two lakes, below the Jungfrau

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Best time to visit: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Currency: CHF
Time zone: UTC+1
Country: Switzerland

Photo: Rectilinium, CC0

A small town between two turquoise lakes, the gateway to the Jungfrau region's railways, valleys and peaks.

Largest cities

Zurich
Geneva
Basel
Lausanne
Bern
Lucerne

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Switzerland
Capital: Bern (federal city)
Town population: 5,800
Population of Switzerland: 9.1M
Country area: 41,285 km²
Official language: German, French, Italian, and Romansh
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF) · 1 USD ≈ 0.8331 CHF
Time zone: UTC+1
Calling code: +41
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 566 m
Plugs: J / C · 230V
Emergency numbers: 112 · 144 · 1414
Best time to visit: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	2°	5°	10°	14°	19°	22°	24°	23°	19°	14°	7°	3°
Low	-4°	-4°	0°	3°	7°	11°	13°	12°	9°	5°	0°	-3°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$105
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$220
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$495

Plan a trip to Interlaken

Top things to do

≈ $45
Harder Kulm
A funicular from town to a viewpoint over both lakes and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
- Half day
- Interlaken
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $240
Jungfraujoch
The railway to the highest station in Europe, with a glacier view and an ice palace. Check the webcam and book seats; the altitude can cause headaches.
- Full day
- Jungfrau region
- Good for kids
≈ $15
Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach Falls
A valley of sheer cliffs and waterfalls; walk to the Staubbach Falls, or visit Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain in summer.
- Half day
- Lauterbrunnen valley
- Good for kids
≈ $80
Grindelwald and First
The gondola to First, the Cliff Walk and an easy hike to Bachalpsee lake in summer.
- Full day
- Grindelwald
- Good for kids
≈ $45
Lake Brienz boat to Iseltwald
A cruise on the turquoise lake to a small village; the boats run mainly from spring to autumn.
- Half day
- Lakes Brienz and Thun
- Good for kids
Free
Höhematte park and Höheweg
The open meadow in the town centre, with paragliders landing and the Jungfrau in view.
- Half day
- Interlaken
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $70
Schynige Platte railway
A historic cog railway to an alpine garden and views of the peaks; runs in summer only.
- Half day
- Jungfrau region

Before you go

Entry and visas

Switzerland is in the Schengen area: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Nationalities that need a Schengen visa, including Indian and Saudi citizens, need one for Switzerland too; visa-exempt visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES).

Official website

From the airport

The nearest large airport is Zurich; direct and one-change trains reach Interlaken Ost in about 2 to 2.5 hours. Geneva and Bern airports are other options.

Getting around

Trains, cogwheel railways, cable cars and lake boats connect everything. Mountain excursions are expensive, so compare regional passes with single tickets.

Local tips

Mountain weather changes fast: check the webcams in the morning before buying Jungfraujoch tickets.
Bring warm layers and sunglasses even in summer; it can be below freezing at the top.
Some high-altitude lifts and trains close for maintenance in spring and late autumn.
Rega air rescue is 1414; tell someone your route before hiking.