Interlaken between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

Interlaken lies in the Bernese Oberland between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. From here, lakes, mountain villages and the Bernese Alps can be reached year-round by train, road and mountain railway. When choosing a hotel, the main question is therefore which aspects of the area you would like to explore during your stay: boat trips, an excursion by mountain railway, walks through the town or cultural attractions.

Between the lake, the railway station and the mountain railway

Since 1839, scheduled boats on Lake Brienz have connected Interlaken with Brienz. Timetables are seasonal and may change, so check the times before making plans. A boat trip on the lake is a chance to relax and enjoy the passing natural scenery. In Interlaken West, the boat station is right next to the railway station, making it easy to combine train and boat travel. Interlaken Ost boat station is also close to the railway station.

For an excursion to Harder Kulm, a short walk from Interlaken Ost railway station leads to the Harderbahn valley station. The journey to Harder Kulm takes eight minutes from Interlaken Ost railway station and ten minutes from the valley station. At Harder Kulm, the Two Lakes Bridge offers views of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, as well as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. An excursion by mountain railway therefore takes in both the lakes and the mountain panorama.

Planning walks and activities in town

Interlaken Walking Tours generally last two to three hours. The options include free guided tours covering the history of Interlaken and the region, as well as private guided tours. A shorter sightseeing trip is offered by the electric City Train: it departs from the Höhematte stop, lasts about 45 minutes and is accompanied by a multilingual audio guide. The different durations make it easier to fit a guided tour or sightseeing trip into your day.

Cycling can also connect different parts of the surrounding area: routes may run through Interlaken and Unterseen, as well as along the shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. Guided e-bike tours are also available. After a 10- to 20-minute paragliding flight, you land on Höhematte in the centre of Interlaken; operational details may vary by provider.

Bahnhofstrasse can be a starting point for a town walk. The suggested route crosses the Aare, passes through the old town and ends at Höheweg. Nearby, the old town of Unterseen offers historic sights, walks along the Aare and a visit to the Tourismuseum.

Gardens, history and culture

Höhematte has been protected as a historic site since 1864 and offers a view of the Jungfrau massif. In Kursaal Garden, a flower garden with a floral clock and fountains surrounds a 19th-century building that has been renovated several times. The garden has been considered Interlaken’s cultural centre since 1859. The Japanese Garden Interlaken offers a different atmosphere: it was created in 1995 as a gift from the Japanese twin town of Ōtsu. The Shinji pond represents Lake Brienz and Lake Thun; the garden is open to the public free of charge.

The area’s history stretches back a long way: Interlaken’s former Augustinian monastery was first mentioned in a document in 1133. Kunsthaus Interlaken presents exhibitions by national and international artists; guided tours can also be booked there. The Kursaal hosts entertainment, music concerts and theatre performances. The Art Nouveau rooms also host events, exhibitions, congresses and conferences. Casino Interlaken offers slot machines and live games such as American Roulette, Black Jack and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

Discover more destinations: Gundlischwand, Ringgenberg, Lütschental, Habkern, Unterseen, Hofstetten bei Brienz, Gsteigwiler, Saxeten.

Go to the main travel overview: Interlaken.