A charming resort town between two lakes, serving as the launch point for countless Alpine adventures and mountain excursions.
'Between the Lakes'
A scenic setting between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Find Your Next Trip
About Interlaken
Interlaken, whose name literally means 'between the lakes', sits on a narrow strip of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Alps, including views toward the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Long popular with travellers for its scenic setting, the town became a major draw in the 19th century and has since developed into one of Switzerland's leading centres for outdoor adventure tourism.
Today, Interlaken serves primarily as a gateway and base for a huge range of activities in the surrounding mountains and lakes, including paragliding, skydiving, canyoning and via ferrata climbing, alongside more relaxed pursuits like lake cruises and scenic train journeys to nearby Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald. The town's own attractions are relatively modest, but its location makes it one of the most convenient bases for exploring the wider Bernese Oberland region.
Why Visit Interlaken?
Local story
Good to Know
Interlaken suits families, couples, groups and adventure seekers, for a stay of 2 to 4 days using the town as a base for surrounding excursions. Many of the region's most popular activities, from paragliding to glacier excursions, are best booked a day or two in advance.
The town itself is relatively compact, with most visitors spending their days on excursions to nearby mountains, lakes and villages rather than within Interlaken itself.
How to Reach Interlaken
- 01
Pakistan to Zurich
Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi to Zurich, usually with one connection through a European or Gulf hub. Check current routes and book early.
- 02
Zurich to Interlaken
Take a direct train from Zurich to Interlaken, about 2 hours.
- 03
Arrive in Interlaken
Use the town as a base for exploring the surrounding region.
- 04
Explore
Join adventure activities, lake cruises, or mountain excursions from Interlaken.
Things to Do in Interlaken
Best Time to Visit Interlaken
Excellent
Late Spring
May to June
Mild weather, ideal for hiking and most adventure activities.
Recommended season
Excellent
Summer
July to August
Warm weather, the peak season for outdoor activities and excursions.
Recommended season
Good
Early Autumn
September
Cooler and quieter, still good for most activities.
Good time to visit
Good
Winter
December to March
Cold, with winter sports available in the surrounding mountains.
Good time to visit
Travel smart
Travel Tips for Interlaken
A few useful things to know before you go there.
Book Adventure Activities Early
Paragliding and other popular activities fill up quickly in peak season.
Use Interlaken as a Base
Most highlights are day trips to surrounding mountains and lakes.
Check Weather for Mountain Excursions
Visibility affects both adventure activities and viewpoint trips.
Consider a Swiss Travel Pass
Useful given how many train and excursion routes radiate from the town.
Pack for Variable Weather
Mountain conditions can differ significantly from the valley town.
Allow Several Days
The surrounding region offers more than can be seen in a single day.
Carry Cash and Cards
Both are accepted throughout Interlaken and on most excursions.
Nearby Attractions
Location
Find Us on the Map
Explore Interlaken in Switzerland and get directions easily.
Interlaken
Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a resort town in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland, sitting between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and serving as a hub for alpine adventure tourism.
Ready to Visit Interlaken?
Let us plan your Switzerland trip while you enjoy Interlaken without the stress of handling it yourself.