Journey to Interlaken, an adventurous destination set on the shores of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the heart of Switzerland. In the Bernese Oberland region, this Alpine retreat boasts deep blue lakes, lush meadows, and rugged peaks. In this incredible setting, thrilling outdoor activities await the adventurous, while the tranquility of the surrounding nature will entice anyone seeking respite from daily life.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: Interlaken is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. Bern Airport, the closest international airport, connects major European cities, from where trains run to Interlaken. A picturesque two-hour train ride from Zurich or Geneva also leads to this beautiful town.
• Getting Around: Interlaken's efficient local bus system makes the city easy to explore. Its train and boat network connects Interlaken to the surrounding areas, so traveling within the region is also effortless.
• Where to Stay: The center of Interlaken is bustling with restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions within walking distance. If you prefer a peaceful atmosphere and picturesque views, Unterseen or Bönigen near the lake may be a good choice.
• How Long to Visit: A stay of three to five days allows enough time to explore Interlaken's attractions and activities.
• When to Visit: Interlaken is a year-round destination. Summer (June to August) is ideal to explore the outdoors. If you prefer winter sports or dream of a snow-covered landscape, visit between December and February.
• Similar Destinations: Lucerne, a city surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a lake, and Zermatt, an idyllic, car-free village in the shadow of the Matterhorn, are both similar in charm to Interlaken.

Highlights:

Scenic Viewpoints:

While every corner of Interlaken and its surroundings is picturesque, there are some places where the view is even more immaculate. One such viewpoint is the Harder Kulm, reachable by a swift funicular ride that reveals a majestic spectacle: the interlocking Lakes of Thun and Brienz, Interlaken, and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks that pierce the clouds. Another mountain peak with spectacular views is the Niederhorn, where the landscape is truly dramatic. Reached by cable car, from this peak, you overlook the Bernese Alps, the Jura, and beyond. Finally, travel to the top of the Brienzer Rothorn, an adventure that begins with a nostalgic steam train ride. As the train climbs, the view transforms into a majestic display of Alpine mightiness, with more than 690 peaks dotting the horizon, each with its unique charm. But the mountain tops are not the only places with great vantage points - some are man-made, such as the Sigriswil Panorama Bridge. It's a destination where time stands still. Standing on this suspension bridge you overlook the tranquil lake and rugged mountains. The bridge is part of the Lake Thun Panorama Hike, which takes you over two other suspension bridges.

Outdoor Activities:

Interlaken is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. One of the must-do activities is hiking the trails of Schynige Platte. As you navigate the rugged terrain, every turn presents a new picture-perfect frame of incredible scenes. Kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Thun or Lake Brienz is another popular activity. As you paddle across the crystal blue lake, you will enjoy unique perspectives of the towering peaks that encircle Interlaken. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, a cruise on one of these lakes offers equally enchanting views. The brave can also try paragliding, an exhilarating sport that takes you soaring through the sky. As you fly, the bird's-eye view of Interlaken and its spectacular landscapes will take your breath away.

St. Beatus Caves and Waterfalls:

St. Beatus Caves reveal a world of wonder below the earth. As you explore this subterranean labyrinth, you'll see stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites, a work of nature sculpted over millennia. Outside, the waterfalls cascading down the cliffs are a captivating spectacle. The mist stirred up by the rushing water paints rainbows as it catches the sunlight, adding to the magical atmosphere. Further away from Interlaken, you can explore the Giessbach Waterfalls. Here, the water cascades down fourteen steps before merging with the quiet water of Lake Brienz. The falls are an incredible sight, especially when viewed from a boat on the lake.

Day Trip to the Jungfraujoch:

Experience the pinnacle of the Alps with a day trip to the Jungfraujoch, often revered as the "Top of Europe". The journey on the cogwheel train itself is mesmerizing, passing through idyllic landscapes and tunnels carved into the Eiger and Mönch mountains. At the top, a snowy wonderland awaits, with panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks. Inside, explore the Ice Palace, a glittering cavern of ice sculptures, and enjoy Swiss delicacies at the mountaintop restaurant. This journey epitomizes the allure of the Swiss Alps.