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Interlaken is a scenic Swiss hub between Lakes Thun and Brienz and the gateway to the Jungfrau region. Plan for outdoor activities, mountain weather, efficient transport, and higher Swiss costs.
Visa / entry requirements
- Schengen rules apply: visitors from many countries need a Schengen visa for Switzerland. Check whether your nationality requires a short-stay (Type C) visa.
- Passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years (check current rules for your nationality).
- Carry travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and activities like skiing or paragliding if you plan to take them.
Best time to visit
- Summer (June–September): best for hiking, lake sports, paragliding and long daylight. Warm but can be busy and some high-altitude trails still have snow in early June.
- Winter (December–February): great for skiing, snow sports and a festive atmosphere; lower-altitude Interlaken is milder than alpine resorts but expect snow in surrounding mountains.
- Shoulder seasons (April–May, October–November): fewer crowds and lower prices but some attractions/ lifts may be closed and weather can be changeable.
Safety tips
- Interlaken is very safe: petty crime is low. Still use standard precautions: watch belongings in crowded places and on trains.
- Mountain safety: check weather and avalanche forecasts before hiking or skiing. Hire a local guide for glacier/steep terrain or unfamiliar routes.
- Altitude: when ascending rapidly (Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn) be aware of mild altitude effects—stay hydrated and ascend gradually if possible.
- Emergency numbers: Switzerland general emergency number is 112; local rescue services available for mountain emergencies (REGA air rescue also operates).
Local customs and etiquette
- Politeness and punctuality: Swiss people value punctuality and polite, quiet behavior. Be on time for trains and reservations.
- Languages: German (Swiss German) is the main language; English is widely spoken in tourism. Basic German greetings are appreciated.
- Recycling: Switzerland has strict waste separation—follow local bins and disposal rules.
Currency and costs
- Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency. Cards widely accepted (chip & PIN), but keep some cash for small mountain huts, market stalls or remote services.
- Expect higher prices than many countries for food, accommodation and activities. Look for railcards or regional passes for savings.
Transportation
- By train: Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West are well connected to Bern, Zurich, Lucerne and the Jungfrau region. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is punctual and reliable.
- Regional travel: boats on Lakes Thun and Brienz, buses and the Bernese Oberland rail lines; many mountain lifts and cogwheel trains (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren, Jungfraujoch) require separate tickets or passes.
- Swiss Travel Pass: good value if you plan lots of trains, boats and public transport; includes some discounts for mountain railways (not always full coverage).
- Driving: roads are excellent but parking is costly and limited; trains are usually easier for mountain destinations.
Must-know tips and local insights
- Book mountain excursions (Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Harder Kulm) in advance during high season; watch for limited capacity and weather cancellations.
- Consider staying in Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, or Grindelwald for alpine charm and easier access to hikes—Interlaken is great for transport and nightlife.
- Adventure activities: Interlaken is a hub for paragliding, canyoning, skydiving and rafting. Use licensed operators, check included insurance and read reviews.
- Hiking: bring layered clothing, waterproofs, sturdy shoes, map or offline GPS; mountain weather changes fast.
- Food and dining: try Swiss specialties (cheese fondue, rösti, raclette) and local trout. Expect tipping to be modest—round up or add ~5–10% if service was exceptional.
- Connectivity: free Wi‑Fi in many hotels, cafes and the Interlaken tourist office. Buy a local SIM if you need reliable mobile data in mountains.
- Day trips: Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), Schynige Platte, Brienzer Rothorn, Lake cruises, Giessbach Falls, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valleys.
Quick checklist
- Passport, visa (if required), travel and activity insurance
- Swiss francs + card; Swiss Travel Pass if useful
- Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes
- Book major mountain trains/activities in advance
- Local map/offline navigation and basic German phrases
Enjoy the scenery and plan activities with weather and safety in mind. Interlaken is ideal for outdoor lovers and a convenient base for exploring the Bernese Alps.