Things to Do in Interlaken (2025 Guide)
Pierre Vetsch
Author
🌄 Introduction
Between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken lies at 568 meters above sea level in the Bernese Highlands — a gateway to the Alps and one of Switzerland’s most iconic destinations.
Famous for its dramatic views and easy access to both Jungfrau and Eiger, the town perfectly balances thrill and tranquility.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, an adventure seeker, or a couple looking for peaceful alpine moments, this 2025 Interlaken guide will help you plan an unforgettable stay — from outdoor adventures and local dining to secret trails and serene lake cruises.
🧗♂️ Section 1: Outdoor & Adventure
1. Paragliding Over Interlaken
There’s nothing quite like seeing Interlaken from above.
Paragliding here gives you a bird’s-eye view over the two lakes and the snowy Jungfrau range — it’s thrilling, peaceful, and absolutely breathtaking.
💡 Pro Tip: Morning flights (before 11 AM) usually offer calmer winds and clearer skies.
2. Snowshoe & Winter Hiking Tours
When winter arrives, swap ski lifts for snowshoes and discover the quiet side of the Alps.
You’ll walk through untouched forests, frozen waterfalls, and open ridges with panoramic views.
⭐ Featured Tour: Snowshoe Tasting – Isenfluh
A guided snowshoe hike followed by a warm fondue and a short sled descent — a perfect mix of activity, food, and scenery.
Ideal for: nature lovers, couples, and photographers seeking authentic Swiss winter charm.
3. Lake Cruises on Thun & Brienz
Both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offer calm, cinematic views from the water.
Historic boats glide past small villages, castles, and mountain cliffs reflected in turquoise water.
Take a full-day cruise or combine it with a guided shore excursion to hidden spots like Spiez, Oberhofen, or Iseltwald.
💡 Best season: Spring to early autumn, but winter cruises have a special peaceful vibe.
4. Mountain Viewpoints & Cable Rides
No trip to Interlaken is complete without heading up a mountain.
Harder Kulm (1,322 m): just 10 minutes by funicular; unbeatable views of both lakes and the Jungfrau massif.
Schilthorn (2,970 m): James Bond’s “Piz Gloria”, panoramic and cinematic.
Niederhorn: a local favorite for snowshoeing and wildlife spotting.
🎥 Don’t forget your camera — sunrise and sunset light here are incredible.
🧀 Section 2: Food, Relaxation & Wellness
5. Swiss Fondue & Alpine Dining
Few things feel more Swiss than sharing a bubbling cheese fondue with mountain views.
Many mountain huts around Interlaken serve traditional recipes using local cheese and wine.
⭐ Featured Experience: Snowshoe & Fondue Adventure
Start with a snow hike, then enjoy fondue in a cozy alpine hut — a full-sensory Swiss moment.
🍷 Pair it with: local white wines from the Bernese Oberland or a glass of Fendant.
6. Spa & Wellness Days
After long days outdoors, slow down with a thermal bath or lakeside spa.
🧖 Top choices:
Victoria-Jungfrau Spa Resort: 5-star luxury and elegant wellness center.
Beatus Wellness Hotel (Merligen): outdoor hot pools with lake views.
Bödeli Therme: modern, casual, and perfect for relaxing muscles after a hike.
💧 Best time: sunset — golden light over the lakes is unforgettable.
7. Gastronomic Discoveries & Local Treats
Interlaken’s culinary scene is small but diverse.
Walk through town and you’ll find bakeries with warm pastries, chocolateries, and mountain restaurants serving rösti, raclette, or trout from local rivers.
🍫 Don’t miss: Swiss chocolate tasting workshops or fondue picnics with a view.
🏰 Section 3: Sightseeing, Culture & Hidden Gems
8. Historic Interlaken & Höhematte Park
Stroll through the Höhematte — the large green park at the heart of town.
It’s surrounded by grand hotels, boutique shops, and cafés with mountain views.
This area tells the story of Interlaken’s golden age of tourism, dating back over 150 years.
☕ Tip: Grab a coffee near the park and watch paragliders land right in front of you.
9. Day Trips to Alpine Villages & Glaciers
Interlaken’s location makes it the best base for exploring.
In less than an hour, you can reach:
Lauterbrunnen Valley: waterfalls, glaciers, and quiet chalets.
Grindelwald: year-round outdoor playground.
Isenfluh: a hidden alpine village with direct access to snowshoe trails.
Each offers its own charm — some peaceful, others adventurous — but all genuinely Swiss.
10. Nature Trails, Lakes & Waterfalls
If you prefer serenity, try hiking along frozen streams or hidden lakes.
Giessbach Falls: 14 cascading waterfalls near Lake Brienz.
Axalp Loop: scenic forest walk with lake views.
Lombachalp Plateau: calm, wildlife-rich and often empty.
🎒 Combine these with a snowshoe tour for the ultimate local experience.
🚆 Section 4: Practical Info for 2025
🕓 When to Visit
Season Highlights Avg. Temp
Summer (Jun–Aug) Warm weather, lake cruises, paragliding 20–28 °C
Winter (Dec–Mar) Snowshoeing, skiing, frozen waterfalls –5–5 °C
Spring/Autumn Fewer tourists, vivid colors, great deals 8–18 °C
🚉 How to Get There
By Train: Interlaken Ost & West stations connect directly to Bern, Zurich, Lucerne, and major ski areas.
By Car: Easy motorway access (A8). Once here, local buses and trains make getting around effortless.
🏡 Where to Stay
Stay in central Interlaken for convenience, or choose nearby villages for peace and views:
Isenfluh: for authentic local charm and easy access to snow tours.
Beatenberg: calm ridge village with sunset views.
Wilderswil: quiet base just minutes from Interlaken Ost.
🌱 Sustainability & Smart Travel
Interlaken is part of Swisstainable, Switzerland’s national sustainable tourism label.
To travel responsibly:
Choose local guides and eco-certified tours.
Use public transport instead of rental cars.
Support small restaurants and family-run accommodations.
Small steps make a big difference — and locals appreciate it.
🧭 Section 5: Why Choose a Local Guided Experience
Joining a local guided tour means discovering Interlaken’s quieter corners — places big buses never stop.
It’s about stories, people, and real alpine life.
✅ Advantages:
Small groups, personal guidance
Eco-friendly transport
Local meals and products
No stress — everything arranged
Recommended Experiences:
🥾 Snowshoe & Fondue Adventure
🍷 Snowshoe Tasting Tour
🛷 Snowshoe + Sled Combo
Each one blends nature, food, and culture — the essence of Switzerland.
🏁 Conclusion
Whether you’re soaring over turquoise lakes, following frozen trails, or tasting cheese fondue in a wooden hut, Interlaken delivers an experience that feels both timeless and personal.
Let this 2025 Interlaken Guide be your compass — a mix of adventure, peace, and local discovery.
And if you want to make your trip effortless and truly authentic, book a guided tour with local experts who live and breathe these mountains.
🎟️ Ready to explore?
Book your Snowshoe & Fondue Adventure or Snowshoe Tasting Tour now and experience the Alps the local way.