Interlaken travel guide

In Interlaken, Switzerland, the official currency used is the Swiss Franc (CHF). It's wise to always have some cash on hand for small purchases as not all establishments accept credit cards. That being said, credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, American Express is not universally accepted, so it's best to have a backup payment method.

ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and they usually offer the best exchange rates. Note that most Swiss banks charge a fee for cash withdrawal with foreign cards. A good budgeting tip is to always check the current exchange rates before making any large purchases or withdrawing cash. Lastly, tipping is not mandatory in Switzerland as service charges are included in the bill, but it's customary to round up to the nearest franc for good service.

When visiting Interlaken, you'll find that most locals fluently speak German, French, and English, so communication should not be a significant problem. However, brushing up on your German could enhance your experience, as it is the most widely spoken language. Simple phrases such as 'Guten Tag' (Good Day), 'Danke' (Thank you), and 'Entschuldigung' (Excuse me) could be handy.

Although locals appreciate attempts to speak in their native tongue, they are also very accommodating and will readily switch to English if you struggle. Remember, a little effort goes a long way, so don't shy away from using simple Swiss German phrases and greetings. It is also advisable to download a language translation app for convenience.

Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Interlaken experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers (June to August) are mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, offering bright sunny days interspersed with occasional rainfall. Winters (December to February) are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dipping below 0°C, making it an ideal time for winter sports enthusiasts.

Autumn (September to November) is a delightful time, marked by crisp air and colorful foliage, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C. Spring (March to May) brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, averaging 10°C to 20°C. It's important to note that due to its mountainous location, weather patterns can change rapidly in Interlaken, so packing layers is recommended. Also, the city's altitude can lead to cooler temperatures than those at sea level, even in summer.

Home to plenty of top attractions, Interlaken is more than just a wonderful city in Switzerland. Interlaken is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Switzerland.

One fascinating sight in Interlaken is the unforgettable Höhematte. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Interlaken.

Höhematte is open for visitors at any time of the day and is located at 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Switzerland, check out our list of top attractions in Interlaken below. Discover the best places to visit in Interlaken, including the fascinating Höhematte, Statue Of Yash Chopra, and Reformed Castle Church.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Interlaken.

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Interlaken.

Interlaken offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Historical Tours, Private Day Trips, and Guided Day Trips are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Switzerland.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Interlaken by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Travelers in Interlaken can choose from 14 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Activities is the answer.

The most popular tour in Interlaken is the fantastic Paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Interlaken one of the best travel destinations in Switzerland.

Interlaken also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Ropes Park Interlaken with OUTDOOR is the cheapest tour in the city. This experience costs around 45 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Interlaken. Around 22 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 5 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Interlaken and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Interlaken below.

Discover the best things to do in Interlaken. Choose from 56 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Interlaken. Click the green button to view your options.

Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is a feast for the senses and the stomach. The city is famed for its distinctive Swiss cuisine, marrying traditional recipes with contemporary culinary techniques. Visitors should not miss experiencing fondue and raclette, quintessential Swiss dishes often made with locally sourced cheese. Interlaken's Hohematte Park region is a vibrant food district, accommodating everything from street food stalls to upscale dining establishments. Here, you can savor Swiss culinary delights such as Rösti, a traditional Swiss potato dish. One of the best places to eat in Interlaken is the Brasserie 17, renowned for its Swiss and Interlaken specialities. For those looking for a luxurious dining experience, the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa offers exquisite meals with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. To truly appreciate the local cuisine, consider a chocolate-making class or a visit to a local cheese dairy. This not only allows you to taste the authentic flavors, but also to understand the rich culinary tradition of Interlaken.

Interlaken, the heart of Switzerland, is not just about breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures, it is also the best place to go shopping in Interlaken for a unique collection of goods.

Head to Höheweg, the city's main street bustling with shops offering Swiss watches, artisanal chocolates, and local crafts. Here, you'll find the iconic Bucherer, renowned for its Swiss timepieces and jewellery. For a more diverse shopping experience, visit Metropole Shopping Center, where you can find everything from fashion to electronics.

Interlaken's distinct fashion can be explored in boutiques like Mad Cow, which merges Swiss style with global trends. Don't miss out on the local craftsmanship at Funky Chocolate Club, where you can even craft your own chocolate souvenirs. The Swiss Knife Valley, a short trip from Interlaken, is a must-visit for the famous Swiss Army Knifes.

Remember, most shops in Interlaken close by 6:30 pm and are closed on Sundays, but tourist shops on Höheweg often have extended hours. Shopping in Interlaken offers a delightful blend of Swiss tradition and global fashion, promising a unique and unforgettable experience.

Interlaken, nestled amidst the spectacular Swiss Alps, offers an array of free activities for the discerning traveler. Starting with a leisurely stroll through the serene Höhematte Park, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of this 14 hectare green heart of the city, while marveling at the panoramic views of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. A must-visit is the Swiss tradition-rich Interlaken Monastery and Castle, a historical testament to the town's past, which is open to visit without any entrance fee. For nature enthusiasts, the captivating Harder Kulm offers hiking trails with breath-taking vistas of the surrounding lakes and peaks. Don't miss the local farmers market held every Tuesday and Friday mornings, where you can sample Swiss cheese, fresh produce and mingle with locals. Lastly, make sure to explore the Lake Thun and Lake Brienz via the scenic walking paths, offering serene lake views and picnic opportunities. These are just a few of the best free things to do in Interlaken, ensuring a memorable Swiss adventure without denting your wallet.

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Switzerland.

Get more Interlaken vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Switzerland that match your needs and budget.

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Interlaken.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Interlaken get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Switzerland. Your customized holiday package to Interlaken is only a few clicks away!

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Interlaken, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Switzerland.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Switzerland and the city of Interlaken from your city of departure.

A trip to the fascinating Interlaken, Switzerland, means opportunities to relax at any of the 5 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 71 vacation rental apartments, 54 hotels, 2 cottages, 2 guesthouses and 1 hostel. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Interlaken provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, The Hey Hotel is one of the top picks of travelers in Interlaken.

The hotel is located at Höheweg 7 and boasts many great utilities, including 24-hour front desk, Air conditioning, and Bar.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Interlaken. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Interlaken, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Happy Inn Lodge. For approximately 36 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Unknown at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 5 different types of places to stay in Interlaken. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Interlaken for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 130 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Interlaken provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Interlaken are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Interlaken.

Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Interlaken. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out The Hey Hotel, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Interlaken, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Hotel Lotschberg, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Interlaken. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Interlaken on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Interlaken that match the information provided.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Interlaken. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Interlaken, Switzerland, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Switzerland. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Traveling to another city or region in Switzerland? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Interlaken to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Switzerland on the selected dates.