32 Best & Fun Things to Do in Interlaken (Switzerland)

Located within the mountainous Bernese Oberland region of central Switzerland, Interlaken is truly one of the most beautiful resort towns you can visit. There are a lot of fun things to do in Interlaken, making it a place worth visiting in your lifetime.

Interlaken seems to have gotten its name from the fact that it is situated in between two emerald-colored waters: Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

This small stretch of land is surrounded by Alpine meadows of the Swiss Alps dense forest and glaciers.

It is truly a place where anyone who appreciate the beauty of nature and any outdoor enthusiasts will love to visit.

Some of the fun activities you can engage in include skydiving over the Alps, skiing and hiking on its wonderful trails, paragliding, exploring a ropes adventure park and so many more.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Interlaken.

Things to Do in Interlaken

1. Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum

Established in the year 1968, the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum is situated between Interlaken and Haslital Meiringen Hasliberg which are the two popular regions of Switzerland.

The ground outside of Brienz where the Museum is situated in hilly and woody. This mountain scenery impresses every first-time visitor to the Museum.

The museum itself houses a lot of historical rural edifices which have been gathered from all over Switzerland.

Before these edifices were brought to the Museum, they were first disassembled, then reassembled piece by piece in the museum.

The museum is also visited by a scientist who wish to study them. There are also two restaurants, Alter Baren and Degen. You can visit any of the two if you get hungry while in the museum.

Address: Museumsstrasse 131, Hofstetten bei Brienz, Switzerland.

2. Harder Kulm

The Harder Klum is a mountain in Interlaken that has quite a popular viewing platform.

Its height is about 1,322 meters above sea level. It is equipped with a 10-minute cable ride, thus, visitors need not to struggle to get up to the mountains platform.

Once you get to the top, you will find the Two-lake Footbridge, (inaugurated in October of 2011).

From here, you can see Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger, the three surrounding mountains and the two picturesque lakes: Lake Thun and Lake Brienz from this point.

Don’t forget to come with your camera! You will love to capture the wonderful scenery, I assure you.

3. Japanese Garden of Friendship

The Japanese Garden of Friendship can be found along the Hoheweg Street, right next to the Hotel Interlaken.

A beautiful garden in Interlaken, Switzerland, the Japanese Garden of Friendship is truly natures display of art.

The garden has been in existence since 1995 and it was created and designed by a landscape gardener who is from the city of Otsu Japan.

He created the garden to display how the Japanese blend flora and water in such a harmonious way. The garden has a traditional Japanese garden setting and the whole environment is so relaxing.

Ensure you explore during a visit to Interlaken.

Address: Hoheweg 7, Interlaken, Switzerland. 

4. Jungfrau

Jungfrau is a part of the Bernese Alps. This mountain has a height of about 4,158 meterst and is located between Interlaken and Fiesch, Switzerland.

The railway found in this mountain called the Jungfrau railway is the highest altitude railway station in all of Europe for more than 100 years now.

The region where the mountain is located is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is recognized as the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch.

You can get to the summit of Jungfrau by taking a cog railway up and through the steep tunnel from Kleine Scheidegg.

When you get to the summit you will be greeted with a high-Alpine wonderland. This wonderland is made up of rocks, snow and ice and other astonishing scenes.

Address: Kammistrasse 13, Interlaken, Switerland.

5. Schloss Interlaken

Formerly an Augustinian monastery, Schloss Interlaken is located in Interlaken, Switzerland. It is composed of a castle and a castle church.

Schloss Interlaken is the oldest building in the whole of Interlaken. Situated not far from Interlaken’s town center, it was built around the year 1133.

In 1525, the building ownership changed, it’s new owners, the state of Bern converted this monastery into a hospital.

You can still find a chapel in the monastery courtyard. This chapel dates far back as 1452. While you are at it, check out the Gothic Cloister gallery.

The building is also situated in a good scenery. From the yard, you could see the breathtaking mountain views. Come with your camera as you would love to take selfie here.

Address: Marktgasse 1, Interlaken, Switzerland.

6. Schynige Platte

A beautiful but small mountain ridge and also a viewpoint within the Bernese Highlands. Schynige Platte is located a couple miles away towards the southeast of Interlaken, Switzerland.

To get to the plateau, you will need to take a ride on the historical cogwheel train. It is a vintage 19th-century train with old coaches.

With all the joyful screams and laughter from the passengers, you will truly find out that the train is quite fun to ride.

As the train climbs up the mountain, you will get to see the amazing view of the Jungfrau region which surrounds the mountain.

If you would love to hike, there are so many trails around the plateau that you can explore. You would see Lake Thun and Lake Brienz from this point.

Address: Marktgasse 1, Interlaken, Switzerland.

7. Schynige Platte Alpine Garden

A botanical Alpine Garden Located 2,000 meters above sea level. Schynige Platte Alpine Garden is located within a region of Switzerland called Bernese Oberland and it is one of the top Interlaken attractions.

If you get to the mountain summit of Schynige Platte, you will see the garden not so far from there.

The garden is so unique with more than 700 different species of plants. Most of these plants are in their natural habitat and also native to the Swiss Alps region.

Apart from the fact that the land is used to display colorful vegetation, it is also used for conservation and scientific research.

The three great mountains of Interlaken, Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau can be seen at a distance from the garden. This view is worth adding to your list of things to do in Interlaken.

Address: Kesslergasse 26, Matten bei Interlaken, Switzerland.

8. Seilpark Interlaken

Have you watched Tarzan? This Park calls into mind this best seller kids movie acted a while ago.

The Adventure Park offers fun that is forest-adventure themed. You will find in the park zip lines, wooden bridges, Tarzan-style swings and a lot more!

Would you like to know what to do in Interlaken for fun? Then, this should not miss your list of things to do in Interlaken Switzerland.

The Adventure Park is not so far from Interlaken’s town center. It is just a few minutes drive southwest from this town center.

The fun activities are very arranged in this park. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced, you will find one of the parks nine courses (each with varying difficulty and height) suitable for you.

These nine courses contain more than 120 different challenges. I hope you aren’t afraid of height (as some of them are done way up to 65 feet high!)

There is also the Butterfly walk, which is a safe tree challenge for the parents and the children.

9. Jungfrau Park

Formerly called the Mystery Park, the Jungfrau Park located in Matten bro Interlaken Switzerland is an amusement Park.

Quite an interesting place to visit, you will be amazed by the great mysteries you will see as you explore the park and is one worthwhile in this guide of things to do in Interlaken.

You will be taken to the six themed pavilion. Through a multimedia presentation or show, you will be shown a couple of riddles you need to solve.

The six shows are Orient, Maya, Humana, Laser show, Mega stones, Nazca and Orient “Seraphim”.

While in the Park, you can check out the 360 Degree Panorama Show Jungfrau-Aletsch. The show displays the most beautiful valleys and peaks that are recognized under UNESCO World Heritage site, Swiss Jungfrau-Aletsch

You and your family will have a good time in the ball pool, Mysty Country’s bouncy castle and the trampoline as you play in them.

Address: Obere Bongistraase 100, Matten bei Interlaken, Switzerland.

10. Kambly Experience

Have you tasted the Kambly’s sensational biscuits? If No, then you are in for a treat.

The Kambly Experience is more of a fun and informative tour. In this tour, you will learn how the Kambly’s biscuit is been made.

The factory where the Kambly’s biscuit is made is located in the Swiss municipality of Trubschachen, Interlaken. It is about an hour drive towards the north side of the city.

Before the tour begins, you will be shown a multimedia. In this presentation, you will learn about the company’s founder and how the business grew to become what it is today.

Then, you will be taken to the confectionary. There, you will be allowed to talk with their bakers.

Lastly, you will be taken to the factory shop for a biscuit sampling. You will be allowed to choose from over 100 types of biscuits they make.

Address: Muhlestrasse 8, Trubschachen. 

11. Kunsthaus Interlaken

A modern gallery located in Interlaken, Switzerland. You will be amazed by what you will find here. Kunsthaus Interlaken features stuffs like rotating exhibits, live music and a lot of workshops.

You will find collections in theatre, art literature, dance and films each displaying culture from different parts of the world.

Some of the impressive exhibits you will find in the gallery is Manon- A Trip To Siberia, Invisible Limits, Expressive/Excessive, Innovations in the Art of Switzerland and Arnold Brugger retrospective.

This is a place to get lots of fun and should make your checklist of best things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland.

Address: Jungfraustrasse 55, Interlaken, Switzerland.

12. Lake Brienz

Located in the north of the Alpha mountain range, just at the Canton of Bern, Switzerland; Lake Brienz is another place you will love to see.

This lake is about nine miles in length, while its width is about two miles in length. A measure of its average depth shows that the lake goes as far as 568 feet below the surface.

Lake Brienz got its name from Brienz, a little village that lies at the eastern end of the lake just along its north shore.

At the western part of the lake, you will find at its end, the Bodeli. Bodeli is just the land that separates Lake Brienz from its neighbor Lake Thun.

While you are at the lake, you can enjoy a boat tour. Come with your camera! There are lots of beautiful scenes to capture, for the lake is surrounded by mountains.

Address: Hauptstrasse 143, Brienz, Switzerland.

13. La Terasse

Here is one of the restaurants in Jungfrau. The La Terrasse restaurant has a very conducive and homely environment.

Its windows are large, thus, they provide enough light and ventilation for both the customers and the large plants in the environment.

You will love the dress code of their waiters. Their chefs are so creative, as such, their menu changes with the season.

They work constantly with the local farmers, market gardeners and fishermen who are within a 40 km radius of the Hotel. Because of this, they are never in lack of food ingredients.

Visiting this environment should be among your top things to do in Interlaken. You will love their extensive wine list, as it features wine from everywhere in Europe.

Do visit the restaurant for dinner only from Tuesday to Sunday – that is when they are open.

14. Little Thai

Established in the year 2005, the Little Thai restaurant is located on the Main Road of Interlaken.

They make some of the best dishes in the whole of Interlaken. Some of these dishes are stir-fries, noodles and curries dishes. They also have a gluten-free option for those who would prefer that.

The restaurant is quite reserved, with a seating capacity of just 25 persons inside and 15 persons outside.

You will love a taste of one of the beers made by the owner through his brewing company, Mountain Madness Brews.

Twenty of such beer are bottled already, while the rest of the five is served by the barman from his tap.

Address: Main Street 19, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland.

15. Lake Thun

Lake Thun is situated in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region. It is a beautiful Alpine lake in between Interlaken and Thun.

At the lake’s surroundings, you will find an arrangement of mountains. Along its shores, you will find villages and castles.

You will ao find windsurfers and sailors who maximize the share of consistent breeze which the lake receives.

Some activities you can carry out while at the lake includes swimming, paddle boarding, boating, kayaking and guided tours.

Address: Seastrasse 2, Thun, Switzerland. 

16. Lake Thun Festival

Amongst Interlaken activities is the Lake Thun Festival. Since its inception in the summer of 2003, it has become a yearly event in Interlaken.

Now an award-winning in-house productions and musicals, the set of the event is at UNESCO-protected mountain range which includes mountains like Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

Each year, the festival is graced by more than 70,000 visitors from all over the world.

When you count the top ten musical events in Europe that take place in an open-air environment, you will surely count Lake Thun Festival.

The musical performances performed in the festival are of high quality, each performed in a well-arranged setting. It’s almost magical and I’m pretty sure you will love it.

In previous festivals, some of the performances that were displayed include Der Besuch der Alten Dame, Romeo and Juliet, Titanic and ABBA

Address: Zeltweg 10, Thun, Switzerland.

17. Alpin Raft

Based on Interlaken, Switzerland, The Alpin Raft is an outdoor touring agency whose tours are adventure and sport theme.

Normally, the mountains snow melts as soon as the hot sun (which is as a result of summer season) shines on them.

This melt fills the river’s and forged in the region with so much water creating an opportunity for fun seekers to do some rafting.

Thus, visit this tour company during the summer and join them as they hike along the Swiss Alps or swim in the rivers.

Other Interlaken activities which Alpin offers that you will enjoy include kayaking, sky diving, paragliding, and bungee-jumping from a cable car.

During winter, you can join to ride the longest sled in the whole of Europe! There is also an option to ski on several of the mountain. This is amongst the best things to do in Interlaken, you will surely love it.

Address: Hauptstrasse 36, Interlaken, Switzerland.

18. Niederhorn

Niederhorn is a peak situated in Bernese Oberland. It is close to the Emmental Alps near Beatenberg Switzerland.

The farthest peak along the Guggis ridge and to the west, from its summit, you will be able to see the whole of Bernese Alps. You can also see Lake Thun from this point.

At the summit, you will find a restaurant and also a children playground there.

You need not worry on how you will get to the summit, there is an aerial cable car that will help take you up.

You will also have an up-close encounter with some of the wild animals in the area if you explore the peak with a guide.

There are also hiking trails and Trotti-bike routes for the visitors to take on their way down the peak.

Address: Sahli 66A, Beatenberg, Switzerland.

19. Outdoor Interlaken

An outdoor recreation company, Outdoor Interlaken has its headquarters in Matten Bei Interlaken, Switzerland.

They offer a lot of fun activities to a tourist such as sliding down a steep canyon wall, ski fresh powder, skydiving from the Swiss Alps, doing a bungee jump from an aerial cable-car and lots more.

The company has on its employment very patient, funny and caring tour guides. Thus, you will be entertained throughout the tour.

Some other fun activities which the company offers that you will enjoy include whitewater rafting, paragliding, a visit to Ropes Park Interlaken, a lake tour and hang-gliding.

Also, you need not worry about food, as they got that covered.

Address: Hauptstrasse 15, Matten bei Interlaken, Switzerland.

20. Alpenwildpark Interlaken

Amongst the list of fun things to do in Interlaken with loved ones is a visit to this Park

Located in Interlaken, Switzerland, the Alpenwildpark Interlaken is a wildlife animal park you will truly love to visit. It is like none other you have been to.

It is situated along the Harder-Kulm cableway and it is just adjacent to the valley station.

It was constructed in the 19th century with the aim of reintroducing the Alpine ibex back into Switzerland.

The reason for this was that the species was completely eradicated from the country due to human activities in the previous years.

It was in the year 1915 that the first breeding pair of the Alpine ibex was introduced into the park. This breeding pair had their first offspring between 1917 and 1918 period.

Today, this specie is no longer lacking in the region, as you can see them all around the park.

Pay a visit to this park if you are in Interlaken. Admission is free.

Address: Brienzstrasse 1, Interlaken, Switzerland.

21. Oberhofen Castle

You will find the Oberhofen Castle very close to Lake Thun. The Oberhofen Castle is quite popular because of its medieval keep that makes it distinctive and it’slls beautiful lakeside turret that makes it romantic. This is one of Interlaken tourist attractions and should make your list of top things to do in Interlaken.

The castle was built in the 13th century, and since that time till now, it has been owned by several people.

One of its owners was the Prussian Count Albert de Pourtales who is from the French-speaking town of Neuchatel, Switzerland. He bought it in the year 1844.

After he bought the castle, he renovated it and gave its current appearance. His purpose of renovating it was to make it his family’s summer residence.

The castle today houses a museum, and it has, since 1954. The museum tells the rich history of the previous owners of the castle.

You will still see in the castle’s chapel impressive murals which date far back as the early 15th century.

Address: Schloss Oberhofen, Oberhofen Switzerland.

22. Swiss Paragliding and Adventure

An outdoor adventure touring company that has its headquarters at Interlaken, Switzerland.

Swiss Paragliding and Adventure offers fun tours and activities to its visitors such as hang-gliding, paragliding and others.

Going Paragliding is fun and could make your list of things to do in Interlaken with this company.

Her visitors are allowed to experience the bird-like freedom of soaring through the sky.

They achieve this through hang-gliding and paragliding excursions. You will also be impressed by the views of the glacier-fed Lakes -Thun and Brienz- and also of the Swiss Alps.

Other adventures which the company offers include jet boating, kayaking, bungee, ice climbing, glacier hiking, whitewater rafting, jumping and so forth.

You need not be scared and worried about safety, this adventure company assures your safety as they have in their employ, safety professionals.

Address: Centralstrasse 5, Interlaken, Switzerland.

23. Touch the Mountains Festival

Touch the Mountain Festival which holds every year, is a popular New Year’s event that is hosted in Interlaken, Switzerland.

The festival is one of Interlaken activities which involves fireworks displays, open-air concert graced by top music artists and an after-party, (one of the best in Europe).

During this festival, you will find so many food and merchandise stalls lined all through the streets of Interlaken. The souvenir stores are open at this time.

You will find all the trendy bars and sensational restaurants along Hoheweg, Interlaken’s main avenue. Truly, the fun is not missing out in any part of the city.

A group called the Europe Ice Magic offers festival-

goers an after-party opportunity to skate through the ice on the streets of Interlaken.

You can come with your family and friends, for truly, Touch of the Mountain is a family-friendly event.

Address: Schulhausstrasse 5a, Interlaken, Switzerland.

24. Funky Chocolate Club

The funky chocolate club is a small business run by family and friends. This club gives tourists experience of a Swiss-made Chocolate.

If you pay a visit to the club, they will teach you how to taste and also check for the type of chocolate you buy, the quality and also to know the percentage of cocoa which is used in making the chocolate.

They also have a workshop called “make your own chocolate” where they allow the visitor to pour and to mold their chocolate into the shape of their desires.

When you get to this workshop, you will be provided with all you need to make the chocolate and you will be given a chef’s bar and an apron.

The whole duration the visitor will spend in the workshop is an hour. After that, the chocolates are given an hour to cool down before they are packaged.

In case you don’t want to make yours, you can choose from any variety of those made by the professionals working for the club. They are sold in the premises too.

Address: Jungfraustrasse 35, 3800 Interlaken.

25. Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa is a five-star hotel. This hotel has been in existence since the 19th century.

It was formed by the merger between Victoria pension and its neighbor the Jungfrau Hotel. All these happened in the year 1899.

Apart from several conference venues, the hotel has 216 rooms. The spa which wasn’t formerly in the original design was added in 1991 and it’s about 5500 square.

The addition of the spa to the Hotel has raised Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa to a top place in the luxury hotel market, thus, you will find high-class people in the Hotel.

The hotel has an eatery called the Sapori which serves lunch and dinner, mostly it’s dishes are Italian. You should also visit the Victoria Bar to have a taste of cocktails, cognac and champagne which they serve with snacks.

In the afternoon during weekends, the hotel has a tradition of serving rich and tasty tea.

Don’t forget to visit Spa Bistro to enjoy the organic juices, chicken wraps and detox soup they offer.

26. Wineart – Fine Wine and Food Market.

Are you a wine lover, then you should not miss a visit here with regards to things to do in Interlaken.

One of the biggest suppliers of white and red estate wine and owner of wine and food market in Interlaken is a man named Adrain Mala.

He has over 5000 grapes trees which he planted in his homeland of Kosovo. From these grapes, he makes the wines that he sells in the ‘wine and food’ market.

In addition to the wines, they also serve a five-course meal in this cafe. You can enjoy the wine over a small snack too in this market!

Wine and food market is frequently visited by hikers and those going on a picnic, as no picnic is fun if the food is not tasty.

The bar is available for hire in case you want to use it for a small business function or a party with at most 30 persons in attendance.

They also offer services for outdoor functions.

Address: Jungfraustrasse 46, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland.

27. Tourist Museum for the Jungfrau Region

The Tourist Museum for the Jungfrau Region is a Museum that is dedicated to the history of Tourism.

Established in the year 1980, this museum is the only one you will find that is exclusively and also completely dedicated to the history of the Alpine tourism.

Thus, if you visit this Museum, you will have an opportunity (which is quite rare) to explore 250 years of All-time tourism. You will truly appreciate it.

The whole museum sits on three floors. Some of the exhibits which you will find displayed in this museum includes crafts, fashion, objects and transportation museum which was used at a certain period.

It is also worth noting that the building which houses the museum was once a traditional 17th-century house before it was renovated and used as this museum.

Address: ,Obere Gasse 28, Interlaken, Switzerland.

28. Weissenau Nature Reserve

Amongst Interlaken attractions is Weissenau Nature Reserve, which is located at Thun, Switzerland. This is a nature preserve that houses several species of organisms spanning across flora and fauna.

You will find the reserve along Lake Thun. The size of the water in Lake Thun affects the so many different species of flora which is around the lake.

Therefore, care is taken to monitor the growth of this population to maximize conservation efforts.

You will also find several different kinds of birds along the reserve, for the lakeshore is found by these birds as a conducive location to feed and to breed.

Some other species of birds find the site as a transit and a hibernation area.

The view of the reserve is very pleasing to the site. Come with your camera to capture this view!

Address: Seestrasse 2, Thun, Switzerland.

29. William Tell Open-Air Theatre

William Tell Open-Air Theatre is a Theatre which is dedicated to dramatizing the life of a folk hero whose name was Wilhelm Tell.

This theatre, which has been in production since 1912 performs its drama using the natural setting of Rugenwald zu Matten.

The theatre has under its employment more than 170 actors. Till today, the theatre gives one of the best, exciting and authentic performance you could have ever seen.

You will be amazed at the theatre’s excellence, as they overlook no detail during production.

Everyone plays their role well, making appearances at the right time (laughs, even the goats, horses and cows used for the theatre production seems to be in on it).

There are provisions set in place to prevent the disturbance of the performance as a result of a change in the weather.

Address: Tellweg 5, Interlaken, Switzerland. 

30. Goldener Anker

A legend since it was used in the 1980s for a Swiss music video of the song “Live at the Anchor’, this restaurant has become a “most frequented” in Interlaken.

A proof of this can be found at the wall of the restaurant, where the gold record is hung.

Since that time till now, Goldener Anker has graced the presence of some national and international artists. The music you will hear in its premises is always on point.

Apart from the normal routine, they host DJ events, live music, concerts and other entertainment programs. They also give the stage for emerging musicians so that their voices from that stage may be heard.

You will love the atmosphere and the food there. Though their menu changes from time to time, you are sure to see fondues, rostis, Toblerone desserts and other Swiss classics.

Address: Marktgasse 57, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland.

31. Top o’ Met

As suggested by its name, Top o’ Met is one of the top 4 star Metropole Hotel in Interlaken.

It is a high rise building which has 96 rooms. From eighty-four of these rooms, you can see the mountains like Jungfrau.

You will also see the lakes and rooftops of most houses in this city from this hotel.

The hotel is open every day from 8 am and it closes by 11 pm within which her visitors are offered breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

You will truly love their menu option which are freshly prepared. They also serve some of the best wines produced in the country.

Address: Höheweg 37, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland.

32. St. Beatus Caves

Located in Beatenberg, Switzerland, the St. Beatus Caves is a large collection of caves that are interconnected and have pathways that are well illuminated.

You can find these cave system near Lake Thun; it tunnel over 14 kilometers. You are in for a lot of exploration when you add this to your list of fun things to do in Interlaken.

Upon your arrival to the site, you have to walk over some waterfalls and through the forest before you find the blue lake.

As soon as you find the blue lake, you will then see a vast land that contains large halls, tunnels, little caves, stalagmites and stalactites which were formed by nature for millions of years now at the mouth of the caves.

While you are there, visit the St Beatus Caves Museum. In the museum, you will be told everything you need to know about the caves and the 11 themed sections which this fun tour entails.

Address: Seestrasse 974, Beatenberg, Switzerland.

Plan a Trip to Interlaken

Even when we are far away from home, a few of the places we visit or reside in will feel like home. Interlaken is one of those few places and their love for tourists will make you wish to visit this lovely city again and again.

Do make your checklist of things to do in Interlaken before you set out on your trip. Also get in touch with your travel agent to give an accurate guide to the places listed in your checklist.