The Aare flows through Interlaken, connecting Lake Thun with Lake Brienz. The town lies between the two lakes on an alluvial plain; the holiday region stretches around their shores. In Interlaken, the river and lake landscape meet a local history that can be explored at a variety of different stops.
Trails into the mountains and through the landscape
From Interlaken Ost railway station, you can reach the Harderbahn valley station via the Aare bridge. The train ride up to the Harder Kulm mountain station takes ten minutes. Those travelling on foot first pass through dense forest; then views open up over Interlaken, the lakes and the mountains. From there, you can see Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, as well as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The train and hiking route offer different points of reference: a stated journey time for the former, and the transition from forest to views for the latter.
The Berner Oberland Railway also departs from Interlaken Ost and takes travellers closer to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Depending on the route, you can continue to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. Using Interlaken as a starting point, you can explore the town and also consider train connections to these two destinations.
History between Interlaken and Unterseen
A notable historic site lies in the old town of Unterseen: the Tourism Museum is housed in a former vicarage dating from 1630. Through several exhibits, it presents 500 years of alpine tourism history in Switzerland. It is the only Swiss museum dedicated to the history and present-day realities of tourism. A visit therefore takes you beyond the past of a single building and into the development of travel in the Alpine region.
The former Augustinian monastery in the centre of Interlaken was first mentioned in a document in 1133. The former monastery complex includes a church tower dating from the early 14th century. The Kursaal tells a different story: it was founded in 1857 as a meeting and entertainment venue for wealthy spa guests visiting Interlaken. Together, the monastery and Kursaal offer a glimpse into two different chapters in the town’s history: its early monastic past and its later development as a popular spa resort.
Cultural trail, garden and exhibitions
The cultural trail on the Rugen connects several historic sites. Among other places, it passes the Unspunnen ruins, Interlaken’s former execution site and a historic spa drinking hall. Information boards along the trail also share details about the life and work of artist Clara von Rappard. The walk thus combines architectural and local history with a glimpse into the work of an individual artist.
Another cultural discovery is the Japanese Garden Interlaken. It was created in 1995 as a gift from Interlaken’s Japanese twin town, Ōtsu, and features a pond and pavilion. Höhematte adds a green landscape to the townscape: the area has been designated as historically protected since 1864. The Grand Tour of Switzerland photo spot there offers a view of the Jungfrau massif. At the Kunsthaus Interlaken, you can explore exhibitions on your own or as part of a guided tour; if you plan to join a tour, check what is available beforehand. The venue also hosts concerts and theatre performances by renowned artists throughout the year. You can check the dates before your trip.
Activities, tastings and special events
The Alpine Wildlife Park is located by the Harderbahn valley station, where visitors can watch ibex and marmots. Ropes Park Interlaken offers something different: its 14 courses run through the treetops, with obstacles and zip lines reaching heights of up to 23 metres. For puzzle-solving, there is MysteryRooms Interlaken, a live escape game in which teams solve clues, riddles and codes within an hour. Games are available in German, English and French for groups of two to six people. The offering also includes a three-hour digital treasure hunt through Interlaken and along the Aare. Games and participation requirements may change; check beforehand which format is available for your travel dates.
The Tüürli tasting hike starts at the Youth Hostel near Interlaken Ost railway station and follows the turquoise Aare to Lake Brienz. It includes five stops featuring regional beers or wines; for lunch, the hike takes you to the Oberländerhof restaurant in Bönigen. A seasonal alternative on the water is the Ufem Fluss restaurant boat, moored at the Interlaken Ost landing stage from December to March and serving Swiss specialities on the Aare. Check dates and availability for your travel dates.
The events calendar also offers different occasions to plan around. The “Longest New Year’s Eve” event takes place in Interlaken every year and begins with a New Year’s Eve party on 31 December. The Harder-Potschete follows on 2 January and has been celebrated in this format for almost 50 years. In the Interlaken holiday region, the Unspunnen Festival was first held in 1805 and takes place every twelve years. The different intervals show that depending on when you visit, you may encounter very different traditions.
Discover more destinations
Axalp, Beatenberg, Därligen, Grindelwald, Habkern, Lauterbrunnen, Leissigen, Mürren, Ringgenberg, Wengen, Wilderswil, Brienz, Saxeten, Hofstetten bei Brienz, Lütschental, Iseltwald, Gsteigwiler, Gundlischwand, Interlaken, Brienzwiler, Oberried am Brienzersee, Matten bei Interlaken, Schwanden bei Brienz, Unterseen, Bönigen, Niederried bei Interlaken, Isenfluh
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