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Europe

InterlakenSwitzerland

Alpine base camp between two lakes, for hiking, paragliding and winter skiing.

The vibe

ScenicAction-packedOutdoorsyRomanticFamily-friendly

Derived from Interlaken’s strongest Destination DNA attributes.

Where is Interlaken?

Map showing the location of Interlaken, SwitzerlandInterlaken, Switzerland is in Europe. The marker shows its approximate position.
Simplified location map: Interlaken, Switzerland, Europe.

Interlaken is in central Switzerland, in the Bernese Oberland between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

At a glance

Country
Switzerland
Region
Europe
City size
Small
English
High

Why you might like Interlaken

  • Mountains
  • Hiking
  • Skiing
  • Romantic
  • Family friendly
  • Winter destination

Interlaken exists to get people into the Bernese Oberland: cog railways up to Jungfraujoch, trails around Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, paragliding over the valley and skiing through winter. The town itself is small, and the mountains do all the work.

Interlaken in facts

Country
Switzerland
Region
Europe
City size
Small · ~6,000 residents

Urban area population · UN World Urbanization Prospects and national statistics offices, 2024

English proficiency
High · 564/800

Country-level score · EF English Proficiency Index 2025

Why Interlaken stands out

  1. The town sits directly between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with its name derived from its position between the two.

  2. Interlaken is a base for reaching the Jungfrau region, including the Jungfraujoch, one of the highest railway stations in Europe.

  3. The town has long been a hub for adventure sports such as paragliding, canyoning and skydiving, given the surrounding Alpine terrain.

  4. Cog railways and cable cars departing from Interlaken connect to peaks including Schilthorn and the Jungfrau massif.

Good to know

  • Interlaken itself is small, and most visitors use it as a base for day trips into the surrounding mountains rather than a destination in itself.
  • Mountain excursions depend heavily on weather and visibility, so conditions can change plans on any given day.
  • Rail and cable car tickets to high-altitude points such as the Jungfraujoch are a significant cost and are often booked in advance.

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