Interlaken Travel Guide
Positioned between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz beneath the mighty Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks, Interlaken is Europe’s premier adventure capital and the launching pad for the Bernese Oberland.
At A Glance
Realistic Daily Budgets (2026 Verified)
Itemized costs per person per day based on structured database benchmarks.
Dorm bed, bakeries/street eats, transit day pass, free sights.
Private room, sit-down lunch specials, museum admissions.
Boutique hotel, dinner with wine, fast-track sights.
🏛️ Top Sights & Verified Admission
Official 2026 entry prices, mandatory booking rules, and verified concession eligibility.
Hohematte Park & Paraglider Landing
€0.00Lauterbrunnen Valley (Day Excursion)
€7.60🛏️ Where to Stay
Interlaken Ost is the departure station for valley trains into Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald; Interlaken West has more budget dining and hostels; staying in Lauterbrunnen or Wilderswil provides quieter mountain atmosphere.
🚇 Getting Around
The Interlaken Guest Card gives free travel on local buses and transit between Interlaken Ost and West. Berner Oberland Pass or Swiss Travel Pass are crucial for mountain savings.
🥖 Eating for Less
Coop Restaurant near Interlaken Ost station has a hot buffet with roast meats, pastas, and rosti for CHF 12 to CHF 16.
Worth Paying For
Lake Brienz or Lake Thun paddle steamer cruises (included 100% free with the Swiss Travel Pass).
Skip / Save Your Money
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe rail ticket (CHF 215+ full fare) if the weather forecast shows clouds or fog; check live mountain webcams before paying.
Common Tourist Traps & Money Mistakes
Harder Kulm funicular costs CHF 40 return; hiking up the wooded zig-zag mountain path takes 2 hours and is free.