Supermarket picnic (Coop or Migros)
Market · by both train stations
Buy bread, cheese and chocolate at Coop or Migros and eat by the lake; the only cheap way to eat in Switzerland.
Best for: saving money
Best time: lunch
Where to actually go in Interlaken
Where to eat, drink and go out in Interlaken: 20 picks for study-abroad students, with student-vetted picks marked and prices in dollars.
Eat & drink in Interlaken
Café Schuh
Cafe · Höhematte
A Swiss confectionery café on the park where the paragliders land; known for chocolate.
Best for: Swiss chocolate and cake
Best time: afternoon
Sights & days out in Interlaken
Harder Kulm
Viewpoint · Interlaken Ost
A funicular from town up to a viewing platform over both lakes and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Best for: the best view in town
Price: $$ — roughly $55 return
Best time: sunset
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Walk · Lauterbrunnen (20 minutes by train)
A deep glacial valley with 72 waterfalls, including Staubbach Falls right by the village. Walking it is free.
Best for: a free valley walk, waterfalls
Best time: day
Grindelwald First
Activity · Grindelwald (outside Interlaken)
A gondola up to the First Cliff Walk, the Bachalpsee lake hike and mountain carts down.
Best for: the classic mountain day
Best time: full day
Tandem paragliding
Activity · lands at Höhematte park, central Interlaken
Interlaken is known as Europe's adventure capital; tandem paragliders land in the middle of town.
Best for: the big adventure splurge
Booking: Book with a licensed operator; flights are cancelled in bad weather.
Best time: morning, weather permitting
Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe
Activity · via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen
Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 m, with glacier views and an ice palace.
Best for: the big once-in-a-lifetime trip
Booking: Check the summit webcam and book trains ahead.
Best time: full day, clear weather
Schilthorn (Piz Gloria)
Viewpoint · via Mürren
A summit with a revolving restaurant from a James Bond film.
Best for: a big Alpine view
Best time: clear morning
Mürren and Gimmelwald
Walk · above Lauterbrunnen
Car-free cliff villages with an easy walk between them and huge views.
Best for: a cheaper mountain day
Best time: day
Trümmelbach Falls
Sight · Lauterbrunnen Valley
Glacier waterfalls inside the mountain, reached by a lift and tunnels.
Best for: a waterfall day
Best time: day (seasonal)
Schynige Platte
Viewpoint · via Wilderswil
A historic cog railway up to an alpine garden and ridge view.
Best for: a scenic train ride
Best time: day (summer)
Iseltwald and Lake Brienz
Walk · Lake Brienz
A lakeside village with turquoise water; boats run from Interlaken Ost.
Best for: a lake afternoon
Best time: afternoon
Lake Thun boat cruise
Activity · from Interlaken West
A boat along Lake Thun past castles and villages.
Best for: a relaxed scenic trip
Best time: afternoon
St. Beatus Caves
Activity · Lake Thun shore
Caves with underground waterfalls above Lake Thun.
Best for: a rainy-day plan
Best time: rainy day
Canyoning
Activity · Interlaken area
Jumping, sliding and abseiling down gorges with a licensed guide.
Best for: the adventure day
Booking: Only with a licensed operator.
Best time: day (summer)
Aare river walk
Walk · between Interlaken West and Ost
The milky-turquoise glacier river running through town between the two lakes.
Best for: a free stroll
Best time: any time
Nights out in Interlaken
Balmers Hostel bar
Bar · Matten
A long-running backpacker hostel whose bar is the student and traveller night out in town.
Best for: meeting other travellers, a cheap night
Best time: evening
Hüsi Bierhaus
Pub · Interlaken centre
A beer bar with local brews, live music and sports nights.
Best for: beer and live music
Best time: evening
Barracuda Bar
Bar · Matten
A cocktail bar known for food and lively parties.
Best for: cocktails and a party
Best time: evening
Funny Farm
Bar · Matten
A laid-back backpacker bar with an outdoor bonfire.
Best for: a relaxed night with travellers
Best time: evening