Switzerland
Interlaken
Switzerland
Interlaken
Updated Apr 22, 2025
Overview
Interlaken, a picturesque town in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and overlooked by the majestic peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, it's a hub for outdoor activities. From paragliding and skydiving to hiking and kayaking, there's no shortage of excitement. For a local experience, visit the traditional Ballenberg Open-Air Museum or savor Swiss cheese at a family-run alpine farm.
Best time to visit. Summer (June to August) is ideal for hiking and water sports, with pleasant temperatures and long days. For winter sports and magical snow-covered landscapes, visit from December to March. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and stunning foliage, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
City stats
Population
5,592
Land area
1 sq. mi.
Currency
Swiss franc
Year founded
1133 CE
Official langauge
German
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Bern
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F - 28°F | 35°F - 23°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:05 am | 5:01 pm | 12 days 2.7 in | 8 days 10.4 in | 4 mph |
| February | 41°F - 28°F | 38°F - 24°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:32 am | 5:45 pm | 10 days 2.5 in | 7 days 8.7 in | 4 mph |
| March | 50°F - 34°F | 48°F - 30°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:40 am | 6:30 pm | 12 days 3.0 in | 4 days 4.0 in | 4 mph |
| April | 57°F - 40°F | 56°F - 37°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:37 am | 8:15 pm | 13 days 3.5 in | 1 days 0.6 in | 4 mph |
| May | 65°F - 48°F | 65°F - 46°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:50 am | 8:56 pm | 15 days 4.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| June | 70°F - 53°F | 71°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:31 am | 9:24 pm | 15 days 5.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| July | 74°F - 56°F | 75°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:48 am | 9:18 pm | 14 days 4.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| August | 73°F - 56°F | 74°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:26 am | 8:40 pm | 14 days 5.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| September | 67°F - 50°F | 67°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:07 am | 7:42 pm | 11 days 3.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| October | 58°F - 44°F | 57°F - 41°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:51 am | 6:42 pm | 11 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.2 in | 4 mph |
| November | 47°F - 35°F | 44°F - 31°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:39 am | 4:55 pm | 11 days 3.1 in | 3 days 3.0 in | 4 mph |
| December | 40°F - 29°F | 36°F - 24°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:09 am | 4:39 pm | 12 days 3.0 in | 7 days 9.0 in | 4 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrated nationwide to mark the beginning of the new year with fireworks and festivities. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Good Friday | Varies (March/April) | Christian holiday commemorating crucifixion of Jesus. Many businesses close for long weekend. | Limited services, plan accordingly. | ||
| Easter Monday | Varies (March/April) | Public holiday following Easter Sunday. Families gather for meals and egg hunts. | Some closures, but tourist areas open. | ||
| Labour Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers' rights. Parades and demonstrations occur in major cities. | Expect crowds at events, plan ahead. | ||
| Ascension Day | Varies (May/June) | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension. Many Swiss take long weekend for short trips. | Popular travel time, book in advance. | ||
| Whit Monday | Varies (May/June) | Christian holiday celebrating descent of Holy Spirit. Often marks start of summer activities. | Busy day, but most attractions open. | ||
| Swiss National Day | August 1 | Celebration of Swiss Confederation's founding. Fireworks, bonfires, and parades nationwide. | Festive atmosphere, but crowded. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Evening celebration of Christmas. Families gather for meals and gift exchanges. | Limited evening services, plan ahead. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating birth of Jesus. Nationwide holiday with family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| St. Stephen's Day | December 26 | Public holiday following Christmas. Extended Christmas celebrations and shopping sales. | Some closures, but sales attract crowds. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Hot Air Balloon Week | Late January | Annual festival featuring colorful hot air balloons flying over the Swiss Alps. Attracts balloon enthusiasts from around the world. | Great time to visit for unique views | ||
| Harder-Potschete | February 2 | Traditional carnival celebration with masked figures parading through town, scaring away winter spirits. | Interesting local tradition to witness | ||
| Interlaken Music Festival | June - September | Summer-long classical music festival featuring performances in various venues around Interlaken. | Excellent time for music lovers to visit | ||
| Unspunnenfest | Late August - Early September (every 12 years) | Traditional Swiss folklore festival with stone throwing, wrestling, yodeling, and alphorn contests. | Unique cultural experience, but crowded | ||
| Jungfrau Marathon | Early September | Challenging mountain marathon from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg, attracting runners worldwide. | Great for sports enthusiasts to visit | ||
| Swiss Food Festival | Late September | Culinary event showcasing Swiss cuisine, local products, and cooking demonstrations from regional chefs. | Perfect for food lovers to experience | ||
| Christmas Markets | Late November - Late December | Traditional holiday markets with local crafts, food, and festive atmosphere throughout Interlaken. | Charming time to visit for holiday spirit |
1 | Learn basic Swiss-German phrases like 'Grüezi' (hello) and 'Merci' (thank you). While many Swiss speak English, locals appreciate efforts to use their language. |
2 | Be punctual. Swiss culture values timeliness, so arrive on time for appointments, tours, and public transportation. Trains and buses run like clockwork in Switzerland. |
3 | Respect quiet hours, typically from 10 PM to 7 AM. Swiss people value peace and quiet, especially in residential areas. Avoid loud conversations or noisy activities during these times. |
4 | Recycle diligently. Switzerland has strict recycling laws. Familiarize yourself with local recycling practices and use designated bins for different types of waste. |
5 | Tipping is not expected in Switzerland as service charges are usually included. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated. |
6 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's polite to ask if you should take off your shoes, but many Swiss households have a no-shoes policy indoors. |
7 | Don't litter. Switzerland prides itself on cleanliness. Always dispose of trash properly and keep public spaces tidy. Fines for littering can be hefty. |
8 | Respect Sunday as a quiet day. Many shops and attractions are closed on Sundays. Plan accordingly and be mindful of noise levels, especially in residential areas. |
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