Interlaken is the perfect destination for a peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoying natural calm among the green landscapes and magnificent mountains.
Interlaken is renowned for outdoor activities such as climbing mountains, hiking trails, and swimming in crystal blue lakes. And quieter activities such as shopping in Hoheweg and finding classic Swiss souvenirs. Immerse yourself in delicious local cuisine and experience the arts and crafts of the Oberland Bern.
Best Time To Visit Interlaken
Interlaken is an attractive city all year round. Still, its appeal is most pronounced in the summer when warm temperatures allow you to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, climbing and hiking among the trails. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have its charm the rest of the year.
From the beginning of January to March: The snowy and cold season is characterised by a wide range of festivals and celebrations.
From early March to mid-May: It's springtime in Interlaken. The snow is melting, the trees are blooming, the weather is mild and the sun is setting in the middle of nature.
From mid-May to September: Interlaken's blooming season is ideal for those looking for green nature and beautiful weather with a percentage of rainfall mixed with green nature.
From the beginning of October to November: Autumn colours, cooler weather, less crowds and lower prices.
Book Hotels in Interlaken with Almosafer
10 Adventurous Things to Do in Interlaken: New Level of Adventure
Interlaken is full of lively places to spend time between fun activities, adventures, recreation and enjoying the tranquillity of nature.
Boat tour on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
Here's one of the best things to do in Interlaken, the combination of two of Switzerland's most beautiful lakes is what makes Interlaken so special. Explore the two lakes on a boat trip, against a magnificent natural backdrop.
Type of activity: outdoor
Fees: depending on the cruise
How to book: Book tickets online from the official BLS website or purchase at the dock
Location: Bernese Highlands, canton of Bern
Hiking to Harder Kulm
Harder Kulm is known as the ‘’Top of Interlaken‘’. The hike to the summit offers spectacular bird's eye views of Interlaken, the nearby lakes and the Bernese Alps. The hike is quite difficult and takes about 2-3 hours in one direction.
Type of activity: outdoor
Fees: Free
How to Book: No booking is required for the hike.
Location: 3800 Unterseen, Switzerland
Visit Interlaken City Centre
The village of Interlaken is characterised by its charm, rich with restaurants famous for local cuisine and attractive wide green squares to give you a sense of comfort and tranquillity, as well as souvenir and souvenir shops.
Type of activity: outdoor
Fees: Free
Location: Around Höheweg Park
Alpine park visit at Shinigi Platte
It was the first alpine garden and is still one of the very few of its kind. It contains about 600 different species of plants that bloom during the summer, and these plants make up at least two-thirds of Switzerland's alpine flora; you will find useful labels to inform you about the type of each plant as well as enjoy the colours and shapes of the plants and the surrounding nature.
Type of Activity: Outdoor
Fees: Free (accessible with a train ticket)
Location: Bergstation, Schynige Platte Bahn, 3814 Gsteigwiler, Switzerland
Opening hours: 24\7
Picnic at Höhematte Park
Höhematte Park is the best choice for outdoor activities in Interlaken, Located in the heart of Interlaken, this park is a large park that offers breathtaking mountain scenery. The park features a large green square and a children's playground.
Type of Activity: Outdoor
Fees: Free
Location: Höhematte, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
Visit Interlaken Monastery and Castle
Experience history firsthand as you visit the monastery, where you can explore the 14th-century bell tower, a Gothic cloister, and the remnants of a church from 1452. Pay special attention to the diverse window designs in the castle church, which add to the site's rich historical tapestry.
Type of Activity: Indoor/Outdoor
Fees: Free (For the church and monastery).
How to Book: No booking is required for general entry.
Location: Schloss 1, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
You may also like: Unforgettable Tourist Destinations in Geneva
Chocolate Workshop at Funky Chocolate Club
One of the best things to do around Interlaken with kids. Funky Chocolate and Funky Chocolate Club provides daily workshops that add a fun twist to your visit to Interlaken. You'll gain insight into the journey of cocoa beans and learn how to create your own delectable Swiss chocolate bars. Best of all, you can take home the chocolates you make as a memorable souvenir.
Type of Activity: Indoor
Fees: for adults CHF 69, Children (ages 4-12): CHF 59
Location: Postgasse 10, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
Kayaking on Lake Brienz
Located in the middle of a spectacular mountainous landscape, kayaking is a great way to enjoy the crystal clear blue water and take a journey through the mountains while admiring the silence of nature.
Type of Activity: Outdoor
Fees: NA
How to book: You can book kayak rentals in advance through local providers
Location: Lake Brienz, accessible from Interlaken Ost or Bönigen.
9. Visit Iseltwald Village
A charming countryside village south of Lake Brienz, your choice for a peaceful holiday where you can enjoy the beauty of the countryside and pure turquoise water, enjoy local cuisine with views of the lake surrounded by mountains and many hiking trails that aim to explore the mysteries of nature.
Type of Activity: Outdoor
Location: Interlaken, 3800, Switzerland
Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum
Step back in time and explore the diverse historical architectural styles of different Swiss cities and regions. Each building is accompanied by detailed information about its design and the city in which it originated.
This museum offers an intimate experience of Swiss country life, featuring more than 100 authentic buildings from different regions across Switzerland. The museum highlights traditional crafts and showcases beautiful gardens and landscapes.
Type of Activity: Indoor/Outdoor
Entry Fees:
Adults: CHF 32
Children (6-15 years): CHF 16
Students and Seniors: CHF 28
How to Book: Online, directly at the entrance.
Location: Museumsstrasse 100, 3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz, Switzerland
Recommended to read: 10 Best Countries to Visit in February 2025: Winter Getaway
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do in Interlaken
What is the best time of year to visit Interlaken?
Interlaken has a great climate all year round, but it is recommended to visit during the summer to enjoy outdoor activities with warm temperatures.
Are there any cultural etiquettes to be aware of when visiting Interlaken?
It's important to maintain a respectful distance, offer a handshake, and make direct eye contact while smiling warmly.
How can I get around Interlaken?
There are four convenient ways to get around Interlaken:
By taxi
By bus
By train
By Boat
Interesting activities to try: