What to do in Interlaken Switzerland

What to do in Interlaken, Switzerland

You have decided on a place to go on vacation - but now a more daunting question is - what to do?  

If your vacation planning looks anything like my family’s, we are given a destination and then get the “opportunity” to figure out the rest.   Kind of like the game hot potato except I always end up holding the potato.   Hopefully this guide will give you a few pointers and help you quickly lop the potato on to someone else.

Where is Interlaken?

Interlaken Switzerland is a beautiful water-filled paradise nestled between the sparkling waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.  It is surrounded by the Swiss Alps which provides a great a spot for hang-gliding (either the sport, or watching it).   Interlaken is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience the charm of Switzerland.

With its central location in the Bernese Oberland region, Interlaken serves as the perfect base for exploring some of the most stunning natural attractions in the country. In this guide, we’ll dive into the top things to do in and around Interlaken, including visiting the St. Beatus Caves, exploring Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, marveling at Giessbach Falls, and taking in the breathtaking views from Lauterbrunnen, Schilthorn, and Jungfrau. Each destination offers something unique, with fun facts and activities that will make your trip to Interlaken unforgettable.

1. St. Beatus Caves

The St. Beatus Caves, located just a short drive from Interlaken, are a natural wonder steeped in legend and history. According to local folklore, the caves were once the dwelling place of a fearsome dragon, which was driven out by St. Beatus, a monk who arrived in the area around 100 AD. Today, the caves are open to visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into the underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.   

Be prepared though - there is a lot (a lot!) of steps for the incline up to the cave entrance.  It is absolutely worth it, just plan ahead and enjoy the process.    There is also a nice Swiss restaurant (Stein & Sein) at the top where you can enjoy an overlook onto Lake Thun.   You may want to make reservations there - just to be safe.

Fun Facts about St. Beatus Caves:

• Myth and Legend: The legend of St. Beatus and the dragon is one of the most famous in Swiss folklore, and it adds an element of mystery and adventure to the cave experience.
• Cave System: The St. Beatus Caves stretch for over 14 kilometers, though only about one kilometer is accessible to the public. The guidedb (and self-guided) tours take you through a series of beautifully lit chambers and tunnels, showcasing the impressive geological formations.
• Vegetation: While walking thru the caves, you will find some green vegetation growing in the caves.   These were introduced into the caves by …. People’s shoes walking thru the caves.  
• Cave Museum: Adjacent to the caves is a museum that provides insights into the history and geology of the region, as well as the legend of St. Beatus.

We absolutely loved the St. Beatus Caves.   They are so interesting and beautiful and ….kind of…. Magical.   This is one of those items that I put on the list of “if we have time” and can’t believe I didn’t put it under the category “absolutely must do”.    Now that I’ve been there - trust me when I say …. YOU MUST GO!   It’s so amazing.  

2. Lake Thun

Lake Thun, located on the West side of Interlaken, is a large, picturesque lake surrounded by charming towns, historic castles, and stunning mountain scenery. The lake is named after the town of Thun, which sits at its northern end, and it offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.   We enjoyed Lake Thun from a viewing perspective and didn’t take a boat ride on it or explore any of the castles.   If we had been there one additional day, that would have made the list.   There are several castles and stops that you can go to when you take the boat around Lake Thun.

Fun Facts about Lake Thun

• Medieval Castles: Lake Thun is home to several well-preserved medieval castles, including Thun Castle, Spiez Castle, and Oberhofen Castle. These castles offer a glimpse into Switzerland's rich history and often host cultural events and exhibitions.
• Water Sports: The beautiful waters of Lake Thun are perfect for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. There are numerous rental facilities around the lake, making it easy to get out on the water and explore.

• Lake Cruises: One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Lake Thun is by taking a leisurely cruise. Several boat companies, viator and get your guide offer scenic cruises that allow you to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and villages.

Regardless of how you spend your time around Lake Thun - make sure it’s on your list.   

3. Lake Brienz

On the East side of Interlaken is Lake Brienz, a stunning turquoise lake that is fed by glacial waters from the surrounding mountains.  Several waterfalls - including the last legs of the Giessbach falls can be seen around Lake Brienz.  Known for its vibrant color and serene atmosphere, Lake Brienz is a favorite destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.   We did a lovely afternoon ride around the lake and chose to not get off at any of the stops.   It took about 1.5 hours and was a great way to enjoy this peaceful lake, soak up some sunshine and get a little fresh air.

Fun Facts about Lake Brienz:

• Turquoise Waters: The striking color of Lake Brienz is due to the fine glacial sediment, known as "rock flour," that is suspended in the water. This sediment reflects light in a way that creates the lake's signature turquoise hue.
• Iseltwald: The picturesque village of Iseltwald, located on the southern shore of Lake Brienz, is one of the most charming spots on the lake. With its traditional Swiss chalets and peaceful ambiance, Iseltwald is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic.
• Kayaking and Boating: Lake Brienz is a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. The calm waters and stunning surroundings make it an ideal location for exploring the lake at your own pace.

Lake Brienz is a true gem of the Swiss Alps, offering visitors a peaceful retreat with breathtaking scenery at every turn.

4. Giessbach Falls: A Majestic Cascade in a Fairy-Tale Setting

Giessbach Falls, located on the southern shore of Lake Brienz, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland. The falls cascade down around 1640 feet in a series of at least 14 cascading steps.  This creates a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight.  Near the base of the falls sits a 19th century historic Grand Hotel Giessbach.   

There are two ways to get to the hotel - you can either take the boat which will drop you off by the base of the falls.   From there you will ride the funicular up to the hotel.    Or, you can drive to the parking lot of the trail and walk in from that way.   Both ways are beautiful.   We actually chose to walk in from the trail, as we had seen the base of the falls when we went on the boat ride (which we chose not to get off at the stop).   Whichever way you decide, it will be a memorable experience!

Fun Facts about Giessbach Falls:

• Funicular Railway:  Giessbach Falls is home to one of the oldest funicular railways in Europe. The funicular takes visitors from the shore of Lake Brienz up to the Grand Hotel Giessbach and the base of the falls, offering stunning views along the way.
• Grand Hotel Giessbach: The Grand Hotel Giessbach, built in 1874, is a beautifully preserved example of 19th-century Swiss architecture. The hotel has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries over the years and is a popular spot for weddings and events.
• Nature Trails: There are several hiking trails around Giessbach Falls that allow you to explore the surrounding forest and get up close to the cascading water. The trails offer different perspectives of the falls and provide plenty of opportunities for photography.

A visit to Giessbach Falls is like stepping into a storybook, with its majestic waterfall, historic hotel, and lush surroundings.    While we were there, a couple was getting married on the steps of the Grand Hotel with Lake Brienz in the background.   Definitely a fairytale wedding scene.

5. Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen is one of the most picturesque valleys in the Swiss Alps, known for its dramatic cliffs and the 72 waterfalls that plunge down into the valley. The most famous of these waterfalls is Staubbach Falls, which drops nearly 1000 feet from a cliff above the village of Lauterbrunnen.

It was amazing to drive and see all the waterfalls on each side of you.   Gorgeous drive - even if you don't stop.   I would have liked to spent more time in Laterbrunnen, however it was absolutely packed full of people (and cars), and I honestly didn't feel like they knew how to handle so many cars.   Someone mentioned that they are considering making the town where you can't drive thru it.

Fun Facts about Laterbrunnen

• Staubbach Falls is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe, and it is said to have inspired the famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to write his poem "Gesang der Geister über den Wassern" ("Song of the Spirits over the Waters").
• Trümmelbach Falls is another must-see in Lauterbrunnen. These are a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls located inside the mountain, and they are accessible via a network of tunnels, stairs, and viewing platforms.
• Lauterbrunnen is a hub for adventure sports, including paragliding, base jumping, and rock climbing. The stunning landscape and the thrill of these activities make Lauterbrunnen a favorite destination for adrenaline seekers.

With its towering cliffs, numerous waterfalls, and opportunities for adventure, Lauterbrunnen is a must-visit destination in the Swiss Alps.

6. Schilthorn / James Bond Experience

The Schilthorn is a mountain peak in the Bernese Alps, standing at 9,744 feet.   It is best known for its role as the filming location for the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." The Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, located at the summit, offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and was featured prominently in the film.

Travel Tip - to Guide or Not to Guide

You may be considering finding a tour guide that takes you on this experience.  I know that I debated it for a couple of months and then finally decided we could handle this experience on our own.   From my perspective, we didn't need a tour guide here.   We already had a car (because we wanted to be flexible in our travels) so we could easily drive to the base of the gondola that takes you up to Schilthorn.  From there, it's self-explanatory the rest of the way.   I'm sure the guides will have way more trivia, facts etc. about the area - but my family gets a little weary if it's not historical - so we opted to do this on our own.    

You will need to purchase your tickets up there and with that you can have lunch at the Piz Gloria (which was also in the movie).   NOTE: You will need to make reservations at Piz GLoria separately from the ticket order.   

Fun Facts about Schilthorn

• James Bond Experience: The summit of the Schilthorn features a James Bond-themed exhibition that includes interactive displays, memorabilia from the film, and a cinema that screens clips from the movie.
• Piz Gloria restaurant revolves slowly, allowing diners to take in panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks while enjoying a meal (if you're lucky enough to go up on a clear day!). It’s a fun little dining experience.  
• Thrill Walk  is an adrenaline-pumping walkway that clings to the side of the cliff at Birg, one of the cable car stops on the way to the Schilthorn. The walkway features glass floors, steel gratings, and tightrope sections that offer heart-stopping views of the valley below.   (I'll just trust that this is fun for some people - this was not on our itinerary - or will it be as we are not "glass floor tightrope" people).
• Schilthorn 20xx gondola replacement is almost complete.   So your experience may include the new gondola!! 

A visit to the Schilthorn is a fun experience that combines incredible views.   Make sure to watch the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" before you venture to Schilthorn.  That way you have a better idea what exactly is in the movie.   There's a lot of it displayed in the memorabilia, but it's also nice to see the whole movie so you know what to expect.   

7. Jungfrau

Standing at 13,642 feet, Jungfrau is one of the highest peaks in the Swiss Alps and is known as "The Top of Europe." The Jungfraujoch railway station is the highest railway station in Europe at 11,332 feet and offers visitors a chance to experience the stunning Alpine environment up close.  Due to timing and my insecurity with what all we had scheduled on our vacation - I didn't pick Jungfrau.   I chose Schilthorn instead.  As it turned out for us, the weather didn't cooperate so we wouldn't have seen anything but clouds anyway.    

Fun Facts about Jungfrau

• Jungfraujoch is home to several attractions, including the Ice Palace, a series of tunnels and sculptures carved out of ice, and the Sphinx Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps.
• Eiger and Mönch: Jungfrau is part of the famous trio of peaks, along with the Eiger (13,015 feet) and Mönch (13,474 feet). These peaks are known for their dramatic faces and challenging climbing routes.
• Activities: In addition to the sightseeing attractions, the Jungfraujoch offers opportunities for snow sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Even in the summer, visitors can experience the thrill of snow in the high Alps.

If we ever go back to Interlaken, Jungfrau is definitely on my list of to-do's. 

Another thing we didn't get to do (but it's on my list for next time) is to visit TRAUFFER.   They are the cute little wooden cows made right outside Lake Brienz, Interlaken.   I purchased one at Schilthorn and was so excited - then I found out they are made there and they have a hotel with that theme.    If you go - let me know how it is!!