24 Hours in Interlaken, Switzerland: Lakes, Alps & Pure Swiss Magic

Written By Matthew Cogossi

Interlaken is one of our absolute favorite places in Switzerland and truly feels like a storybook mountain town.

This beautiful town is situated between two glacial-blue lakes (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz) and framed by dramatic Alpine peaks. Interlaken feels like the Switzerland you imagine in your dreams. Quaint chalets, cowbells in the distance, fresh mountain air, and scenery so beautiful it almost feels unreal.

We visited Interlaken in August during a larger road trip from Frankfurt to Lake Maggiore, and this stop quickly became one of our highlights. While we did a quick stop over (and technically stayed a little less than 24 hours) exploring around the lakes paired with a trip up to Harder Kulm gave us that unmistakable Swiss wow factor the kind that makes you pause, breathe, and just take it all in.

Whether you’re stopping briefly between destinations or building a longer Swiss itinerary, 24 hours in Interlaken is the perfect amount of time to slow down, soak up the views, and experience the Swiss magic. Also, for those looking for an epic place to base, you can try paragliding (Ash tried it and loved it), hiking, biking, boating, and skiing, making Interlaken a true outdoor lovers paradise.

Why Visit Interlaken & What’s the Vibe Like?

Interlaken is equal parts adventure hub and peaceful Alpine escape.

You’ll find:

  • Paragliders floating overhead

  • Locals swimming in turquoise lakes

  • Cozy cafés and traditional Swiss restaurants

  • Jaw-dropping views at nearly every turn

The vibe is laid-back, outdoorsy, and undeniably scenic. It’s a place where adrenaline junkies and slow travelers happily coexist.

Perfect for:
✔️ First-time Switzerland visitors
✔️ Nature lovers
✔️ Short stays or stopovers
✔️ Romantic trips or relaxed adventures (or trying that bucket list adventure you’ve been thinking about)

Best Time to Visit Interlaken

  • June–September (We think its the best overall): Warm weather, boat rides, hiking, paragliding, and long daylight hours

  • May & October (Shoulder Season): Fewer crowds, cooler temps, still beautiful, plus you’ll get those cool Alpine nights

  • Winter: Snowy charm + access to nearby ski resorts (though many lake activities pause)

We visited in August, and while it was busy, the energy and summer scenery were absolutely worth it. We loved wandering around the lake and hiking. We think Switzerland shines in the summer and is a perfect time to visit.

Quick Things to Know Before You Go

Getting Around:
Interlaken is very walkable, but trains, boats, and cable cars make exploring easy. The actual city (or town) itself is small and easily walkable. If you want to explore the surrounding areas, you will either need a car, to take the train, or to take day tour(s).

Weather:
Mountain weather changes fast, so layers are key. Expect warm weather in the Summer (around 80 Fahrenheit/26 Celsius), with possible cool mornings and evenings. If you are visiting in the Spring or Autumn, expect pleasant temperatures during the day with cool temperatures at night. Visiting in the Winter? Expect snow!

Safety:
Extremely safe. Just be mindful during adventure activities. Very safe for solo travelers.

Population:
~5,500 residents (but it feels lively thanks to visitors).

Unique Fact:
Interlaken literally means “between lakes” and it lives up to the name.

SIM Cards & Wi-Fi:
Great Wi-Fi throughout town. An eSIM works perfectly. We recommend getting an eSIM through Airalo (use code MATTHE6398 to get $3 off)

Entrance Requirements:
Schengen Area rules apply for most travelers. Just remember that Switzerland is NOT part of the EU.

Cash or Card?
Cards widely accepted, but carry a little cash for smaller spots. Switzerland does not use the Euro, but uses its own Swiss Franc currency. Generally speaking, we have always used card and never needed to get cash, but it can be helpful in a pinch.

Can You Drink the Water?
Yes! And it’s some of the cleanest water in the world.

Restaurant Reservations:
Recommended in summer for fondue spots.

Plug Type:
Type C & J (bring an adapter). We recommend this Universal Travel Adapter.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass Worth It?
Yes, if you’re using trains, boats, and mountain transport. For extensive travel without a car, it can definitely be worth it. Check out our post on our visiting Lucerne Travel Blog Post.

Getting to Interlaken

Switzerland’s public transport is incredible, but we recommend renting a car if you want maximum flexibility to explore places like Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald (two of our personal favorites).

That being said, if driving stresses you out (or Swiss speeding fines terrify you), the Swiss Travel Pass makes train travel seamless and scenic.

Airports: Fly into Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Milan, or Stuttgart. Bern is the closest airport, only 45 minutes away by car or 1 hour and 30 minutes by train.

Train Stations: If you are flying into other major European Airports outside of Switzerland, Milan, Italy, Stuttgart, Germany, or Lyon, France are your best major train station hubs. If you are traveling outside of one of these hubs, expect at least a 7 hour train ride or more.

Where to Stay in Interlaken

We stayed at Hotel Du Lac, just on the edge of Interlaken. It is peaceful, scenic, and a great value. If you are looking for something both walkable to the city center while also experiencing classic Swiss beauty, this hotel is a great pick.

Other great options:

The Perfect 24-Hour Interlaken Itinerary

Morning: Lakes & Alpine Views

Start with coffee along the waterfront
Nothing beats sipping coffee while staring at turquoise water and snow-capped peaks. Grab breakfast at your hotel or head over to this Velo Cafe.

Ride the Harderbahn Incline Railway
This funicular takes you to Harder Kulm, where you’ll find one of the most iconic viewpoints in Switzerland. Feeling motivated? You can also hike up Harder Kulm if you are looking for a great morning workout.

Lunch at Panorama Restaurant Harder Kulm
The views alone are worth it, the food is just a bonus.

Afternoon: Adventure or Slow Travel (Your Choice)

Option 1: Explore Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald
One of our favorite Swiss experiences ever.

  • Lauterbrunnen: Waterfalls, valley views, and coffee or beer in front of a waterfall will make for an amazing core memory.

  • Grindelwald: Unreal scenery plus the Rodelbahn (pro tip: zip your locker key securely… trust us, and shout out to the Alpine Coaster worker who cut through the pad lock to help us get our stuff!)

No Car? Consider this day trip from Interlaken.

Option 2: Boat Ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
Glide across glacier-blue water with mountains rising all around you. Alpine views on crystal clear waters truly gives you that Swiss experience. Afterwards check out the numerous shops located in the heart of Interlaken and maybe get that Swiss watch you’ve always dreamed about.

Looking for something reall unique? Book this Fondue Float for a true Swiss lake experience!

Option 3: Paragliding Over Interlaken
For thrill-seekers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book your experience here.

Evening: Swiss Comfort Food & Golden Hour

Eat Traditional Swiss Fondue
This is a must do (even if you are Lactose intolerant like Ash is!) Find a cozy restaurant and lean into the experience.

Golden hour stroll along the lake
The light, the mountains, the calm pure magic. Feel free to jump into one of the many different shops after like one of the MANY different watch stores.

Traveling on a budget or feeling peckish? There are tons of great picnic tables along the lake, so grab some food from the local supermarket and enjoy your own dinner with a view.

Prefer a Slower Pace?

  • Coffee by the lake

  • Scenic boat tour

  • St. Beatus Caves (best to take a taxi or bus if you don’t have a car)

  • Harderbahn furnicular ride

  • Bier House

  • Swim or paddleboard (summer)

  • Wander Alpenwildpark

St. Beatus Caves

Top Tours & Experiences from Interlaken

Weather & Packing Guide

Must-pack essentials:

Final Thoughts

Interlaken is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

The ice-blue lakes, crisp Alpine air, and effortless Swiss charm make it feel like a true escape, even if you’re only there for 24 hours. Whether you’re chasing adventure or simply craving nature and calm, Interlaken delivers that unmistakable Swiss feel-good vibe.

If clean air, dramatic scenery, and unforgettable moments are on your travel bucket list, Interlaken absolutely deserves a spot.

Looking for more Swiss inspiration? Check out our 48 hours in Lucerne blog post!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you book or purchase through our links. We only recommend things we’ve personally used and loved. Thanks for supporting our blog!

Ready to plan your own Interlaken escape?
Check prices for Hotels in Interlaken or browse tours around Interlaken to get started!

Interested in exploring more places? Check out some of our other blog posts below:


Matthew Cogossi
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