Interlaken Attractions: 15 Beautiful Places Worth Visiting

Interlaken lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. These Interlaken attractions include turquoise water, traditional villages, waterfalls, caves and mountain railways.

Whether you are comparing things to do in Interlaken or looking for places to visit near Interlaken, plan by location. Combining nearby sights helps you spend more of your holiday exploring and less time travelling.

Beautiful attractions in and around Interlaken

1. Harder Kulm

Ride the funicular to Interlaken’s local mountain and its Two Lakes viewing platform. Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the Jungfrau peaks create an unforgettable panorama on clear days.

2. Hohematte Park

This central green space is a free stop for picnics, mountain views and watching paragliders land. It is an easy family-friendly break.

3. Unterseen Old Town

Across the Aare River, Unterseen offers traditional buildings and quieter streets. Take a relaxed walk here for a glimpse of local character away from the busier shopping area.

4. Bonigen

This village on Lake Brienz has traditional houses, waterside walks and summer swimming opportunities. It suits families and visitors seeking a gentle lakeside afternoon.

Planning a stay in the region? Discover Hotel Rebstock, a centrally located option in Meiringen.

Beautiful places around Lake Brienz

5. Lake Brienz

Known for its vivid turquoise water and steep Alpine slopes, Lake Brienz is beautiful from the shore and by boat. A cruise offers a relaxing view of the surrounding landscape.

6. Iseltwald

This village is known for its peaceful bay, traditional houses and lake views. Couples can stroll the waterfront; photographers may prefer early morning.

7. Giessbach Falls

Forested cascades tumble beside the historic Grandhotel Giessbach. Paths approach the falls, with some passing behind the water. Spring snowmelt can make them especially powerful.

8. Brienz Village

At the lake’s eastern end, Brienz is known for wooden houses and woodcarving traditions. Explore the lanes and lakeside promenade, or use the village as a starting point for a mountain trip.

Compare the available Meiringen hotel options before choosing your base.

Attractions around Lake Thun

9. Lake Thun

Lake Thun has a broader, more open shoreline, with historic towns, castles and boat routes. Choose it for a scenic cruise mixed with culture and lakeside stops.

10. St. Beatus Caves

Above Lake Thun, explore illuminated chambers, striking rock formations and underground streams. It can be a good wet-weather option, but check seasonal opening times before travelling.

11. Spiez

Spiez combines a sheltered bay, vineyards and a castle overlooking the lake. It is ideal for visitors who want beautiful scenery with a little history and an easy walk.

Mountain excursions and scenic villages

12. Lauterbrunnen Valley

Dramatic cliffs and waterfalls make Lauterbrunnen one of the region’s signature landscapes. Walk through the valley, admire Staubbach Falls and explore the village at an unhurried pace.

13. Grindelwald First

A gondola from Grindelwald takes visitors to mountain paths, panoramic views and the First Cliff Walk. Adventure activities are seasonal and weather-dependent, so check operations first.

14. Jungfraujoch

A spectacular railway journey leads to high-altitude snow, ice and glacier views. This full-day excursion can be costly; check weather, fares and reservation requirements.

15. Schynige Platte

The nostalgic mountain railway climbs to panoramic walking trails and an alpine garden, with views towards the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It is a favourite for nature lovers and photographers.

How to choose and plan your Interlaken attractions

First-time visitors can pair Harder Kulm with Höhematte, then spend another day around one lake. Families may prefer parks, village walks and boat rides; photographers should seek clear mornings. Avoid squeezing distant mountain excursions and both lakes into one day.

Choose Lake Brienz for turquoise water and a wilder mountain backdrop. Lake Thun is better for castles, historic towns and a varied shoreline. Both are worth exploring if time allows.

When to visit and how to get around

Summer usually offers the widest choice of boat trips and mountain services. Autumn can mean quieter paths, while winter brings seasonal closures and reduced schedules. Check official timetables, weather, fares and opening dates before departure. Trains, buses, boats and mountain railways make car-free travel practical.

Where to stay for exploring the region

Interlaken is a convenient hub, but nearby Meiringen offers a quieter Alpine-town base with regional rail connections. Hotel Rebstock is in central Meiringen, around a five-minute walk from the station.

For mountain days beyond the lakes, explore the Meiringen–Hasliberg region.

Check Hotel Rebstock’s direct booking page for current availability and offers before confirming your accommodation.