Interlaken is located between Lake Brienz to the east and Lake Thun to the west in a region called Bodeli in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland.

Interlaken is a great starting point for seeing the best of the stunning scenery and activities in central Switzerland.

It is surrounded by wonderful tourist attractions, including boat tours in Lakes Thun and Brienz on either side of the city, to exciting train rides and funicular rides on the mountain peaks surrounding the area, visitors can enjoy the charm of the entire region.

If you are thinking of visiting this magical spot, and are not sure what to do there, see with us the most beautiful places and activities that this area has to offer.

The most beautiful tourist areas in Interlaken

1- Lake Thun in Interlaken

Lake Thun is located on the western side of Interlaken, a long, narrow lake surrounded by mountains.

The best way to explore the lake is by taking the cruise boats that operate year-round.

Interlaken

Lake Thun

 

2- Lake Brienz in Interlaken

Located on the eastern side of the city, this lake offers a wonderful tourist beach where visitors can enjoy swimming and relaxing in the sun.

Lake Brienz

 

3 – Harder Kulm Mountain in Interlaken

It is one of the mountains of the Alps and is considered a popular tourist attraction, as it provides a charming view of the most beautiful natural areas.

At 1,322 metres above sea level, Harder Kulm – the closest mountain to Interlaken – offers stunning views of the city and the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Interlaken

Harder Kulm Mountain

4 - St. Beatus Caves

The St. Beatus Caves are located on the northeastern shore of Lake Thun.

The caves contain rooms and passages with strange and wonderful shapes that were formed as a result of natural changes over thousands of years.

Visitors can also explore the depths of the mountain's heart along more than a kilometer of well-lit trails.

Moreover, there are many stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed over millions of years.

Interlaken

St Beatus Caves

5 - Oberhofen Castle

Oberhofen Castle, with its entire medieval collection and its characteristic tower, is located on the shore of Lake Thun.

This early 13th century castle houses a living museum.

Its large park is also one of the most beautiful areas one can visit in the Alps.

Oberhofen Castle

6 - Giessbach Falls

To reach the Giessbach Falls, take a boat on Lake Brienz, climb about 20 minutes or take the oldest railway in Europe.

The Giessbach descends from beautiful wooded hills to the lake from a height of 500 metres.

The best view of the waterfall is from the balcony of the historic Hotel Giessbach, 100 metres above the lake.

Interlaken

Giessbach Falls

7 – Interlaken Monastery and Castle

The former Augustinian monastery in Interlaken dates back to the 12th century.

You can see the 14th century bell tower, a Gothic monastery and the remains of a church dating back to 1452.

You can also notice the variety of window designs in the castle church in particular.

Furthermore, the monastery was an important inn for pilgrims heading to the former hermitage of St. Beatus, which is believed to have been in the caves above Lake Thun.

These caves were also a stop for pilgrims on the Way of St. James leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Interlaken

Interlaken Monastery and Castle