Interlaken

A gateway mountain resort town nestled between Lakes Brienz and Thun, serving as the main base for exploring the Bernese Oberland region. From here you can access world-famous destinations like the Jungfrau, Schilthorn, and Eiger via scenic mountain railways.

Things to do

• Jungfrau Railway — Ride Europe's highest railway to the Jungfrau summit at 3,454 meters for panoramic Alpine views and glacier walks.
• Schilthorn Rotunda — Take the rotating cable car to this 2,970-meter peak featuring a revolving restaurant with 360-degree mountain views.
• Lake Brienz Boat Cruise — Enjoy a scenic paddle-steamer journey on this turquoise glacial lake with views of the surrounding peaks.
• Paragliding from Harder Kulm — Launch from the 1,322-meter viewpoint overlooking both lakes for an unforgettable tandem or solo flight experience.
• Trümmelbach Falls — Hike through dramatic gorges to witness ten glacial waterfalls cascading inside the mountain near Stechelberg.
• Eiger Nordwand Base Visit — Travel to Kleine Scheidegg via mountain train to view the legendary north face of the Eiger up close.

Food to try

• Fondue Moitié-Moitié — A classic Swiss cheese fondue blending equal parts Gruyère and Emmental, served bubbling at your table for communal dipping.
• Raclette — Melted cheese scraped from a wheel directly onto bread or potatoes, a hearty mountain tradition found in local restaurants.
• Älplermagronen — A creamy casserole of pasta, potatoes, and cheese topped with crispy onions, representing true Bernese Oberland comfort food.
• Emmental Cheese Tasting — Sample the region's famous pungent cheese with its distinctive holes at local dairies or market stalls in Interlaken's Old Town.
• Swiss Chocolate and Hazelnut Torte — Indulge in the region's decadent pastries featuring local chocolate and hazelnuts from renowned Interlaken bakeries.

Local customs & good to know

• Railway Culture — Switzerland's mountain railways are precision-engineered feats; trains run on exact schedules, and tickets should be purchased in advance during peak season.
• Hiking Etiquette — Trails are marked with paint blazes and distance signs; locals expect visitors to stay on marked paths and greet fellow hikers with a friendly 'Grüezi.'
• Language — While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, locals speak Swiss German; learning basic phrases like 'Danke' and 'Bitte' is appreciated and shows respect.
• Mountain Safety — Weather in the Bernese Oberland changes rapidly; always check forecasts, wear proper gear, and inform someone of your hiking plans before departure.