In this guide
Interlaken is one of the best places in Switzerland to use as a base for exploring the Alps.
Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and sitting right at the entrance to the Jungfrau region, it connects some of the most famous mountain villages and hikes by simple public transport.
I’ve used Interlaken multiple times as a hub. Not because the town itself is the most beautiful place in Switzerland, but because it makes everything else easy. Trains, cable cars, mountain railways, and hiking routes all come together here.
This guide explains why Interlaken works so well, how to get around, where to stay, and which trips and hikes make the most sense from here.
Why stay in Interlaken?
Interlaken is not about ticking off one attraction. It’s about access.
From one base, you can reach:
- the Lauterbrunnen Valley
- Wengen and Mürren
- Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg
- some of the best hikes in the Bernese Oberland
What makes Interlaken especially practical is that all these places are reachable without a car. Trains run frequently, stations are easy to navigate, and connections are designed for travelers.
If you like flexibility, Interlaken is hard to beat.
Interlaken West vs Interlaken Ost (important)
Interlaken has two main stations, and knowing the difference matters.
Interlaken Ost is the key station for mountain travel. Trains toward Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren depart from here.
Interlaken West is closer to the town center and some hotels, but it is not ideal for Jungfrau region connections.
If you plan to explore the mountains, Interlaken Ost is the station you will use most.
Read more: >> Interlaken West vs Interlaken Ost: which station should you use? <<
How to get to Interlaken by train
Interlaken is easy to reach from major Swiss cities. Trains are frequent, comfortable, and reliable.
Popular routes include:
- Zurich to Interlaken
- Bern to Interlaken
- Lucerne to Interlaken (often chosen for scenery)
You arrive directly at Interlaken Ost or Interlaken West, depending on the route.
Read more: >> Zurich to Interlaken train <<
Choosing a rail pass: If you are using Interlaken as your main base, the right rail pass depends heavily on how much of your trip stays in the region. See my Swiss Travel Pass vs Berner Oberland Pass comparison.
Getting around from Interlaken
Once you’re in Interlaken, almost everything works via public transport.
From Interlaken Ost, you can easily reach:
- Lauterbrunnen
- Grindelwald
- Wengen
- Mürren
You do not need to book seat reservations for these routes, and you rarely need to plan far ahead. You can usually show up, check the board, and go.
This flexibility is one of Interlaken’s biggest strengths.
Best day trips from Interlaken
Interlaken shines when you start exploring outward.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is often the first stop. Waterfalls, steep cliffs, and easy connections make it unforgettable.
Read: Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen train
Wengen
Wengen is a car-free village above the valley and feels distinctly alpine. It’s quiet, scenic, and well connected.
Read: Interlaken to Wengen train
Mürren
Mürren sits dramatically on a cliff above the valley and offers some of the best views in the region. Reaching it involves a mix of train and cable car, but the route is straightforward.
Read: Interlaken to Mürren: train and cable car route
Grindelwald
Grindelwald is larger and more active, with quick access to hikes and viewpoints.
Read: Interlaken to Grindelwald train
Oeschinensee
Oeschinensee is a great place to visit from Interlaken.
Read: Interlaken to Oeschinensee day trip
Discover more lakes: Looking for more beautiful lakes in the Jungfrau Region? My Best Lakes Near Interlaken compares the best options, including Oeschinensee, Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and Bachalpsee.
Hiking from Interlaken
If hiking is part of your trip, Interlaken is an excellent base. You can stay in town and still access high-quality mountain hikes without changing hotels.
Mürren to Lauterbrunnen
One standout option is the hike from Mürren to Lauterbrunnen, which combines big views with a long descent into the valley.
👉 Read the full hike guide: Mürren to Lauterbrunnen hike
Eigergletscher to Grindelwald (Eiger North Face hike)
This hike works especially well because it ends near a train station, making it easy to return to Interlaken.
Another standout hike you can easily do from Interlaken is the Eigergletscher to Grindelwald hike. This route starts high on the mountain beneath the north face of the Eiger and slowly descends into the valley via Alpiglen.
What makes this hike special is the contrast. You begin in a rugged, high-alpine environment with dramatic rock walls and glacier views, and finish in the green valley near Grindelwald. The changing scenery keeps the hike interesting from start to finish.
The hike takes around 4 to 5 hours, is mostly downhill, and is technically manageable for hikers with average fitness. It does require some stamina due to the length, but no climbing or technical skills.
Because both Grindelwald and Eigergletscher are connected by train, this hike works very well as a day trip when staying in Interlaken.
👉 Read the full hike guide: Eigergletscher to Alpiglen to Grindelwald hike
Where to stay in Interlaken
Interlaken offers a wide range of accommodation, from simple guesthouses to comfortable hotels. Staying near Interlaken Ost is often convenient if you plan many mountain trips, while Interlaken West can be pleasant if you want to be closer to restaurants and shops.
The best choice depends on your travel style, but location matters more than luxury here.
>> where to stay in Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald
Is Interlaken worth it?
Interlaken itself is not a hidden gem. It can feel busy, and the town is more functional than charming.
But as a base, it is excellent. TIP: How to Get to Oeschinensee by Train
If your goal is to explore the Jungfrau region efficiently, see multiple villages, and hike without moving hotels, Interlaken is one of the smartest places to stay in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
