Switzerland 16 attractions across 4 categories
As of 2026, the must-see places in Interlaken include Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe (3,454m), Schilthorn (Piz Gloria, 2,970m) + James Bond, Schynige Platte (1,967m, alpine flowers). See highlights, time needed and tips for each below.
Interlaken blends historic landmarks, natural scenery, and local food experiences. We've organized 16 attractions across 4 categories. Each attraction card includes entry fees, opening hours, and local tips so you can plan straight from the page. Use the quick links below to jump to your favorite category.
World's highest train station — Sphinx Observatory + Ice Palace + Snow Fun Park + Aletsch Glacier (longest in Alps). The canonical Swiss Alps experience.
Local tip: Saver Day Pass available 30% off (depart before 08:00 from Interlaken Ost). Pre-book at jungfrau.ch — sells out summer. Allow 1.5h each way + 2-3h on top.
James Bond filming location (On Her Majesty's Secret Service 1969) — revolving Piz Gloria restaurant + 360° panorama + thrill walk. Cable car from Stechelberg.
Local tip: Less crowded than Jungfraujoch. Bond brunch at Piz Gloria CHF 28 extra. Thrill Walk (suspended cliff path) free with admission.
Wilderbach 1893 historic cog railway to 1,967m alpine meadow — 600+ alpine wildflowers + 2-hour panorama trail + alpine garden.
Local tip: Pre-WWI 1893 cog railway is iconic. Less crowded than Jungfraujoch. Walk to Männlichen (4h hike) or back via train.
Suspended cliff walk at 2,168m above Grindelwald — glass-bottom platforms + zipline + Eiger view. Trotti scooter ride down (5km).
Local tip: Trotti Bike (scooter) ride down free with cable car. Tissot Cliff Walk + Eiger Glider zipline included.
Tolkien's Rivendell inspiration — 72 waterfalls cascading down vertical cliffs into U-shaped glacial valley. Most-photogenic in Switzerland.
Local tip: Train Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen 20 min CHF 8. Trümmelbach Falls (10 glacier waterfalls inside cliff, CHF 14) is highlight.
10 internal waterfalls fed by Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau glaciers — 20,000 liters/sec water inside cliff. Funicular access.
Local tip: Bus from Lauterbrunnen station 10 min. Inside cliff cooler (10°C) — bring layer. Most-iconic photo of icy water power.
Cliff-perched car-free Alpine village with Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau views. Cable car from Stechelberg or train from Lauterbrunnen via Grütschalp.
Local tip: Allmendhubel funicular extension for panoramic view. Less touristy than Grindelwald. Schilthorn cable car continues from Mürren.
297m free-falling waterfall — Europe's tallest free-falling. Walk-up viewing platform inside cliff (free) + valley floor view.
Local tip: Walking from Lauterbrunnen 10 min. Viewing platform behind waterfall is FREE — most don't know. Wear waterproof for spray.
Most-iconic Alpine village base — 40-min train from Interlaken. Eiger North Face (1,800m vertical climbing face) towering above.
Local tip: Train Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald 40 min CHF 11. Männlichen + First Cliff Walk + Pfingstegg cable cars. Avoid summer crowds 10:00-14:00.
Tandem paragliding from Beatenberg → Interlaken Höhematte — 15-min flight with Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau views. Most-iconic Interlaken activity.
Local tip: Most reliable May-October. Photos + video CHF 40 extra. Pickup from hotel. Skywings + Paragliding Interlaken operators.
Aare River runs through Interlaken — public swimming in turquoise glacial water (Aare Bad) + canyoning tours.
Local tip: Aare River 8-12°C even in summer. Canyoning tours in Saxeten or Chli Schliere gorges.
1h boat cruise on Lake Brienz to Giessbach Falls + 1875 funicular up to Grandhotel Giessbach. Most-iconic Swiss lake cruise.
Local tip: Lake Brienz boat from Interlaken Ost. Giessbach 1875 funicular runs in summer. Lunch at Grandhotel Giessbach view restaurant.
Swiss cheese fondue — Gruyère + Vacherin Fribourgeois + white wine + kirsch + dipped white bread. Bebbis is canonical Interlaken fondue.
Local tip: Reservation recommended. Order with kirsch flambé. Bebbis Centralplatz location atmospheric.
Raclette — melted Swiss cheese scraped over potatoes + pickles + dried meats. Restaurant Schuh (1816) is heritage Interlaken spot.
Local tip: All-you-can-eat raclette CHF 35. Höhematte park view. Card + cash.
Rösti (Swiss potato pancake) + Älplermagronen (Alpine macaroni with cheese + apple sauce). Husi Bierhaus has best traditional Swiss in Interlaken.
Local tip: Card + cash. Hauptbahnhof West nearby. Pair with Rivella (Swiss soda).
Lindt Home of Chocolate (Zurich, 2h train) factory tour OR Funky Chocolate Club (Interlaken) chocolate-making workshop.
Local tip: Funky Chocolate Club workshop in Interlaken CHF 50 — make your own chocolate. Lindt factory in Zurich (day trip).
Local know-how that saves you time and money on the ground.
Swiss Travel Pass 4-day CHF 312 covers all trains + boats — book before flying.
Jungfraujoch Saver Day Pass before 8:00 saves 30% off CHF 240 standard.
Paragliding (CHF 200) over Interlaken with Beatenberg takeoff is canonical.
Cheese fondue at Bebbis CHF 35 — must-try Swiss dinner.
Lauterbrunnen + Mürren villages car-free + magical — overnight if photos important.
Walking 30 min Bahnhof West to Ost. Trains to mountain destinations CHF 30-100 (use Swiss Travel Pass).
Booking online is typically cheaper than walk-up rates and reserves your spot.
Train + Ice Palace + Sphinx Observatory + lunch ticket
CHF 240 ($265)
15-min tandem paragliding; pickup + photos
CHF 200 ($220)
Cable car + cliff walk + glacier canyon
CHF 150 ($165)
Cable car to 2,970m + Bond museum + 360° Alps
CHF 110 ($120)
72 waterfalls valley + car-free Mürren village
CHF 130 ($143)
Common questions about attractions and activities in Interlaken.
Cost guide, itineraries, hotel picks — everything in one place.
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.