Interlaken - A Family Favorite in Switzerland

Interlaken is one of our favorite family destinations - due to its location and wide variety of activities paired with some of the most scenic views in all of Switzerland. Interlaken, named for its location nestled between the Brienz and Thun lakes, is a tourist's haven for relaxation, family togetherness, and awe-inspiring views. From honeymooners to multi-generational family travel - there's something for everyone. Read on for inspiration for your next trip!

Explore Downtown

With the amazing natural beauty surrounding Interlaken it can be easy to forget the town itself - but we recommend a stroll through Interlaken's center to get acclimated. You can explore medieval churches, parks, and gardens. Enjoy the town's imposing edifices like the Victoria Jungfrau Hotel or the ruins of the Augustine monastery. Link these places together by taking the funicular up to the Harder Kulm viewpoint - a mountain platform with panoramic views of the city and its lakes. You'll also find a restaurant and often live folk music up there. Once back into the village center you can window shop among the Medieval-styled local spots for souvenirs and handmade goods like Swiss Army Knives. Last - stop by the Funky Chocolate Club for an interactive class for all ages to learn and make your very own Swiss chocolate!

See the "Top of Europe"

When you're ready to get out of town take a ride on the Bernese Oberland Railroad from the Interlaken Ost station to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald - a total journey of two hours. This is great for a day trip and the chance to sightsee the amazing scenery at every turn as you travel the "Jungfraujoch"- the saddle connecting the Bernese Alps.

Along the way, gaze out at the sightseeing stops like the Eismeer lookout- 3,160 metres above sea level and named the Sea of Ice. Take the lift from one of the stops over the Aletsch Glacier, the largest river of ice in Europe. When you get to the top, enjoy the Ice Palace - a structure of hallways all entirely build of ice and ice sculptures to walk through, and the Sphinx Terraces - one of the most breathtaking views of the mountains, nearly eye level with the peaks.

Visit Grindelwald

As a stop along the railroad, we highly suggest taking some time in the village of Grindelwald - it is the quintessential Swiss town you've always wanted to stroll through.

You may want to stop at the popular Bachalpsee Lake for a hike and picnic. The blue of the lake against the high peaks in the backdrop is a truly gorgeous sight.

Once you've explored the town you can make your way by cable car to Grindewald-First - an alpine adventure park at the top of the mountain just north of Grindewald. (For the hiker you can take a 4.4 mile hike). Once at the top, there is an incredible view from the First View platform. There are also adventure activities - gliders and fliers over the mountains along with mountain carts, and trot bikes for the whole family - and a gondola ride to sightsee at a more leisurely pace.

Cruise the Lakes

Back in Interlaken, you are going to want to visit the namesake lakes that surround the area. While both lakes provide boat tour opportunities each also has unique features. In the larger Lake Thun you can stroll inside St. Beatus Caves, making your way through grottos, chambers and gorges, as you pass by streams, waterfalls, and imposing stalactites and stalagmites - you'll descend over 200 feet along the way through! On the lake itself, book a Cheese Boat Tour and glide through the gorgeous scenery as you enjoy local Swiss cheese fondue selections. Over in the west, you can spend an afternoon kayaking or canoeing on the smaller Lake Brienz. On the outskirts of the lake is Giessbach Waterfall - perfect for a gorgeous scenic walk.

Note: If you're visiting in winter, you won't be able to do all of this - but you can book Hotpot Brienz for a fun lakeside hot tub experience, complete with mountain views, fondue, and drinks for all.

Have an Adventure

Interlaken is nicknamed the adventure capital of Europe - and it certainly lives up to that name! This is a place where it's typical to spend an afternoon paragliding through the mountains. With such incredible geographical features from glaciers to mountains, it's no wonder travelers want more of these views. Why look at the scenery when you can be in the scenery?! Try out some of the most incredible opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. If you're seeking adrenaline, try paragliding, skydiving, and bungee jump- Oh my! But don't worry - if you're not up for all of that you can still see the views from above at a slower pace. Take a hot air balloon ride over the glaciers and endless mountain range - an enjoyable ride for the whole family!