Interlaken

The overview

Interlaken is the quintessential Swiss adventure hub, offering breathtaking alpine scenery and adrenaline-pumping activities within easy reach. Its prime location between two stunning turquoise lakes, Thun and Brienz, and nestled beneath the towering Jungfrau massif, provides a dramatic backdrop for a short, action-packed getaway. From paragliding over the valleys to cruising on the lakes or taking the scenic train to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe," Interlaken packs a punch for a three-day visit. For a three-day trip, basing yourself in the central Interlaken Ost or Interlaken West areas is most convenient. Ost offers direct access to trains heading towards Grindelwald and Jungfraujoch, while West provides good connections to Thun and Bern, and is slightly quieter. Both put you within walking distance of shops and restaurants. An insider truth is that many visitors underestimate the power of simply taking one of the many local bus routes up into the surrounding villages like Wilderswil or Beatenberg for spectacular, less crowded views and a glimpse of authentic Swiss village life, often at a fraction of the cost of the major mountain excursions.