Photo: Adrian Michael · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Interlaken
Waterfall valleys, high trails and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
A small resort between two lakes and the base for the Jungfrau region: waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen valley, high trails above Grindelwald and some of Switzerland's busiest backpacker hostels. Mountain trains are the big cost.
Places to see
Harder KulmViewpoint · Interlaken's own mountain: a ten-minute funicular to a viewing platform over the town,…≈ A$74
Lauterbrunnen valleyWalk · A deep, flat-bottomed valley between sheer rock walls with dozens of waterfalls, meadows…Free- Staubbach FallsSight · A waterfall that drops nearly 300 metres from the cliff right above Lauterbrunnen…Free
First and the Bachalpsee walk
When to go
- Jan2° / -5°Some rainBusy
- Feb4° / -5°Some rainBusy
- Mar9° / -1°Some rainBusy
- Apr14° / 3°Some rainQuiet
- May18° / 7°Often wetQuiet
- Jun22° / 10°Often wetBusy
- Jul24° / 12°Often wetVery busy
- Aug23° / 12°Often wetVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
Interlaken. The resort between the lakes: most hostels, the stations and the meadow with paragliders landing.
Lauterbrunnen. The waterfall valley; a campsite and a few cheaper beds.
Flying in
Zurich (ZRH): Train to Interlaken Ost, about 2 h 15 min, ≈ A$112. Saver tickets can be much cheaper (check).
Geneva (GVA): Train to Interlaken Ost, about 2 h 45 min, ≈ A$130. Saver tickets can be much cheaper (check).
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Interlaken; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
You'll need buses or trains. A single ticket is ≈ A$0. Interlaken itself is small and flat; buses are free with your guest card. Trains run up the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys, and the mountain railways and gondolas are the big cost (check).
Jungfrau Travel Pass (3 days) (≈ A$354, 3 days): Unlimited trains and most lifts in the region, not the last stretch to the Jungfraujoch; worth it if you'll ride up two or three mountains.
Swiss Half Fare Card (≈ A$279, 1 month): Halves train, boat and most mountain-lift fares; worth it if you'll spend more than about CHF 300 on them.
