Interlaken sits on a flat plain between two turquoise lakes, Thun and Brienz, with the snow-capped trio of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau rising to the south. It is less a place to admire in itself than a launchpad, the classic base for the Bernese Oberland's mountain railways, cable cars, hikes and lake steamers. The town is small and easily walked, its long central Hoheweg promenade lined with grand hotels, souvenir shops and the paragliders drifting down onto the Hohematte meadow. Give yourself a proper stretch of days here, because the weather rules everything: save the big summits like the Jungfraujoch or the Schilthorn for the clearest morning and fill grey days with lakes, waterfalls and villages. Buy a regional travel pass, learn the train and cable-car connections, and treat the surrounding villages of Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and Wengen as your real destinations. Eat hearty Alpine food, rosti, fondue and lake fish, and let the mountains set the daily rhythm.
A full, walkable day in Interlaken, free for everyone. Set your pace and start time.
Buy tickets in advance and go on the clearest forecast day; take the earliest departure from Interlaken Ost to beat the crowds and midday cloud.
It is cold and thin-aired even in summer, so bring a jacket and take it slowly at altitude.
The route down passes Wengen and Lauterbrunnen; stop in the valley village to admire the waterfall tumbling off the cliff.
Watch the paragliders drift onto the grass with the Jungfrau behind; a good spot to rest tired legs.
The historic cafe is perfect for cake and a hot chocolate while watching the last paragliders land.
The two-lakes view from the walk-out platform is best in the evening light; check the last downhill departure time.
Order the rosti with egg or a classic fondue; it is central and popular, so book on busy evenings.
The 'Top of Europe' at 3,454 metres, reached by cogwheel railway through the Eiger to Europe's highest station with an ice palace and glacier views; book ahead and go on the clearest morning.
The refined dining room of the historic Hotel Interlaken, serving polished Swiss classics like veal and lake fish in a handsome old-town setting; reserve for dinner.
Interlaken's own viewpoint at 1,322 metres, a short funicular ride to a two-lakes panorama and a walk-out platform; ride up for sunset over both lakes.
A dramatic glacial valley of sheer cliffs and 72 waterfalls, with the wispy Staubbach Falls tumbling by the village; the base for Wengen, Murren and countless hikes.
A postcard mountain village beneath the Eiger's north face, gateway to the First cable car and the new Eiger Express to Jungfraujoch; lively and scenic year-round.
A 2,970-metre summit with a revolving restaurant made famous by a James Bond film, reached by cable car from Stechelberg via Murren; the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau line up opposite.
The deep turquoise eastern lake, ringed by cliffs and waterfalls; ride a vintage paddle steamer to the woodcarving village of Brienz and the Giessbach Falls.
A cheerful central spot famous for generous rosti, fondue and raclette with friendly service, a dependable first-night dinner near the promenade.
A lively local brew-house pouring craft beers alongside sausages, burgers and hearty plates, popular with the after-hike crowd.
A well-liked spot for wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta when you want a break from cheese and rosti, close to the Ost station.
A tiny, much-loved Thai place with fiery curries and noodles, a welcome change of pace and often busy, so arrive early or book.
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Switzerland