Why visit
Interlaken sits between two lakes with Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau rising behind. Switzerland's adventure-sport capital for paragliding, skydiving, canyoning.
How to use this result
Use it as a travel-city prompt
Interlaken is included because it has traveler appeal beyond being a dot on the map. Use the themes, neighborhoods, notes, and season guidance to decide whether it fits a weekend, longer route, or writing prompt.
Build a realistic route
For a real trip, check how Interlaken connects with nearby cities, airports, rail or bus routes, local costs, weather, and entry rules for Switzerland.
Interlaken at a glance
City population
6k
Elevation
568 m
1,864 ft
Time zone
UTC+1 (UTC+2 DST)
Europe/Zurich
Airport
ZRH
Zurich Airport (nearest major, c. 2h by train)
Founded
1133 (monastery first mentioned)
Getting around
Two rail stations (Ost and West); trains fan out into the Jungfrau region
Signature dish
Rösti, alpine cheese, meringues with cream
Neighborhoods for travelers
HöhewegUnterseenMattenBönigen (lakeside)
Switzerland at a glance
Country center
47.0°, 8.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
41,284 km²
15,940 mi²
Country population
8.9 million
215/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Swiss franc (Fr.)
CHF
Dial
+41
Languages
French, Swiss German, Italian
Demonym
Swiss
Internet
.ch
UN
Member state
ISO code
CH / CHE
Where in the world
47.0° - 8.0°
Switzerland
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with Mount Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as its backdrop.
- The Jungfraubahn cogwheel train climbs to Jungfraujoch (3,454 m), known as the "Top of Europe", the highest railway station in Europe.
- Paragliding, canyon swinging, and bungee jumping all started in earnest here; the town is Switzerland's adventure-sport capital.
- Switzerland has enough nuclear fallout shelters for the entire population: by law.
- The CERN Large Hadron Collider crosses the Swiss-French border underground.
Bordering Switzerland
Traveler notes
- Jungfraujoch is Europe's highest railway station
- Paragliding landings in town are a spectator sport
- Lauterbrunnen Valley has 72 waterfalls
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Interlaken
What currency is used in Interlaken?
Interlaken uses the Swiss franc (Fr.), ISO code CHF.
What languages are spoken in Switzerland?
The primary languages are French, Swiss German and Italian.
What is the international calling code for Switzerland?
The calling code is +41.
What airport serves Interlaken?
Zurich Airport (nearest major, c. 2h by train) (IATA: ZRH).
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