Adventure activities and the peaks of the Bernese Oberland are often the primary reasons for visiting Interlaken.
However, this Swiss destination is far more than just a gateway to the mountains. Historic hotels, waterfront vineyards, unconventional wellness experiences, artisanal traditions, and flavors rooted in the landscape make it well worth a stay of several days.
Discover Lake Thun, where tours reveal lakeside villages, castles, and hotels framed by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. In winter, the snow-capped peaks, the deep blue water, and the lake's tranquility offer a completely different perspective of the Bernese Oberland.
Disembark at Spiez to explore a lesser-known side of Switzerland: its wine production. The first records of vineyards in the area date back to 994; today, vines grow facing the lake at an altitude of approximately 600 meters above sea level. Switzerland exports only about 1% of its wine production, making tasting it here an experience that is hard to replicate abroad.
The intense turquoise color of Lake Brienz comes from tiny mineral particles carried by glacial meltwater. Along its shores, forests, chalet-style villages, and waterfalls create one of the region's most distinctive landscapes, with views that transform completely with the changing seasons.
Disembark at Giessbach and take the funicular—opened in 1879—up from the boat landing. In just a few minutes, you will arrive at the Grandhotel Giessbach, a Belle Époque property surrounded by forest, historic gardens, and the famous Giessbach Falls. The water descends nearly 400 meters across 14 tiers before flowing into Lake Brienz.
Realiza una caminata con las montañas Eiger, Mönch y Jungfrau de fondo.
Continue on to Brienz, a village renowned for a wood-carving tradition spanning more than two centuries. Visit the Swiss Woodcarving Museum—the only one in the country dedicated entirely to this craft—and look for a piece created by local artisans. Nearby, the Trauffer World of Experiences in Hofstetten takes this tradition a step further: you can even carve your own classic Trauffer wooden cow.
Experience alpine wellness with a unique twist. On Lake Thun, the Sauna Boat turns the wellness experience into a floating retreat. Enjoy four hours in the sauna while gazing at the mountains through panoramic windows, and when you want to cool off, simply step straight into the lake.
On Lake Brienz, the HotTug takes the experience even further. This small vessel doubles as a hot tub: slip into the 38°C water and steer the boat using an electric motor as you cruise surrounded by the Alps.
For a more traditional relaxation experience, visit the Nescens Spa at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam baths. On the shores of Lake Thun, the Beatus Wellness & Spa Hotel allows you to move from its 35°C saltwater pool directly into the cool lake water via a private beach.
Interlaken’s luxury hotels offer far more than just rooms with a view. At the Grandhotel Giessbach—opened in 1875—wake up surrounded by forest and the sound of waterfalls.
Sample the cuisine of the Bernese Oberland. Go beyond fondue and try raclette—prepared by scraping melted cheese over boiled potatoes and served with pickles and pickled onions. For a completely different take on fondue, hop aboard the Cheese Fondue Float for a "fondue rafting" experience. Bundle up and—keeping your feet dry—enjoy cheese fondue at a table set up on a raft as a professional guide rows from Bönigen along the Aare River toward Interlaken.