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Why is Interlaken so famous?

Interlaken is where those seeking a thrill go. It's known as the adventure capital of Switzerland and adrenaline junkies are sure to love it. Whether you're into river rafting or canyoning, skydiving or bungee jumping, you'll find your particular rush here.



Interlaken is world-famous in 2026 for its unique geographic position "between the lakes" (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz) and its status as the Adventure Capital of Europe. It serves as the primary gateway to the Jungfrau Region, offering the easiest access to the "Big Three" Swiss peaks: the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Travelers flock there to take the train to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Beyond the scenery, Interlaken is a global hub for paragliding, skydiving, and canyoning, with hundreds of colorful parachutes dotting the sky every summer day. In 2026, it is also celebrated for its high-end Swiss hospitality, luxury watch boutiques, and the "Höhematte," a massive open green space in the center of town that provides an unobstructed view of the snow-capped Alps. Its combination of high-octane adrenaline and serene lakeside luxury makes it a "bucket list" destination for 2026 travelers.

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Its name is derived from its position on the flat plain (Bödeli), 1,864 feet (568 m) above sea level, between Lakes (inter lacus) Brienz to the east and Thun to the west. The town grew up around a convent of Augustinian canons (1130–1528).

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Here are some important facts about Switzerland that will blow your mind.
  • Switzerland has 7000 lakes. ...
  • Most innovative country in the world. ...
  • Highest peaks in Europe. ...
  • Longest tunnel of the world. ...
  • Lowest crime rate. ...
  • Creux de Van. ...
  • Switzerland has its own Grand Canyon. ...
  • Sundays are a big deal.


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Best places to visit near Interlaken
  • Milibachfall & Brienz Aussichtspunkt. Milibachfall is a beautiful waterfall overlooking lake Brienz. ...
  • Iseltwald. ...
  • Giessbachfalls. ...
  • Hiking at Schynige Platte. ...
  • Handeckfallbrücke & Furka Pass. ...
  • Lauterbrunnen. ...
  • Grindelwald. ...
  • Rosenlaui & the glacier.


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Things to do in Interlaken: visit Brunngasse, the most beautiful street in Europe. The Brunngasse was once voted the most beautiful street in Europe and is located just a stone's throw away from Interlaken. Makes for an excellent thing to add to your 'things to do in Interlaken' list!

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June to August: The best time to visit Interlaken is during the summer, from June to September. The temperature lingers around a pleasant 18°C to 20°C. It is the perfect time for aimless walks, trekking, mountaineering and adventure activities.

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Interlaken is a great Swiss shopping destination, famous for its wide collections of souvenirs, watches, chocolate, and sports equipment. Its main street -Höheweg- has plenty of local shops, fashionable boutiques, and other stores.

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Just like the rest of Switzerland, Interlaken is expensive even by European standards. Hotels and restaurants are all pricey, although quality tends to be high.

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Encircled by alpine valleys and snow-capped peaks,, it's easy to see why Interlaken is one of the most-visited destinations in Switzerland. One day is just enough time to take in the highlights, but planning ahead is essential if you want to fit everything in. Here are some ideas for how to spend one day in Interlaken.

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The probably most romantic part of Brienz is the Brunngasse which, having once been awarded the title «most beautiful street in Europe», is well-known abroad. Most of the houses in the street date from the 18th century and are decorated with wood carvings.

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3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Interlaken. This will give you enough time to visit the iconic Jungfraujoch, try adventure sports, cruise the serene Lake Thun and chase waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen.

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The reason why shops shut on Sundays is mainly because of religion. In a Christian dominated country, Sunday is considered to be a day of rest where everyone should stop work, and, traditionally, go to church. This was the case from the advent of Christianity in Switzerland.

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