Hotels in Interlaken: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 31 July 2026 · 63 real hotels
Most visitors to Interlaken stay in the town centre, conveniently positioned between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with easy access to trains toward Grindelwald, Wengen, and the Jungfraujoch. For a quieter, elevated retreat, Beatenberg above the town or car-free Wengen on the slopes offer a compelling alternative. The town is compact enough that no central neighbourhood puts you at a real disadvantage.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Baeren ★★ | Interlaken : à 14,7 km | ★ 4.2 | 150 €/nuit |
| Lake Lodge Hostel | Interlaken : à 9 km | — | 181 €/nuit |
| Boutique Hotel Bären Ringgenberg ★★★ | Ringgenberg : à 3,4 km de Interlaken | ★ 3.6 | 218 €/nuit |
| Berghaus Niederhorn ★★ | Interlaken : à 6,7 km | ★ 4.7 | 218 €/nuit |
| Haus der Schwalbe | Interlaken : à 15 km | — | 221 €/nuit |
| Adventure Hostel Interlaken | Unterseen : à 0,9 km de Interlaken | — | 228 €/nuit |
| Hotel Bären - The Bear Inn ★★★ | Interlaken : à 2,4 km | ★ 4.1 | 244 €/nuit |
| Historic Hotel Steinbock ★★ | Interlaken : à 2,6 km | ★ 4.2 | 244 €/nuit |
| Strandhotel Seeblick ★★★ | Interlaken : à 11,6 km | ★ 4.1 | 252 €/nuit |
Interlaken sits on a narrow strip of flat land between two glacial lakes in the Bernese Oberland, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau visible on clear days from almost anywhere in town. It functions as the main gateway for one of Switzerland's most dramatic alpine regions, meaning trains, cable cars, and excursion buses all radiate outward from here. The town itself is walkable in under twenty minutes end to end, so location within Interlaken proper matters less than it would in a larger city.
What the place actually feels like is a lively yet orderly Swiss resort town. The main boulevard, Höheweg, runs between the two train stations (Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost) and is lined with hotels, watch shops, and outdoor-gear stores. Beyond the tourist strip you find residential streets, the Aare river channel connecting the two lakes, and a consistent backdrop of forested ridges. Visitors come primarily to hike, ski, paraglide, or simply use Interlaken as a base for day trips deeper into the mountains.
Which area to stay in Interlaken?
- Interlaken Centre (Höheweg corridor): The logical first choice for most travellers. Walking distance to both train stations, restaurants, and tour operators. Suits first-time visitors and anyone planning multiple day trips by rail.
- Interlaken West (around West station): Slightly quieter end of town, popular with budget and mid-range accommodation. Good access to trains toward Spiez, Bern, and Lake Thun boat piers.
- Interlaken Ost (around East station): Departure point for the Bernese Oberland Railway toward Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Practical for early-morning mountain excursions and close to the Lake Brienz shoreline.
- Beatenberg (hillside above Interlaken, approx. 4.8 km): A quieter village perched on the sunny slope north of town, reached by funicular or road. Panoramic views of the Jungfrau massif, a more residential pace, and noticeably less tourist traffic.
- Wengen (approx. 10.4 km, car-free mountain village): Accessible only by cog railway from Lauterbrunnen. A traditional car-free alpine village at 1,274 m with direct access to Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg ski areas. Best for those who want mountain immersion rather than a town base.
- Unterseen (adjacent to Interlaken West): The historic old-town quarter just across the Aare from Interlaken, with 17th-century buildings, fewer crowds, and a local feel. Easy walking distance to the centre.
Good to know
- Use the Swiss Travel Pass if you plan multiple excursions: The pass covers most trains including the BOB line toward Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, though mountain railways such as the Jungfraujoch segment require a supplement. Calculate whether a pass beats individual tickets based on your itinerary.
- Book early for summer and winter peak seasons: July, August, and the Christmas-to-New-Year window are the busiest periods. Prices at central hotels rise sharply and availability drops. Shoulder months (May, June, September, October) offer better rates and thinner crowds on popular trails.
- Understand which station serves your excursion: Trains to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen leave from Interlaken Ost, while services toward Spiez and Bern use Interlaken West. Both stations are connected by a short local train, but knowing this in advance saves confusion on early mornings.
- Weather and altitude change fast: Interlaken itself sits at about 570 m, but popular destinations like Schilthorn (2,970 m) or Jungfraujoch (3,454 m) can have snow, wind, and zero visibility even in summer. Check forecasts the evening before and keep flexibility in your schedule.
- Parking in central Interlaken is limited and paid: If you arrive by car, larger hotels provide garages but spaces fill quickly in peak season. Arriving by train is genuinely more practical and avoids the cost of Swiss motorway vignettes and mountain road tolls.
What to know about hotels in Interlaken?
What is the best area to stay in Interlaken?+
For most visitors, the town centre along Höheweg between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost is the most practical base. You have walking access to both train stations, restaurants, and excursion agencies. If you prefer more altitude and quieter surroundings, Beatenberg or Wengen are worth considering, though they require an extra transfer to reach the main valley rail network.
What is the best time of year to visit Interlaken?+
June to September is peak hiking season, with long daylight hours and reliable trail conditions above 2,000 m. December to March suits skiers, particularly those heading to Grindelwald First or the Schilthorn area. May and October are quieter, cooler months with lower prices and good conditions for valley walks and lake excursions.
How do I get from the nearest airport to Interlaken?+
Bern Airport is the closest (roughly 50 km), though Zurich Airport offers far more international connections. From Zurich, a direct train to Interlaken Ost takes approximately 2 hours with a change in Bern, and trains run frequently throughout the day. From Geneva Airport, the journey takes around 2 hours 20 minutes by direct InterCity train to Interlaken West.
What is the average nightly hotel rate in Interlaken?+
Based on current availability, central Interlaken hotels range from around 227 euros per night for a 3-star property up to 1,511 euros per night at the 5-star Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa. Mid-range 4-star options cluster between 305 and 420 euros per night. Rates fluctuate significantly depending on season and how far in advance you book.
Is Interlaken a good base for day trips, or should I stay in the mountain villages?+
Interlaken works very well as a central base: you can reach Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren all within 30 to 60 minutes by train or cable car. Staying in one of the mountain villages offers a more immersive alpine atmosphere and saves you daily travel time, but limits your flexibility if you want to switch between different valleys on the same trip.
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