Interlaken is a town and municipality in the administrative district Interlaken-Oberhasli of the canton of Bern in Switzerland. Located in the Bernese Oberland, it has long been an international tourist destination and the main transport hub for excursions into the high Alps. The permanent population was about 5,610 in 2018.
Geography
The town occupies the Bödeli, a narrow, cultivated plain between two deep glacial lakes: Lake Brienz to the east and Lake Thun to the west. The short Aare river links the lakes and flows through Interlaken, forming promenades and small harbors used by regular boat services. Surrounded by steep forested slopes and commanding views of higher peaks, the town sits where lowland valleys meet the rising Alps, making it a natural staging point for mountain journeys.
History and development
Interlaken developed from small farming and market settlements. From the early 19th century it expanded rapidly as Alpine travel and the leisure tourism of the Grand Tour era grew. Railways, steamer services on the lakes and the construction of grand hotels established Interlaken as an international resort. Over time tourism infrastructure—hotels, promenades and mountain transport—became central to the local economy while nearby villages retained agricultural traditions.
Transport and access
Interlaken serves as a gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Regional and national rail lines connect the town to major Swiss cities, while regular boats cross Lakes Brienz and Thun. From the town visitors reach a network of mountain railways, funiculars and cable cars that ascend to higher valleys and viewpoints; many excursions lead toward the Jungfrau region and glacier areas. Local bus services and well-marked trails provide access to valleys and alpine huts.
Tourism, recreation and economy
The local economy depends heavily on tourism and associated services: hotels, restaurants, guide services and outdoor-adventure operators. Interlaken is a base for year-round activities: summer hiking, lake cruises, canyoning, paragliding and mountain biking; winter brings skiing and snow sports in nearby resorts. The town also supports equipment rental, mountain guiding and transport companies that facilitate multi-day treks and summit attempts.
Culture, events and practical information
Interlaken hosts seasonal markets, cultural events and local festivals that reflect regional traditions. Promenades and parks along the waterfront are focal points for visitors. Practical information for travelers includes easy connections to mountain railways and boat timetables, visitor information services and a compact town center with shops and hospitality facilities—making it a convenient base for exploration of the Bernese Oberland.
Nearby attractions
- Boat excursions on Lakes Brienz and Thun and lakeside villages
- Mountain railways and cable cars providing access to panoramic viewpoints and alpine trails
- Day trips into higher valleys, glaciers and the well-known Jungfrau area
- Outdoor-adventure activities operated from the town
As both a compact town and a transport hub, Interlaken combines visitor facilities with immediate access to alpine landscapes, which explains its long-standing role as one of the main gateways to the Swiss Alps.