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Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region

Kevin Leitch

Where people are adventurous, the sights are mind-blowing, and even the cows are friendly. This area is on the shortlist of the most gorgeous places I've ever visited! Welcome to Interlaken and the Jungfrau region of the Swiss Alps!

Over the past few weeks in our virtual tours of Switzerland, we've been refining our all-encompassing guide! This article is a go-to hub for those visiting this region and wish to accomplish a lot! Not visiting Switzerland and want a photo tour? That's great too. I try my best to share this experience with you through my lens.

Related Links

A 007 Site Atop the Alps ⋆ A Magnificent Hike in Grindelwald ⋆ Fun Times in Thun ⋆ Get Lost in Lauterbrunnen ⋆ Ebenalp in the Appenzell Alps ⋆ Provence in a Volkswagen Bus ⋆ A Weekend in Luxembourg ⋆ Getting Sideways in España ⋆ Central Tuscany: A Wine Lover's Guide ⋆ A Road Trip to Andorra ⋆ The Burgundy Region of France ⋆  Visiting Miramonti in Sudtirol ⋆ The Island of Capri ⋆ Positano and the Amalfi Coast ⋆ A Visit to Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, and Naples

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Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region

Our Guide to this Infamous Section of the Swiss Alps

This region is easily one of the most beautiful places on earth I've visited thus far. With the Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Interlaken, and Thun within short drives, it's immediately a whimsical adventure. While you certainly can confine yourself to some of Europe's most magnificent spas, this is a superb opportunity to throw on a pack and enjoy the areas hiking, climbing, biking, and other activities.

Take time to relax, sightsee, and get in plenty of outdoor activities! Sample local beer, authentic Swiss fare, and unwind in a garden of one of the cutest guesthouses in the Alps!

Where To Stay

Maison Bergdorf

Alpenstrasse 36C, 3800 Interlaken | Website

My dear friend, Irene, has a superpower. In addition to being a mastermind at professional coaching, she has an uncanny ability to find perfect little boutique lodging in the best of locations. This visit was no exception. I've visited Interlaken a couple of times, and somehow I had never seen Maison Bergdorf. They book up quickly and efficiently market themselves by word-of-mouth. I'm here to aid in the word-of-mouth part!

Lodging includes a breakfast each morning that usually consists of a lovely buffet, but currently a beautiful little basket of small European breakfast delights. If you just want to relax, there is space indoors, on the terrace, or in a gorgeous landscaped garden. Each room is unique and cozy, the perfect lodging for this environment. We stayed in #5 with windows that opened to the garden and snow-capped mountains in the distance. I could stay there forever!

A Few Villages to Visit

Interlaken

I first learned of Interlaken from my brother, Brad, after his backpacking adventure following his college graduation. He spoke of the blue waters, towering peaks, and memorable experiences. Upon visiting for the first time, I quickly realized the allure. I have since taken all of our visitors to Interlaken! We have a favorite pub there, have walked up Harder Kulm, walked the platform overlooking Interlaken, and recently made more memories with friends. We even became Godparents there. It has a special place in our hearts.

C/C Quick Tips

Lauterbrunnen

For more, check out Get Lost in Lauterbrunnen

This village features one of the most beautiful valleys on earth. The reasonably flat and wide valley surrounded by mountain walls is incredibly beautiful. The walk through the valley couldn't be more leisurely and offers more stunning views than many challenging hikes I've experienced. There are a total of 72 waterfalls, so there's no shortage of photo-ops!

C/C Quick Tips

  • Coffee and small breakfast at Airtime

  • Park by and visit Lauterbrunnen Church

  • Walk Lauterbrunnen Valley trail past Staubbachfall

  • If you can efficiently manage it in one day, check out Mürren, have lunch at Hotel Alpenruh, visit Shilthorn. Pay close attention to the SBB timetable for planning.

Grindelwald

For more, check out A Magnificent Hike in Grindelwald

This village is a favorite to many already and is hardly a secret. Grindelwald is an incredible location for skiers and hikers alike. We recently hiked here, and as usual, it was terrific. Check out that post for more details!

C/C Quick Tips

Mürren

For more, check out A 007 Site Atop the Alps

One of my favorite things about Switzerland is the incredible railway system. The reliability is unbelievable and typically to the minute! This reliability is the case on trains, trams, buses, and cable-cars. Thanks to this reliability, you can rapidly get from Interlaken to Mürren via MULTIPLE villages in reliable connection! As such, don't be detoured by a map and seeing the connections. Make your way to Lauterbrunnen and up to Mürren. The views over the Lauterbrunnen Valley are stunning!

C/C Quick Tips

  • When arriving from Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen, take a break for lunch at Hotel Alpenruh

  • After lunch, stop in Birg en route to Schilthorn to ease the adjustment to the altitude.

Wengen

This one is still on the list, but I admit I've yet to visit. Wengen is terrific in all seasons and should be high on your list when visiting. Shame on me for not visiting as of yet! It's infamous for its hikes, timber chalets, and Jungfraujoch, the top of Europe! Have a fondue lunch high top the Alps. What better way to relax in the mountains?

A Few Things to Do

Hiking

As we shared our latest articles, there are endless opportunities to stretch your legs and achieve the most memorable of sights! Our recent hike in Grindelwald was a moderately challenging hike up and a rapid descent past cows and streams, one I would surely never forget. For me, it ranks up there with hiking The Path of the Gods and an ill-prepared section of the Appalachian Trail.

Skydiving

Before you skip this section, give me a chance to change your mind! 

  1. Fear of Heights? I, too, claim a fear of heights. When anyone is near a ledge, even if I don't know them, I get uncomfortable—that queasy feeling. The same occurs when atop of towers. This is not the case when in the window seat of an airplane, though. You are up SO high that it's merely a different sense of 'height.' I had ZERO issues sitting on the ledge of the plane opening before dropping out, and it was INCREDIBLE.

  2. Chances of Death? If you drive more than 10k miles annually, you have a 1 in 6,000 chance of death vs. skydiving 1 in 100,000. Combine this with a very reputable company with seasoned jumpers, and I'm ever more comfortable! 

Check out Skydive Switzerland when in Interlaken!

Cycling

I'm not currently a cyclist, but I have a few friends here to love it! They are slowly luring me into the idea. Path options seem infinite here for both road and mountain bikers. The Swiss have an expertly mapped out system for trails with clear signage, so it's hard to get lost on them. There are a few fundamental rules:

  • Only ride on the existing pathways

  • Be considerate and allow others right of way

  • Be considerate of animals. Remember, this network is often on a family property, which includes animals accustomed to cyclist presence.

  • Leave no traces behind. Be kind. Be clean. 

  • Always anticipate the unexpected

  • Err toward safety.

Tennis

Okay, I know what you're thinking. Why would anyone fly this far to play a sport that many can play within a short distance from their home? It's all about the environment. With courts nestled in the valley between massive mountain walls, it's incredible! Switzerland is the land of Roger Federer, after all, who was born nearby in Basel. If you aren't as keen on hiking or other activities but love tennis, there are courts and sports centers through the region, including 

Kayaking

What better place to kayak than in Interlaken, connecting two glacier-fed lakes, Thunersee and Brienzersee? Given the glacial feed, it's a colder lake, and a welcome refreshment on hot summer visits!

Shopping

Interlaken is known globally as a destination for travelers wanting a heavy dose of Swiss sights and culture while having plenty of shopping opportunities. From souvenirs to Rolex timepieces. I think more cowbells and cuckoo clocks sell in Interlaken than anywhere else in Switzerland! No matter what you are seeking, you'll likely find it!

Make Your Own Chocolate

Want to have a little more fun and so something SUPER Swiss? Head over to Funky Chocolate Club and enjoy a Chocolate-Making Workshop! We did this on our first visit, and it was amusing and entertaining!

Where To Eat and Drink

These are our go-to spots in the region. Some of a bit more high-end than others, but it's mostly very relaxed and casual. When unwinding in a destination like Interlaken or one of the surrounding villages, we tend to keep it casual. It often helps us relax just a little bit more!

Luegibrüggli

Kienbergstrasse 1, 3800 Unterseen | Website

The latest must-visit to our experience and assuredly a component of a Top Restaurant post, should that ever come about, is Luegibrüggli. Our good friend, Nico, selected this one! We had dinner here, and it was perfection! Book ahead at dinner and pay attention to sunset times for the region. Ask for a table by the windows and enjoy some of the best food Switzerland has to offer with unforgettable views. If it looks like rain as your plans approach, try to move it around. Trust me; it'll be worth it. Everything that we had was excellent, so follow your heart through the menu!

Hüsi Bierhaus

Postgasse 3, 3800 Interlaken | Website

Listen, you don't actually have to hike up and down a mountain if you don't want to. If you want to just walk through town and then hole up in a bar and relax with a few pints, you do you! I'm not going to say I've done this, but I'm not going to say that I haven't. Psst... order the Husi Amber. Their own Amber is one of my favs! Pair it with nachos, play some cards, watch some football. Cheers!

El Azteca

Jungfraustrasse 30, 3800 Interlaken | Website

Need a break from Swiss fare, don't feel bad. It's good but can be somewhat limited and harder to find value for the money. Dining at El Azteca is still an expensive option compared to Mexican fare in other countries, but that's Switzerland. If you're a US ex-pat living in Switzerland, you are likely more than happy to pay for it! We miss it so! The environment here is fun, and the food and margaritas are great. Late into the evening, it's inevitable that live music by the owner and staff ensues.

Onkel Tom’s Hütte

Dorfstrasse 194, 3818 Grindelwald | Website

I'll just say it. OTH is my favorite pizza in Switzerland. Europeans may object with my assessment given its thin crispy crust with fresh and flavorful toppings instead of the pure Naples tradition. I feel like I've eaten enough pizza in my life to say what I want here, and I'll say it. This is the best pizza in Switzerland. There's something different about pizza in the Alps, and Onkel Tom's reliably excellent pizza is perfectly baked to the edge of the crust with freshness and bubbly melty cheese. It's perfect. It's pizza. It's love.

La Terrasse

Höheweg 41, 3800 Interlaken | Website

If you are seeking a bit of an upscale vibe, this is the perfect option! La Terrasse, located in the beautiful Victoria Jungfrau Hotel, features an elegant interior and a lovely terrace for dining and drinks. The Mediterranean influence makes for a fantastic meal!

Hotel Alpenruh

Eggli 954B, 3825 Mürren | Website

You should take a break here if you can manage the day trip up through Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Schilthorn, Gimmelwald, and down to Stechelburg Falls. Enjoy a beautiful plate of Rösti, one of my go-to Swiss dishes when hiking. The views from the outside deck are incredible, the staff is friendly, and the food is excellent!

Airtime

Fuhren 452, 3822 Lauterbrunnen | Website

Great coffee, fresh food, and keeping it simple! That’s essentially the story at Airtime, a cafe in the heart of Lauterbrunnen. We stop here before heading out on our adventure through the valley or up to Mürren. The coffee is excellent and it’s worth the stop!