Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Interlaken (Interlaken (BFS 581)) is a municipality in Interlaken-Oberhasli District, Canton of Bern (coordinates 46.6872°N, 7.8649°E; population 5,634). Visitors use Interlaken as a base to explore Canton of Bern's historic town centers, regional markets, and culinary specialties such as Berner Platte, Rösti with alpine cheese, Meringues from Meiringen.
Within Canton of Bern Region (Interlaken-Oberhasli District region), Interlaken (Interlaken (BFS 581)) serves as a municipality (gemeinde / commune) in canton of bern region. Travelers exploring Canton of Bern often combine a stop in Interlaken with regional highlights such as Bern UNESCO Old Town & Zytglogge, Jungfraujoch, Eiger & Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren, Interlaken, Lake Thun & Lake Brienz.
| Fact | Details for Interlaken (Interlaken (BFS 581)) |
|---|---|
| Switzerland Name | Interlaken (BFS 581) (Interlaken) |
| Administrative Status | Municipality (Gemeinde / Commune) in Canton of Bern Region |
| Region & Capital | Canton of Bern Region (Capital: Bern) |
| Region of Switzerland | Interlaken-Oberhasli District |
| Population | 5,634 residents |
| Total Area / Density | Regional km² · Urban/Town people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | Official Municipality |
| Coordinates | 46.6872°N, 7.8649°E |
Getting to Interlaken & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Bern Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)): Bern HB rail hub; Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Jungfraujoch.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Canton of Bern Region, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Bern with Interlaken. Nationwide IC cards (Transit Card, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep CHF 1,000 bills and CHF 100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Canton of Bern have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Interlaken en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Interlaken are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways station or airport in Canton of Bern can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Switzerland Guide.
What to Eat in Interlaken & Canton of Bern
Interlaken shares the culinary traditions of Canton of Bern Region and the wider Interlaken-Oberhasli District region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Berner Platte — a signature specialty across Canton of Bern Region.
- Rösti with alpine cheese — a signature specialty across Canton of Bern Region.
- Meringues from Meiringen — a signature specialty across Canton of Bern Region.
- Toblerone & Kambly biscuits — a signature specialty across Canton of Bern Region.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Switzerland Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Switzerland dietary explanations at restaurants in Interlaken.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Best time to visit Canton of Bern: Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar.
Regional highlights across Canton of Bern Region that pair well with a visit to Interlaken include: Bern UNESCO Old Town & Zytglogge, Jungfraujoch, Eiger & Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren, Interlaken, Lake Thun & Lake Brienz.
Practical Travel Tips for Interlaken
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Interlaken (or at Bern Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Interlaken accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Switzerland Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Interlaken (Interlaken (BFS 581)) located in Switzerland?
Interlaken (Interlaken (BFS 581)) is a municipality (gemeinde / commune) located in Canton of Bern Region in the Interlaken-Oberhasli District region of Switzerland (coordinates: 46.6872°N, 7.8649°E). It has a population of approximately 5,634 across an area of Regional km².
How do I get to Interlaken by train?
Most visitors reach Interlaken via the main prefectural gateway of Bern Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways). Bern HB rail hub; Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Jungfraujoch. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Interlaken. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways Fare Calculator.
What local food is Interlaken and Canton of Bern known for?
In Interlaken and across Canton of Bern Region, top local dishes include Berner Platte, Rösti with alpine cheese, Meringues from Meiringen, as well as Toblerone & Kambly biscuits. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Interlaken?
Best time to visit Canton of Bern: Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar. Check our Switzerland Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: