Top 3 Areas & Hotels + Prices
Interlaken is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland, so I’m not surprised if you’re looking for where to stay in Interlaken!
Interlaken is gorgeous and I am a bit jealous you are going, I would come back there in a heartbeat!
To make things easier for you, I compared all the neighborhoods, and I can tell you that Interlaken City is the best area for first-timers, filled with attractions and adorable houses.
You should read this post because I compiled an exhaustive list of Interlaken hotels after going through each one and handpicked only the top-rated ones!
I separated them by area and ordered them from luxury to budget so you can easily find and book the one you like most. In just a few clicks, you’ll have your hotel booked and ready to go!
Just remember that Interlaken is a popular city, and booking your accommodation in advance is recommended!
If you are in a hurry
Here’s a list of the best hotels in Interlaken City:
budget hotel
Best affordable accommodation in the center
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas in Interlaken I’ll be talking about in this post:
1. Interlaken City – best area for first-timers
Breathtaking mountain views, charming houses, and a lovely old-town atmosphere make Interlaken City the first choice for people who are wondering where to stay in Interlaken for the first time.
The central Interlaken area abounds with various activities for all age groups, and it’s as lively at night as it is during the day!
It’s also close to some amazing ski resorts, so if that’s your thing, you can check out one of the resorts near Interlaken or look into the best ski resorts in Zermatt and St. Moritz.
The town’s name, Interlaken, comes from its geographical position between the 2 lakes (Latin: Inter Lacus) – Lake Brienz to the East and Lake Thun to the West.
You’ll find many chalet-style hotels in the heart of Interlaken that offer great deals and boast phenomenal views of the River Aare – especially in the morning when the sun’s rays reflect on the water!
The city center is located between Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West and provides easy access to the neighborhood’s main points of interest.
While you’re here, you have to visit the Yash Chopra Statue (map) and stroll around the Kursaal Convention Centre to admire the building and the lovely park surrounding it.
Other must-do activities in Interlaken include visiting Höhematte, a local park perfect for a relaxing picnic with a view of the mountains, and hiking up the Schynige Platte, a great activity for a day trip!
If you’re traveling with family, I highly suggest you take the kids to Seilpark Interlaken, i.e., Interlaken Ropes Park, an outdoor adventure park where the whole family can enjoy the swings, bridges, and ziplines!
And last, but most definitely not least, you have to go up Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s nearest mountain that offers the most spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. You can choose to hike up there if you want some physical activity, or you can opt for the funicular ride – you’ll be there in less than 10 minutes!
Any traveler will find something in Interlaken City, but adventure junkies and readers will have a blast!
1.1 Best places to stay in Interlaken Center for adventure
The town is known for its numerous activities, like canoeing on the lake or hiking and skiing in the Swiss Alps. You can even try paragliding over the valley or visit stunning caves like St. Beatus.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Interlaken to get your share of adventure, here are some amazing hotels to help you get the most excitement out of your trip and offer cool tours, rental bikes, or other facilities!
Luxury hotel
Coffee with a view of paragliders jumping from a Swiss mountain? Yes, please! As one of the top luxury hotels in Interlaken, Hotel Du Nord has modern rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It’s conveniently located near the Bödelibad sports hall and within walking distance of the Harderbahn Cable Car – perfect for a 1-day adventure!
Other accommodation options in Interlaken City
Mid-range
An affordable place to stay in central Interlaken, with an on-site nightclub, tour/ticket assistance, and friendly staff
Budget
A budget accommodation with free parking, a dedicated tour desk, and easy access to activities like skiing, hiking, and cycling
Airbnb
A spacious and bright apartment on 2 levels, with a balcony and gallery windows providing spectacular views
1.2 Where to stay in Interlaken City to relax
Looking for where to stay in Interlaken to enjoy some relaxing time? Then this section is for you! Known for its numerous spas and luxurious hotels with amazing services, you’ll certainly find something to fit your preferences and budget.
Luxury hotel
Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
This hotel stands out from other luxury hotels in Interlaken with a stunning view of the Jungfrau. There are elegant rooms with private marble bathrooms, a spa, a sauna, and a swimming pool! You can choose among the 3 on-site dining options, order room service, and snuggle up in your comfortable suite.
Other accommodation options in Interlaken City
Mid-range
Hotel Artos offers amazing spa facilities, a spacious garden with a terrace, a library, and a cafeteria
Budget
A comfortable hostel with individually decorated rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and access to a mini golf course
Airbnb
A non-smoking apartment with a designated parking space, 2 French beds, and a large living/dining area
1.3 Best places to stay in Interlaken City for families
Visiting Interlaken with the family, traveling with a toddler, or just looking for wholesome things to do in Interlaken? I’ve got you covered!
Below, you’ll find the best hotels in Interlaken for a family stay, from upscale hotels to more affordable accommodations. You can even book activities from the reception so you won’t have to go around the town with the kids looking for fun things to do.
Here are the best hotels for families in Interlaken:
Luxury hotel
Enjoy the freshest air and amazing views of the mountain from this luxury family hotel in Interlaken, with super spacious apartments that fit the whole family! Guests can arrange a ski pass at the reception to hit the slopes nearby, and the Interlaken Ost Train Station is just a 2-minute walk away!
Other accommodation options in Interlaken City
Mid-range
A family hotel that offers breakfast has spacious modern rooms with Wi-Fi and is near public transport
Budget
This Interlaken budget accommodation features family rooms and is located between the lakes – Thun and Lake Brienz
Airbnb
A 3-bedroom apartment that can accommodate a 6-person family, with a fully equipped kitchen and 1 bath
1.4 Where to stay in Interlaken near the train station
Passing through Interlaken? If that’s the case, it’s highly likely that you either arrived via train or are planning on continuing your Switzerland adventure via train.
If so, I would advise staying near the train station so you don’t waste time getting to and from your accommodation.
Before we dive into the selection of hotels, I need to tell you that Interlaken has 2 train stations: Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. However, Interlaken Ost serves as the primary train station in the town, so all the hotels listed below are around this particular station.
Luxury hotel
The hotel is just a 3-minute walk away from the Interlaken Ost train station on the bank of the Aare River. Besides being super close to the station, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the river or the mountains! You’ll also get Wi-Fi access and cable TV, so you can stay indoors or get a rental bike and explore the surroundings.
Other accommodation options in Interlaken City
Mid-range
A minute away from the station, this apartment can accommodate up to 4 people – perfect for families traveling together
Budget
This hostel is right next to the train station and guests can choose between private and shared bathroom facilities
Airbnb
5 minutes away from the station, this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment also has a living area, a kitchen, and a balcony
Things to do in Interlaken Center
2. Matten bei Interlaken – where to stay on a budget
Located south of the city center, Matten bei Interlaken is just a 12-minute walk away from the heart of Interlaken. Better yet, this is the perfect spot if you’re looking to stay in Interlaken on a budget.
There are plenty of affordable lodging options, and Matten bei Interlaken has the best budget hotels in Interlaken.
Matten bei Interlaken has a relaxed feel; the best way to enjoy it is to explore the village on foot, stop by one of the lively restaurants, and meet the friendly locals.
One of the most popular attractions in Matten bei Interlaken is Seilpark Interlaken (the Interlaken Ropes Park), which offers various outdoor activities, such as zip lining and tree climbing, suitable for both children and adults!
Interlaken is one of the largest tourist resorts in the Bernese Alps, and the number of tourists that visit the city on a yearly level outnumbers the local residents!
During your time in Matten bei Interlaken, I advise you also to visit Wilderswil, a lovely village that seems to be plucked straight from a fairytale.
The Interlaken Airport is quite close to the area, so if you’ve landed here and are wondering where to stay in Interlaken for a night or 2 before you continue to explore this region of Switzerland, this area is the most convenient place to stay.
The Interlaken West train station is also super close to Matten bei Interlaken – just hop on the train and explore the rest of the town!
NOTE: since this is a more affordable area of Interlaken, there aren’t any 4 or 5-star hotels, so my recommendation for an upscale hotel in Interlaken is less luxurious than what I usually recommend. If you have your mind set on staying in a luxury hotel, then I suggest you stay in Interlaken City, where all the best luxury hotels are.
Luxury hotel
Hotel Sonne, one of the chalet-style Interlaken hotels, has an on-site coffee bar, free parking, and comfortable rooms with a private bathroom and cable TV. During their stay, guests receive the Interlaken Card. This card provides free use of the town’s public transport and allows visitors to explore the area!
Other accommodation in Matten bei Interlaken
Mid-range
An affordable hotel with friendly staff, offering free Wi-Fi, parking, and continental breakfast
Airbnb
A spacious and comfortable place to stay, with a private balcony, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a lounge area
Things to do in Matten bei Interlaken
3. Lauterbrunnen – where to stay for a mountain vacation
Lauterbrunnen is not actually a part of Interlaken; it’s a separate village, but it’s located just 12 km (7.5 miles) south of Interlaken, deep in a valley full of mountains and waterfalls.
If you are wondering where to stay in Interlaken to explore the region and spend as much time outdoors as possible, I highly recommend Lauterbrunnen as THE place to stay.
Filled with chalet-style houses, amazing restaurants, cute cafés, and the most beautiful scenery, Lauterbrunnen feels like it came out of a fairytale.
Lauterbrunnen is one of the best spots to access the Jungfraujoch – the highest railway in Europe, hence, the nickname ‘Top of Europe’.
But don’t worry – if you need a city break, jump on a train, and you’ll be in Interlaken within 30 minutes.
Everything looks super green here if you’re visiting during the warm seasons! The mountains are so close, and the best way to enjoy all this is to walk around the friendly town while base jumpers fly over your head.
However, for the ultimate outdoor experience, you have to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural attractions. This is a good idea if you want to have an active vacation, but also if you want to see the Bernese Oberland in all its glory!
First stop – the Staubbachfall Waterfall! This is just a short walk away from the Lauterbrunnen station and is a great choice if you have no hiking experience. If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, I suggest going up to the Trümmelbach Falls. Once there, you can get inside the mountain and the water cascading!
And if you’re an experienced hiker, then you’ll be interested in Via Ferrata Mürren-Gimmelwald (see trail map), which is actually part via Ferrata and part hiking trail – it starts in Mürren, near Lauterbrunnen.
In case you’re visiting the village of Wengen (you can hike there) near Lauterbrunnen, you have to take the Wengen-Männlichen cable car. This will take you to Männlichen, a mountain that provides the best views over the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
If you want to know where to stay in Interlaken for the quintessential Swiss experience, Lauterbrunnen is the answer!
For the best views of Lauterbrunnen, take the Schilthorn cable car up to the Schilthorn Summit. Stop at Piz Gloria, a 360-degree, revolving restaurant and one of the locations for the iconic Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and experience what it feels like to be a movie star!
Luxury hotel
Eiger Mürren Swiss Quality Hotel
Enjoy a perfect lunch with a view of the Swiss Alps in this luxurious hotel. It’s in a great location, the staff is super friendly, and there are family rooms with private bathrooms. Relax in the spa center after a long hiking trip, go skiing, or swim in the indoor pool at night. And don’t forget to try the breakfast – it’s the best!
Other accommodation options in Lauterbrunnen
Mid-range
A mid-range, cozy hotel with friendly staff, offering daily breakfast and access to an indoor pool and an ice rink
Budget
A perfect location for backpackers, this affordable hostel has lovely rooms, a shared kitchen, and a lovely garden
Airbnb
I love the decor of this studio; it’s very spacious and has a separate ski room and a mountain view
Things to do in Lauterbrunnen
- Take the train and cable car up to the Jungfraujoch glacier
- Admire the beautiful Trummelbach waterfalls
- Take the cable car up to Männlichen
- Check out the Staubbach Falls
FAQs about where to stay in Interlaken
🤔 Is it better to stay in Interlaken or Grindelwald
If you want a lakeside getaway with access to a town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and activities, Interlaken is the best place to stay. If you want to be in the middle of the mountains with some amazing scenery, stay in Grindelwald.
❓ Should I stay in Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen?
Interlaken offers a wider range of activities. Besides the amazing mountain and lake views, you get to choose from various hotels in Interlaken. If you’re looking for places to stay in Interlaken to be closer to nature, Lauterbrunnen has that magical Swiss idyll.
📅 How many days do you need in Interlaken?
You should spend at least 3 days in Interlaken, so you have plenty of time to walk around the city and spend the rest of the time exploring the region and hiking in the Swiss mountains.
⛰️ What hotels in Interlaken have nice views?
👪 Where should families stay in Interlaken?
The best area for a family stay in Interlaken is Interlaken Ost as it’s filled with many family-friendly hotels and attractions.
💰 Is Interlaken worth visiting?
Yes! The surrounding nature is breathtaking, and you can engage in plenty of activities during your stay there. And even though it has a reputation for being expensive, there are quite a few great budget hotels in Interlaken.
⚖️ What is the difference between Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West?
Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West are train stations in the city of Interlaken. The Interlaken West station is closer to the city center, but Interlaken Ost gets more traffic and is considered the main transport link to and from Interlaken.
🍃 Which month is best to visit Interlaken?
The best months to visit Interlaken are between June and August. During the summer, you can explore nature, admire the mountains in all their glory, and kayak on the lake. But if skiing is your main interest, you’ll have to go in December or January.
🚶 Can you visit Interlaken without a car?
Yes, you can visit Interlaken without a car. The most attractive sights in town are located within walking distance of each other. Plus, your hotel in Interlaken will provide a travel card that allows guests to use the city trains and buses for free.
Conclusion
That’s it from me, fellow travelers! I hope this article helped you decide where to stay in Interlaken, which hotel to book, and which attractions to see first.
I know I’ve given you tons of options, but these 2 are my favorite Interlaken hotels, both located in Interlaken City:
If you want to find an amazing hotel in Interlaken with an incredible view and close to the attractions, make sure you book in advance – the best hotels in Interlaken sell out incredibly fast!
I want to hear all about your trip to the Interlaken region, so leave me a comment below!
Safe travels,
Yulia
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