Destination guideSwitzerland
FROMLON
ABOUT 2 HRS ✈️
TOZRH

Holidays in Interlaken

Mountain trains, glacier views and turquoise lakes in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Here's what Interlaken is like with the family and when to go.

BEST FOR🥾 Nature & hiking, 🧗 Adventure, 🚆 By train, ⛷️ Skiing
NIGHTS AWAY5 to 7
BUDGET£££
BEST MONTHSJun–Sep
Add Interlaken to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Interlaken at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 2 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
1 HR AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
SWISS FRANC (CHF)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE C / J · 230V

Switzerland follows Europe's border rules. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANSkiing, a good time to go
  2. FEBSkiing, a good time to go
  3. MARSpring skiing, a good time to go
  4. APRBetween seasons, quieter
  5. MAYSpring, a good time to go
  6. JUNSummer, best time to go
  7. JULSummer, best time to go
  8. AUGSummer, best time to go
  9. SEPClear days, best time to go
  10. OCTAutumn, a good time to go
  11. NOVBetween seasons, quieter
  12. DECSnowy, festive, a good time to go

June to September is best for hiking, lake swims and the mountain railways. December to March brings skiing in Grindelwald and Wengen nearby. April and November are quiet, with some lifts closed for maintenance.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Jungfraujoch

A train up to Europe's highest station, with an ice palace and snow all year. Pricey but unforgettable.

TICKETED

Grindelwald First

A cliff walk, then come down by mountain cart, scooter bike or zip line.

FREE

Lauterbrunnen

A valley of 72 waterfalls. Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain is worth the ticket.

TICKETED

Lake Brienz boat

A paddle steamer across a lake so blue it looks unreal.

TICKETED

Harder Kulm

A funicular up to a viewing platform over both lakes.

FREE

Lake beaches

Free lidos and lake swimming spots in summer.

Interlaken: common questions

Is Interlaken good for a family holiday?

Yes. The scenery is spectacular, the trains make it easy without a car, and there are adventures for all ages. Switzerland is expensive, so self-catering saves a lot.

How many nights do you need?

Five to seven nights for a mix of mountain days and lake days.

Do UK families need a visa?

No, British passport holders can visit Switzerland for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. New European entry checks are being brought in, so check GOV.UK before you travel.

Can you get there by train?

Yes, via Paris on the Eurostar and a TGV to Basel, then on to Interlaken, in about nine hours.

If you like Interlaken

Can't agree where to go next?

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