Best Hotels in Interlaken for Every Budget — 37 Real Picks From £174 (2026)

Our top Interlaken hotel pick for 2026 is the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa for the definitive Jungfrau-facing grand-hotel stay — but let's be honest about money up front, because Interlaken is expensive. This is a headline alpine resort town in one of the priciest countries on Earth, and there is no true-budget hotel tier here: even the cheapest well-reviewed rooms start around £174 a night, and most of what you'll book sits well above that. What we've done instead is line up 37 real, bookable Interlaken hotels across every price band — 2 top-rated flagships, 8 four-star mid-range names, and 27 more affordable hotels, hostels and self-catering apartments — each verified as a distinct property and each linking straight to its live prices. If you came for the cheapest way to sleep in the Jungfrau gateway, the honest answer is here, floor price and all.

Jump to your budget: Best-rated stays · Mid-range four-stars · Most affordable hotels

Scout's 3 most affordable picks right now: 🏔 Hotel Rössli — from ~£174, the cheapest well-reviewed private room in town, central, nearly 2,000 reviews. 🏡 Mattenhof Resort — from ~£196, an apart-hotel resort with kitchens and a pool, great for families. 🎒 Balmers Hostel — from ~£227, the classic Matten backpacker base with private rooms as well as dorms. From-prices are live midweek rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates.

Interlaken sits on the flat valley floor between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, at the mouth of the Jungfrau region — the cluster of famous mountain villages (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren) and high railways (the Schilthorn and the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe) that make this one of the most-visited corners of the Alps. The town itself is compact and walkable, with the grassy Höhematte park framing the Jungfrau, the Höheweg promenade of hotels and cafés, two train stations (West for town, Ost for the mountains), and Switzerland's densest concentration of adventure sports. There are no direct UK flights — you fly to Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA), about 1.5–2 hours from most UK airports, then take a scenic SBB train (Zurich–Interlaken Ost is about 2 hours direct). Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), not the euro, and it is not a cheap country for meals or transport — plan for that. Compare live Interlaken hotel prices or search UK flights to Zurich (ZRH).

At a glance — the best-rated and mid-range tier compared, before the full reviews:

The Scout's Take: Town, Lakeside or Mountain Village?

Central Interlaken — the streets around the Höheweg, the Höhematte and the two stations — is the base most visitors want: everything walkable, both lakes minutes away, restaurants and adventure operators on the doorstep, and direct trains up to the mountains from Interlaken Ost. It is also where the price range is widest, from the £174 Rössli to the £900 Victoria Jungfrau.

Lakeside and edge-of-town (the Neuhaus by Lake Thun, apartments in Matten and Unterseen, hostels a little out from the centre) trade a few minutes' walk or a short bus ride for lower prices, quieter nights, or a room right on the water. The free Guest Card most hotels give you covers the local buses, so being slightly out is rarely a problem.

The mountain villages — Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren — sit higher and closer to the trailheads and the Jungfraujoch railway, with the region's most dramatic scenery outside the window. They are quieter than Interlaken and generally the same price or dearer, not cheaper. Base here if hiking or skiing is the whole point; base in Interlaken if you want variety, nightlife and day-trips in several directions.

For a first visit, stay central Interlaken and day-trip up. For the lowest nightly rate, look at the most affordable tier below, an apartment in Matten, or a village one stop away like Wilderswil.

The Best-Rated Stays in Interlaken

Interlaken has only a couple of genuine top-tier addresses, so we've grouped them here rather than pretending there's a deep five-star bench. These are the two highest-rated flagship stays in town — one a landmark grand hotel, one a five-star-rated serviced-apartment option. From-prices are live midweek rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for your dates.

1. Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa — Höhematte · 5★ · 1,167 reviews · from ~£894/night. Interlaken's landmark grand hotel, facing the Jungfrau across the Höhematte park since 1865 — a full spa-and-service institution with a large ESPA spa, several restaurants, and the kind of belle-époque scale nothing else in town matches. This is the splurge stay: the address, the view and the spa are the whole point. For couples and special occasions.

2. Swiss Hotel Apartments — Central · 5★ · 363 reviews · from ~£625/night. Five-star-rated serviced apartments in the centre of town — the choice when you want hotel-grade quality but with a kitchen and living space, whether for a family, a longer stay, or self-catering to dodge Switzerland's restaurant prices. More privacy and room than a hotel suite, in a central location. For groups and families who want space at the top end.

Price note: these are estimate from-rates for the best-rated rooms, pulled on live midweek dates; suites, peak summer and the Christmas–New Year week run considerably higher. See all Interlaken stays · search flights to Zurich.

Mid-Range Interlaken Hotels — 8 Four-Star Names

This is where most visitors actually book: real four-star hotels, most of them central and many right on the Höheweg promenade, at rates below the grand-hotel tier but still reflecting Swiss resort-town prices. From-prices are live midweek rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for your dates.

3. Hotel Du Nord — Höheweg · 4★ · 1,883 reviews · from ~£380/night. A well-run four-star right on the Höheweg promenade, walking distance to both stations and the Höhematte — one of the most-reviewed and most central mid-range beds in town. Reliable rooms, a good restaurant, and a location that puts everything on foot. A solid first-visit default.

4. Boutique Hotel Bellevue — Central · 4★ · 1,735 reviews · from ~£477/night. A smaller boutique four-star with a more personal, design-led feel than the big promenade hotels — a good couples' pick for a central stay with character. Compact and well-kept, close to the town's cafés and the river. For travellers who want boutique over grand.

5. Hotel Metropole Interlaken — Höheweg · 4★ · 1,551 reviews · from ~£501/night. Interlaken's tallest building, right on the Höheweg — the draw here is height, with upper-floor rooms and a top-floor terrace and restaurant giving you the Jungfrau view without leaving the hotel. Central to a fault, and a landmark you can't miss. Ask for a high, south-facing room.

6. Hotel Krebs Interlaken — Near West station · 4★ · 1,531 reviews · from ~£377/night. A long-established family-run four-star a step from Interlaken West station — the value end of the mid tier, with classic Swiss hospitality and an easy walk to the shops and promenade. Handy for arrivals and for town-centre days. One of the better-priced four-stars here.

7. Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel — Central · 4★ · 1,049 reviews · from ~£343/night. An adults-only four-star with a vintage, period-styled character — calm, grown-up and central, the pick for couples who want atmosphere without children in the corridors. Well-priced for the tier and full of old-Interlaken charm. For a quieter, romantic stay.

8. Stella Swiss Quality Hotel — Central · 4★ · 931 reviews · from ~£615/night. A comfortable, traditionally-styled four-star with a spa and indoor pool — a good all-rounder for families and couples who want on-site wellness in the centre of town. Warmer and more classic than the boutique places. The pool and sauna set it apart in this tier.

9. Royal St. Georges Hotel (MGallery) — Höheweg · 4★ · 790 reviews · from ~£599/night. A belle-époque grande dame on the Höheweg, now part of Accor's MGallery collection — the most characterful of the four-stars, with period architecture, an indoor pool and a park-side setting facing the Jungfrau. The upscale-heritage choice below the Victoria Jungfrau. For couples who want grandeur at four-star prices.

10. The Golf apartments — Central · 4★ · 109 reviews · from ~£985/night. Four-star-rated serviced apartments for travellers who want space and a kitchen at the upper end — better suited to groups, families or longer stays than a couple after one night. The high from-rate reflects larger, apartment-sized units rather than a standard room. For self-catering at scale.

Price note: these are estimate from-rates for the mid-range tier, pulled on live midweek dates; peak summer, weekends and the festive season run higher. See all Interlaken stays · search flights to Geneva as an alternative gateway.

The Most Affordable Hotels in Interlaken

Here's the honest part. Interlaken is one of the priciest resort towns in the Alps, and there is no true-budget hotel tier the way there is in a big city — the cheapest well-reviewed private room in town, at the 2-star Hotel Rössli, starts around £174 a night, and most of this "affordable" tier still sits in the £230–£450 band. What follows is every one of the 27 more affordable, real and bookable places to stay in Interlaken, ordered cheapest-first: a handful of 2- and 3-star hotels, two proper hostels, and a broad spread of self-catering apartments and apart-hotels — which are usually your best-value move here, because a kitchen lets you sidestep Switzerland's steep restaurant bills. Every property below is a distinct building we verified, with live rates on its JetMeAway page. Midweek from-prices were pulled on live searches while writing; summer and the festive week run higher.

Hotels and hostels (from £174)

11. Hotel Rössli — Central · 2★ · 1,960 reviews · from ~£174/night. The cheapest well-reviewed private-room hotel in town, and with nearly 2,000 reviews it is a proven, popular budget base — a simple, friendly central 2-star within walking distance of everything. This is the honest floor for a private room in Interlaken. Book early, because at this price it goes first.

12. Mattenhof Resort — Matten · resort/apart-hotel · 1,565 reviews · from ~£196/night. A resort complex on the edge of town in Matten with apartment-style units, a pool and grounds — the second-cheapest option here and a strong family pick, because the kitchens and space bring the effective cost down. A short bus or walk from the centre. Great value for groups and longer stays.

13. Balmers Hostel — Matten · hostel · 1,411 reviews · from ~£227/night. Interlaken's legendary backpacker institution in Matten — dorms and private rooms, a lively bar, and a whole adventure-sports operation attached. The social, budget-adventure base of choice; from-price shown is for a private room, with dorm beds cheaper. For young travellers and the paragliding-and-canyoning crowd.

14. Hotel Crystal Interlaken — Central · 3★ · 1,625 reviews · from ~£236/night. A well-reviewed central 3-star that's one of the best-value proper hotels in town — straightforward comfortable rooms a short walk from the Höheweg and the stations. The sensible middle ground between hostel and four-star. A reliable, no-drama choice.

15. Hotel Toscana — Central · 3★ · 2,104 reviews · from ~£314/night. A popular, heavily-reviewed central 3-star with a warm, slightly Italian-flavoured feel — comfortable rooms and a good breakfast, walkable to everything. Consistently rated for service. A safe central mid-budget pick.

16. SALZANO Hotel - Spa - Restaurant — Unterseen · 3★ · 1,040 reviews · from ~£330/night. A modern 3-star with its own spa and restaurant over towards Unterseen — more design-led and wellness-focused than most in this band, and a good couples' choice for the price. The spa is the standout at this level. A short walk or bus from the centre.

17. Hotel Artos Interlaken — Central · 3★ · 1,842 reviews · from ~£340/night. A large, well-organised 3-star popular with tour groups and independent travellers alike — good facilities, restaurant and mountain-view rooms, a short walk from the centre. Efficient and comfortable rather than characterful. Solid for families and groups.

18. Hotel Chalet Swiss — Matten · 3★ · 2,906 reviews · from ~£346/night. A chalet-style 3-star with one of the biggest review counts in town — traditional Swiss looks, gardens and mountain views on the Matten side, a short walk from the centre. Cosy and reliably rated. For travellers who want the wooden-chalet aesthetic without the mountain-village price.

19. Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof — Near Höhematte · hostel · 107 reviews · from ~£355/night. A well-run, sociable hostel right by the Höhematte park with a Jungfrau view from parts of the property — dorms and private rooms, a garden, and a calmer feel than the party-oriented hostels. Central and welcoming; the from-price shown is a private room, dorms cheaper. For budget travellers who want a quieter base in a prime spot.

20. Hotel Weisses Kreuz — Central · 3★ · 142 reviews · from ~£368/night. A central 3-star in a traditional building close to the Höheweg — a straightforward, well-located base for exploring town and the mountains. Fewer reviews than the big names but a handy central address. A dependable town-centre choice.

21. Hotel Central Continental — Near West station · 3★ · 4,271 reviews · from ~£370/night. The most-reviewed hotel in this guide by a wide margin — a big, central 3-star by Interlaken West station, popular with groups and families for its location and value. Consistently busy for good reason. Right where you want to be for town and trains.

22. Hotel Beausite — Near West station · 3★ · 2,322 reviews · from ~£404/night. A historic 3-star near Interlaken West with gardens, an indoor pool and mountain views — more facilities than most at this level, and a favourite with families. A short walk to the centre. The pool and grounds make it feel a notch above its star rating.

23. Neuhaus Golf- & Strandhotel — Lake Thun · 3★ · 3,249 reviews · from ~£456/night. A lakeside 3-star right on Lake Thun with its own beach and a golf course alongside — the pick if you want the water rather than the town, with swimming, boats and lake views on the doorstep. A few minutes out of central Interlaken. For a relaxed, lakeside family or couples' stay.

24. Essential by Dorint Interlaken — Central · 3★ · 1,840 reviews · from ~£604/night. A modern, well-equipped 3-star from the Dorint group — contemporary rooms and a reliable chain-standard experience in a central location. The pricier end of the 3-star band, trading character for consistency. For travellers who want a predictable, up-to-date room.

Apartments and self-catering (from £265)

The best-value way to stay in Interlaken for families, groups and longer trips — a kitchen lets you shop at Coop and Migros and skip the restaurant mark-up. These are the self-catering apartments and apart-hotels in town, cheapest first.

25. Hotel ORA Lakeview bei Interlaken — Near Interlaken · apartment/hotel · 1,436 reviews · from ~£265/night. A well-reviewed lake-view property just outside central Interlaken — apartment-style comfort with a view over the water, one of the better-value picks in this band. A short hop from town. For travellers happy to be slightly out for the view and the price.

26. New West Station — Near West station · apartment · 352 reviews · from ~£293/night. Self-catering apartments right by Interlaken West station — as central and convenient as the name suggests, with a kitchen to keep costs down. Handy for arrivals, town days and shopping. A practical self-catering base in the heart of things.

27. Aparthotel Krone - Self Check-In — Central · apart-hotel · 1,274 reviews · from ~£302/night. A central apart-hotel with self-check-in and kitchen-equipped units — flexible, well-reviewed and good for travellers who want independence and space in the middle of town. No reception queue, just arrive and settle. For self-sufficient stays.

28. Loveroom — Central · apartment · 122 reviews · from ~£316/night. A small, private self-catering apartment aimed at couples wanting their own space in town — intimate and independent rather than a full hotel experience. A niche, romantic option. For two travellers who want privacy over facilities.

29. Ferrari Apartment — Central · apartment · 327 reviews · from ~£317/night. A self-catering apartment in a central Interlaken location — kitchen, living space and the flexibility of your own place, at a fair price for the town. Good for a small family or a couple wanting room to spread out. A straightforward apartment stay.

30. Grand Hotel Beau Rivage Interlaken — Central · aparthotel · 511 reviews · from ~£362/night. A grand riverside building offering apartment-style stays by the Aare in central Interlaken — historic architecture with self-catering flexibility, and a central-yet-riverside setting. More space and character than a standard room. For travellers who want a bit of grandeur with a kitchen.

31. Interlaken Apartments — Central · apartments · 921 reviews · from ~£387/night. A well-reviewed collection of self-catering apartments across central Interlaken — a flexible option for families and groups who want a kitchen and more room than a hotel. Unit sizes and exact locations vary, so check the specific listing. Good for longer or larger stays.

32. Stay Switzerland Apartments — Central · apartments · 174 reviews · from ~£361/night. Modern serviced apartments in central Interlaken — contemporary, kitchen-equipped units for independent travellers and families. A clean, up-to-date self-catering choice in the middle of town. For those who want apartment living with a modern finish.

33. Interlaken City Apartments — Central · apartments · 298 reviews · from ~£453/night. Central self-catering apartments a walk from the promenade and stations — a practical base for families and groups who want space and a kitchen in the heart of town. Convenient and independent. For self-catering right in the centre.

34. Central Park Holiday apartment — Central · apartment · 134 reviews · from ~£448/night. A holiday apartment in a central Interlaken spot near the park and promenade — your own kitchen and living space steps from the Höhematte and the town's cafés. A comfortable base for a small group. For travellers who value a prime location with self-catering.

35. Hapimag Resort Interlaken — Central · resort/apartments · 137 reviews · from ~£506/night. A resort of apartment units from the Hapimag group in central Interlaken — kitchens, resort facilities and space, well-suited to families and longer stays. A polished apart-resort experience. For a comfortable, facilities-led self-catering stay.

36. Family friendly Apartment in the heart of Interlaken — Central · apartment · 38 reviews · from ~£683/night. A larger family-oriented apartment right in the centre of Interlaken — the kind of bigger self-catering unit that suits a family or group needing multiple rooms. The higher from-price reflects the size, so it works out per-head for a full group. For families who want space together in town.

37. Bahnhof West Apartments — Near West station · apartments · 187 reviews · from ~£762/night. Apartments right by Interlaken West station (Bahnhof West) — maximally convenient for trains and town, in larger self-catering units. The from-price reflects bigger apartments rather than a single room. For groups who want space beside the station.

Most affordable tier summary: cheapest well-reviewed private room — Hotel Rössli, from ~£174; best-value family resort — Mattenhof Resort, from ~£196; classic backpacker base — Balmers Hostel, from ~£227; most-reviewed central hotel — Central Continental, 4,200+ reviews, from ~£370. Prices are estimate from-rates pulled on live midweek dates and climb in summer and the festive week. Compare all Interlaken hotels with live prices →

Best Interlaken Hotels for Specific Trips

Interlaken's real choice is less about star rating than about where and how you want to stay. Here's how the 37 hotels above sort by traveller type.

Best Interlaken Hotels for Value

Given the town's floor price, "value" here means the most-reviewed reliable rooms and the self-catering options that cut your food bill. Hotel Rössli (from ~£174) is the cheapest proven private room, Hotel Crystal (from ~£236) the best-value proper 3-star, and the Mattenhof Resort and the apartment listings let families self-cater their way to a lower effective cost. The whole most affordable tier above exists for exactly this question.

Best Interlaken Hotels for Families

Space and a kitchen win here: Mattenhof Resort and Hapimag Resort for apart-resort facilities, the Neuhaus Golf- & Strandhotel for a Lake Thun beach setting, and the larger Interlaken Apartments and Family friendly Apartment for room to spread out. Hotel Beausite adds an indoor pool near the station.

Best Interlaken Hotels for Couples

For romance, the Victoria Jungfrau is the grand splurge, the Royal St. Georges (MGallery) the belle-époque charmer, and the adults-only Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel the calm, grown-up pick. On a smaller budget, the Boutique Hotel Bellevue and the spa-equipped SALZANO Hotel are strong couples' bases.

Best Interlaken Hotels for Views

The Hotel Metropole — the tallest building in town, with a top-floor terrace — and the park-facing Victoria Jungfrau and Royal St. Georges trade on the Jungfrau view, while Hotel ORA Lakeview and the Neuhaus give you the water. Whatever you book, the Harder Kulm funicular is the cheapest way to the widest panorama.

Best Interlaken Hotels for Adventure and Backpackers

Balmers Hostel in Matten is the social, party-and-adventure base, while Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof by the Höhematte is the quieter, more central hostel — both with private rooms as well as dorms, and both well-placed for paragliding, canyoning and rafting operators.

Best Interlaken Hotels for a First Visit

Stay central and walkable: Hotel Du Nord and Hotel Metropole on the Höheweg, Hotel Central Continental and Hotel Krebs by Interlaken West, or the value Hotel Crystal and Hotel Toscana — all put the promenade, the park and the mountain trains within an easy walk.

How Interlaken Compares to Zermatt and Lucerne

Interlaken sits in the same premium bracket as Switzerland's other headline resorts, but with its own character. It is generally a touch more accessible on price than Zermatt or the ultra-premium St. Moritz — car-free Matterhorn and Engadin glamour respectively — while offering more in-town variety and nightlife than either. Compared with Lucerne, central Switzerland's classic lake-and-bridge city, Interlaken trades the Old Town for the mountains: Lucerne is the cultured city base, Interlaken the adventure-and-Jungfrau launchpad. All of them are expensive by UK standards — the Swiss franc and Swiss wages see to that — so the real levers everywhere are your season, your choice of hotel versus apartment, and how often you eat out.

Explore More of Switzerland

Planning a wider Swiss trip? These guides cover the rest of the country, each with the same budget-first, honest-pricing approach:

• Best Hotels in Zurich — the main air hub, lake and Old Town.
• Best Hotels in Geneva — lakefront, the UN, gateway to Mont Blanc.
• Best Hotels in Basel — the Rhine, world-class art, tri-border city.
• Best Hotels in Lucerne — Chapel Bridge, Mt Pilatus, central base.
• Best Hotels in Bern — the UNESCO arcaded capital on the Aare.
• Best Hotels in Lausanne — the Olympic city and Lavaux vineyards.
• Best Hotels in Lugano — Italian-Switzerland's lakeside resort.
• Best Hotels in Zermatt — car-free village under the Matterhorn.
• Best Hotels in St. Moritz — glamorous Engadin resort.
• Best Hotels in Davos — Europe's highest town, big ski area.
• Best Hotels in Verbier — Four Valleys freeride skiing.
• Best Hotels in Leukerbad — the largest thermal-spa resort in the Alps.

Interlaken Hotels FAQs

Is Interlaken expensive for hotels? Yes. Interlaken sits in one of the most expensive countries in the world, and it is a headline alpine resort town, so hotel prices are high year-round. On live midweek searches while writing, the cheapest well-reviewed rooms in town start around £174 a night, most 3-star hotels land in the £230–£400 band, and the four- and five-star places run £380–£900+. There is no true-budget hotel tier here the way there is in a big city — the honest floor is around £174, and hostels and self-catering apartments are the cheapest way to bring that down.

How cheap can hotels in Interlaken get? Realistically, around £174 a night for a private room at the well-reviewed 2-star Hotel Rössli, with the Mattenhof Resort (from ~£196) and the hostels — Balmers (from ~£227) and Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof — the next cheapest options. Below that you are into shared dorm beds rather than private rooms. If your budget is tighter than £170 a night, the usual moves are to travel outside July–August, stay in a self-catering apartment and cook, or base yourself in a cheaper nearby village and day-trip in.

What is the cheapest hotel in Interlaken? On live midweek dates while writing, the cheapest well-reviewed private-room hotel is Hotel Rössli, a central 2-star with nearly 2,000 reviews, from around £174 a night. The Mattenhof Resort (from ~£196) and Balmers Hostel (from ~£227, private rooms as well as dorms) are the next cheapest. Prices climb sharply in high summer and around the Christmas–New Year peak, so book early for those dates.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Interlaken? The town of Interlaken itself is compact, so there is not a huge price gap between neighbourhoods — but the cheaper rooms tend to sit slightly away from the Höheweg promenade and the Höhematte park, over towards Unterseen, Matten and the residential streets near Interlaken West station. Apartments and hostels in Matten (where Balmers is) are usually the lowest nightly rates. The most expensive addresses are the grand hotels directly on or beside the Höhematte with the open Jungfrau view.

Which month is the cheapest to visit Interlaken? The lowest hotel rates fall in the shoulder and low seasons — roughly November (outside any event), and January to March away from the Christmas–New Year peak and school half-terms. April, May, October and early November are calmer and cheaper than the July–August summer peak, while still giving you the mountains. Avoid mid-July to late August and the Christmas week if price is your main concern — those are the dearest dates of the year.

Are there cheaper places to stay near Interlaken? Sometimes, yes. Villages a short train ride away — Wilderswil, Böönigen, Ringgenberg on Lake Brienz, or Spiez and Thun on Lake Thun — can be cheaper than central Interlaken and are all on the rail network. The mountain villages above (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren) are usually the same price or dearer, not cheaper, but they put you closer to the trailheads. For the lowest nightly rate with easy access to Interlaken, look at Wilderswil (one stop) or the Lake Thun towns.

Are there hostels or apartments in Interlaken? Yes — and they are the cheapest way to stay here. Balmers Hostel in Matten and Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof near the Höhematte are the two established backpacker bases, both with private rooms as well as dorms. For self-catering there is a good spread of apartments and apart-hotels — Aparthotel Krone, Mattenhof Resort, Hapimag Resort, ORA Lakeview and a range of Interlaken Apartments listings — which work out well for families and longer stays because you can cook and skip Switzerland's steep restaurant prices.

How much does food cost in Interlaken and do hotels include breakfast? Switzerland is expensive for eating out — budget roughly CHF 25–40 for a casual main, more for a sit-down dinner, and CHF 6–8 for a coffee and pastry. Many hotels here include or offer breakfast, and taking the half-board option at the resort hotels can be better value than eating out every night. If you are watching costs, a self-catering apartment plus the Coop and Migros supermarkets by the stations is the single biggest saving you can make in town.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Interlaken? For a first visit, stay central — within walking distance of the Höheweg promenade and the Höhematte park, so the Jungfrau view, the restaurants and both train stations are close. Hotel Du Nord, Hotel Metropole and the Royal St. Georges sit right on this strip; on a tighter budget, Hotel Rössli, Hotel Crystal and Hotel Toscana are all central. Being near Interlaken Ost station matters most if you plan daily trips up to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfraujoch.

How do I get to Interlaken from the UK? There are no direct flights to Interlaken — you fly to Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA), both served direct from many UK airports in about 1.5–2 hours, then take the train. Zurich to Interlaken Ost is about 2 hours by direct SBB train; Geneva is roughly 2 hours 45 minutes. The Swiss rail network is superb and the scenic GoldenPass line runs through here, so the train leg is part of the trip rather than a chore.

Should I stay in Interlaken or in Grindelwald / Lauterbrunnen? Interlaken is the transport hub and the liveliest base, with the most hotels, restaurants and nightlife, and it is the best choice if you want variety and easy day-trips in several directions. Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen put you higher up and closer to the trailheads and the Jungfraujoch railway, with the dramatic valley scenery on your doorstep, but they are quieter and not cheaper. Many first-timers base in Interlaken and day-trip up; walkers and skiers often prefer to sleep in the mountain villages.

What is there to do in Interlaken? Interlaken is the launchpad for the Jungfrau region: cog railways and cable cars up to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren, the Schilthorn and the Jungfraujoch (the highest railway station in Europe). In town there is the Höhematte park, lake cruises on both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the Harder Kulm funicular for the classic view over the two lakes, and Switzerland's biggest cluster of adventure sports — paragliding, canyoning, skydiving and white-water rafting.

How many nights do you need in Interlaken? Three to four nights is the sweet spot. That gives you one day up to the Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn, one day walking around Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, a lake cruise or Harder Kulm afternoon, and time in town — without rushing. Two nights works if you only want the single big mountain excursion; a week suits keen hikers who want to explore the whole region at a slower pace.

Is Interlaken good for families? Very. The town is flat, walkable and safe, the trains and cable cars are an adventure in themselves for kids, and there is plenty to do that is not just hiking — lake boats, the Harder Kulm funicular, mini-golf and adventure parks. Family-friendly picks include the apart-hotels and resorts with kitchens and pools (Mattenhof Resort, Hapimag Resort, Neuhaus Golf- and Strandhotel by Lake Thun) and larger apartments where you can self-cater to keep costs down.

Which are the best hotels for couples in Interlaken? For a romantic stay, the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is the grande-dame choice with the full spa-and-Jungfrau-view experience, while the Royal St. Georges (MGallery) and the adults-only Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel are more intimate. On a mid-range budget, the Boutique Hotel Bellevue and the SALZANO Hotel with its spa are good couples' bases, and the Neuhaus by Lake Thun trades the town buzz for a lakeside setting.

Which Interlaken hotels have Jungfrau or Eiger views? The classic view hotels front the Höhematte park, which frames the Jungfrau — the Victoria Jungfrau, the Royal St. Georges and the Metropole (Interlaken's tallest building, with a top-floor terrace) all trade on this. Ask specifically for a south-facing or "Jungfrau-view" room when you book, as rates and views vary by floor and side. For the widest panorama over both lakes and the peaks, ride the Harder Kulm funicular rather than paying for a view room.

Do I need a car in Interlaken? No — you are better off without one. Interlaken is walkable end to end, and the train and cable-car network reaches every mountain village and viewpoint far more easily than a car, which you would have to park (expensively) and often could not take up to the car-free resorts like Wengen and Mürren anyway. A Swiss rail pass or regional Jungfrau travel pass is usually the smart buy instead of hiring a car.

What is the Interlaken Guest Card? Most hotels and many apartments in Interlaken give guests a free Guest Card at check-in, which includes benefits like free local buses in the Interlaken–Unterseen–Matten area and discounts on some attractions and cable cars. It does not cover the big mountain railways, but it takes the sting out of local transport. Confirm with your specific property, as the exact perks vary.

When is the best time of year to visit Interlaken? June to September is peak for hiking and lake weather, with the mountain railways all running and long daylight — but it is also the busiest and priciest. December to March is winter-sports season, snowy and festive but cold in town (Interlaken itself is at valley level). May and October are the quiet shoulder months: fewer crowds, lower prices, changeable weather, and some higher lifts closed for maintenance. For the best balance of value and open attractions, aim for June or September.

How far is the Jungfraujoch from Interlaken? The Jungfraujoch — the "Top of Europe" at 3,454m — is reached by train from Interlaken Ost, via either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, in roughly 1.5–2 hours each way depending on the route and connections. It is the region's flagship excursion and one of Switzerland's most expensive tickets, so check the fare and book ahead in high season. On a clear day it is spectacular; if the forecast is cloudy, the Schilthorn or Harder Kulm are cheaper view alternatives.

Interlaken Ost or Interlaken West — which station should I use? Interlaken has two stations. Interlaken West is closer to the town centre, the Höheweg and most of the shops and hotels. Interlaken Ost is the interchange for the mountain railways up to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfraujoch, and for boats on Lake Brienz. If you are day-tripping into the mountains a lot, staying near Ost saves time; for town life and shopping, West is handier. They are one stop or a 20-minute walk apart.

Is Interlaken good for adventure sports? It is one of Europe's adventure-sport capitals. Paragliding off Beatenberg and Amisbühl over the two lakes is the signature activity, and operators also run skydiving, canyoning in the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald gorges, white-water rafting, bungee jumping and via ferrata. Most operators are based in and around town, so any central hotel works as a base; the hostels (Balmers, Backpackers Villa) are especially geared to the adventure crowd.

Are there 5-star hotels in Interlaken? Yes, but only a couple. The Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is the landmark 5-star — a full grand-hotel-and-spa institution facing the Jungfrau — and the Swiss Hotel Apartments offer a five-star-rated serviced-apartment option. Most of Interlaken's upper tier is actually four-star (Du Nord, Metropole, Krebs, Royal St. Georges, Stella, Boutique Bellevue), which is where the bulk of the polished-but-not-palatial rooms sit.

What currency is used in Interlaken and can I pay by card? Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), not the euro — although some tourist businesses accept euros, you will get a poor rate and change in francs. Cards (including contactless) are accepted almost everywhere, so you rarely need much cash. Prices on this page are shown as approximate from-rates in pounds for comparison; you will be charged in francs, so the exact figure moves with the exchange rate.

Which are the best hotels near Interlaken train station? Several central hotels sit within a short walk of the stations. Near Interlaken West you have Hotel Krebs, Hotel Central Continental and the Metropole; the New West Station apartments and Bahnhof West Apartments are named for their position right by West station. For the mountain-railway interchange at Interlaken Ost, look at properties on the eastern side of town. Both stations are close enough that most central hotels are an easy walk from at least one.

How do I book these exact hotels at the prices shown? Every hotel name in this guide links to that hotel's live page on JetMeAway — real-time rates in your currency, all taxes shown, and a date picker to match your trip. The from-prices quoted here were pulled on live midweek searches while writing; your dates will differ, and Interlaken prices swing hard between low season and the summer peak, so tap through for today's number. No booking fees either way.

Ready to Book?

Every hotel above links to its own live-price page — real rates in your currency, taxes included, book in under 90 seconds. No spam, no upsells, no phone calls.

Search all Interlaken Hotels → · Search UK flights to Zurich (ZRH) →