Beyond the Bridges: Interlaken's Best Escapes
Interlaken's bustling streets are just the beginning. We're breaking free from the crowds to uncover the real magic of the Bernese Oberland, from lakeside tranquility to mountaintop thrills.
Postcard-Perfect Lauterbrunnen and Mürren Forget whatever you think you know about Swiss villages, because Lauterbrunnen is here to rewrite the script. Tucked neatly into a valley carved by glaciers, it’s flanked by monumental cliffs and 72 roaring waterfalls. Seriously, 72. You’ll spot Staubbach Falls almost immediately, plummeting 300 meters right into the village. Grab a coffee and just be for a moment. But don’t linger too long, because even better views await.
A quick cable car ride and a dinky train will whisk you up to Mürren, a car-free village clinging to a ledge high above the valley floor. The air up here is cleaner, the cowbells are clearer, and the panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau is frankly unbelievable. This isn’t a place for ticking off attractions; it’s a place for long walks (the Northface Trail is a stunner), deep breaths, and probably the best fondue of your life at a cozy mountain restaurant. We love the unpretentious vibe of Hotel Eiger for classic Swiss fare with a million-dollar view.
Grindelwald: Adventure’s Playground If Lauterbrunnen is for serene contemplation, Grindelwald is where you go to get your adrenaline fix. This isn’t some backwater village; it’s a vibrant hub buzzing with hikers, paragliders, and mountaineers. Even if you’re not planning to scale the mighty Eiger, you can still get a taste of its grandeur by taking the gondola up to First. From the cliff walk (not for the faint of heart!) to the First Flyer zipline, it’s an absolute blast.
Down in the village, the main street is lined with gear shops and restaurants. Our pick for a hearty post-adventure meal is Barry’s Restaurant & Bar at the Hotel Eiger (yes, another Hotel Eiger, they’re everywhere here and all good!) for its lively atmosphere and solid local dishes. While Interlaken itself has plenty of things to do, Grindelwald offers a distinctly different flavor of mountain excitement. If you’re looking for tours and experiences that get your heart rate up, this is your spot.
Lake Thun and Spiez: Lakeside Charm Sometimes, you just need to swap jagged peaks for shimmering waters. Lake Thun, or Thunersee, is the perfect antidote to too much mountain air. Hop on one of the elegant paddle steamers from Interlaken West and cruise across the turquoise expanse. The views back towards the Bernese Alps are spectacular, and you can simply relax and let the world drift by.
Your prime target here should be Spiez. Dominated by its fairytale castle perched on a peninsula, it’s easily one of the most picturesque towns in Switzerland. Spend an hour exploring the castle, with its ancient Romanesque church and breathtaking views over the lake and vineyards. Afterwards, grab a table at a lakeside restaurant – something simple with fresh fish and a glass of local white wine. The Strandhotel Seeblick Restaurant offers exactly that, with an unbeatable vista. It