3 Reasons To Visit Interlaken, Switzerland + How To Do It Cheaply

   

Majestic.  Baffling.  Vibrant.  Moving.  Breathtaking.  Incomparable.  All words people may use to describe this noteworthy place.  For some, it’s a yearly vacation to this safe haven of sorts; to others, a once in a lifetime chance to see it. Surely you’ve heard of it.

Our 3 reasons to visit Interlaken were driven by wanting to hike and rock climb in the Swiss Alps, but just coming for the beauty and nice people is a great reason too.  Interlaken has so much to offer if you love nature and being outdoors.

The Swiss Alps.  It’s nearly impossible to Google search the world’s greatest hikes without a mention of Interlaken’s Swiss Alps.  

The Swiss Alps are a land of endless possibilities that caters to a number of different activity interests for all ages and capabilities.  Visitors of the region come to ski in the winter, hike or backpack in the summer, and indulge in everything that the world’s extreme sports capital offers year round.

 

Not only do people come for the beauty, the town and region of Interlaken carries with it a happy, pure, heart-warming atmosphere that radiates into locals and visitors alike. 

So for those who seek peace, nature, adventure, fun, or the essence of life, check out all the reasons you should visit.  

 

Reason #1 to Visit Interlaken: It’s a Hikers Paradise

If you are a hiker or backpacker, the Swiss Alps must be at the top of your bucket list.  Frankly, there are few mountain ranges on Earth that contains such large, green, snow-capped mountains that can be hiked (Glacier National Park and the Routeburn Track being other examples). 

It’s a backpackers paradise here. Because of the endless hiking routes complete with mountain huts for sleeping and eating wine and cheese, you could spend along time trekking among the these mountains in pure bliss. 

For those seeking day hikes or spectacular views, spend a few days in the mountains by staying in one of the many high altitude villages that require a train to get to.  The prettiest hikes are high up in the Alps and from these villages, you can be much closer to the prettier parts,  which means less hiking and more reward.

Related Blog: 50 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe

 

Reason #2 to Visit Interlaken: So Much Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is widely participated in the whole European continent but nowhere quite as much as Switzerland.  As the adventure sports center of the whole country, you can expect to find a crag at every corner in Interlaken. 

No matter your experience in climbing, trad or sport, you can rest easy knowing that there will be an area perfect for you.  As we are relatively beginner climbers, we enjoyed climbing Wilderswil. 

In all the areas that we climbed we were met with great vibes and happy spirits.  If you feel up to some rad multi-pitch climbs with panoramic views of gorgeous valleys, rivers, glaciers, waterfalls, and the surprisingly beautiful Grimsel Dam, be sure to go to Grimsel Pass, which is less than an hour’s drive from Interlaken. Here too you will find a wide range of levels for climbers.  This is the perfect place to do easy multi pitches due to the low angle and walk-off feature.

Related Blog: Adventure Road Trip Through Switzerland

 

Reason #3 to Visit Interlaken: People Just Love Being Outdoors

While there is a high population of adrenaline junkies in the region due to the access of high cliffs, towering peaks, powerful rapids, and open grassy pastures for landings, many folks don’t partake in such extreme activities. 

However, nearly everyone enjoys movement in nature and just being active. 

Many partake in morning runs along the lake, bike rides into the forest, a hike up a mountain, a ski down the slopes. 

 

The people will send such warm welcomes at any given time, with a “good morning” here and a “have a nice day” there, that it’s not hard to believe that it’s one of the happiest country in the world.  I mean, come on, it’s hard to be grumpy when you have good food, kind neighbors, and the Swiss Alps as your backyard.

 

Related Blogs

• Best Europe Itineraries: Top Destinations For Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
•  Our Favorite Town in all of Europe, Hossegor

Hope you enjoy your trip to Switzerland as much as we did.  We’d love to hear where your favorite place to adventure is in this beautiful country.  Let us know in the comments below!

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