Where to Stay in Interlaken: Best Areas and Nearby Villages
Choosing where to stay in Interlaken can shape your whole Swiss Alps trip. Stay in the center if you want quick trains, restaurants, and tours. Pick Unterseen, Matten, Bönigen, Wilderswil, Ringgenberg, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or Wengen if you want quieter streets, lake views, or faster access to mountain trails.
What’s in This Article
Quick Answer
The best place to stay in Interlaken depends on your travel style. Choose central Interlaken for transport and nightlife, Unterseen for charm, Bönigen or Ringgenberg for lake views, and Wilderswil for mountain trips. Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Wengen work better if your main goal is alpine scenery.
Key Takeaways
- Stay in central Interlaken if you want the easiest train, boat, shop, and restaurant access.
- Choose Unterseen if you want a quieter old-town feel within walking distance of Interlaken West.
- Pick Bönigen or Ringgenberg if lake views and a slower pace matter most.
- Stay in Wilderswil if you want a practical base for Schynige Platte and nearby mountain trips.
- Choose Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or Wengen if you prefer an alpine village over a town base.
Old Town Interlaken
Old Town Interlaken works well if you want a lively and convenient base. You’ll find hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, and tour offices close to Interlaken West and the main streets.
The area gives you fast access to trains, boats, and local buses. That makes it a smart choice if you plan day trips to Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Lake Thun, or Lake Brienz.
You can also walk to Höhematte, the large green park between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. On clear days, the park gives you open views toward the Jungfrau region.
Central Interlaken suits first-time visitors, short stays, and travelers who don’t want to rely on taxis. It can feel busy in peak travel months, so book a quieter side street if you prefer calm nights.
Unterseen
Unterseen sits just west of central Interlaken and gives you a calmer feel. You can still walk to Interlaken West, but the streets feel more local and less crowded.
The village has traditional buildings, small restaurants, and quiet lanes near the Aare River. It works well if you want charm without losing easy access to transport.
You’ll find good access to Lake Thun routes, river walks, and local services. Families and couples often prefer Unterseen because it balances convenience with a slower pace.
Matten bei Interlaken
| Category | Metric |
|---|---|
| Population | About 3,000 |
| Area | About 6 km² |
| Altitude | About 570 m |
| Postal code | 3800 |
Matten bei Interlaken sits just south of central Interlaken. It gives you a more residential base while keeping you close to shops, restaurants, and tour departures.
This area can suit families, longer stays, and travelers who want more space. You can reach central Interlaken by walking, bus, or a short local ride.
Matten also works well if you want quick access to outdoor activities. You’ll find nearby routes for walking, cycling, and scenic trips toward the Jungfrau region.
Note: Harder Kulm is a viewpoint above Interlaken, not a ski resort, so plan winter skiing in larger nearby areas.
Bönigen
Bönigen sits beside Lake Brienz, east of Interlaken. It suits you if you want lake views, a peaceful village feel, and easy access to the water.
The waterfront promenade makes Bönigen a good choice for slow walks, photos, and quiet mornings. You can also enjoy swimming areas and picnic spots in warm weather.
The village has traditional Swiss buildings and a calmer mood than central Interlaken. It works best for couples, families, and travelers who don’t need nightlife outside the door.
You can still reach Interlaken easily by bus, bike, or local transport. That gives you access to tours and trains without staying in the busiest part of town.
Wilderswil
Wilderswil sits a few kilometers south of Interlaken and offers a strong base for mountain trips. It feels quieter than central Interlaken but still keeps you well connected.
The village gives you easy access to the Schynige Platte Railway. This classic mountain railway climbs through forests and meadows toward wide views of the Bernese Alps.
Wilderswil also works well for hikers and travelers with a car. You can reach Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and central Interlaken without staying in the busiest hotel zones.
Choose Wilderswil if you want a practical mix of calm streets, mountain access, and fair transport links. It’s a smart choice for active travelers.
Ringgenberg
Ringgenberg sits on the northern side of Lake Brienz. It gives you lake views, quiet streets, and a more local feel than central Interlaken.
The village suits travelers who want nature close by. You can walk near the lake, take photos, and enjoy a slower pace after busy day trips.
Ringgenberg also has historic charm, including castle ruins and a church above the lake. From the higher points, you can look across Lake Brienz toward the mountains.
Stay here if you value scenery and calm over quick nightlife. You’ll still need to plan your transport times, especially for early tours.
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is one of the most scenic valleys near Interlaken. It has steep cliffs, alpine views, and famous waterfalls, including Staubbach Falls.
The valley attracts hikers, photographers, and travelers who want a true mountain setting. You can also use it as a gateway to Mürren, Wengen, and higher alpine routes.
Lauterbrunnen works better than central Interlaken if your main goal is nature. You’ll wake up closer to trails, cable cars, and dramatic valley views.
It may feel less convenient for lake trips and town nightlife. Choose it when mountain scenery matters more than central access.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a well-known mountain resort about 20 kilometers from Interlaken. It sits below famous peaks and gives you strong access to alpine activities.
In winter, visitors use Grindelwald as a ski and snow-sport base. In warmer months, the village gives you access to hiking trails, cable cars, and high viewpoints.
One popular attraction is the First Cliff Walk, a suspended walkway with wide views over the valley. The area also offers routes for many fitness levels.
Stay in Grindelwald if you want a resort feel and direct mountain access. Stay in Interlaken if you want a wider transport hub for many day trips.
Wengen
Wengen is a car-free mountain village above Lauterbrunnen Valley. You can reach it by train, which helps keep the village calm and scenic.
The village gives you views toward the Jungfrau region and easy access to alpine walks. In winter, it also connects well with the ski area.
Wengen suits travelers who want a quiet mountain stay instead of a town base. It feels more remote, so you should check train times before booking early departures.
How to Choose the Best Area to Stay in Interlaken
Start with your main reason for visiting Interlaken. If you want the easiest base for many day trips, stay near Interlaken West, Interlaken Ost, or the central hotel area.
If you want calm streets but still want town access, choose Unterseen or Matten. These areas work well for families, longer stays, and travelers who prefer quieter evenings.
If lake views matter most, look at Bönigen or Ringgenberg. If mountain views matter most, compare Wilderswil, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Wengen.
- Choose central Interlaken for the best transport convenience.
- Choose Unterseen for a quieter old-town feel.
- Choose Matten for a local base close to Interlaken.
- Choose Bönigen or Ringgenberg for lake views.
- Choose Wilderswil for practical mountain access.
- Choose Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or Wengen for alpine scenery.
A good rule is simple. Stay in Interlaken if you want flexibility, and stay in a nearby village if you already know which scenery or activity matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best areas to stay in Interlaken?
The best areas to stay in Interlaken are central Interlaken, Unterseen, Matten, Bönigen, Wilderswil, and Ringgenberg. If you want a more alpine setting, also compare Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Wengen.
What are the advantages of staying in the city center of Interlaken?
Staying in the city center gives you easy access to trains, restaurants, shops, and tour meeting points. It’s the best choice for first-time visitors and short trips.
What are the advantages of staying in Unterseen?
Unterseen gives you a quieter base near Interlaken West. You still get restaurants, local streets, river walks, and easy access to central Interlaken.
What are the advantages of staying in Wilderswil?
Wilderswil gives you a peaceful village base near Interlaken. It also works well for Schynige Platte, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and other mountain trips.
Is it better to stay in Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen?
Stay in Interlaken if you want better transport flexibility for lakes, towns, and many day trips. Stay in Lauterbrunnen if your main goal is waterfalls, cliffs, and mountain scenery.
The best area to stay in Interlaken depends on how you plan to spend your days. Choose the center for convenience, the lake villages for calm views, and the alpine villages for mountain scenery. Before you book, check the nearest train or bus stop, not just the distance on a map. A well-chosen base will make your Swiss Alps trip easier, smoother, and more memorable.
References
- Interlaken Tourism — Official destination information
- Jungfrau Region — Official mountain and transport information
- Swiss Federal Railways — Train and public transport information
