Interlaken is the crossroads of the Bernese Oberland: two lakes, two railway stations and a compact centre that funnels travellers up to the Jungfrau region. It is first and foremost a base for day trips, which makes the choice of neighbourhood a practical one, how close are you to the trains, and how quiet are your nights.
Interlaken's areas at a glance
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Höheweg and the centre | First visits, hotels facing the Jungfrau meadow |
| Around Interlaken Ost | Earliest trains to the mountain villages |
| Unterseen old town | Historic lanes, quieter evenings |
| Matten and the outskirts | More space, easy bus links |
Höheweg and the centre: the classic address
The Höheweg promenade runs between the two stations past the Höhematte meadow, with its famous open view toward the Jungfrau. This is where Interlaken's grand-hotel tradition lives on, and where you are closest to restaurants and boat piers alike. Start with our selection of hotels in central Interlaken for addresses within a few minutes of a station.
Around Interlaken Ost: made for day-trippers
Trains to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the Jungfraujoch all leave from Interlaken Ost. If your week is built around early mountain starts, staying within walking distance of Ost saves a connection every single morning. Browse the wider list of hotels in Interlaken and filter by position rather than style.
Unterseen: the old town across the river
Two minutes across the Aare, Unterseen's small squares and dark-timbered houses predate Interlaken's tourism era. Evenings are noticeably calmer here, and the walk into the centre is short and pleasant. It suits travellers who want the location without the promenade bustle.
Or skip the town for a village base
Interlaken is convenient, but it is not the mountain experience itself. If your trip is really about the peaks, consider sleeping higher: Grindelwald for glacier scenery and lifts, or car-free Wengen above the Lauterbrunnen valley. Our regional overview of hotels around Interlaken compares town and village bases side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay in Interlaken or Grindelwald?
Stay in Interlaken for flexibility, two lakes, many rail lines, more restaurants. Stay in Grindelwald if the mountains are the point and you would rather wake up already inside the scenery.
Which station should I stay near?
Ost for the Jungfrau region, West for the town itself and Lake Thun boats. The two are fifteen minutes apart on foot, so nothing is ever far.
Where is quietest?
Unterseen and the residential streets south of the Höhematte. Avoid rooms directly on the main through-road if you are a light sleeper.
Is Interlaken a good base without a car?
One of the best in the Alps. Trains, buses and boats cover the whole region, and most hotels are within walking distance of a station.
How many nights make sense?
Three nights cover the classic day trips, Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen valley and a lake cruise. A week lets you add higher hikes without rushing.
Lake Thun side or Lake Brienz side?
Thun has more villages and castles, Brienz the wilder shoreline and the steamers to Giessbach. From central Interlaken you can reach both piers on foot, so choose your hotel by neighbourhood first.