Interlaken

Language

The official language spoken in Interlaken is Swiss-German, however most people there also speak English.

Currency

The currency used in Interlaken is Swiss francs.

Best travel time

The climate in Interlaken is moderate and favorable. It is a wonderful winter destination as during the winter it snows frequently, and often during the day the sun will be shining. During the summer it is quite hot and the weather is very good.

Visa requirements

Entering Switzerland you do not need a visa, you will only need a valid passport.

Vaccinations

Other than the standard vaccinations you do not need any other vaccinations.

Traditions and Culture

Interlaken is a small town in the Bernese Highlands and is a very popular destination for outdoor sports or to travel around the Bernese Oberland Alps. It is custom to go hiking in the Alps surrounding Interlaken. A Tradition in Interlaken is the “Unspunnenfest” held in Interlaken and surrounding communities and is only held every 12 years. This festival highlights the traditional Swiss culture which is expressed through a series of activities such as “steinstossen” (a type of stone put), “schwingen” (a type of wrestling) and “yodeling”.

By bus

There is a local bus service in Interlaken which rotates in and around the city making everything very accessible. The train service throughout the whole of Switzerland is also very reliable and enables easy transportation.

By plane

When going to Interlaken the closest international airport is Bern Airport which receives international flights coming in and out on a daily basis. This Airport is located about half an hour away from Interlaken. At the airport it is possible to rent a car which should be ordered in advance.

Sights

When in Interlaken there are many things worth seeing which include the “Hohewed” which is Interlaken’s main street, the “Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn” one of the most famous mountains in the Alps and “Unterseen” which is a small old town in Interlaken.

Events

Some of the main events in Interlaken include: - The Jungfrau Marathon ( in September) - The Unspunnenfest a traditional festival (occurs every 12 years) - The Red Bull Air Race World Series (July) - The Greenfield Music Festival (Summer)

Food

The food in Interlaken is very typical Swiss food therefore some specialties include cheese fondue, Raclete, Rösti and a variety of different local cheese sorts.