SwissNet Hotels
Bern Oberland, Switzerland
Between two lakes, beneath three peaks.
Interlaken sits on a narrow strip of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau rising directly to the south.
What distinguishes it from other Swiss resort towns is the combination of grand hotel heritage and genuine outdoor access. The Victoria-Jungfrau has been operating since 1865. Within thirty minutes, you can be at the base of one of the most famous mountain faces in the Alps.
Interlaken has two layers that don't always overlap. The town centre attracts a high volume of day tourists and adventure sports operators — paragliding, skydiving, canyon jumping. The grand hotel zone around the Höhematte meadow operates at a different register: quieter, more residential, and better suited to luxury travelers.
The Victoria-Jungfrau anchors this upper layer of the destination. Guests who stay there experience a different Interlaken from those passing through on group tours.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is the dominant address — a Belle Époque grand hotel open since 1865 with direct Jungfrau views, one of the larger hotel spas in Switzerland, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage offers a quieter alternative on Lake Thun, better for travelers who want lake views and a less central position.
Grand Hotel Regina in nearby Grindelwald suits travelers who want to be closer to the ski area and Jungfrau hiking rather than in the valley town.
Summer — June to September — is Interlaken at its best. Hiking trails open fully, the lakes warm for swimming, and the mountain views are sharpest in early morning light.
Winter brings skiing access via Grindelwald and Wengen, though Interlaken itself sits at low altitude and rarely gets snow in the town. Autumn is underrated — October valley light is exceptional and visitor numbers drop significantly.
Against Zermatt or Verbier, Interlaken is not a ski resort in the same way — it is a valley base from which skiing is accessed by train or cable car rather than directly from the hotel. It suits travelers who want the Jungfrau region as a base for multiple activities rather than dedicated ski weeks.
Against Lucerne, Interlaken is more outdoor-oriented and less culturally focused. Lucerne is the stronger city break; Interlaken is the stronger nature and activity base.
Getting There
Around 2 hours from both Zurich and Geneva by direct train — one of Switzerland's most scenic rail routes. From Zurich the route passes through Bern and along Lake Thun. From Geneva it runs along Lake Geneva through Lausanne before climbing into the Bernese Oberland.
From Interlaken, the Jungfrau railway connects to Grindelwald, Wengen, and Jungfraujoch.

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel Interlaken
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is a 5-star luxury hotel in Switzerland and one of the finest Belle Époque grand hotels in Europe, open since 1865. Located at Höheweg 41 in the centre of Interlaken, the hotel offers direct views of the Jungfrau (4,158 m) and features 216 rooms and suites, a 5,500 m² spa, and Radius by Stefan Beer — a 1 Michelin-starred restaurant with a Green Michelin Star for sustainability and 17 GaultMillau points. It is particularly well suited for wellness retreats, couples, families, and luxury travelers seeking a historic grand hotel in the Bernese Oberland. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World and Swiss Deluxe Hotels, it was awarded 2 Michelin Keys by the Michelin Guide in 2025.
Grand Hotel Regina
Grand Hotel Regina is a luxurious alpine retreat in the heart of Interlaken, offering stunning views of the Swiss mountains and world-class hospitality. This prestigious property combines belle époque charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for discerning travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Perfectly positioned between the Eiger and Jungfrau peaks, the hotel provides easy access to hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities year-round.
Grand Beau Rivage Interlaken
Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage is a magnificent Belle Époque palace hotel on the Höheweg promenade in Interlaken, combining grand Victorian architecture with modern wellness facilities and panoramic Jungfrau views.

Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken
Hotel Royal St Georges is one of Interlaken's most historic grand hotels, a beautifully restored Belle Époque property with elegant rooms, panoramic Jungfrau views and a celebrated wellness centre. A member of Historic Hotels of Europe, it combines timeless Swiss hospitality with a prime position in the heart of Interlaken.

Carlton-Europe Vintage Hotel
An exceptional adults-only 4-star vintage hotel in central Interlaken, blending classic European elegance with modern comfort and outstanding hospitality.

Boutique Hotel Bellevue Interlaken
A highly-rated 4-star boutique hotel in central Interlaken with stunning balcony views of the Alps, stylish rooms, and excellent service.

Belvédère Strandhotel Spiez
A lakefront hotel in Spiez near Interlaken offering beautiful views of Lake Thun, elegant rooms, and a peaceful setting in the Bernese Oberland.

SALZANO Hotel & Spa
A charming family-run 3-star superior hotel in Swiss chalet style near Interlaken, with alpine spa, restaurant terrace, and views of the Eiger and Lake Thun.
Curated Guides
Compare Hotels in Interlaken
Q.Is the Victoria-Jungfrau worth the premium over other Interlaken hotels?
A.For travelers who want a grand hotel experience in the Jungfrau region, yes — there is no comparable alternative in the same category in Interlaken itself. The spa scale, the Michelin-starred restaurant, and the Belle Époque setting are not replicated elsewhere in the town. For those who want lake views over Jungfrau views, Lindner Beau Rivage on Lake Thun offers a quieter alternative at a lower price point.
Q.Should I stay in Interlaken or go up to Grindelwald or Wengen?
A.Interlaken suits travelers who want a valley base with easy train access to multiple areas — Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Thun, and Bern are all within 30-50 minutes. Grindelwald suits those who want to be directly at the ski area and Eiger hiking trails. Wengen suits those who want a car-free mountain village experience closer to the slopes.
Q.Is Interlaken a good base for a non-skiing winter trip?
A.It works, but winter is the weakest season for non-skiers. The main draws — lake swimming, Jungfrau hiking, and outdoor activities — are reduced. The Victoria-Jungfrau stays open and the spa is a draw in itself, but travelers who want winter scenery without skiing are better served by Zermatt's car-free village atmosphere.