Why stay in Interlaken?
Interlaken is a small city in Switzerland, but it's a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts and backpackers en route through Europe. Its beautiful location between two lakes, Brienz and Thun, means it is picturesque right from the train station.
Interlaken isn't about historic churches, it's about outdoor activities. The town's main street is fine to wander if you're looking for souvenirs, but the real things to do in Interlaken involve getting away from main street. You can walk along the shores of both of Interlaken's lakes - one route even takes you through a small nature reserve. You can also hike or mountain bike along some great scenic trails. In nice weather, you can swim in both lakes or go sailing. For those with a little more of an adventurous spirit, you can get yourself into paragliding, bungee jumping and rock climbing in Interlaken. In the wintertime you can bundle up for some skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or sledding - there's even a company which will take you on night-time sled runs. No matter the season, nature lovers and adrenaline junkies will find something to keep them happy in Interlaken.
The kinds of travelers who come to Interlaken ensure that there will always be cheap accommodations in this small city. They won't always have available beds, however, especially during the busy seasons. If you're planning to visit in summer, you'd better book in advance. And keep in mind that "hostels" are not just for young backpackers (even if the property has the word "backpacker" in the name!) - they're just the thing for any budget traveler who's interested in being social and meeting other travelers. A few noteworthy Interlaken hostels are highlighted below.
Rugenpark B&B is a three minute walk from the Interlaken West train station and five minutes from the center of town. Walters B&B is a bed and breakfast with rooms for two, three and four people.
Hotel Blume is a five minute walk from the Interlaken West train station and boasts its own Mexican restaurant. Happy Inn Lodge is a hostel located five minutes from the Interlaken West train station.
If none of these hostels sounds like it's ideal for you, that's nothing to worry about. There are other Interlaken hostels listed here which you can choose from. Just read the descriptions until you find the one that matches your criteria.
What else do you need for your trip? No matter what it is, we can help you find it. You can look for the best deals on international airfare to Switzerland and book your ticket now. You can also learn more about the area in our Interlaken Travel Guide.