If I had to pick the place with the most to do in Switzerland, Interlaken would absolutely make the list. True to its name—meaning “between lakes”—Interlaken is perfectly situated for water sports and leisure, but it’s also world-renowned for paragliding. Plus, it’s the gateway to charming nearby villages like Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Spiez. With iconic Alpine peaks such as Jungfrau and Eiger just a stone’s throw away, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the best of the Swiss Alps.
Table of Contents
Interlaken Weather
Interlaken is a famous Swiss resort town perfectly positioned between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The views of the Alps, especially the Jungfrau massif, are breathtaking—and there’s something for everyone, from swimming or canoeing to paragliding and skiing, depending on the season.
Interlaken weather carries the influence of the Alps, resulting in a mountainous climate—consistent precipitation year-round, generally cool, pleasant temperatures.
- Summer (June–August): The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Winter (December–February): Heavy snowfall creates prime conditions for skiing and snowboarding, but be prepared for blizzards and sub-zero temperatures.
- Spring & Autumn: Mornings and evenings can be chilly, but it’s a great time to visit if you want to avoid summer crowds and still enjoy the outdoors.
Zermatt Day Trip: Gornergrat, Lake Trail & Matterhorn Webcam
Spiez: The Hidden Gem on Lake Thun
Spiez (Spiez) is a quaint little town nestled on the shores of Lake Thun (Thunersee). I ended up stopping here briefly to transfer trains because there was no direct connection from Visp to Interlaken.
You can even take a lake cruise on Thun Lake from here, and since Spiez is only 15 minutes by train from Interlaken, it’s a popular spot for day trips. There’s also the over-1,000-year-old Spiez Castle, making it perfect for a half-day visit.
Spiez Castle Visitor Information
Opening Hours
- Museum & Café
- Open daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Mondays: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- June & July: Open until 6:00 PM
- Church
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Admission Fees
- Museum (including Tower)
- Adults 12 CHF
- Students 10 CHF
- Children (6–16) 5 CHF
- Free for children under 6, and Swiss Pass holders
- The castle church and gardens are free to enter.
For more details and up-to-date information, visit the official Spiez Castle website.
While the castle itself is impressive, sometimes it’s enough just to lie down under the sun or go for a swim—there’s simply nothing more heavenly. Next time I’m in Switzerland, I’d love to spend a full day in Spiez, as it had such a relaxing, inviting atmosphere.
Lake Brienz (Brienzersee): A Dreamlike Swiss Lake
While waiting for the train to Mürren from Interlaken Ost (East station), I decided to walk to Lake Brienz (Brienzersee), which is within easy walking distance.
Linked to Lake Thun by the Aare River, both lakes are lined with scenic homes—making me wonder just how expensive Swiss real estate must be. Despite the high prices, the peaceful, picturesque atmosphere made me fantasize about someday living in one of these lakeside cottages, enjoying life at a slower pace.
Watching the easy flow of the river, I felt all my worries fade away. I wondered if the people living here felt the same serenity. Some houses were so close to the river, you could step right out onto your boat—a few had empty docks, their owners probably out for a ride.
After about 20 minutes’ walk from Interlaken Ost, Lake Brienz revealed itself. Honestly, I just wandered over without much expectation, but the sheer size of the lake and its unreal, jade-green color blew me away.
I initially planned to just dip my feet, but once I saw the water, I knew I’d regret not going all in. So, I tossed caution aside and dove in for a swim, not caring whether my clothes would dry in time. The water was a bit chilly, so I couldn’t stay in for too long, but after lugging my suitcase on a hot summer’s day, it was the perfect way to cool off.
As I dried off, I spotted what seemed to be a big family group—possibly tourists, and couldn’t help but wonder how much a trip like this would cost them in Switzerland. Even relaxing on the lakeshore, thoughts about money crept in—after all, even renting a paddleboard is expensive here. It made me reflect: maybe, having the chance to travel here at all means I’ve already succeeded in life.
Either way, swimming in Lake Brienz was a huge highlight. The water is crystal clear and refreshing; if you’re visiting Interlaken, I highly recommend taking a swim in the lake.
You can enter the lake from nearly anywhere, but the spot I chose was closest to Interlaken Ost station. If you don’t feel like swimming, there’s a bench and shade right by the water, making it an ideal spot to relax and take in the lake’s beauty. On my walk back to the station for my train to Mürren, I couldn’t take my eyes off that unforgettably turquoise water. I’ll definitely be back someday.
Final Thoughts
In this post, I shared my travel stories from Spiez and Interlaken, Switzerland. I hadn’t even heard of Spiez before, but it turned out to be a surprisingly charming village. Swimming in Lake Brienz became one of my most memorable moments in Switzerland.
Since I visited during peak season without much planning, I couldn’t find good accommodation and had to move on to Mürren sooner than I would’ve liked. Next time, I’d love to spend at least one night here—even if it’s pricey. The experience is absolutely worth it!
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, don’t miss out on Spiez, Interlaken, and a swim in the lakes—you won’t regret it!
HDND travel
All around the world