Interlaken is an adventurous town known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or hiking in nature, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Interlaken, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Interlaken?
A typical traveler spends $323 (Sfr254) per day on a trip to Interlaken. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Interlaken based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $129 (Sfr101) on meals
- $15 (Sfr12) on local transportation
- $310 (Sfr243) on hotels
A one-week trip to Interlaken for two people costs, on average, $4,524 (Sfr3,556). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$2,262
Sfr1,778
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$4,524
Sfr3,556
-
One Month
Per person
$9,695
Sfr7,620
-
One Week
For a couple
$4,524
Sfr3,556
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$9,049
Sfr7,112
-
One Month
For a couple
$19,391
Sfr15,240
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Interlaken cost?
A one week trip to Interlaken usually costs around $2,262 (Sfr1,778) for one person and $4,524 (Sfr3,556) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Interlaken on average costs around $4,524 (Sfr3,556) for one person and $9,049 (Sfr7,112) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Interlaken will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Interlaken on average costs around $9,695 (Sfr7,620) for one person and $19,391 (Sfr15,240) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Interlaken expensive to visit?
In Interlaken, budget travelers spend $137 (Sfr111) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $312 (Sfr254) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $610 (Sfr496) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Interlaken.
Interlaken is a popular town that attracts a diverse array of travelers, reflecting a mix of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you choose to make it so, Interlaken can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Interlaken is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Paris or Basel.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Interlaken Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Interlaken?
The average Interlaken trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Interlaken travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Interlaken cost?
Interlaken on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$69
(Sfr54)
|
$155
(Sfr122)
|
$283
(Sfr222)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$5
(Sfr4.30)
|
$15
(Sfr12)
|
$46
(Sfr36)
|
|
Food2
|
$55
(Sfr43)
|
$129
(Sfr101)
|
$266
(Sfr209)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$53
(Sfr42)
|
$121
(Sfr95)
|
$231
(Sfr182)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-13
(Sfr3-10)
|
$10-30
(Sfr8-23)
|
$18-54
(Sfr14-42)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Interlaken cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $137 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Interlaken is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Balmers Hostel, Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Hostel Interlaken), and Happy Inn Lodge. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic. The town also includes an efficient public transit system, which is perfect for budget travelers looking to avoid high taxi or rideshare fees. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Interlaken, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Interlaken will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $312 per person, per day.
Interlaken offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Aparthotel Goldey is an excellent choice, while Hotel Alphorn is also a great option. While in Interlaken, couples should consider staying at Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel for a romantic getaway. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Interlaken.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $610. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the town, be prepared for premium pricing. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as GoTo Basel Airport BSL MLH LFSB Private Code E85 - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Interlaken
Hotel rates in Interlaken vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $147 to $274. Expect prices to range from $75 for budget hotels to $786 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Interlaken for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $310 (Sfr243). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $155 (Sfr122) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Interlaken? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Interlaken include:
- Hotel Interlaken starting at $155
- Stella Swiss Quality Hotel starting at $103
- Hotel Bellevue Interlaken starting at $159
- Hotel Du Nord Interlaken starting at $137
- Aparthotel Goldey starting at $228
While Interlaken has a great public transit system that allows for staying farther from the town, cheaper accommodations could lead to more expensive and time-consuming commutes.
Interlaken is known for being family friendly, so when traveling with kids, look for accommodations that offer more space.
For a dreamy honeymoon in Interlaken, a luxury hotel stay is the way to go. Consider some of the best options like Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel, Salzano Hotel - Spa - Restaurant, and Hotel Chalet Swiss.
Many people spend up to a week in Interlaken. If you're here for an extended time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be helpful for preparing your own meals.
If you plan to avoid summer and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
During the ski season, prices often escalate, so make sure to book ahead. Many accommodations with easy slope access can sell out quickly and may be on the pricey side.
Transportation Budget in Interlaken
Interlaken is known for its efficient public transit system. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas. Save time and money by using public transportation, with taxis and rideshares available if you need them.
Interlaken is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. The old town is relatively walkable.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (Sfr12) per person, per day, on local transportation in Interlaken. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Interlaken is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
Sfr12
Most people choose to walk or bike around Interlaken. It is a small city and most of the points of interest are accessible on foot. Taxis are also available and can usually be found at either the train station or at larger hotels.
There are two railway stations in Interlaken. These are Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. They are both served by the BLS AG's Thunerseee line that connects Spiez, Thun, Bern and other cities throughout Switzerland. The ost station is also where you will find the Berner Oberland railway. This is the first step for many routes into the Jungfrau region, including Europe's highest station at the Jungfraujoch.
Boat service is available for those traveling across Lake Brienze to Brienz, as well as across Lake Thun to Spiez and Thun. These boats are run by BLS AG. You can catch the boats on Lake Thun at a quay that is next to the West station. The boats on Lake Brienz can be caught at a quay on the Aar river near Ost station.
There are two funicular railways that take visitors up to enjoy view of the surrounding area. These are the Harderbahn and the Heimwehfluhbahn.
Additionally, there are local and regional buses that are run by PostBus Switzerland. The regional bus service to Thun is run by Verkehrsbetriebe STI.
If hiking is in your plans, make sure you know how to get to the trail, as public transit may not offer that service.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer from interlaken City to Lucerne City for $168 details
- Private direct transfer from Interlaken to Zurich for $263 details
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne for $327 details
How much does it cost to go to Interlaken? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Interlaken will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in Interlaken, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.
Food Budget in Interlaken
You'll find that the food in Interlaken is wonderful. Be sure to spend time enjoying all the local flavors. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Interlaken can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Interlaken is $129 (Sfr101) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$129
Sfr101
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Interlaken is around $125 (Sfr101) per person, with previous travelers spending from $53 to $257. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Interlaken are as follows:
- Breakfast: $12 to $37
- Lunch: $19 to $50
- Dinner: $37 to $87
- Coffee: $10
- Fast Food or Street Food: $19
Many traditional Swiss dishes are available in Interlaken. There are some touristy restaurants that have reliable and good food, and there are some hidden gems if you're willing to seek out places that are more off the beaten path. One popular favorite for tourists is Bebbis Restaurant. They serve traditional food including fondue and raclette. It's located conveniently near the Interlaken West train station. Another popular favorite among out-of-towners and locals alike is Grand Cafe Restaurant Schuh, which is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. It has a chocolate show and a great view of the city, making it a favorite for tourists. You can choose between three types of fondue as well as raclette.
International food is also readily available in Interlaken. Kang Chon Central, near Interlaken West station, has Korean food that is reasonably priced. My Little Thai is decent Thai food for those on a budget. Dinner reservations are recommended. El Azteca is a Mexican restaurant that is located in the Hotel Blume. It is good and authentic but can be expensive, particularly for those who are used to Mexican food prices in the United States.
If you're on a particularly tight budget, there are plenty of supermarkets where you can buy supplies and prepare your own meals. Coop Supermarket has the makings for sandwiches and is affordable and convenient. ALDI is a German supermarket chain that is cheap and perhaps your best option if you're looking to save money on food. They have the supplies to make good sandwiches, a microwave oven you can use, and entrees that are ready made. They are inconveniently located though, outside of the town center.
If you're on a trip with your kids, find restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can really help you save money since those options are typically much more affordable. Some places might not show the kids' meals on their menu, so be sure to check with your waiter first.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Have a picnic to save money and relish the beautiful scenery. Stop by a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic location for your meal.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Interlaken, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland for $164 details
- Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour for $843 details
- From Night Sledding with Cheese Fondue Dinner for $162 details
Typical food prices in Interlaken, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Interlaken
Visitors find Interlaken irresistible, especially for its hiking, family-friendly activities, romance, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Interlaken typically cost an average of $121 (Sfr95) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$121
Sfr95
Most people head out of Interlaken to see the surrounding areas, but there are several interesting places to explore in the city itself as well. The Hoheweg is the main shopping street in town and it runs between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost Railway stations. You'll likely find yourself on the street frequently. It has a good number of souvenir shops and a view of the famous Jungfrau mountain. Also wander into the "Japanese Garden" which is a 150 year old Victorian Jungfrau Grand Hotel. Make sure you head out to Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site above Interlaken in the Bernese Alps. Unterseen is also worth visiting. It's a small town near the Interlaken West station. It has some nice shops and bakeries and is pleasant to walk around. For even more ideas, check out this terrific article about things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland which covers a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities.
Popular activities in Interlaken include shopping, biking, hiking and adventure sports.
This city is also a great place to use a base on a winter ski trip in Switzerland because it's fairly central and has good connections to nearby mountain regions. As you're in the heart of the Alps, snow skiing and snowboarding are quite popular!
It's also fun to take a trip on the mountain railways. Jungfraujoch is the most well known and popular (ticket prices here). Another great option is the Brienzer Rothorn train ride, which provides some very scenic views from an old steam train.
Hiking:
The hiking around Interlaken is simply top-notch. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Interlaken. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Snowshoe Adventure in the Swiss Alps for $127 details
- Scenic E Bike Tour Interlaken for $153 details
- Fully organized Ski Experience for Private Groups for $290 details
Nightlife Budget in Interlaken
Visitors in Interlaken can't get enough of the fun nightlife, spending their evenings at local bars, clubs, and parties. There are tons of pubs and bars around town. This is the best way to meet locals and makes for a fun night out on the town. The atmosphere is generally laid back and relaxed, which matches the mellow vibe of the town.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $20 (Sfr16) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Interlaken per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
Sfr16
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 13, 2025
Traveling in Interlaken
Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.
Neighborhoods & Around
Interlaken is located between two large lakes and is near many popular mountain resorts, many of which are connected by cable car or funicular railways. The town center has the highest concentration of shopping. The main shopping area is along the street of Hoheweg.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
We spent a day exploring Interlaken, but then stayed for several days in the nearby mountains. If you want to really experience the Swiss Alps, I'd recommend heading out of town for most of your visit.