Best Pubs in Interlaken: Where Locals Actually Drink

When the post‑hike crowds thin and the lakefront neon fades, finding the best pubs in Interlaken becomes less about “on Lake Thun or Brienz” and more about backing a mat brau‑stube door and feeling the locals relax. I have spent enough evenings nursing lagers around Höheweg and the side streets off Marktgasse to know where the town actually drinks. This guide covers local pubs Interlaken lives by, plus a few quieter corners where the character shows up loudest.

1. Hooters‑Free, Honest Beer at /dev/null

Marktgasse is one of the main arteries for anyone asking where to drink in Interlaken, and /dev/null sits right in the heart of it. If you want a pub, not a themed restaurant, this is the drop‑in I recommend first.
The Vibe? Crowded, noisy, quick‑turnover walk‑in after work and pre‑train drinks.
The Bill? Small plates and tap beer CHF 7‑12, most mains under CHF 25.
The Standout? Tap beer rotation with one Swiss indie brewery usually kept on permanently.
The Catch? Tiny space; if you arrive after 8pm on Friday you will be standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder.
Locals know the back corner near the window is the best spot to eavesdrop on German‑Swiss banter. The place has no lake view, no tourist menu, just a solid bar and a few high tables. It is the kind of spot where you can order a house lager and a plate of sausages and feel like you have accidentally joined a staff party from one of the nearby hotels.

2. Late‑Night Lager at The 3 Tells

A short walk from the West station, The 3 Tells is one of the more reliable top bars Interlaken has for a late, unpretentious drink. It is not trying to be a craft cocktail lounge, and that is exactly why locals keep coming back.
The Vibe? Sports‑screen pub with a slightly sticky floor and a lot of laughter.
The Bill? Pint of lager around CHF 7.50, simple pub food under CHF 20.
The Standout? The late kitchen, which stays open past 10pm when most tourist restaurants have already closed.
The Catch? The TV volume can make conversation difficult during big matches.
What most visitors do not realize is that the back room is often quieter and used by regulars who want to avoid the main screen. If you are staying near the West station, this is the easiest place to grab a drink after a late train from Bern or Zurich without walking into the tourist strip.

3. Craft Beer and Mountain Talk at The Bar 3000

Tucked into the lower streets near the West station, Bar 3000 is one of the few spots that feels like a genuine local pub Interlaken regulars defend when outsiders ask for recommendations. It is small, a little rough around the edges, and that is the point.
The Vibe? Dim lighting, rock music, a mix of climbers, guides, and off‑duty hospitality staff.
The Bill? Craft beer CHF 8‑10, simple bar snacks under CHF 15.
The Standout? The rotating guest taps from small Swiss breweries you will not find on the main tourist menus.
The Catch? No food beyond snacks, so do not come here expecting a full dinner.
Locals know to come early on a weekday, grab a stool at the bar, and chat with the owner about which routes are in condition. The place has a quiet pride in being unpolished, and that is exactly why it works as a genuine where to drink in Interlaken answer rather than a marketing slogan.

4. Old‑Town Character at Hotel Interlaken Bar

The historic Hotel Interlaken, right near the main shopping streets, has a bar that most tourists walk past without noticing. It is one of the more understated top bars Interlaken has for a slower, more traditional drink.
The Vibe? Wood‑paneled, slightly formal, with a mix of older locals and business travelers.
The Bill? Cocktails CHF 16‑20, wine by the glass CHF 10‑14.
The Standout? The quiet atmosphere, which is rare in a town that often feels overrun with backpackers.
The Catch? Service can be slow during the early evening rush when hotel guests fill the lounge.
What most visitors do not know is that the bar has a small back section that feels almost like a private club. If you are looking for a place to read, work, or have a low‑key conversation, this is one of the few spots in central Interlaken where you can do that without shouting over a DJ.

5. Riverside Beer at Restaurant Taverne

Along the Aare river, just a short walk from the main tourist drag, Restaurant Taverne is one of the more honest local pubs Interlaken locals use for a casual drink with a view. It is not glamorous, but it is real.
The Vibe? Simple, family‑run, with outdoor tables that fill up fast in summer.
The Bill? Beer CHF 6‑8, mains CHF 18‑28.
The Standout? The riverside terrace, which gives you a view of the water without the lakefront premium pricing.
The Catch? The outdoor seating gets uncomfortably warm in peak summer, especially in the late afternoon sun.
Locals know to come in the early evening, grab a table near the water, and order a local lager before the dinner crowd arrives. The place has been around long enough to feel like part of the town’s fabric, and that is exactly why it keeps showing up in conversations about the best pubs in Interlaken.

6. Train‑Station Pints at The Railway Pub

Near the West station, The Railway Pub is one of the more practical top bars Interlaken has for travelers who want a drink without leaving the station area. It is not fancy, but it is reliable.
The Vibe? Functional, slightly dated, with a mix of travelers and locals catching a quick drink.
The Bill? Beer CHF 7‑9, simple food under CHF 20.
The Standout? The convenience, especially if you are waiting for a late train or have just arrived.
The Catch? The decor feels stuck in the early 2000s, and the lighting is harsh.
What most visitors do not realize is that the pub has a small back area that is often quieter and used by regulars who want to avoid the main entrance. If you are staying near the station, this is the easiest place to grab a drink without walking into the tourist strip.

7. Mountain‑Town Spirit at Hotel Lötschberg Bar

A short walk from the main shopping streets, Hotel Lötschberg has a bar that feels like a throwback to an older Interlaken. It is one of the more understated local pubs Interlaken locals use for a quiet drink.
The Vibe? Wooden furniture, low lighting, a mix of older locals and business travelers.
The Bill? Cocktails CHF 15‑18, wine by the glass CHF 9‑12.
The Standout? The quiet atmosphere, which is rare in a town that often feels overrun with tourists.
The Catch? The bar closes earlier than most, usually around 11pm.
Locals know to come in the early evening, grab a seat near the window, and enjoy the slower pace. The place has a quiet dignity that feels increasingly rare in a town that is constantly reinventing itself for visitors.

8. Late‑Night Laughs at The Irish Pub

Near the main tourist strip, The Irish Pub is one of the more obvious top bars Interlaken has, but it still has a loyal local following. It is not trying to be anything other than what it is.
The Vibe? Loud, crowded, with a mix of tourists and locals looking for a late drink.
The Bill? Beer CHF 7‑10, pub food CHF 15‑25.
The Standout? The late hours, which make it one of the few places still open past midnight.
The Catch? The music can be too loud for conversation, and the crowd skews heavily tourist.
What most visitors do not know is that the back room is often quieter and used by locals who want to avoid the main bar. If you are looking for a late drink and do not mind the noise, this is one of the easiest places to find in central Interlaken.

When to Go / What to Know

The best pubs in Interlaken are busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, especially during the summer high season. If you want a quieter experience, aim for a weekday evening, ideally between 6pm and 8pm. Most pubs close by midnight, with a few staying open later on weekends. Cash is still preferred in some smaller spots, though card payments are widely accepted. If you are staying near the West station, you will have the easiest access to the most authentic local pubs Interlaken has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the one must-try local specialty food or drink that Interlaken is famous for?

Interlaken itself does not have a single iconic dish, but the region is known for Rösti, raclette, and fondue. For drinks, try a local Swiss lager or a glass of Valais white wine, which is widely available in most bars and restaurants.

Is Interlaken expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.

For a mid-tier traveler, expect to spend around CHF 150‑200 per day. This includes a mid-range hotel or hostel (CHF 80‑120), meals (CHF 40‑60), and a few drinks (CHF 20‑30). Public transport and occasional activities will add to this.

Is the tap water in Interlaken safe to drink, or should travelers strictly rely on filtered water options?

Tap water in Interlaken is safe to drink and meets Swiss quality standards. Most restaurants and bars will serve it upon request, and there is no need to rely on filtered water options unless you prefer the taste.

Are there any specific dress codes or cultural etiquettes to keep in mind when visiting local spots in Interlaken?

There are no strict dress codes, but smart casual is appreciated in nicer bars and restaurants. Locals tend to dress practically, so avoid overly flashy or beachwear attire in more traditional pubs.

How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dining options in Interlaken?

Vegetarian options are widely available, with most pubs and restaurants offering at least one or two dishes. Vegan options are less common but can be found in larger establishments and some dedicated vegetarian cafes.