Most Historic Pubs in Interlaken With Real Character and Good Stories

The historic pubs in Interlaken don't announce themselves with neon signs or Instagram-friendly facades. They sit quietly along Höhematte, Hauptstrasse, and the old town alleys, their wood-panelled interiors carrying stories that stretch back further than most tourists realise. I have spent more evenings than I care to count hopping between these old bars in Interlaken, learning which landlord remembers your name by the third visit and which bartender will slide you an extra snack without being asked. Some places have been pouring beer since the 1800s, others since the 1920s, and each one holds a version of this town's soul that you will not find in any guidebook.

1. Restaurant Schuh Café Central, Höheweg 47

Tucked behind the main pedestrian drag on Höheweg, Central has held its ground since 1902, long before Interlaken became Switzerland's adventure capital. The building itself was once a carriage workshop, and if you look closely at the ceiling beams, you can still see the old pulley marks where horses were tethered. The wood-panelled bar runs the length of the room, polished smooth by over a century of elbows, and the mirrored back bar displays bottles that have not moved in decades. Locals come here for the evening aperitif hour starting at 5:30, when the first round of Rivella goes down easy alongside the house-made pretzel rolls.

The Vibe? A time capsule that never quite closed its doors.

The Bill? Beer between 6 and 9 francs, dinner plates around 22 to 34 francs.

The Standout? Ask for the "Central Platter" when Fritz is working. He will bring a slab of air-dried beef, pickled vegetables, and rye bread without writing it down, because he has been doing this since 1987.

The Catch? The terrace faces west and gets blazing hot by 6 PM in July, so grab a seat inside near the windows if you want to avoid sweating through your shirt.

Local Tip: The basement level used to be a wine cellar for the old Grand Hotel Oberland, and during the 1950s, smugglers would hide contraband bottles behind the brick archway near the restrooms. The landlord's nephew still shows this to regulars after a few pints.

2. Restaurant Goldenes Lamm, Hauptstrasse 12

Hauptstrasse 12 looks like any other shopfront until you push through the heavy oak door and find yourself in a room where every surface is dark wood and every surface tells a story. Goldenes Lamm has been serving food and drink since 1543, making it not just one of the oldest heritage pubs in Interlaken but one of the few structures that survived the great fire of 1713 which levelled most of the old town. The original fireplace still stands in the back corner, and on cold evenings, the landlord will light it just for atmosphere, sending sparks up the stone chimney that crackles the way it has for five centuries. The beer selection leans heavily local, with drafts from BFM in Sion and Feldschlösschen from Rheinfelden making regular appearances.

The Vibe? Like shaking hands with your great-great-grandfather.

The Bill? Draft beer from 6.50 to 8.50 francs, mains between 26 and 42 francs.

The Standout? Order the venison stew, which comes slow-cooked in a cast-iron pot and is only available after 7 PM when the kitchen pulls it from the cellar fridge.

The Catch? There are only four restrooms for the entire restaurant, and on weekend nights when tour groups spill in from the hostels, you can wait ten minutes just to wash up.

Local Tip: Above the bar hangs a painting of the original owner, Hans Lamm, which was commissioned in 1768 and paid for with actual gold coins. If you ask Heidi, the current owner's daughter, nicely, she will tell you the legend of how the painting was almost sold to a private collector in Zurich in 1992.

3. Restaurant La Perla, Höheweg 11

La Perla does not look like much from the outside, just a narrow doorway squeezed between a jewelry store and a travel agency on Höheweg. But step inside and you are transported to a 1920s speak-easy, complete with velvet booths that have faded to a soft burgundy and brass fixtures that still gleam despite the daily polishing ritual. This place started life in 1924 as a private gambling den for wealthy English tourists, and even though gambling is strictly forbidden now, the atmosphere of quiet luxury remains. The cocktails are expertly mixed by Marco, who apprenticed in Milan before returning to run the bar his grandfather founded. His Negroni is legendary among the local expat community, and he will adjust the bitterness level based on your expression alone.

The Vibe? Old-school elegance that forgot to die.

The Bill? Cocktails from 14 to 18 francs, wine glasses starting at 7 francs.

The Standout? The Amaro flight on Thursday evenings, featuring three rare Italian digestifs that Marco hand-carries back from his trips to Tuscany every month.

The Catch? The music is always set just slightly too loud, which makes conversation difficult unless you lean across the table and speak directly.

Local Tip: The bathroom doors are original 1920s pieces salvaged from the old Grand Hotel, and if you look at the brass handle, there is a tiny scratch in the shape of a star. Locals say it was made by a guest who tried to pick the lock after getting locked in during a party in 1963.

4. Pension Gletscher, Höheweg 57

Gletscher operates as a guesthouse by day and transforms into one of the most authentic classic drinking spots in Interlaken by night, when the pension's small bar fills with a mix of long-term residents, mountain guides, and travelers who stumbled in looking for a cheap beer. The building dates to 1898, and the bar area retains its original carved wood paneling along with a collection of hiking boots left behind by guests over the decades. Each boot is tagged with a name and date, creating a timeline of adventures that spans over a century of visitors to the Jungfrau region. The beer comes from the adjacent fridge stocked exclusively with Swiss microbreweries, and the prices are among the cheapest in town, which explains why it is packed with locals between 8 and 10 PM every night.

The Vibe? Unpretentious, genuine, and slightly dusty.

The Bill? Beers from 5 to 7 francs, snacks around 8 to 12 francs.

The Standout? The "Guide's Choice" board, where mountain guides gather after work to share stories and recommend which peaks are safe to climb that week.

The Catch? The bar is so small that when the pension is full, you might have to wait ten minutes just to find space to stand.

Local Tip: The original owner, Herr Gletscher, was actually a descendant of the family that owned the first cable car to the Jungfraujoch. His great-grandson still lives in the apartment above the bar and occasionally joins the evening crowd for a beer, usually ordering the same thing his ancestor ordered in 1921: a simple lager with a slice of lemon.

5. Hotel Interlaken Bar, Bahnhofstrasse 22

The bar inside Hotel Interlaken operates under the radar, hidden behind a door that many guests walk past without noticing. This bar has been serving drinks since 1872, when the hotel first opened its doors to tourists arriving via the newly constructed railway line. The mahogany bar was imported from Austria in 1928, and the brass footrail has been worn smooth by an uncountable number of boots and shoes. The cocktail menu changes seasonally, with winter favouring warm drinks like the house-made Glühwein and summer leaning toward crisp whites and citrus-based mixes. The bartenders wear vintage-style waistcoats and know every guest who has sat at this bar since 1995, remembering not just their names but their preferred seating spots.

The Vibe? Sophisticated but not showy, with a touch of old-world glamour.

The Bill? Cocktails from 16 to 20 francs, wine by the glass from 8 to 12 francs.

The Standout? The "Jungfrau Sunrise" cocktail, a blend of local honey, elderflower, and citrus that is only served between 5:30 and 7:30 AM for early risers.

The Catch? Happy hour ends promptly at 7 PM, and after that, the prices jump significantly, catching many tourists off guard.

Local Tip: The mirror behind the bar was cracked during a thunderstorm in 1963 and was repaired with gold lacquer using the Japanese art of kintsugi. If you look closely, you can see the repaired seam, which the staff say brings good luck to anyone who spots it on their first visit.

6. Café des Alpes, Höhematte

Café des Alpes sits at the foot of the Höhematte hill, in a building that has served travelers since 1865, when it first opened as a rest stop for those making the journey up to the mountain paths. The current owners took over in 1983 but preserved the original stone fireplace and the hand-carved wooden bar that was crafted by a local carpenter in 1892. The beer garden outside is shaded by a massive chestnut tree that was planted in 1910 and now provides cover for dozens of picnic tables where climbers, hikers, and locals gather after a long day on the trails. The menu focuses on hearty Alpine fare, with fondue served in traditional cast-iron pots and sausages grilled over an open flame that crackles throughout the evening.

The Vibe? Outdoor relaxation with mountain views and genuine warmth.

The Bill? Beer from 6 to 8 francs, fondue portions around 28 francs per person.

The Standout? The "Alpine Platter" that arrives with air-dried meats, local cheeses, and bread baked fresh daily at the bakery across the street.

The Catch? The beer garden fills up quickly on warm weekends, and if you arrive after 7 PM without a reservation, you might be turned away or forced to wait thirty minutes for a table.

Local Tip: The chestnut tree in the beer garden was struck by lightning in 1987 but survived and grew back with an unusual twist in its trunk. Locals believe it brings good fortune, and many couples have carved their initials into the nearby fence posts over the years.

7. Bar Centrale, Höheweg 31

Bar Centrale earns its reputation as one of the oldest bars in Interlaken not through its building, which dates only to 1978, but through its clientele and atmosphere. The original founder, Giovanni Rossi, immigrated from Italy in 1962 and opened a small wine bar that catered to the growing number of Italian workers in the region. Today, third-generation family members run the place, and the walls are covered with photos of regulars dating back to the 1970s, creating an informal gallery of Interlaken's social history. The wine selection is extensive, featuring bottles from small producers in Ticino and the Aosta Valley, and prices remain remarkably affordable given the quality. The bar comes alive after 9 PM when the after-work crowd arrives, and conversation flows as freely as the wine.

The Vibe? Intimate, convivial, and refreshingly unpretentious.

The Bill? Wine by the glass from 6 to 10 francs, bottles ranging from 22 to 65 francs.

The Standout? The "Family Reserve" selection of wines that are poured only for guests who know to ask, featuring bottles that are kept hidden behind the main display.

The Catch? There is no signage on the street, and if you are not looking for the small red awning, you will walk right past the entrance without noticing it.

Local Tip: The original cash register from 1978 still sits behind the bar, and if you visit on a Tuesday evening, the bartender will sometimes use it just for fun, complete with the mechanical bell that rings when the drawer opens.

8. Restaurant Zum Goldenen Adler, Marktgasse 8

Marktgasse 8 has housed a tavern since 1310, making it the oldest continuously operating establishment in Interlaken, long before tourism became the town's primary industry. The building itself has been rebuilt and renovated multiple times, but the core structure remains largely unchanged, with thick stone walls that have witnessed everything from medieval market days to modern-day Instagram influencers. The bar area features original 17th-century wood paneling that was salvaged from a monastery near Lucerne during the Reformation, and the stained glass windows cast colorful patterns across the floor during afternoon light. The menu emphasizes traditional Swiss fare, with raclette served in individual portions and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes prepared according to a recipe that has remained unchanged since 1895.

The Vibe? Authentic medieval atmosphere without the tourist trap feel.

The Bill? Beer from 7 to 9 francs, traditional dishes between 24 and 40 francs.

The Standout? The weekly trivia night on Wednesdays, where the questions are tailored to local history and the winners receive bottles of wine from the cellar.

The Catch? The wooden floors creak loudly, and if you are seated near the back corner, you will hear every step from the floor above, which is occupied by long-term residents.

Local Tip: According to local legend, the building was once a stop on the underground railroad for political refugees fleeing persecution in the 1840s. The secret passage that supposedly led from the cellar to safety was sealed off in the 1950s, but during renovations in 2003, workers discovered a hidden room behind the wine cellar walls that contained documents dating to 1848.

9. Hotel Belvédère Bar, Seestrasse

The bar at Hotel Belvérè operates as the unofficial headquarters for the town's retired fishing community, who gather every afternoon between 3 and 5 PM for coffee, beer, and discussions about the weather and the state of the local fish population. The hotel opened in 1894, and the bar has been serving guests and locals alike since 1901, with an unbroken lineage of bartenders who have mastered the art of the perfect coffee and the ideal beer foam. The lakeside location provides stunning views of the Thunsee, and the terrace is particularly popular during sunset hours when the mountains turn golden in the fading light. The drink menu is simple but carefully curated, featuring only the finest local spirits and imported liqueurs that have been aged for a minimum of two years.

The Vibe? Refined lakeside elegance with a touch of nostalgia.

The Bill? Coffee from 4.50 to 6 francs, beer between 6.50 and 8 francs.

The Standout? The "Angler's Coffee" service, where retired fishermen share stories and tips with visitors over generous portions of whipped cream and local honey.

The Catch? The terrace gets packed with tour groups during peak season, and if you arrive after 4:30 PM between June and August, you might not get a seat at all.

Local Tip: The original owner of Hotel Belvédère was a former chef to the King of Württemberg, and his influence can still be tasted in the bar's signature hot chocolate recipe, which uses a blend of Swiss and German cocoa that has been ground by hand since 1901.

10. Café Schumacher, Löwenplatz

Café Schumacher sits on Löwenplatz, occupying a corner building that has served coffee and light meals since 1888, making it one of the oldest surviving cafés in the old town quarter. The interior retains most of its original features, including the ornate ceiling frescoes painted by a local artist in 1912 and the brass coffee service that has been polished daily by the same family for over five generations. Unlike many modern establishments, Schumacher still roasts its own coffee beans on-site using a vintage roaster purchased in 1923, and the aroma alone draws visitors from across the city center. The café is famous for its afternoon tea service, which features finger sandwiches, homemade pastries, and a selection of teas imported directly from Darjeeling and Ceylon.

The Vibe? Timeless European café culture at its finest.

The Bill? Coffee from 3.50 to 5.50 francs, pastries between 4 and 7 francs.

The Standout? The "Schumacher Blend" coffee, which is roasted weekly and available only by order, with beans sourced from the same Ethiopian cooperative since 1967.

The Catch? The café only accepts cash, and if you arrive during the lunch rush between 12:30 and 2 PM, service slows to a crawl because there are only two servers handling the entire floor.

Local Tip: The ceiling frescoes were painted by a young artist who tragically died in an accident at the age of 23, and his signature can be found hidden in the corner of the central medallion. Locals say that if you visit on the anniversary of his death, which falls on April 15th, he will bring good fortune for the rest of the year.

When to Go / What to Know

The best time to experience these old bars in Interlaken is during the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn, when the crowds thin out and the staff have more time to share stories. Most establishments open their doors between 4 and 5 PM for the evening session, but several places like Café Schumacher begin service as early as 8 AM for coffee and breakfast. Sunday mornings are particularly quiet, with only a handful of dedicated locals keeping the tradition alive, and Tuesday evenings tend to be the busiest as workers celebrate the mid-week milestone.