Must Visit Landmarks in Interlaken and the Stories Behind Them

Must Visit Landmarks in Interlaken

The must visit landmarks in Interlaken tell stories as old as the Alps themselves. Strolling along the cobblestone streets of the Old City, you feel the weight of centuries in every brick. Stand by the placid waters of Lake Thun and spot the stone silhouette of the Reichenbach Falls’ intricate Iron Bridge—a feat of engineering from 1882, built without a single bolt. Getting here is effortless: park at the Zähringplatz garage and walk westward toward the lake, past the farmer’s market where locals trade Gruyère cheese and homemade jams. The bridge’s designer, Robert Maillart, died weeks after its construction when a crowd of tourists caused a fatal plunge—a grim reminder that Interlaken’s beauty comes with risks.

The Jungfrau Railway: Swiss Engineering at Its Finest

The Jungfrau Railway dominates listings of famous monuments Interlaken claims as its own. Board the vintage steam train at Eigerfirst Station and climb 3,454 meters to the Jungfraujoch, Europe’s “Highest Lounge.” The journey passes through seven tunnels, including the 2.8-kilometer Grand Gallery tunnel—a record when it opened in 1916. At the summit, sip eggnog spiked with local herbs at the Sphinx Observatory, where scientists still monitor seismic waves from the Alps. Locals call the 15-minute descent the “summit sprint” because the workers who built this railway once raced it to test delays. Take the afternoon slot—the midday crowds make the observation deck feel miniature.

Restaurant Unter der Wanne: Where History Serves Steak

Sink into a booth at Restaurant Unter der Wanne, a favorite of Interlaken’s hikers. Hidden in a quiet alley near the Harderbahn cable cars, this 19th-century pub repurposes its original clockmaker’s lodge facade. Order the venison tartare—a recipe unchanged since 1923—paired with a glass of copper-smoked wine. The owner, who’s part of the fourth generation to run it, will point out the iron ring in the ceiling: where Napoleon once celebrated with his army. Avoid weekends; the hillside patrons pack the place after ski trips end. Step into the garden during July’s first bloom—the dahlias grow where the Uetliberg fortress once stood.

Allerheiligen Church: A Monument to Interlaken’s Founding

The must visit landmarks in Interlaken begin with the Allerheiligen Church, a H2-worthy cathedral of Gothic revival. Situated at Bundesplatz, its twin towers rise like sentinels over the town’s central square. While admiring the stained-glass martyr scenes, notice the marble slab beneath the main altar—yes, it’s the gravestone of William Tell’s legendary daughter, Gerritschi. Built in 1244 but rebuilt twice for the town’s burghers, it’s where Interlaken’s oldest “Maypoles” still dance during Fasnacht. Visit during service hours; the unmarked rule prohibits photos inside, preserving the solemn quiet. The real secret? Ascend the bell tower to see the aerial view of nearby Melchsee fragilely jumbled below.

Steg Palace and the Silver Plateau District

At the southwest edge of Interlaken’s famous monuments Interlaken relies on for tourism, Steg Palace reigns as a Baroque masterpiece. This 1703 villa, now the Hotel Steg, sits on a promontory jutting into Lake Brienz. Rich families like the Stegler lineage built it to flaunt their textile fortune; their coat of arms still glimmers above the entrance. Inside, the true gem is the library’s oak shelves: filled with 12th-century manuscripts rescued from abbeys during the Protestant Reformation. Have lunch here on a Tuesday morning when the “appetizer hour” (10–11 AM) offers fondue at walking pace. The Palais’ courtyard fountain features a relic of its original garden—a sundial carved by a master clockmaker who once calibrated the town’s chimes.

Interlaken’s Old Bridge and the Bridges Jeogarju

Walk across the Old Bridge (Alte Rheinbrücke), a must visit landmarks in Interlaken that predates the Iron Bridge by 800 years. This medieval structure, with its five narrow spans, hosts a pedestrian market twice a week in summer. Beneath it flows the Aare River, where Swiss guards once sank French spies during the 1656 interstate wars. The bridge’s southern abutment hides a crypt writhing with Roman-era artifacts—dug up by accident in 1892 when a cellar collapse revealed a 2,000-year-old grain stash. Best time to cross: 9 AM sharp, when the floating market boats below haven’t yet begun their routes.

The Reichenbach Falls: Literature Meets Nature

The Reichenbach Falls’ thunderous drop inspired Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days climax—but Interlaken’s locals cringe when tourists ask, “Was it really where Moriarty died?” Nearby, the Three Waterfalls Trail (a 20-minute walk from Brienz) reveals why no one walks into them: a 10-foot railing named after the bridge protects onlookers. The lesser-known Conchal Garden, just upstream, hosts wild thyme that blooms September through October. A local herbalist sells bundles here every Friday—breathe deeply, then visit the church in Reichenbach am Rhein where Swift himself stood, penning his second-best Paul varies scene from Gulliver’s Travels.

Blockhaus St. Ursen: A Military Relic Turned Gallery

Don’t miss Blockhaus St. Ursen at Mörlennensattel, a 12th-century fortress turned municipal art space. This circular watchtower, one of Europe’s oldest circular stone defenses, was repurposed during WWII for Hitler’s mountain defenses. Today, it showcases rotating exhibits on Interlaken’s secret rave scene from the 1980s: Posters survived in bunkers used as sex clubs. Open Saturdays in July—the volunteers staffing it often share tales of finding Swiss Army surplus stores hidden in the walls. Pair your visit with a hike up Spiezberg Pass for unbroken views of the Eiger north face.

The Workers’ Baths at Brunni: A Hidden Retreat

Tucked behind a Mandla storefront at Steg’s Hauptplatz, the Brunni Thermae feel like a rebel mission. Built in 1891, these lithe-toned baths were designed for textile workers—complete with teak saunas and moss-coated pools. Locals abuse the 24/7 access: dip your toes in the cobblestone-roofed pool at 3 AM for that “no one’s listening” moment. The mural of the Alps in the locker room? Painted by a Russian defector in 1962. Ask the staff for the key to the rooftop garden: 30 steps and a rhododendron archway later, you’ll find views too sharp to capture on any map.

When to Go / What to Know

Visit the must visit landmarks in Interlaken between May and September for hiking trails and lakeside relaxation. Peak crowds hit Steg Palace and the Iron Bridge by 11 AM—rise earlier. The Jungfrau Railway’s high-altitude ticket sells out; book online two weeks ahead. Avoid August rush for Unter der Wanne’s garden; its summer heat lingers until 8 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best free or low-cost tourist places in Interlaken that are genuinely worth the visit?

The Allerheiligen Church (free) and the Three Waterfalls Trail (free hiking) are top picks. The Old Bridge walk is also complimentary—arrive before 9 AM to avoid weekend parking hassles near Bundesplatz.

Is it possible to walk between the main sightseeing spots in Interlaken, or is local transport necessary?

Most famous monuments in Interlaken are walkable on foot. The Jungfrau Railway station is a 15-minute uphill trek from the city center—grab a trail map from the tourist office at Eiger Mittenwald Office first.

What is the safest and most reliable way to get around Interlaken as a solo traveler?

Use the Swiss Travel Pass for trains to Eiger and Brienz. For day trips, rent a bike at Interlaken’s Palace front (€10/hour) but avoid midday hillside routes during paragliding peaks.

Do the most popular attractions in Interlaken require advance ticket booking, especially during peak season?

Jungfrau Railway and Steg Palace require reservations June–August. Book Iron Bridge tours online—the 10 AM morning slot fills fast. Free sites like Allerheiligen Church need no permits.

How many days are needed to see the major tourist attractions in Interlaken without feeling rushed?

Three days work: Day 1—Old City landmarks by walking. Day 2—Jungfrau Railway and Reichenbach Falls. Day 3—Steg Palace and Brunni baths. Budget extra time for the Swiss Museum of Games at Zähringplatz in winter.