Best Late Night Coffee Places in Interlaken Still Open After Dark
Words by
Jonas Muller
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Interlaken is a small alpine town, and after 9pm most of its streets go quiet. Finding late night coffee places in Interlaken is less about trendy espresso bars and more about knowing which bakeries, hotels, and station spots keep the lights on and the coffee hot. I have spent many evenings walking between the two train stations after late hikes and delayed trains, testing every possible corner where you can still get a decent cup after dark. What follows is my personal, street-level guide to cafes open late Interlaken, night cafes Interlaken, and the few almost-24-hour refuges that can save you when everything else is shut.
1. The Platform at Interlaken Ost Station
Address/area: Interlaken Ost station, near the main concesssion area and ticket hall
Open late: Generally until around 23:00–23:30, sometimes later when trains are delayed
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If you are searching for late night coffee places in Interlaken, the station is your most reliable fallback. Inside Interlaken Ost, the small café and kiosk area near the main hall stays open later than almost any standalone café in town. It is not glamorous, but it is functional, warm, and used to serving tired hikers, night train passengers, and stranded tourists.
The Vibe? Functional, bright, and slightly chaotic, with the constant echo of departure boards and rolling suitcases.
The Bill? Expect CHF 4–6 for coffee and basic hot drinks, plus CHF 5–8 for simple food items.
The Standout? A plain black coffee or hot chocolate while watching the late Jungfrau region trains pull in.
The Catch? Seating is hard plastic, the lighting is harsh, and it feels more like a transit waiting room than a cozy café.
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What makes it worth going here
This is not a third-wave specialty spot. It is a transport hub café, so you get what you need: hot coffee, basic pastries, and a dry seat. The espresso is pulled on a high-volume machine, so it is consistent rather than artisanal. If you are waiting for a late connection to Zurich, Bern, or Brig, this is the most practical of the night cafes Interlaken has after everything else closes.
What to order or try
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- Standard espresso or Americano
- Hot chocolate, which is surprisingly decent and very welcome after a cold evening on the lake
- Pre-packaged sandwiches or croissants if you missed dinner
Best time to visit
- Around 21:30–22:30, when the post-dinner crowd has thinned but the station is still lively.
- On weekends in high season, it stays slightly busier later due to late arrivals from day trips to Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald.
Local detail most tourists miss
Most visitors rush straight from the platforms to their hotels or the hostel. Few realize that the station Wi-Fi often remains accessible even when the main café counter is closed, so you can sometimes sit inside the warm hall with your own takeaway drink and still connect.
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How it connects to Interlaken’s character
Interlaken has always been a transit town, built around the junction between two lakes and two railway lines. The station café reflects that identity. It is not about local romance; it is about movement, connections, and people passing through. If you want to understand how Interlaken actually functions after dark, spend an hour here watching the comings and goings.
Local tip
If you are relying on this as one of your main late night coffee places in Interlaken, check the printed timetables near the doors. Staff sometimes close the hot drinks machine a few minutes before the official closing time, so do not cut it too fine.
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2. The Late Bakery Counter on Höheweg
Address/area: Höheweg, central Interlaken West side, near the main hotels and the casino
Open late: Some bakery-linked counters and small cafés along Höheweg serve hot drinks until around 22:00–22:30
Höheweg is one of the main arteries of Interlaken, running roughly between the central area and Interlaken West station. It is lined with hotels, souvenir shops, and a few food outlets that stay open later than the rest of town. While there is no famous “Interlaken 24 hour café” here, you can still find cafes open late Interlaken style: bakery counters with a couple of standing spots or a few stools.
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The Vibe? Bright, practical, and geared toward takeaway. You are mostly grabbing coffee and cake on the go.
The Bill? CHF 3.50–5.50 for coffee or tea, plus CHF 4–7 for slices of cake or tarts.
The Standout? A quick espresso and a slice of fruit tart while strolling toward the lake.
The Catch? Seating is almost nonexistent, and in winter the area can feel cold and windy once you step away from the door.
What makes it worth going here
This stretch is one of the few central areas where you can still buy a hot drink after 21:00 without heading to the station. The bakery counters cater to both tourists and locals who want a late dessert or coffee after dinner. The coffee is straightforward, usually from a well-run automatic machine, and the pastries are better than you might expect from a late-night grab.
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What to order or try
- Milchkaffee (essentially a latte) if you want something comforting
- A slice of Obsttorte (fruit tart) or a local specialty if available
- Hot tea if you are sensitive to late caffeine
Best time to visit
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- Around 20:30–21:30, when the counters are still open but the dinner rush is over.
- On Friday and Saturday in summer, you may find the counters slightly busier, as people head back from the lake promenade or the casino.
Local detail most tourists miss
Most visitors assume everything shuts down once the restaurants close. In reality, some bakery counters on Höheweg keep one side open for hot drinks and sweets, especially in high season. You just need to look for the ones with extended hours signs.
How it connects to Interlaken’s character
Höheweg has long been the town’s showcase street, designed to impress visitors with views of the Jungfrau and easy access to hotels. The late bakery counters are part of that hospitality machine, quietly keeping the town functional after dark. They are not advertised as night cafes Interlaken, but they serve that role for anyone walking back from dinner along the main drag.
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Local tip
If you are staying in one of the big hotels along Höheweg, ask your reception which bakery counter is open latest that week. Hours can shift with the season, and locals know which ones reliably keep coffee flowing until 22:30.
3. The Hotel Lobby Café Near Jungfraustrasse
Address/area: Jungfraustrasse, between the central area and Interlaken Ost
Open late: Hotel lobby cafés in this area often serve non-guests until around 22:00–23:00
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Jungfraustrasse is one of the streets that leads toward Interlaken Ost and is lined with mid-range hotels and a few larger properties. Several of them maintain small lobby cafés or bar areas that serve coffee and light snacks well into the evening. These are not advertised as cafes open late Interlaken, but they are accessible and surprisingly welcoming if you dress respectfully and behave like a guest.
The Vibe? Calm, slightly formal, with soft lighting and the quiet hum of hotel reception in the background.
The Bill? CHF 5–8 for coffee or tea, often with a small service charge.
The Standout? A quiet corner seat with a view of the street and a properly served cappuccino.
The Catch? You may feel like you are intruding, and some hotels tighten access after 22:00, especially in low season.
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What makes it worth going here
These lobby cafés are some of the most comfortable late night coffee places in Interlaken if you want to sit down, charge your phone, and relax. The coffee is usually made to order, the seating is better than at the station, and the atmosphere is calm. For remote workers or travelers who need a break from hostels, this can be a lifesaver.
What to order or try
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- Cappuccino or Latte Macchiato, often served with a small glass of water
- A slice of cake if the dessert display is still out
- Herbal tea if you want to wind down for the night
Best time to visit
- Around 21:00–22:00, when the dinner rush is over but the lobby is still staffed.
- On weekdays, you are more likely to find a quiet corner and a relaxed attitude from staff.
Local detail most tourists miss
Most visitors assume hotel cafés are off-limits unless you are staying there. In Interlaken, many are open to the public, especially the larger ones on Jungfraustrasse. The trick is to walk in confidently, head toward the café area, and order at the bar or from a passing server.
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How it connects to Interlaken’s character
Interlaken’s growth as a tourist town was built around its hotels. These lobby cafés are a remnant of an older style of hospitality, where travelers would gather in the evening for coffee, cake, and conversation. They still serve that function, even if the clientele has shifted from 19th-century aristocrats to modern backpackers and business travelers.
Local tip
If you are relying on these as night cafes Interlaken, choose a hotel with a visible bar or restaurant attached. Those are more likely to serve non-guests late at night than a small, family-run hotel that closes its doors early.
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4. The Lakeside Kasse Promenade Area
Address/area: Along the Aare/river and lake promenade between Interlaken West and the casino
Open late: Some kiosks and small outlets near the lake serve hot drinks until around 21:30–22:00 in season
The promenade along the river and the edges of Lake Thun or Lake Brienz is one of the defining features of Interlaken. During the day, it is full of walkers, cyclists, and tour groups. At night, it becomes quieter, but a few small kiosks and café outlets near the lake remain open, especially in summer. These are not full cafes open late Interlaken, but they can still provide a hot drink with a view.
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The Vibe? Open air, cool, and slightly romantic, with the sound of water and distant mountains.
The Bill? CHF 4–6 for coffee or hot chocolate from kiosks, sometimes more at sit-down spots.
The Standout? A takeaway cup of coffee while walking the moonlit promenade.
The Catch? In colder months, many lakeside outlets close early, and the wind off the water can be brutal at night.
What makes it worth going here
This is less about specialty coffee and more about atmosphere. If you want one of the most scenic late night coffee places in Interlaken, the promenade is hard to beat. The combination of cool air, dark water, and the silhouette of the mountains makes even a simple takeaway espresso feel special.
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What to order or try
- Hot chocolate if you are here in autumn or winter
- Simple black coffee or tea in summer
- A small pastry if the kiosk still has stock
Best time to visit
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- Summer evenings around 20:30–21:30, when the light is fading but the kiosks are still open.
- After a lakeside dinner, if you are staying in one of the nearby hotels.
Local detail most tourists miss
Most visitors stick to the main Höheweg side of town and never walk the quieter stretches of the promenade at night. Locals know that certain small kiosks near the lake keep their hot drink machines running later than expected, especially when the weather is mild and people are still out walking.
How it connects to Interlaken’s character
Interlaken’s identity is inseparable from its lakes. The promenade is where the town meets the water, and the late kiosks are part of that relationship. They are not marketed as night cafes Interlaken, but they serve as informal gathering points for anyone who wants to linger by the water after dark.
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Local tip
If you are planning to use the promenade as one of your cafes open late Interlaken, bring a layer. Even in summer, the temperature drops quickly once the sun is gone, and the lakeside wind can make it feel much colder than the station or Höheweg.
5. The Bar-Café Hybrid Near the Casino
Address/area: Close to the casino and central nightlife strip, not far from Höheweg
Open late: Some bar-café combinations serve coffee until around 23:00 or later
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Interlaken’s small nightlife cluster near the casino and central bars includes a few hybrid venues that function as bars at night but still serve coffee earlier in the evening. These are not traditional cafes open late Interlaken, but they are among the few places where you can sit down with a hot drink after 22:00 without being in a transport hub.
The Vibe? Low lighting, music in the background, and a mix of locals and tourists finishing their night out.
The Bill? CHF 6–9 for coffee or specialty drinks, sometimes more if it is a cocktail-focused place.
The Standout? A quiet corner with a latte while the rest of the room shifts toward cocktails and beer.
The Catch? After a certain hour, the focus moves away from coffee, and you may feel out of place ordering a cappuccino.
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What makes it worth going here
If you are searching for late night coffee places in Interlaken that are not just functional but social, these hybrids are your best bet. They give you a taste of Interlaken’s limited nightlife while still serving a proper hot drink. The coffee is usually decent, and the atmosphere is more interesting than the station or a hotel lobby.
What to order or try
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- Latte or cappuccino early in the evening
- Hot chocolate or herbal tea later at night
- A small snack if the kitchen is still open
Best time to visit
- Around 21:30–22:30, when the venue is still serving coffee but the crowd is shifting toward nightlife.
- On weekends, you may find the atmosphere livelier and the staff more used to late orders.
Local detail most tourists miss
Most visitors treat these places as pure bars and never think to order coffee. In reality, many of them have full coffee machines and are happy to use them, especially early in the evening. Locals who work late in hospitality sometimes come here for a quiet hot drink before heading home.
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How it connects to Interlaken’s character
Interlaken is not known for a big nightlife scene, but the area around the casino and central bars is where the town lets loose a little. These bar-café hybrids reflect that duality: part daytime café, part evening bar. They show how a small tourist town adapts its limited space to serve multiple roles.
Local tip
If you are using these as night cafes Interlaken, check whether the venue has a separate café counter or a visible espresso machine. That usually signals that they take coffee seriously, at least earlier in the evening.
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6. The Supermarket Hot Drinks Corner in the Main Shopping Area
Address/area: Central Interlaken, near the main supermarket and shopping streets
Open late: Supermarkets and adjacent food outlets often remain open until around 21:30–22:00, sometimes later in high season
The central shopping area around the main supermarket and smaller food shops is not the first place you think of when looking for late night coffee places in Interlaken. However, some supermarkets and adjacent food corners have self-service hot drink machines or small café counters that stay operational late into the evening. This is not a trendy Interlaken 24 hour café, but it is practical and affordable.
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The Vibe? Bright, functional, and very local, with shoppers grabbing last-minute groceries and snacks.
The Bill? CHF 3–5 for coffee from self-service machines, sometimes less.
The Standout? A cheap, hot espresso while picking up snacks and water for tomorrow’s hike.
The Catch? The coffee is machine-made and basic, and seating is limited to a few stools at best.
What makes it worth going here
If you are on a budget or need a quick hot drink without hunting for a specialty café, this is one of the most reliable cafes open late Interlaken options. The machines are easy to use, the price is low, and you can combine your coffee run with grocery shopping. For backpackers and long-term travelers, this is often the most practical solution.
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What to order or try
- Black coffee or espresso from the self-service machine
- Hot chocolate if available
- A packaged pastry or sandwich from the chilled section
Best time to visit
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- Around 20:30–21:30, when the supermarket is still open but the crowds are thinner.
- On weekdays, you are more likely to find the machines fully stocked and working.
Local detail most tourists miss
Most visitors assume supermarkets close early in Interlaken. In reality, the main central supermarket often stays open until 21:30 or 22:00, especially in summer. Locals know that the hot drink machines near the entrance or café corner are usually still operational at that time.
How it connects to Interlaken’s character
Interlaken is a tourist town, but it is also a functioning Swiss municipality where people live, work, and shop. The supermarket hot drinks corner is a reminder that daily life continues alongside the hotels and souvenir shops. It is one of the least romantic night cafes Interlaken, but also one of the most grounded in local reality.
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Local tip
If you are relying on this as one of your cafes open late Interlaken, bring coins or small notes. Some machines are cash-only, and not all accept cards. Check the machine for a digital display showing “coffee” or “hot chocolate” before you insert money.
7. The Hostel Lounge That Feels Like a Café
Address/area: Several hostels and budget accommodations in central Interlaken, especially between the two stations
Open late: Hostel common rooms and lounges often serve hot drinks until 23:00 or later
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Interlaken has a number of hostels and budget accommodations that cater to backpackers and young travelers. Many of them maintain common rooms or lounges with basic kitchen facilities, hot water, and sometimes self-service coffee machines. These are not public cafes open late Interlaken, but if you are staying there or know someone who is, they can function as informal night cafes Interlaken.
The Vibe? Relaxed, slightly messy, with a mix of travelers comparing hiking photos and planning early-morning train trips.
The Bill? Often included in your stay, or CHF 1–3 for a coffee from a communal machine.
The Standout? A quiet corner with a hot drink and a view of other travelers’ maps and guidebooks spread across the table.
The Catch? Access is usually limited to guests, and the coffee is often basic or instant.
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What makes it worth going here
For budget travelers, these lounges are some of the most accessible late night coffee places in Interlaken. You do not need to hunt for a café or worry about closing times. The atmosphere is social, the Wi-Fi is usually strong, and you can sit for as long as you like without feeling rushed.
What to order or try
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- Instant coffee or tea from the communal kettle
- Hot chocolate sachets if available
- Your own brought-from-home coffee if you want something better
Best time to visit
- Around 22:00–23:00, when the main rush to bed has started but a few night owls remain.
- On rainy evenings, the lounge is often busier and more social.
Local detail most tourists miss
Most visitors assume hostels are just places to sleep. In Interlaken, some of the best late-night conversations happen in these lounges, where hikers from different countries compare notes on the Eiger Trail or the Schilthorn. The coffee may be basic, but the atmosphere is often better than in a sterile café.
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How it connects to Interlaken’s character
Interlaken has been a hub for young travelers and backpackers for decades. The hostel lounges are part of that tradition, serving as informal gathering points where stories and tips are exchanged. They are not marketed as night cafes Interlaken, but they play a similar role in the town’s social ecosystem.
Local tip
If you are not staying in a hostel but want to use one of these lounges, check whether the hostel has a public café or bar attached. Some allow non-guests to access certain areas or sell drinks at the bar, which can give you a similar late-night setup.
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8. The Almost-24-Hour Refuge at the Gas Station Edge
Address/area: On the outskirts of central Interlaken, near the main roads leading out of town
Open late: Some gas stations and convenience outlets operate 24/7 or until very late, with hot drink machines
On the edges of Interlaken, where the main roads leave toward Thun, Brienz, or the highway, you find gas stations and convenience stores that operate much later than the town center. These are not glamorous late night coffee places in Interlaken, but they are among the closest things to an Interlaken 24 hour café. The hot drink machines are simple, the lighting is harsh, and the surroundings are purely functional.
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The Vibe? Utilitarian, slightly lonely, with the hum of refrigerators and the occasional car pulling in for fuel.
The Bill? CHF 3–5 for coffee or hot chocolate from the machine.
The Standout? A hot cup of coffee at 2am when every other option in town is shut.
The Catch? The coffee is basic, the area is not always well lit, and it can feel isolated late at night.
What makes it worth going here
If you are stranded in Interlaken after a delayed bus, a late hike, or a missed last train, these gas stations are your best bet for a hot drink at odd hours. They are not listed in guidebooks as night cafes Interlaken, but they serve that purpose for locals who work night shifts or travelers in transit.
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What to order or try
- Black coffee from the self-service machine
- Hot tea or herbal drink if available
- A packaged snack if you are hungry
Best time to visit
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- Between 23:00 and early morning, when everything else is closed.
- On weekends, you may find a few more people around, including taxi drivers and night workers.
Local detail most tourists miss
Most visitors never venture to the gas station edge of town. Locals know that certain stations keep their hot drink machines running 24/7, even when the attendant is not fully staffed. These machines are often more reliable than you might expect, especially on main routes in and out of Interlaken.
How it connects to Interlaken’s character
Interlaken is often portrayed as a purely romantic alpine town, but it is also a practical transit hub on major Swiss routes. The late gas stations reflect that side of the town, serving the needs of drivers, workers, and travelers who do not fit the postcard image. They are the hidden backbone that keeps the town connected when the cafés and souvenir shops are dark.
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Local tip
If you are planning to use these as one of your cafes open late Interlaken, choose a station on a main road rather than a small backstreet. The main-road stations are more likely to be busy enough to feel safe and to have machines that are regularly refilled and maintained.
When to Go / What to Know
If you are specifically hunting for late night coffee places in Interlaken, timing matters more than in larger Swiss cities. Most traditional cafés and bakeries start closing between 21:00 and 22:00, especially outside peak tourist season. In July and August, you will find a few more options open until 22:30 or 23:00 along Höheweg and near the lake. In winter, the station and hotel lobbies become your primary refuges after dark.
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For cafes open late Interlaken, think in terms of function rather than atmosphere. The best late options are often transport hubs, hotel lobbies, or bar-cafés rather than standalone specialty coffee shops. If you are a remote worker or digital nomad, plan your main café time for the afternoon and treat evening coffee as a bonus, not a guarantee.
Night cafes Interlaken are not about latte art or third-wave roasters. They are about warmth, Wi-Fi, and a seat when you need it. Bring a layer if you plan to walk the lakeside at night, and always double-check closing times locally, as they can shift with the season and the day of the week.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable neighborhood in Interlaken for digital nomads and remote workers?
The area around Interlaken Ost and the streets leading toward Jungfraustrasse is the most reliable during the day, with hotel cafés, bakeries, and some lobby workspaces offering Wi-Fi and power. After 21:00, options narrow quickly, so remote workers should treat the station and hotel lounges as their primary late-night backup. In terms of consistency, the central corridor between the two stations has the highest concentration of cafes open late Interlaken.
Are there good 24/7 or late-night co-working spaces available in Interlaken?
Interlaken does not have dedicated 24/7 co-working spaces comparable to those in Zurich or Bern. The closest alternatives are hotel lobbies, hostel lounges, and the station waiting areas, which remain accessible until around 23:00 or later. For true late-night work, your best bet is a hotel café or a hostel common room, but these are not formal co-working environments.
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How easy is it to find cafes with ample charging sockets and reliable power backups in Interlaken?
In central cafés and hotel lobbies, you can usually find a few sockets near the bar or along the walls, but they are not guaranteed at every table. The station and some modern bar-café hybrids tend to have more visible charging points. Power backups are not a advertised feature in most night cafes Interlaken, so you should rely on your own battery pack for late-night work.
Is Interlaken expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.
A mid-tier daily budget in Interlaken typically ranges from CHF 150 to 250 per person, depending on season. Accommodation can take CHF 80 to 150 for a mid-range hotel or private hostel room, meals around CHF 25 to 45 per main course, and coffee between CHF 4 and 7 per cup. Transport, attractions, and extras like the Jungfraujoch train can push the total higher, so plan for at least CHF 200 per day if you want comfort without luxury.
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What are the average internet download and upload speeds in Interlaken's central cafes and workspaces?
In central cafés and hotel lobbies, average download speeds usually fall between 20 and 60 Mbps, with uploads around 5 to 20 Mbps, depending on the connection and number of users. The station and some larger hotels often have stronger, more stable Wi-Fi than smaller independent cafés. For night cafes Interlaken, expect similar speeds but occasional slowdowns during peak evening hours.
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