Quick answer: Interlaken is one of the easiest bases in Switzerland for a solo traveler who wants activities. It has a train hub, two lakes, many hostels and a large choice of guided adventures such as paragliding, canyoning and rafting. If you prefer quiet mountain scenery and trails from your door, consider staying in Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen instead and visiting Interlaken as needed.
Choosing your base
| Base | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Interlaken | Transport links, shops, restaurants, hostels and the widest choice of activities | Mountains are a short train ride away rather than outside your door |
| Grindelwald | Alpine village feel, trails and lifts close by, Eiger views | Quieter evenings, higher prices |
| Lauterbrunnen | Waterfalls, cliffs and valley walks | Small village with fewer services |
See our Interlaken travel guide and Grindelwald skiing guide for more on each area.
Adventure activities
Local operators run guided activities of many kinds. Choose a licensed operator with good reviews, read the cancellation and weather policy, and make sure your travel insurance covers the activity.
- Paragliding and skydiving: tandem flights with an instructor. Weather decides whether they run, so keep a spare day.
- Canyoning and river rafting: run on nearby gorges and rivers, with different grades for beginners and experienced participants.
- Hiking and mountain biking: trails range from lakeside paths to alpine routes. Bikes can be rented locally.
- Lake activities: boat trips, kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Day trips from Interlaken
- Jungfraujoch: the railway station at 3,454 meters, with an ice palace, viewing platforms and snow walks. It is expensive and conditions vary, so check the weather and book ahead for busy dates.
- Lake Thun and Lake Brienz: boat trips with stops in villages, or walks along the shore.
- Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald: valley walks, waterfalls and viewpoints. See our Jungfrau region hiking guide.
- Harder Kulm: a funicular and viewpoint above the town.
Getting around
Interlaken has two main stations, Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost, with frequent connections across the region. Boats run on both lakes in season. A pass can save money if you plan several excursions, but compare it with point-to-point tickets. See our Swiss Travel Pass guide and getting around guide.
Where to stay alone
- Hostels: the main option for meeting people, with shared dorms, social spaces and organized activities.
- Guesthouses and small hotels: quieter and more private. Choose somewhere near a station for easy access.
- Booking: reserve early for summer and the winter holidays. Read recent reviews before booking.
Staying safe
- Check the forecast and trail status each morning, and stay on marked trails. See our mountain safety guide.
- Tell someone your plans if you hike alone, and carry water, layers and a charged phone.
- Emergency numbers: 112 general, 144 ambulance, 1414 Rega air rescue.
- Do not hike alone after dark, and be careful on wet rock and loose gravel.
- In crowded places, keep your belongings secure.
Budget tips
- Mix paid activities with free ones such as lakeside walks and valley trails.
- Bakeries, supermarkets and picnic meals are much cheaper than restaurants.
- Buy activity tickets and train reservations in advance where it saves money.
- See our Switzerland travel costs guide for current price ranges.
When to go
Late spring to early autumn suits hiking and water activities. Autumn is quieter with good light. Winter brings skiing and snow activities in nearby resorts. Peak holiday weeks are the most expensive and crowded, so weekdays and shoulder seasons are cheaper. See our best time to visit guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay in Interlaken or Grindelwald?
Interlaken for transport and services, Grindelwald for mountain scenery and trails close by.
Is Interlaken good for solo travelers?
Yes. It is a popular base with many hostels and group activities, and it is easy to find company if you want it.
How many days should I spend?
Three to four days allows for one or two big activities, a lake trip and a mountain day.
Keep planning
- Matterhorn and Zermatt for solo travelers
- Bernese Oberland guide
- Best Swiss cities for solo female travelers
I’m Laura, a travel writer based in Zürich, and Switzerland is the place I know better than anywhere else. I moved here 9 years ago and haven’t stopped exploring it since.
Over the past 9 years I’ve made 40+ trips across every Swiss canton — from the Italian-speaking south of Ticino to the remote valleys of Graubünden to the lake towns of Romandy. I speak German, French and English fluently, which means I can read the local newspapers, argue with train conductors, and actually understand what the mountain guide is telling you when the weather turns.
Switzerland is a deceptively complex destination: four languages, 26 cantons, wildly different regional cultures, and a transport network so intricate it takes years to properly understand. I write to demystify all of it — whether you’re planning your first visit to Zermatt, deciding between Zürich and Geneva for a city break, or figuring out how to live here as a digital nomad or remote worker.
I also cover Central Europe for travellers who want to venture beyond the obvious — particularly the Czech Republic, Austria and the Alpine arc connecting Switzerland to its neighbours.
All About Swiss is my home base, where I publish in-depth guides to Swiss travel, life and culture. If it involves Switzerland, I’ve probably written about it, or I’m about to.