Interlaken

Interlaken nestles at the foot of the jungfrau ski region, mid-way between the two lakes of Thun and Brienz.  It is an ideal location for non-skiers looking for a relaxing winter break surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the snow clad Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.  It is also the gateway to the Jungfrau ski region and you can reach Grindelwald and Wengen by the Interlaken ski bus (free of charge) and train in under an hour (the local ski bus is included in the cost of the lift pass.) 

Although not a ski resort itself, Interlaken's excellent central location affords access to all three main ski areas in the Jungfrau ski region - Wengen, Grindelwald and Murren.  For information relating to the ski areas and cost of equipment please refer to the separate ski pack prices on the individual resort pages.  Ski equipment can be hired either in Interlaken or in one of the mountain villages, saving you the inconvenience of carrying your equipment on the journey up.

We recommend that winter visitors who are not intending to ski take the half fare card or a hiking and sledging pass offering great savings on many excursions as well as half price travel on Switzerland's excellent transport network. Our office is based above Interlaken West station and our staff will be pleased to offer assistance for all excursions.

Special Events - Ski Racing

• Lauberhorn Race Weekend, 15 -17 January 2010
• Wengen Inferno Race Weekend, Schilthorn / Murren / Lauterbrunnen, 21 - 24 January 2010

These two ski races are arguably the biggest events in the Swiss ski calendar and the resorts of Wengen and Mürren are transformed over the two weekends. Due to the large influx of athletes, press and spectators, the resorts become very busy and there is a carnival atmosphere. Interlaken becomes a less costly alternative to these two centres, yet affords convenient access to view these truly remarkable events.

Lauberhorn short breaks

Over the Lauberhorn race weekend, Swiss Travel Service offer special 3 and 4 night packages based in the Hotel Beausite, including a rail ticket to Wengen to watch the race itself. Entrance to watch the race is payable locally at a cost of approx. CHF25.

The Inferno can best be viewed from the Almendhubel above Mürren. Entrance to view the race from Mürren including train and funicular costs approximately CHF55.