Interlaken is a German-speaking resort town in the Bernese Oberland, set on the narrow strip of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It is Switzerland's adventure capital and the main gateway to the Jungfrau region, with views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, lake cruises, paragliding and trains to Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Prices are high, but the town is compact, walkable and very well connected by rail.
Interlaken's nightlife is small, friendly and centred on pubs, hostel bars and hotel lounges rather than large clubs. Most bars cluster within a 10-minute walk of Interlaken West station, around Rosenstrasse, Postgasse and Bahnhofstrasse in Unterseen, with the backpacker scene concentrated at Balmers Hostel in Matten. Adventure-sport crowds fill the pubs in summer, and the Casino Interlaken at the Kursaal is the only casino in town. Beer costs about CHF 5.50-8 (~$7-10) and a cocktail CHF 14-20 (~$17-25). Evenings usually wind down around midnight to 1 AM; check the last trains and buses before heading out, and walking in the centre is safe at night.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- Pubs and bars 8 PM-12 AM; the busiest nights are Friday and Saturday, and summer evenings fill the terraces.
- Average drink
- Beer CHF 5.50-8 (~$7-10); glass of wine CHF 6-10 (~$7-12); cocktail CHF 14-20 (~$17-25); spirits CHF 8-14 (~$10-17).
- Dress code
- Casual in most pubs and hostel bars; smart casual in hotel lounges such as the Victoria-Jungfrau terrace and the 1872 Bar-Lounge; no sportswear or beachwear at the casino.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Höheweg and Old Town (Interlaken centre)
Pubs and bars in the streets between Interlaken West station, Rosenstrasse, Postgasse and Blumenstrasse, such as Brasserie 17, Hüsi Bierhaus and Buddy's Pub, plus hotel terraces along the Höheweg.
Best for: Pub evenings, beer and sport on screens
Matten and Balmers Hostel
The Hauptstrasse in Matten holds Balmers Hostel with its Biergarten and Metro Bar, a gathering point for young travellers and adventure-sport groups.
Best for: Meeting other travellers and late-night drinks
Unterseen near Interlaken West
Bahnhofstrasse in Unterseen has Jamming Corner and Helvetia Sportbar, a short walk from Interlaken West station.
Best for: Cocktails, live music and sport
Lake Thun shore
Seasonal lakeside bars such as Beach Bar Därligen and the Orangerie Piano Bar in Merligen suit sunset drinks away from the town.
Best for: Sunset drinks and quiet evenings
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Brasserie 17
Known for: Pub-bar with terrace, live sport and international food
Rosenstrasse 17, 3800 Interlaken
Hüsi Bierhaus
Known for: Beer hall and pub with beer garden, regional food and live music
Postgasse 3, 3800 Interlaken
Buddy's Pub
Known for: Cooperative-run neighbourhood pub serving local Rugenbräu lager
Blumenstrasse 7, 3800 Interlaken
Crazy Mary Pub
Known for: Pub with beer, wine and cocktails
Rosenstrasse 7, 3800 Interlaken
1872 Bar-Lounge
Known for: Hotel bar and lounge with cocktails and regional dishes
Rugenparkstrasse 8, 3800 Interlaken
La Terrasse (Victoria-Jungfrau)
Known for: Grand-hotel terrace bar with cocktails and views of the Jungfrau
Höheweg 41, 3800 Interlaken
Jamming Corner
Known for: Cocktail bar with live music and DJs
Bahnhofstrasse 1, 3800 Unterseen
Helvetia Sportbar
Known for: Sports bar with screens, drinks and snacks
Bahnhofstrasse 6, 3800 Unterseen
Balmers Biergarten
Known for: Beer garden with grill, cocktails and a young backpacker crowd
Hauptstrasse 23, 3800 Matten bei Interlaken
Beach Bar Därligen
Known for: Lakeside bar with beach chairs and sunset drinks
Seestrasse 139A, 3707 Därligen
Orangerie Piano Bar
Known for: Piano bar with bartender cocktails on Lake Thun
Seestrasse 300, 3658 Merligen
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Metro Bar at Balmers Hostel
Casino Interlaken
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Check the venue's opening hours and kitchen times on the day: many Interlaken bars shorten hours or close Tuesdays and Mondays outside the summer season.
Late-evening train and bus services thin out after about midnight, and the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald lines stop earlier; check the SBB app (sbb.ch) for the last connection, and pre-book a taxi from the stand outside Interlaken West or Ost station if staying in Wilderswil, Lauterbrunnen or Bönigen.
Bring photo ID or a passport: the Casino Interlaken requires adult ID for entry, and bars may ask for ID when you look under 25.
Metro Bar at Balmers Hostel is mainly a hostel-guest venue and opens on certain nights only; ask at the Balmers reception, Hauptstrasse 23, Matten, before going.
Do not swim in the lakes or the Aare after drinking; the water is cold and the current strong.
Tipping is optional; round up the bill or add CHF 1-2 per round at the bar.