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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Swiss chocolate
Lindt, Cailler and local pralines from the Lindt shop at Höheweg 35, Coop and Migros.
Price: CHF 3-30 (~$4-37)
Where: Lindt shop, Coop (Marktgasse 1), Migros (Rugenparkstrasse 1)
Swiss cheese and fondue mixes
Vacuum-packed Gruyère, Appenzeller and ready-mixed fondue packs for travel.
Price: CHF 6-25 (~$7-31)
Where: Chäs Fritz (Jungfraustrasse 46), Coop, Migros
Victorinox Swiss Army knife
The classic multi-tool knife; many shops offer engraving. Pack it in checked luggage when flying.
Price: CHF 30-150 (~$37-185)
Where: Edelweiss Shop, Heimatwerk, Wyss Souvenirs, Top of Europe Flagship Store, Marko Market
Swiss watches
Tissot, Longines and other Swiss brands from the Höheweg watch shops.
Price: From about CHF 300 (~$369)
Where: Bucherer (Höheweg 43)
Cuckoo clocks and cowbells
Cuckoo clocks, decorated cowbells and wooden toys.
Price: CHF 10-500+ (~$12-615)
Where: Wyss Souvenirs, Edelweiss Shop, Albert Schild
Painted fondue sets and pottery
Handmade Bernese Oberland pottery, fondue sets, wooden crafts and knitted items.
Where: Heimatwerk, Swiss Mountain Market
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Höheweg promenade
Marktgasse and Bahnhofstrasse
Unterseen Old Town (Spielmatte)
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Oberland Shopping
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Prices in shops are fixed; do not expect discounts at souvenir shops, watch retailers or supermarkets.
Compare souvenir prices: Marko Market, Coop, Migros and Otto's are cheaper than the Höheweg souvenir shops and the Top of Europe Flagship Store.
Ask about engraving, gift wrapping and shipping at knife and watch shops before paying; some also hold tax-free forms.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Say 'Grüezi' on entering a shop and 'Merci, uf Widerluege' when leaving., Most shops outside the Höheweg and station areas close on Sunday; stock up on Saturday or at the supermarkets at Interlaken West and Ost., Carry a bag: Swiss supermarkets charge a few centimes for plastic bags and many shops do not provide free ones., Credit and debit cards and Twint are widely accepted, but small stalls and farm shops may take cash only.