Visiting Interlaken and tyring to find out which lake is the prettiest? Interlaken is such a beautiful area that is well positioned to explore Switzerland. Situated between two lakes we are often asked which one is the prettiest. If you are trying to decide which one to spend a day on this blog will help you decide!
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How to get to Interlaken?
Interlaken is located about an hour from the capital city of Bern and also from Zurich. We chose to travel by train. It is so easy in Switzerland as the public transport systems are so well organised. We travelled using the Swiss Travel Pass which is excellent as you can use it for buses, trains and some boats and cable cars! It really made travel so simple we missed it when we left Switzerland!
Lakes in Interlaken
There are two main lakes in Interlaken, one either side of the town. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. You will see them on the way into town especially if you visit using the train.
Which Interlaken lake is the best one to spend a day?
Both lakes are lovely in their own way but each is very individual. Both offer boat cruises (free with the Swiss Travel Pass) to visit the little lake towns or just to enjoy the views and experience.
There is also an excellent tour that we definitely recommend, the tour includes Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and also the Beatus Caves! Well worth it if you only have one day, we recommend booking in advance as it is popular.
Lake Thun
Lake Thun is best if you want to visit castles, there are loads of them around Lake Thun Located in the lakeside towns which are also very cute. You can easily spend a day visiting the towns, castles and churches around Lake Thun. You will also find St. Beatus Caves here which is an excellent stop. My top 5 castles to visit would be Thun Castle, Spiez Castle, Oberhofen Castle, Hünegg Castle and Schadau Castle.
Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is best for the stunning natural landscape. The water is the bluest of the two lakes and the mountain views are impeccable. The boat cruise up to Brienz town is gorgeous and you can stop off at other villages along the way as you wish. Brienz town is so quaint with many wooden Swiss houses and a lovely waterfront promenade. You can stop off at the Brienz Rothorn Railway along the lakeside. This railway from 1892 shows incredible panoramas on the way up to the Mountain Hotel Rothorn Kulm for lunch or have a simple picnic like we did and go for a hike along the lake. In Iseltwald you will find not only find stunning views but one of the filming locations for the Netflix show “Crash landing on you”.
What is the prettiest lake in Interlaken?
This is very much a personal preference but I really think that Lake Brienz is the prettiest lake in Interlaken! It has the bluest water and the views from the boat cruise are just stunning. The little towns are charming and The Brienz Rothorn Railway and hiking options really create a day full of diverse activities.
What do you think? Have you visited Interlaken and its beautiful lakes? If you really can’t decide which to visit this option might suit you! It includes cruises on both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz!
If you would like any help to plan your Switzerland trip we are happy to help. Just leave a comment or DM us on Instagram @passport_nomads or @kelly___buckley and we will be happy to help!
Check out our You Tube vlog on our days in Interlaken to help you decide, by liking and subscribing (for free) to our You Tube channel it really helps support us!
Where to next:
Why you should visit Lauterbrunnen
How to visit Murren and Grimmelwald
Should I visit Lucerne or Interlaken?
Why Swiss Travel Pass is the best way to travel Switzerland
How to travel Switzerland on a budget
Is Glacier Express worth it? A Review
What to do in Lake Thun Interlaken
How to spend a morning in Interlaken
3 day itinerary for Interlaken
What to do in Interlaken when it rains
Best things to do in Bern, Switzerland
Best hotel in Bern Switzerland
Why you should visit St Moritz
1 comment
[…] is renowned for its historic castles, charming lakeside towns, and the mystical St. Beatus Caves4. Spend a day cruising the lake, hopping between medieval castles like Thun, Spiez, and Oberhofen, […]