Interlaken

Go Back

Alpine, Adventurous, Inspiring

Overview & Atmosphere
Cradled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and framed by the snow-capped trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Interlaken is one of Europe’s most striking mountain destinations. Its open valley, crystal-clear waters, and easy access to the Bernese Alps make it a natural playground for adventure and a perfect canvas for scenic, emotionally charged events. Interlaken combines small-town charm with big-event capacity, hosting everything from corporate incentives and outdoor festivals to destination weddings and wellness retreats. The atmosphere is unmistakably Swiss — clean, safe, and spectacularly photogenic — with just the right balance of adrenaline and serenity.

Top Event Experience Types
Interlaken is a powerhouse for Adventure & Exploration, Scenic & Natural Attractions, and Weddings & Celebrations. It also delivers strong potential in Intimate & Relaxing, Community & Culture, and Exclusive event formats. From sky-high thrills to lakeside tranquillity, the destination attracts organisers who want to blend nature with narrative — creating events that stay in the memory long after the last mountain echo fades.

Suggested Venues
Event planners will find both sophistication and flexibility here. The Kursaal Congress Centre, located in the heart of Interlaken, provides multiple halls and open-air gardens ideal for business meetings, exhibitions, and gala dinners with panoramic views of the Alps. For luxury stays, Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa remains the flagship venue — an opulent retreat where high-end incentives, wellness events, and elegant weddings take centre stage. The Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage and Hotel Interlaken offer further premium options with strong event support facilities. For unconventional gatherings, mountaintop venues like Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant or Schynige Platte Alpine Garden create atmospheric spaces for private dinners, product launches, or incentive award ceremonies.

Cultural & Natural Features
Interlaken’s natural setting is its greatest asset. The twin lakes invite boat cruises, paddleboarding sessions, and sunset receptions, while the surrounding peaks host paragliding, hiking, and cable-car excursions that double as team experiences. The town’s heritage adds a touch of nostalgia — from its wooden chalets to the historic Höhematte Park, where outdoor concerts and markets often unfold. Seasonal highlights include the Jungfrau Marathon, Tell Open-Air Theatre, and traditional Alphorn performances, all of which can be integrated into event itineraries to enhance local authenticity. Nearby villages such as Wilderswil and Brienz, known for their woodcarving traditions, enrich cultural storytelling options.

Infrastructure & Accessibility
Despite its alpine location, Interlaken is highly accessible. Trains connect directly from Zurich, Bern, and Geneva, while private transfers from Bern Airport (BRN) take just over an hour. Within town, walkable distances and scenic trails make local transport almost unnecessary. The region’s network of cogwheel trains and funiculars — including the Jungfrau Railway to the “Top of Europe” — offers both spectacle and convenience for group movements. Accommodation spans from 5-star resorts and spa hotels to alpine lodges and boutique chalets, catering to a full range of budgets and event styles. Professional local DMCs and adventure operators ensure seamless logistical coordination for both large groups and intimate retreats.

Recommended Event Types
Interlaken is ideal for incentive travel, outdoor conferences, sports events, and destination weddings. Corporate groups can pair morning workshops with afternoon lake cruises or canyoning excursions, while couples can exchange vows beneath glacial peaks or aboard chartered boats. Wellness and mindfulness events thrive in the clean air and serene landscapes, while film and photography teams prize Interlaken’s cinematic qualities for shoots and launches. Its combination of infrastructure, safety, and emotional impact makes it one of Europe’s most versatile alpine event destinations.

Conclusion
Interlaken represents the adventurous heart of Switzerland — a place where inspiration meets elevation. Its landscapes evoke awe, its hospitality exudes warmth, and its event infrastructure ensures excellence. Whether organisers are seeking to challenge teams, celebrate milestones, or reconnect people with nature, Interlaken provides every element for success. From boardrooms with mountain views to torchlit dinners by the lake, it captures everything that makes the Bernese Oberland unforgettable: breathtaking beauty, authenticity, and pure Swiss spirit.