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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Central Switzerland And Berner Oberland, Switzerland

Accommodation Types

Hostels

  • Balmer's Hostel

    Switzerland's oldest private hostel, known for its lively atmosphere, bar, and summer pool.

  • Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

    Provides a clean, well-regarded option close to Interlaken Ost, with a communal kitchen and mountain views.

  • Guesthouses (Gasthof/Pension)

    Often family-run, these properties offer a cozy, more intimate stay. They include private rooms and may have breakfast.

  • Vacation Rentals/Apartments (Ferienwohnung)

    For families or groups, self-catering facilities and more space. Book via Booking.com or Vrbo.

Hotels

  • Hotel Interlaken

    Offers a traditional Swiss style and a central location near Interlaken Ost.

  • Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

    An iconic, grand hotel known for its architecture, multiple restaurants, and extensive spa facilities.

  • Chalets

    Traditional Swiss mountain houses, often rented in surrounding villages for an authentic alpine experience.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Well-equipped campgrounds like Camping Jungfrau in Lauterbrunnen or TCS Camping Bönigen on Lake Brienz.

Neighborhood Guide

Explore different areas, each with its unique atmosphere.

Interlaken Ost East

Pros
  • Excellent connectivity to mountain excursions and major Swiss cities.
  • Close to the Harder Kulm funicular.
  • Wide range of budget accommodations.
Cons
  • Can feel very touristy and busy.
  • Less of a traditional "town center" ambiance.

Interlaken West

Pros
  • Central location, with easy access to dining and shopping.
  • Closer to the serene Lake Thun.
  • Traditional town atmosphere.
Cons
  • Still very touristy, especially along Höheweg.
  • Can be noisy due to crowds and paragliding activities.

Höheweg between Ost & West

Pros
  • Central, scenic, with easy walking access to most amenities.
  • Direct views of paragliders landing.
Cons
  • Can be lively and noisy due to the constant flow of people and activity.

Surrounding Villages Character

Pros

Stunning natural scenery, direct access to hiking trails and ski slopes. Often quieter and more charming, providing deep Swiss alpine life.

Cons

Requires additional travel time (by train or boat) to reach Interlaken's main hubs. Limited nightlife and fewer dining options.

Booking Strategies

Plan your stay with these booking tips for a seamless experience.

Advance Booking

  • High Season (June-August, Mid-December-March): Booking 3-6 months in advance is typical.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): 1-2 months advance booking is generally enough.
  • Low Season (November, Early December): You can often book closer to your travel date.
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is not common in Switzerland. Prices are generally fixed.

Trusted Platforms & Policies

  • Global Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, and Airbnb are widely used.
  • Direct Hotel Websites: Many hotels post their best rates directly on their websites.
  • Switzerland Tourism: The official tourism website for Switzerland (MySwitzerland.com) provides listings.
  • Check deposit and cancellation policies before confirming. Many properties offer free cancellation.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Higher Prices

Prices for accommodation are higher during summer and winter peak seasons due to demand.

Lower Prices

Lowest prices are typical during the transition months of November and early December.

Best Value

Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) often present a good balance of weather and rates.

Accommodation Recommendations

Find the right place for your trip.

Budget Options

Balmer's Hostel

Switzerland's oldest private hostel. Lively atmosphere, dorms and private rooms, bar, seasonal pool.

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

Clean, well-regarded, close to Interlaken Ost, communal kitchen, garden, mountain views.

Luxury Hotels

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Iconic luxury hotel, grand architecture, two acclaimed restaurants, extensive Nescens spa facilities, central location.

  • Estimated Price Range: CHF 400-800+
  • Booking Platform: Booking.com
Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage

Elegant lakeside hotel near Interlaken Ost, spa, indoor pool, park access, fine dining.

  • Estimated Price Range: CHF 300-600+
  • Booking Platform: Booking.com

Family & Group Stays

  • Interlaken Apartment Rentals

    Various apartment options offering multiple rooms, kitchen facilities, and more space, suitable for families.

  • TrustedHousesitters

    Consider a house-sitting exchange for a unique and cost-effective stay, especially for longer periods. TrustedHousesitters

  • Vacation Rentals

    Full kitchens and living spaces, more cost-effective for extended stays compared to hotels. Price varies widely.

Mid-Range Options

  • Hotel Interlaken

    Centrally located near Interlaken Ost. Traditional Swiss style, restaurant, garden. CHF 150-250.

  • Hotel Du Nord

    Historical building, renovated, close to Interlaken West. Comfortable rooms, restaurant. CHF 180-300.

  • Hostels for Solo Travelers

    Balmer's Hostel and Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof are excellent for meeting others, with organized activities.

Visitor Card Interlaken

Check with your lodging

When booking, confirm if your accommodation provides the free "Visitor Card Interlaken."

  • Free local bus travel.
  • Discounts on certain attractions.
  • Can save money during your stay.
Benefits on arrival

This card is typically issued upon check-in at participating hotels and hostels, granting immediate local transport access.

  • Use it for daily commutes.
  • Explore the region's transport network.
  • Unlock savings on tours and entries.

Additional Notes

Compare Rates

Always compare prices across various platforms and direct hotel websites for the best deal.

Read Reviews

Read recent guest reviews to understand the atmosphere and amenities of a property.

Location Factors

Consider proximity to train stations if mountain excursions are your main focus, or to the town center for dining.