Budgeting & Costs: Interlaken

Currency Information

The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). ATMs, known as "Bancomat" in Switzerland, are widely available in Interlaken and throughout the country. They generally offer favorable exchange rates. Using ATMs to withdraw cash directly in Swiss Francs is usually the most economical method.

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. While some larger tourist establishments might accept Euros, change will almost always be given in Swiss Francs, often at an unfavorable exchange rate. Carrying a small amount of cash for smaller purchases is advisable, but reliance on cash is not a requirement.

Daily Cost Estimates

Budget Traveler: CHF 80-150 (approx. USD 90-170) per day.
Mid-range Traveler: CHF 150-300 (approx. USD 170-340) per day.
Luxury Traveler: CHF 300+ (approx. USD 340+) per day.
These estimates are per person and include accommodation, meals, local transportation, and some attractions. They do not include international flights.

Accommodation & Meal Costs

Accommodation (per night): Hostel dorm bed: CHF 30-60; Budget hotel/guesthouse: CHF 80-150; Mid-range hotel: CHF 150-250; Luxury hotel: CHF 250-500+.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel): CHF 10-25; Breakfast (bakery/supermarket): CHF 5-10; Lunch (casual restaurant/supermarket): CHF 10-25; Dinner (mid-range restaurant): CHF 30-60; Dinner (fine dining): CHF 70-150+; Coffee: CHF 4-6; Local beer: CHF 6-9.

Transportation Costs

Sample prices (full fare)

Local Transport

Single local bus ticket: CHF 2.50-4

Mountain Excursions

Harder Kulm return ticket: CHF 38; Jungfraujoch return ticket: CHF 200-250 (discounts with passes).

Swiss Travel Pass

3-day, 2nd class: CHF 232 (unlimited train, bus, boat, discounts on mountain railways).

Swiss Half Fare Card

1-month: CHF 120 (50% discount on most transport).

Attraction Costs

Sample entry fees

Caves & Activities

St. Beatus Caves: CHF 18

Adventure Sports

Paragliding tandem jump: CHF 170-200+

Money-Saving Strategies

Food & Drink Savings

Swiss supermarkets like Migros and Coop offer high-quality, fresh groceries. Many hostels and some apartments contain kitchen facilities. Purchasing ingredients and preparing your own meals drastically cuts food costs. For lunches, prepare sandwiches and snacks from supermarket purchases. Swiss tap water is safe, clean, and delicious everywhere. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it often. This saves money and reduces plastic waste.

Activity & Travel Savings

Interlaken's town center is compact and very walkable. Many attractions are within walking distance, and bike rentals are available for exploring wider areas. This reduces local transportation costs. Many of Interlaken's most stunning experiences are free: enjoy scenic hikes, walks along the lakeshores, or simply admire the views of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch from Höhematte Park. Visiting in May, September, or October often means lower prices for accommodation and fewer crowds.

Pass Benefits

Swiss Travel Pass:
Great value for extensive travel on public transport and mountain excursions.
Swiss Half Fare Card:
50% discount on nearly all public transport and mountain railways.
Regional Pass Berner Oberland:
Excellent for intensive exploration of the Interlaken and Jungfrau regions, with many mountain trips included.
Visitor Card Interlaken:
Free local bus travel and discounts on local attractions (provided by hotels).
Tipping Culture:
Not mandatory; service charges included. Rounding up or small amount for exceptional service appreciated.

Special Weather Considerations

Mountain weather in the Interlaken region is highly unpredictable and changes rapidly.
Strong winds cause temporary closures of cable cars and funiculars for safety.
Expect temperature drops at higher elevations; even summer summits are cold.

Budgeting Tip

For efficient travel and cost control, calculate the cost of individual tickets for your planned journeys. Then, compare this to the price of the relevant passes. This calculation helps determine the most economical option for your specific itinerary.

Health & Safety

Interlaken, like the rest of Switzerland, is a very safe destination. Preparation for health and safety aspects creates a trouble-free trip, especially when engaging in outdoor activities.

Common Health Concerns

Awareness of potential health issues allows for better prevention.

Prevention Strategies

Sunburn and UV Exposure: At higher altitudes, UV intensity grows significantly. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
Altitude Sickness: Excursions to peaks like Jungfraujoch cause mild symptoms for some. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated.
Dehydration: A risk during active days. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Carry a reusable water bottle.
Tick-borne Diseases: Ticks are present in wooded areas. Wear long sleeves/pants, use repellent. Check your body for ticks after outdoor activities.

Required Vaccinations

No specific vaccinations are needed for entry to Switzerland.

Vaccination Recommendations

Ensure routine vaccinations (e.g., Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubella) are current.
Consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic well before your trip for personalized advice.
They advise on other recommended vaccines, like Hepatitis A or B, based on travel style and risk factors.
No mandatory vaccinations are needed for entry.

Emergency Services & Healthcare Access

Healthcare System

Switzerland has an excellent, high-quality healthcare system with highly trained medical professionals and modern facilities.
Healthcare services are expensive; robust medical coverage from travel insurance is very useful.
Pharmacies (Apotheken) are widely available and offer over-the-counter medications and professional advice.
Hotel staff or the tourist information office assist in finding a local doctor.

Emergency Contacts

General European Emergency Number: 112 (connects to police, fire, or ambulance)
Police: 117
Fire Department: 118
Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 144

Drinking Water & Food Hygiene

Switzerland has exceptionally high standards for drinking water and food hygiene.
Tap water is safe and delicious to drink throughout Switzerland, including Interlaken. Drink directly from public fountains unless a sign states otherwise.
Restaurants and food establishments adhere to strict hygiene regulations. Enjoy all types of food safely.
Food safety in Switzerland is among the highest globally.

Natural Disaster Risks

Mountain Hazards

Avalanches: Risk in high mountain areas during winter/early spring. Stick to marked trails.
Rockslides and Landslides: Occur after heavy rain or snowmelt, impacting roads/trails.
Thunderstorms: Common in summer mountains. Bring heavy rain, lightning, strong winds.
Flooding: Rare, but heavy rainfall causes localized flooding, especially along rivers.

Safety Measures

Check forecasts and avalanche bulletins.
Seek shelter during storms; avoid exposed ridges.
Authorities monitor and close affected areas if needed.
Always follow local guidance and warnings.

Travel Insurance

A comprehensive travel insurance policy is highly recommended for your trip to Interlaken. Given the high cost of medical care in Switzerland, robust medical coverage is useful. A good policy covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. Read policy details carefully to understand what is covered and any exclusions.

Budgeting & Costs