It was to make a decision to baseourselves in both Interlaken and the very pretty nearby hamlet of Gsteigwiler for several days whilst skiing the region. It continues to provide an excellent base for exploring one of the most scenic parts of Switzerland.

We had stayed on the mountain in Murren (ostensibly to check out the new cable cars – awesome by the way!) the previous few days during a storm and having been in the road and in the snow for a long while, needed a few days away to catch up on the little things one takes for granted when away from home, i.e. laundry, the pleasure of home-cooked meals, non-skiing sightseeing, sleeping in etc. Interlaken provided that. But we also did some skiing, because with the train so convenient, why wouldn't we get up early one day and ski Grindelwald Wengen, so we did. After a few nights in town, including in a fabulous room at Arnold's B&B, we moved out a little way to the gorgeous, and very authentic, hamlet of Gsteigwiler. A fantastic self-contained apartment ticked all the boxes. Whilst here, we snuck up to tiny Axalp for a ski and completed a lap of Lake Brienz in the doing. Also visited the St. Beatus-Höhlen Caves & waterfalls for a fine lunch overlooking Lake Thun (Thunersee). Definitely worth the short drive if having a rest day. We would have skied Meiringen Hasliberg too but instead packed up and headed to Lucerne for the last day of Carnival (and what an exerience that is!).

Despite the presence of a few 5-star hotels & an overabundance of high-end watch shops, Interlaken is very approachable for all visitors. There are just as many top-quality hostels as there are 5-stars, and a huge amount of options in between. Despite the many bars in town, somehow the 'Hooters' bar still exists (has got me stumped as to how, but there you go!), and there is an ever-widening diversity of restaurants catering to all tastes & cultures. Centralstrasse has various Chinese, Thai, Indian & Korean dining options, which quite frankly is huge novelty in a nation that is generally a culinary diversity desert. If searching for cheap, easy eats and fun, the Hüsi Bierhaus is the best bar/restaurant in Interlaken. We enjoyed the Cafe de Paris for morning coffee and strudel. If self-catering, the huge Coop supermarket near Interlaken Ost train station is the go-to for everything.

What is more noticeable over time is the changes imposed by a warming climate. Whilst surrounded by impressive alpine peaks, some still thankfully draped in glaciers, Interlaken's altitude is quite low, and winter snow & below freezing temperatures are occurring less & less often. So much so that the traditional outdoor ice-skating rink that has existed for decades in the central Höhematte Park is no longer even attempted. Instead a 'Winter Park' is established, providing a disappointing alternative. So if coming to Interlaken and expecting a winter wonderland, prepare to be disappointed. Of course you may luck out and get a cold winter storm to accompany your visit, but the odds of that are decreasing ever year. Come in January if seeking it.

On this visit we had a rental car, however we have been here numerous times by train, and unless heading to more remote locations, we recommend using the incredible Swiss train system direct from the airport.

Regardless of the decrease in winter snow at Interlaken, it is still one of the best adventure capitals in Switzerland and the gateway to the incredible Jungfrau Ski Region. Whether just passing through on the way to the snowy uplands or spending a few nights in town, it won’t disappoint.

See our thoughts on the pros and cons of this ski town via our Interlaken overview page.
See our video here

Its funny that after so many years of skiing Europe and staying in or traveling through Interlaken that I have neglected to do a review (or two!) of the lovely town. Luckily, I keep notes & have lots of photos!

Despite its low altitude (often snowless) location, a skyline blighted by the ghastly Metropole Hotel and of all things, the presence of a Hooters restaurant, Interlaken in winter has everything going for it.

Surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountains on the globe and close to world-class natural splendour, sights, skiing & activities, if you are a traveller and not been here, you need too .... asap.

There are often well-priced, last-minute accommodations at Interlaken, when the higher villages of Grindelwald, Muerren, Wengen & Lauterbrunnen are well & truly booked out. Some of the grand old hotels have bargain rooms in winter.

The Interlaken Youth Hostel near the Ost train station is a beauty too, and gets a special mention for helping me survive a few 'bare-bones' journeys. The private rooms are simple, contemporary brilliance. I have used it in the early days as a ski base due to it being only a short stroll to the train and the day's next ski adventure.

Don't forget to wander through the Altstadt (old town). It is easily missed, but is lovely and aside from a little history, is replete with excellent cafes like The Mad Cow, Spatz and the Alstadt Tee Haus & Bakery. And go ice skating in the park after dark, particularly if it’s a cold snowy night, because why wouldn’t you!

The only way to get here is via the Interlaken Ost train station. It connects with the rest of Switzerland, the Jungfrau Ski Region and other ski areas like the nearby Meiringen Hasliberg. Leave the car at home or at the rental depot and visit this amazing part of the world.

See our video here