If your trip to the Holiday Region Interlaken is coming up soon, you may be asking yourself what you need to remember during your visit. The Holiday Region Interlaken welcomes guests from all over the world. To ensure pleasant relations between guests and hosts, we ask you to observe the following recommendations regarding customs and conduct in Switzerland.
Travel with care. Leave with memories.
The Interlaken vacation region captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty, unique experiences, and warm hospitality. To ensure this remains the case in the future, Interlaken Tourism is committed to Switzerland Tourism’s national initiative, “Travel with care. Leave with memories.”
We invite you to explore the region mindfully. This creates unforgettable memories—for you as well as for the local people.
Tips and advice to ensure your stay in the Holiday Region Interlaken goes smoothly
Travel responsibly
Thanks to its reliability, public transport is popular with the Swiss. Many people use it to go to work. To ensure you enjoy your break in the Holiday Region Interlaken to the full – without making the trains full – we recommend travelling by train during off-peak hours, i.e. between 09.00am and 04.00pm. During these times, it is much easier to find a seat and somewhere to put your luggage.
To avoid pushing and shoving, let others get out first before boarding. Most trains have luggage space, so please store your cases here rather than leave cases unattended in the aisles.
To make sure your stay in the Holiday Region Interlaken is not overshadowed by motoring offences or traffic accidents, always observe the rules of the road – whether you are on foot, riding a bicycle or driving a car. Although you will be familiar with many of the rules, several may be new to you. The most important rule is to prevent dangerous situations by showing consideration to others. For pedestrians, there are designated road crossings and places to cross at traffic lights. In Switzerland we say, «luege, lose, loufe», which reminds people to stop, look and listen before crossing the street. This is a simple way to make sure no cars are coming and you can cross the road safely on foot.
Swiss motorways are signposted in green. Vignettes are required. Motorway vignettes are available from post offices, petrol stations and automobile associations. Vignettes must be clearly affixed to the inside of the windscreen. They are valid from 01 December to 31 January of the year after next. Driving with lights on, even during the day, is mandatory on Swiss roads. Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit is 120 km/h on Swiss motorways, 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h out of town. In shared road spaces, a speed limit of 20 km/h applies.
Only park your vehicle in one of the official car parks. Buy a parking ticket either from a ticket machine or via the PaybyPhone app. Parking on private land can result in a fine.
The Holiday Region Interlaken has many campsites in beautiful natural settings. If you are travelling in a motorhome or camper van, park in one of these for the night. Otherwise, you will be subject to the regulations of the municipality or the landowner. Remember to enquire locally so that you find your ideal campsite in the Holiday Region Interlaken.
Foster mutual unterstanding
Before travelling, familiarise yourself with the customs of your destination and be ready to respect the culture of your host country. The unspoilt and cultivated landscapes of the Holiday Region Interlaken are unique and characteristic. Enjoy traditional Switzerland in all its diversity, but always remember your holiday destination is someone else’s home. Immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, values and diversity of your host country, but ask permission before taking photos of people you don’t know. Be aware that a respectful distance is appreciated in interpersonal encounter, as physical approaches can be understood differently. Many of the locals speak English.
Do not cross fences, barriers or no-entry signs. Before entering private land or parking your car in a private car park, ask the owners for permission. In need of refreshment? The Holiday Region Interlaken is truly a water lover’s paradise. Unless a bathing area is on private land or otherwise signposted, bathing is permitted anywhere on the shores of deep blue Lake Thun and turquoise Lake Brienz. For full details of official bathing areas and their facilities, please click here.
There are many beautiful places to discover in the Holiday Region Interlaken. Our vibrant blend of mountain pursuits, water sports, city vibes and sheer relaxation – all set against a breathtaking alpine backdrop – takes time to explore to the full. Allow enough time for your holidays so that you can experience all the unique variety of the Holiday Region Interlaken.
From 1 January 2025, a new law banning face coverings will apply throughout Switzerland. It prohibits people from covering their faces in public places. You can check the details of the legislation here.
Experiencing nature mindfully
The mountains of the Bernese Oberland exert a magnetic appeal, promising all kinds of colourful hiking experiences. On any venture into the mountains, ensure you are equipped with suitable footwear. As long as you are sure-footed throughout your hike, you will avoid accidents and injuries. Also keep a close eye on the weather: bring suitable clothing such as a waterproof jacket, hat, sunglasses and a bottle of water. Choose a hiking route suited to your fitness level, bearing in mind that the difficulty of some hiking circuits is easily underestimated.
From rain to sun, from snow to wind, the weather changes quickly in the Bernese Alps. With this in mind, be prepared: pack the right footwear and clothing for the weather on your mountain excursion. Before setting out on a tour of exploration, check the latest weather forecast and decide what equipment you need.
Switzerland has many clearly signposted and well maintained hiking trails. Routes are marked on hiking maps and in apps. By staying on the prescribed routes, you are protecting the flora and fauna. If you are unsure or feel unsafe, it is a good idea to ask other hikers about conditions along the route, or switch to a different route.
Do not leave any rubbish behind on your excursions around the Holiday Region Interlaken – take everything with you for disposal in the appropriate waste bins. To help conserve the natural beauty of the landscape around Interlaken for visitors and all those who live here, please don’t leave anything behind after your picnic.
In the Holiday Region Interlaken, don’t hesitate to drink the tap water. You can also fill up your water bottle at the many public fountains, unless these are marked «kein Trinkwasser» (not for drinking): in this case, the water does not meet drinking water standards as it may contain particles of dirt, for example.
Travel well-prepared
If you’ve just arrived in the Holiday Region Interlaken and moved into your holiday apartment, you will soon need to visit the nearest supermarket to fill your fridge. Check out your shopping options in advance, including the opening times of shops in the Holiday Region Interlaken. Although many shops close on Sundays, some grocery stores in Interlaken stay open seven days a week.
The Interlaken Pass, your digital guest card, offers attractive discounts and free travel on local public transport. To start taking advantage of the benefits as soon as you arrive, get in touch with your accommodation provider in advance to share your contact details and the details of your stay. Once your accommodation provider has verified your data, you will receive a link to activate your user account. You can now benefit as soon as you arrive, and take a free bus ride to your accommodation.
Even on holiday, injuries or accidents can occur that require medical treatment. However, not every injury necessarily requires hospitalisation. Here you will find contacts and advice on what to do if you or your loved ones need medical assistance while on holiday.
Although Switzerland is surrounded by several countries that use the euro, the national currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). In some places in the Bernese Oberland, you can only pay with cash. We therefore suggest you carry some Swiss francs with you. The easiest way to change money or withdraw Swiss francs is via ATMs or most bank branches.
A number of attractions close at the end of summer, or between winter and spring, so that annual inspection work can take place. Before setting off for an attraction at these times of year, check the opening times of your destination. If you cannot find the information you need, the staff of Tourist Information Interlaken will be pleased to help.
Protect your valuables when you are out and about in the holiday region. Keep them safe and remain vigilant. Small and simple precautions can often prevent theft.
Still not enough information? Here you can find more advice:
Experience the diversity of the Holiday Region Interlaken: