Exploring the Interlaken holiday region
The Interlaken holiday region is a great starting point for exploring the surrounding mountains, gorges and lakes. Below are a few tips to help you enjoy a more relaxed and memorable experience.
Parking in town centres and at tourist attractions
In many village and town centres in the Interlaken holiday region, as well as at many tourist attractions, parking spaces for large motorhomes are scarce or non-existent. It is best to leave your vehicle at the campsite and explore the area on foot, by bike or by public transport. Depending on where you are staying, you can even use many public transport services in the region free of charge with your guest card.
Out and about in the mountains – safe and well prepared
If you are planning a hike or mountain tour, be sure to check the weather conditions beforehand. On hot days in particular, thunderstorms can develop quickly in the Alps in the afternoon – often unnoticed behind a ridge. Even harmless-looking streams can turn into dangerous white water in a very short time during heavy rain.
Our tip: Download the weather app from Landi or MeteoSwiss to your smartphone. Also keep in mind that forecasts are based on model calculations, which thunderstorms do not always follow. 😉
Always wear suitable clothing (spare shirt, warm jacket, rain gear) and sturdy shoes with good tread, and be sure to take enough to drink with you.
The Little Mountain Etiquette Guide
The unique natural environment, crystal-clear mountain lakes, idyllic villages and wide range of leisure activities make the Interlaken holiday region an internationally popular destination. To preserve the uniqueness of our region, we ask for your help:
- Stay on the marked paths: Whether on foot or by bike, respect closed areas and protect sensitive habitats such as meadows, moors and nature reserves. Do not walk through tall grass or flower meadows, as this destroys future food sources for livestock.
- When hunting for the perfect picture for your Instagram profile, be sure to keep an eye on your surroundings. One misstep can have disastrous consequences.
- Leave nothing behind but your footprints: take your rubbish with you, including organic waste. Wild animals eat what you leave behind – and this often harms them more than you might think.
- Keep noise to a minimum: nature speaks for itself with the sound of water and cowbells. Music boxes or loud conversations disturb wildlife and other guests.
- Respect wildlife: observe wild animals respectfully from a distance – without feeding, touching or harassing them. Too close contact can disturb their natural behaviour or cause them stress. Be especially careful around mother cows with calves: they instinctively defend their young and may feel threatened, which can lead to aggressive behaviour.
- Do not simply light a campfire anywhere, but stick to the official fire pits and always respect official fire bans. Open fires can have devastating consequences, especially in strong Föhn winds, which are warm and very dry.
- Do not pick wild flowers. Many species are protected.
- Use toilets: Use public facilities wherever available. If you need to relieve yourself while out hiking, dig a small hole away from water and cover it again. Or even better: use a dog waste bag. Wet wipes do not belong in nature.
- Always keep your dog on a leash – this protects wild animals and grazing livestock and ensures a relaxed coexistence with other hikers. Also, find out about local regulations for dogs, as different rules apply depending on the region or protected area.
- Never jump headfirst into unknown or murky water – hidden rocks or shoals can be dangerous. Take extra care in rivers and mountain streams: currents are often underestimated. Always keep an eye on the weather – a distant thunderstorm can turn harmless mountain streams into raging torrents in no time. Always observe swimming restrictions.
