Car Rental Interlaken

With an incredibly modern and well-developed freeway system, Switzerland is easy to navigate once you know the driving rules.

When you’re heading in or out of Interlaken in your rental car, the main route to follow is the A8. Once on the road, be mindful of changing speed limits, which are displayed in kilometers per hour (km/h) throughout Switzerland. While 120km/h (74mph) or 100km/h (62mph) is typical on most major routes, limits drop dramatically in towns – with 35km/h (20mph) or 50km/h (30mph) common. These will usually be well-signed however.

In Interlaken itself, there are a variety of paid parking spaces available in convenient lots around the town – and payment can usually be made by app. Just be aware of the various cross walks, called zebra crossings in Switzerland, at which pedestrians take priority. These are easy to spot, as they’re marked with yellow stripes across the road.

Interlaken is the perfect base for anyone hoping to experience the Bernese Oberland area to its fullest, or explore the wider canton of Bern. The Swiss capital city itself can be reached in around 50 minutes by car, via the A8 and A6 to the north-west, while following the A8 east will take you to the historic city of Lucerne in approximately an hour. Both make ideal day trips.

Natural wonders in the local region are also easily accessible by road, with many opportunities for exploration nearby.

From exciting watersports and mountain climbing to lakeside strolls with breathtaking views, this is a popular vacation destination for a reason.

Enhance your Swiss adventure and discover even more opportunities when you rent a car in Interlaken. Here are just some of the great things to do.

Mountain gardens on Scynige Platte

At almost 7,000-feet high, Schynige Platte mountain ridge offers some of the finest views in the neighboring mountains.

Park up your rental car at Wilderswil station and hop aboard the cog-wheel summit train to venture up the hills. This scenic 50-minute journey sees you cross the river Lütschine, venture through meadows and negotiate dense forest.

At the top you’ll be treated to ever-changing alpine panoramas from the Bernese Highlands. The air up here is wonderfully fragrant, so follow your nose down the trail to the alpine garden. Home to more than 700 species of flowers, with its extraordinary height giving it a rare and fantastical feel, here you will find blue sesleria, milkwort pastures and rusty sedge among the vibrant, colorful flora.

Lake adventures

Lake Thun is the beating heart of the region. Stretching just over 10-miles in length, the beauty of this narrow body of water is only enhanced by the surrounding mountains.

A special way to fully appreciate the lake and the quaint villages that skirt its edges is to first drive along its shores – and then explore them by boat.

You can head along Route 6 and the A8 to the town of Thun in around 30-40 minutes, enjoying scenic charm along the way.

Then, once you have enjoyed the drive, consider a short cruise along the surface. There are a few options to choose from, but the quirkiest is the Blümlisalp. A fully restored double-deck paddle steamer, the Blümlisalp offers stylish ambience and extreme on-board comfort while gliding across the water.

Take an evening trip for added atmosphere and enjoy a delicious meal from the galley menu. You’ll pass five lakeside castles on your journey, adding an extra touch of romance to your Lake Thun fairytale.

Discover the legend of St Beatus Cave

Hidden within the chambers and passageways of St Beatus Cave you’ll find legend and mystery.

As the story goes, the caves were once a place of refuge for a dragon who took shelter here and terrified the locals – until St Beatus himself bravely ventured inside. Aside from this exciting tale, the caves also attract visitors with their beauty and atmosphere.

Once you arrive at the car park, it’s only a short stroll through the forest and over the waterfalls to reach the caves. Walk along more than half a mile of cavern passageways to gaze into mirror lakes and be amazed by underground waterfalls.

The museum gives a great overview of the cave’s history through its audio guide, and can be found in Waldhaus forest by the main road. If you’re feeling hungry, the restaurant is near the foot of the caves and boasts unrivalled views of Lake Thun – a fantastic backdrop to an authentic Swiss dish.

Remarkable rapids

Trips to Interlaken simply invite outdoor adventures, and few are as thrilling as white water rafting.

If you’re feeling adventurous, follow a team of internationally accredited guides on a raft down some of Switzerland’s most scenic rivers. These fast-flowing waters will hurtle you over the rapids with gusto, satisfying every adrenaline seeker taking part.

Iconic peaks such as the Eiger North Wall will act as a dramatic backdrop to your speedy journey down the river.

Reserve car rental in Interlaken to fully embrace your Swiss adventure – and find exciting day trips and things to do amid spectacular scenery.