Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s most captivating towns, perfectly positioned between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Its location offers not only stunning views but also easy access to the surrounding mountains and lakes, making it an ideal hub for exploring the Swiss Alps. What really sets Interlaken apart for travelers looking for city tours is the variety — from private, tailored walks to adrenaline-pumping mountain adventures. Among the experiences we love is the Interlaken City Private Tour and Harder Mountain Excursion, which combines a personalized city stroll with breathtaking views from Harder Kulm. This tour offers a chance to explore at your own pace, soaking in both the historic streets and panoramic mountain vistas. You can find out more about this experience here: Interlaken City Private Tour and Harder Mountain Excursion.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the three best city tours in Interlaken, each offering a different flavor of Swiss scenery and local culture. Whether you prefer a private, customizable city walk, a quick scenic drive with photo stops, or a combination of city highlights and mountain fun, there’s an option for every travel style.
1. Interlaken City Private Tour and Harder Mountain Excursion
The Interlaken City Private Tour and Harder Mountain Excursion is our top pick for a flexible, immersive experience. For around $332.38 per person, this 3-hour tour offers a private guide who personalizes your itinerary, choosing between historic neighborhoods, markets, or scenic cable car rides to the summit of Mount Harder at 4,337 feet (1,322 meters). The private nature of this tour means you can tailor your experience—whether you want to explore the streets of Unterseen, walk along the Aare River, or visit the Kursaal and Hohematte Park.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to combine city sightseeing with a mountain excursion, all with the freedom to select your preferred route. The guide shares insights into Interlaken’s history while taking you to photogenic spots and natural attractions. The trip includes a visit to the markets in Unterseen and an optional cable car ride for spectacular views of Lake Thun and the surrounding peaks—something many travelers find unforgettable.
Guests consistently praise the personalized service and the guide’s local knowledge, with reviews highlighting the relaxed pace and tailored experience. One reviewer noted, “We learned a lot from our guide, who knew a ton about the place and its history, and took us to Mount Harder for some great photos.” Given its private format, this tour is ideal for couples, families, or small groups wanting a custom adventure.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a perfect mix of history, natural beauty, and personal attention, making it a favorite for those wanting a flexible, in-depth look at Interlaken.
2. Lake View Cloy Hangbridge Sigriswil City Thun Castle Spiez Privat
For around $119.99 per person, the Lake View Cloy Hangbridge Sigriswil City Thun Castle Spiez Privat tour provides a quick, scenic escape into some of the most photographed spots around Interlaken. Lasting about four hours, this private drive takes you through lesser-known viewpoints, with an eco-conscious vehicle that confidently claims to be CO2 neutral—an appealing detail for environmentally minded travelers.
This tour is all about seeing off-the-beaten-path locations that often get overlooked in typical guidebooks. It includes a drive over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) on the steep mountain roads, offering spectacular panoramas of Lake Thun, the Jungfrau, Moench, and Eiger mountains. Highlights include Beatenberg, with its famous aerial views over Lake Thun, and the secretive “Abyss” viewpoint, which offers a dramatic perspective of the Lower Lake.
Guests on this tour loved Phillip’s professionalism and the chance to see scenery few travelers get to enjoy—one reviewer wrote, “We drove high up on the mountains bordering Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, exploring backroads I could never find on my own.” This experience is suited for travelers who want a quick, visually stunning drive with minimal time commitment but maximum scenic impact.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those with limited time who want a private, eco-friendly drive through Swiss mountain scenery, with plenty of photo opportunities.
3. Interlaken: City Tour and Harder Kulm Funicular Ride
The Interlaken: City Tour and Harder Kulm Funicular Ride offers a structured, engaging way to see the town and its iconic lookout point. For about three hours, this small-group tour combines a guided walk through Interlaken’s streets with a funicular ride up to Harder Kulm—the so-called “Top of Interlaken.” Starting at Coop, your guide will introduce you to the town’s charming chalets, historic sites, and stories about how Interlaken evolved from a monastic settlement into a bustling tourist town.
The highlight is the ride on the historic red funicular, which takes you above the town for panoramic views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the towering peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The tour is perfect for travelers who want a taste of both local history and spectacular scenery without too much time commitment.
Reviews are mixed since some travelers appreciate the straightforward, well-organized experience, and others wish for more time at the top. One participant summed it up: “Riding the funicular up was a highlight, and the views at the top are outstanding.” It’s especially suitable for those new to Interlaken or visitors seeking a quick overview that combines walking and mountain views.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for first-timers or those wanting a balanced, guided introduction to Interlaken’s sights and scenery.
How to Choose Your Perfect Interlaken City Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want a completely personalized experience—perhaps combining city sights with a mountain ride—the Interlaken City Private Tour and Harder Mountain Excursion is your best bet. For a quick, scenic drive with fewer hours but stunning vistas, the Lake View Cloy Hangbridge Sigriswil City Thun Castle Spiez Privat offers excellent value. And if you prefer a guided walk with a funicular ride, the third option is a straightforward, family-friendly way to see the town.
Think about how much time you have and what kind of experience excites you most. For nature lovers wanting a private, customizable tour, the first is ideal. For those interested in striking views and efficient sightseeing, the second fits well. And for travelers looking for a classic, relaxed overview, the third offers a balanced introduction.
Final Thoughts
Interlaken’s variety of city tours means there’s something for every traveler. If you want an intimate, flexible tour with access to mountain vistas, the private Interlaken City Private Tour and Harder Mountain Excursion is a standout. For quick scenic drives that pack a punch, the eco-friendly Lake View Cloy Hangbridge Sigriswil City Thun Castle Spiez Privat is hard to beat. And for an easy, guided introduction to Interlaken’s streets and views, the City Tour and Harder Kulm Funicular Ride remains a popular choice.
Booking early is recommended, especially in the busy summer months, to secure your preferred time and tour type. Whichever you choose, each offers a genuine taste of Swiss life, scenery, and history — making your stay in Interlaken memorable and well-rounded.
