Why go
The two stations frame a compact town that can be explored on foot. Arriving at West suits a start around the Höheweg and Unterseen; Ost makes more sense for onward mountain travel. Lake routes also divide naturally, with Thun to the west and Brienz to the east.
The full story
Interlaken's transport layout grew from its position between two lakes. In the nineteenth century, steamships served Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and the first Bödelibahn railway linked their approaches. Later lines connected the town to Thun, Lucerne and the mountain valleys to the south. That history still explains the visitor's main choices. Interlaken West is nearer the town-center side of the Höheweg and Unterseen; Interlaken Ost sits at the eastern end and is the starting point for onward routes toward Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. The central streets are compact enough for a town walk, but a lake cruise or mountain ascent is a separate travel leg. Check the named station and current connection for each leg, especially when combining rail with a boat or mountain railway.
Useful to know
- Check the exact departure station on your ticket before heading across town.
- Allow time to change at Interlaken Ost when traveling toward Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald.
- Verify current boat and mountain railway connections before pairing them with a train journey.