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Is Interlaken expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Interlaken is very expensive, as is Switzerland in general: among the dearest places to travel in Europe, with mountain railways and cable cars as the biggest costs. A budget traveller needs about CHF 160 a day, mid-range about CHF 340 and comfort about CHF 650 per person, averaged over four days with one Jungfraujoch trip. Beds and food are pricey, but it is the lift tickets that really add up.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | CHF55 | CHF130 | CHF300 |
| Food & drink | CHF40 | CHF80 | CHF150 |
| Sights & tickets | CHF50 | CHF100 | CHF150 |
| Local transport | CHF15 | CHF30 | CHF50 |
| Per person, per day | CHF160 | CHF340 | CHF650 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Interlaken day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a café | CHF 4.50–6 |
| Cheese fondue per person | about CHF 30–35 |
| Supermarket sandwich (Coop, Migros) | CHF 5–8 |
| Harder Kulm funicular return | about CHF 40 |
| Jungfraujoch return in summer | roughly CHF 200–250 (less with passes) |
| Schilthorn cable car return | about CHF 110 |
| Trummelbach Falls | about CHF 16 |
| Mid-range double between Ost and West stations | CHF 180–300 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Mountain transport is the largest single expense: a Jungfraujoch return costs roughly CHF 200–250 in summer and the Schilthorn about CHF 110, before smaller lifts like Harder Kulm. Accommodation comes next, with mid-range doubles at CHF 180–300 and visitor tax on top. Restaurant meals cost CHF 25–40 per main dish, so many visitors self-cater. Rail passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card or Berner Oberland Regional Pass can cut lift costs significantly.
When it is cheaper
Hotels are often cheaper in the shoulder seasons (late April–May and late October–November), but many lifts close for maintenance then. Mid-June to mid-September and the Christmas holidays are the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Compare the Swiss Travel Pass, the Half Fare Card (about CHF 150 for a month) and the Berner Oberland Regional Pass against your planned lifts before buying.
- Shop at Coop and Migros supermarkets and picnic in the mountains.
- Choose a hostel or apartment with a kitchen to cook dinner.
- Go up to the Jungfraujoch only on a clear day; check the webcams before buying.
- Hike between villages (Wengen, Mürren, Gimmelwald) instead of taking every lift.
- Drink tap water and fountain water marked as drinkable, rather than buying bottles.
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Common questions
Is Interlaken expensive?
Yes, very. Expect about CHF 160 a day on a budget and CHF 340 mid-range, with mountain lifts such as the Jungfraujoch (roughly CHF 200–250 return in summer) the biggest costs.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it for Interlaken?
It depends on your plans. It covers trains, buses and boats and gives about 25–50% off most lifts. For one long trip and a few lifts, the Half Fare Card may be cheaper.
How much does a fondue cost in Interlaken?
About CHF 30–35 per person in a restaurant.