💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Interlaken: card acceptance for adventure sports, how to pay for Jungfraujoch and mountain railways, and what to budget for Switzerland's adventure capital. For Switzerland-wide ATM tips, DCC warnings, tipping norms, and exchange rate advice:
Read the Switzerland Money Guide →🎧 Order Swiss Francs Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order CHF → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Interlaken?
Very little. Interlaken is built for international tourism and is extremely card-friendly. Adventure sport operators, mountain railways, restaurants, hotels, and shops all accept Visa and Mastercard with contactless. You may need CHF 20–30 for tips (especially for paragliding pilots and adventure guides), some remote mountain huts, and public restrooms.
Where You Will Need Cash
Tips for adventure guides (paragliding pilots, canyoning leaders, rafting guides: CHF 10–20). Some remote mountain huts on longer hiking trails. Public restrooms (CHF 1–2). Street food vendors (rare, but some near the stations). Vending machines at smaller train platforms.
Where Cards Work Fine
All adventure sport operators (paragliding, canyoning, bungee, skydiving). All mountain railways (Jungfraujoch, Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte, First). All restaurants on Höheweg and throughout town. Hotels at all levels. Shops along Höheweg and at Interlaken Ost/West stations. Supermarkets (Coop, Migros). Lake cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Compared to Lucerne, Interlaken has identical card coverage with even more adventure-focused infrastructure.
Paying by Card in Interlaken
Visa and Mastercard work everywhere in Interlaken. Contactless is the norm. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at all terminals. Amex is accepted at hotels and some larger restaurants. Remember: Switzerland uses Swiss Francs (CHF), not euros. Always pay in CHF to avoid unfavorable conversion rates.
Höheweg (Main Boulevard)
Interlaken's main street connects the two train stations (Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost). Adventure sport booking offices line both sides: Outdoor Interlaken, Alpin Raft, Paragliding Interlaken, all card-friendly. Restaurants and cafes along Höheweg accept cards. Souvenir shops and Swiss watch stores accept cards. The famous Höhematte park (free, with Jungfrau views) is in the center. This is where most visitor spending happens.
Interlaken Ost Station Area
The eastern station is the departure point for Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. Ticket offices accept cards. SBB machines accept cards. The Jungfrau Travel Pass and individual mountain tickets can be purchased by card here or online. Restaurants and shops around the station accept cards. The Coop supermarket near the station is card-friendly.
Harder Kulm (Interlaken's Mountain)
The Harderbahn funicular (CHF 34 return, card at station) climbs to Interlaken's local viewpoint at 1,322m. The panoramic restaurant at the top accepts cards. The Two Lakes Bridge viewing platform is free. 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass. A quick 10-minute ride from Interlaken Ost. The summit is fully card-equipped.
Lake Cruises (Thun & Brienz)
Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. BLS boat cruises on both lakes accept cards at the pier ticket offices and onboard. Lake Thun to Thun town costs CHF 30 (1 hour). Lake Brienz to Brienz/Giessbach Falls costs CHF 18–28. Free with Swiss Travel Pass. The Giessbach Falls funicular (CHF 6, card accepted) is a highlight on the Brienz route.
Mountain Huts & Alpine Trails
Once you leave the valley and head into the high mountains, cash becomes more useful. Staffed mountain huts on the Eiger Trail, Schynige Platte, and Grindelwald First trails vary: larger restaurants accept cards, smaller huts may prefer cash. Alpine cheese farms (Alpkäse) are typically cash. Bring CHF 20–30 when hiking to remote areas. Valley-level restaurants in Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Mürren all accept cards.
Adventure Sports: What They Cost
Interlaken is Switzerland's adventure capital. All major operators accept cards for booking and payment.
Paragliding
Tandem paragliding over Interlaken with views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau: CHF 170–200 for 15–20 minutes. Video/photo package adds CHF 40–60. Major operators: Paragliding Interlaken, Skywings, Twin Paragliding. All accept cards at their Höheweg offices or online. Tip your pilot CHF 10–20 in cash if you enjoyed the flight.
Canyoning & River Rafting
Canyoning in the Saxeten or Grimsel gorges: CHF 130–180. River rafting on the Lütschine: CHF 95–130. Operators like Outdoor Interlaken and Alpin Raft accept cards at their offices and online. Equipment is included. Tip your guide CHF 10–15 in cash.
Bungee Jumping & Skydiving
Bungee jumping from the Stockhorn cable car (134m): CHF 205. Helicopter skydiving over the Alps: CHF 390–450. Both accept cards. These are premium experiences with premium prices, but the alpine backdrop is unmatched anywhere in the world.
Jungfraujoch & Mountain Railways
The Jungfrau region railways are Interlaken's biggest draw and biggest expense. All accept cards.
Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe"
The highest railway station in Europe (3,454m). Return from Interlaken Ost costs CHF 204 (via Grindelwald and the Eiger Express gondola). 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass (CHF 102). Included in the Jungfrau Travel Pass (CHF 190 for 3 days, covering all regional railways). Card accepted at all ticket offices and online. Book a specific departure time online for guaranteed seating. The summit has a restaurant, ice palace, and observation deck (all card-friendly).
Grindelwald First
The gondola from Grindelwald to First (2,168m) costs CHF 66 return (card at station). Activities at the top: First Flyer zip line (CHF 29), First Cliff Walk (free), Mountain Cart (CHF 19), Trottibike (CHF 19). All payable by card. 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass. A more relaxed alternative to Jungfraujoch with stunning Eiger views.
Schilthorn / Piz Gloria
The James Bond mountain (featured in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service"). Cable car from Mürren to Schilthorn (2,970m) costs CHF 105 return from Stechelberg (card at station). The revolving Piz Gloria restaurant at the summit accepts cards. 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass. Spectacular 360-degree panorama of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
ATMs in Interlaken
For Switzerland-wide ATM advice and DCC warnings, see the Switzerland guide.
Look for these logos. Swiss bank ATMs offer fair-rate withdrawals for foreign cards.
UBS
Raiffeisen
PostFinanceATM Locations
Höheweg: Banks along the main boulevard. Interlaken West station: PostFinance ATM. Interlaken Ost station: UBS ATM nearby. Coop/Migros: ATMs at supermarket locations. Interlaken is small and all ATMs are within walking distance. Important: There are no ATMs in Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, or Mürren's mountain areas, so withdraw in Interlaken before heading into the valleys.
⚠ Always Pay in Swiss Francs
Some tourist shops offer to charge in euros or your home currency. Always decline and pay in CHF. Their conversion rate will be 5–10% worse. At ATMs, always choose CHF. This avoids DCC markups that cost you money.
Paying for Trains, Buses & Lake Cruises
BOB & Jungfrau Railways
The Berner Oberland-Bahn (BOB) connects Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald (CHF 12.80, 35 minutes) and Lauterbrunnen (CHF 7.80, 20 minutes). Card at SBB machines or the SBB app. The Jungfrau Railways (to Jungfraujoch, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen) all accept cards at ticket offices. Free with Swiss Travel Pass up to Wengen/Grindelwald; 50% off beyond.
Local Buses
Interlaken's local buses connect the two stations and surrounding areas. A single ticket costs CHF 2.60. A day pass costs CHF 5.20. Buy at machines (card accepted) or on the SBB app. Swiss Travel Pass includes all local buses. Most visitors walk between the stations (20 minutes along Höheweg) or take the train (3 minutes).
Lake Cruises
Lake Thun cruises (BLS) depart from Interlaken West. Lake Brienz cruises depart from Interlaken Ost. Both accept cards at the pier and onboard. A cruise to Brienz and the Giessbach Falls is particularly scenic (CHF 28 return, free with Swiss Travel Pass). The historic paddle steamer Blümlisalp on Lake Thun is a highlight.
Tipping in Interlaken
The Switzerland guide covers Swiss tipping norms. Service is included in all bills. Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up or leave CHF 2–5 at restaurants. Adventure sport guides (paragliding pilots, canyoning leaders): CHF 10–20 in cash is a generous and appreciated gesture. Mountain railway staff: not expected. Hotel porters: CHF 2–5 per bag.
Prices in Interlaken
Interlaken is expensive, even by Swiss standards. Adventure sports and mountain railways are the biggest expenses. The Swiss Travel Pass is essential for managing costs.
| Item | Price (CHF) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee at a cafe | CHF 4.50–6 | $5–6.70 |
| Casual lunch | CHF 18–30 | $20–33.50 |
| Rösti (Swiss potato dish) | CHF 16–22 | $17.80–24.50 |
| Dinner (with wine) | CHF 45–80 | $50–89 |
| Jungfraujoch return | CHF 204 (102 with STP) | $227 ($113) |
| Paragliding (tandem) | CHF 170–200 | $189–222 |
| Canyoning | CHF 130–180 | $145–200 |
| Harder Kulm funicular | CHF 34 (17 with STP) | $38 ($19) |
| First gondola return | CHF 66 (33 with STP) | $73 ($37) |
| Schilthorn return | CHF 105 (52.50 with STP) | $117 ($58) |
| Lake Brienz cruise | CHF 28 (free with STP) | $31 |
| Swiss Travel Pass (3 days) | CHF 232 | $259 |
| Hotel (mid-range) | CHF 150–300/night | $167–334 |
USD estimates based on approximately CHF 1 = $1.11. STP = Swiss Travel Pass. Rates fluctuate. Summer (June through September) is peak season.
Day Trips from Interlaken
Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" (full day)
The must-do excursion. Train via Grindelwald and the Eiger Express to 3,454m. CHF 204 return (CHF 102 with Swiss Travel Pass, card accepted). The summit has the Sphinx observation deck, Ice Palace, and Alpine Sensation exhibit (all included). Restaurant accepts cards. Allow 6–7 hours round trip.
Lauterbrunnen Valley (30 minutes by train)
The valley of 72 waterfalls. Train costs CHF 7.80 (card, free with STP). Staubbach Falls (free, visible from the village). Trummelbach Falls (CHF 15, card accepted, inside the mountain). Cable car to Mürren (CHF 12, card) for car-free alpine village views. Restaurants in Lauterbrunnen accept cards. The valley is one of Switzerland's most photogenic spots.
Grindelwald & First (half day)
Train from Interlaken Ost (CHF 12.80, 35 minutes, card). Grindelwald village has restaurants and shops that accept cards. The First gondola (CHF 66 return, card) takes you to the First Cliff Walk (free), First Flyer zip line (CHF 29, card), and hiking trails. The Eiger Express gondola to Eigergletscher is the new fast route to Jungfraujoch.
Lucerne (2 hours by train)
The scenic Brünig Pass route from Interlaken to Lucerne costs CHF 33 (card, free with STP). See the Lucerne guide for details on Pilatus, Rigi, and city spending. A full but rewarding day trip, or a scenic transit connection.
Interlaken Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (town) | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Contactless works at all |
| Adventure sports | ✅ All operators | CHF 10–20 for tips | Book online or at Höheweg offices |
| Mountain railways | ✅ All ticket offices | Not needed | Jungfraujoch, First, Schilthorn all by card |
| Lake cruises | ✅ Pier & onboard | Not needed | Free with Swiss Travel Pass |
| Mountain huts (remote) | ✅ Most / ❌ Some | CHF 15–25 | Bring cash for remote hiking huts |
| Trains & buses | ✅ Machines & app | Not needed | SBB app works everywhere |
| Shopping | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Watches, chocolate, souvenirs by card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Interlaken?
Very little. Interlaken is extremely card-friendly. Adventure operators, railways, restaurants, and shops all accept cards. CHF 20–30 for tips (pilots, guides) and remote mountain huts is enough.
How much does Jungfraujoch cost?
CHF 204 return from Interlaken. CHF 102 with the Swiss Travel Pass (50% off). Card accepted at all ticket offices and online. Book a specific time slot for guaranteed seating.
How much does paragliding cost?
CHF 170–200 for a tandem flight (15–20 minutes). Video package adds CHF 40–60. Card accepted at all operator offices on Höheweg. Tip your pilot CHF 10–20 in cash.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
Absolutely. CHF 232 for 3 days covers trains to/from Interlaken, local buses, lake cruises, and 50% off Jungfraujoch (saving CHF 102), First, Schilthorn, and Harder Kulm. Essential for the Jungfrau region.
Can I pay by card for adventure sports?
Yes. All major operators accept Visa and Mastercard at their booking offices and online. Paragliding, canyoning, bungee, rafting, and skydiving are all bookable by card.
How do I get to Grindelwald?
BOB train from Interlaken Ost takes 35 minutes (CHF 12.80, card at machine, free with Swiss Travel Pass). Trains run every 30 minutes. Grindelwald is the gateway to Jungfraujoch and First.
Pay Smart in Interlaken
The Wise card converts at the real mid-market rate with no FX markup. Tap to pay at adventure operators, mountain railways, and restaurants. Hold CHF, USD, EUR, and 40+ currencies. Free ATM withdrawals up to $100/month.
Get the Wise Card →