Harder Kulm Viewpoint for Mountain Vistas

Harder Kulm offers the best views of the town and surrounding mountains. You can see the Eiger mountain clearly from the Two Lakes Bridge. The funicular ride takes only ten minutes to reach the top. It is a must for Interlaken winter photography spots 2026.

The viewing platform stands at 1,322 meters above sea level. You can photograph the peaks of the Jungfrau region from here. The contrast between the white snow and blue sky is beautiful. Use a polarizing filter to make the colors pop in your photos.

Check the best lake views in Interlaken during winter before you head up. The funicular operates frequently during the winter season. A round-trip ticket costs about 40 Swiss Francs for adults. Arrive thirty minutes before sunset for the best lighting conditions.

Bring a sturdy tripod to capture the town lights at dusk. The lights of Interlaken look like glowing jewels from this height. Keep your camera battery warm inside your jacket between shots. Cold air drains power much faster than you might expect.

You can also visit the official Interlaken Tourism website for daily weather updates. Clear skies are essential for the best mountain panoramas. If it is cloudy, the peaks might be hidden from view. Always check the live webcam before buying your ticket.

Iseltwald Pier and Lake Brienz Turquoise Waters

Iseltwald is a charming fishing village on the shores of Lake Brienz. It is famous for its wooden pier and turquoise water. This location is one of the most popular instagrammable winter locations in Interlaken town nearby. The village looks peaceful under a blanket of fresh snow.

The pier requires a small fee to access for photos. This helps the village manage the high number of visitors. Early morning is the best time to visit for soft light. You can take Bus 103 from Interlaken Ost station to get here.

The bus ride takes about twenty minutes and is very scenic. You can use your Swiss Travel Pass for free transport. Check the schedule on the SBB CFF FFS website for precise times. Boats also run to Iseltwald but less often in winter.

Frame your shot to include the castle on the peninsula. The dark wood of the houses contrasts well with the snow. Use a slow shutter speed to make the lake water look smooth. This creates a calm and professional look for your winter portfolio.

Hohematte Park for Central Town Photos

Hohematte Park is a large green space in the center of town. In winter, it often becomes a snowy field with mountain views. You can photograph paragliders landing here even during the colder months. The Jungfrau mountain serves as a perfect background for these action shots.

The park is home to the famous Ice Magic Interlaken skating rink. The ice paths look beautiful when they are lit up at night. Capture the motion of skaters using a slightly longer exposure time. This adds a sense of energy to your winter images.

Walk along the Hoheweg to find different angles of the park. The Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel provides a classic architectural element for photos. Its grand facade looks impressive when framed by snow-covered trees. This area is very easy to access on foot from any hotel.

Visit the park during the blue hour for a magical atmosphere. The street lamps cast a warm glow on the white snow. This creates a beautiful contrast between orange and blue tones. It is a great spot for practicing low-light photography skills.

Unterseen Old Town and the Aare River

Unterseen is the historic part of Interlaken located across the river. It features narrow streets and traditional Swiss buildings. The Aare river flows through this area with crystal clear water. It is a fantastic place for Interlaken winter photography spots 2026.

The wooden bridges over the river are very photogenic in winter. You can find unique angles of the water rushing through the sluice gates. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the splashing water droplets. This adds detail and texture to your river photographs.

You might even see locals preparing for the Harder Potschete parade in early January. The old town square is the heart of these traditional celebrations. Capture the historic signs and decorated windows of the local shops. These details tell a story of Swiss culture and history.

The Stadthausplatz is the main square in Unterseen. It features a beautiful church tower that stands out against the mountains. Walk along the river banks to find reflections of the colorful houses. The water is often very still in the early morning hours.

Lake Thun Shoreline and Neuhaus Sunsets

Lake Thun offers a different perspective than Lake Brienz. The shoreline near Neuhaus is perfect for capturing winter sunsets. The sun sets behind the mountains, creating long shadows across the water. This is one of the best sunrise spots in Interlaken during January as well.

Take Bus 21 from the town center to reach Neuhaus. The journey takes about ten minutes and drops you near the water. There is a small beach area that is quiet in winter. You can use the wooden piers as leading lines in your compositions.

The mountains across the lake often glow pink during sunset. This phenomenon is known as the alpenglow. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape. Include some rocks or snow in the foreground for added depth.

Wait for a few minutes after the sun disappears for the best colors. The sky often turns deep purple and orange during this time. Keep your tripod steady on the icy ground to avoid blurry shots. A remote shutter release can also help prevent camera shake.

Winter Photography Gear and Technical Tips

Shooting in the snow requires some special technical knowledge. You should always carry extra batteries in your inner pockets. Cold temperatures can reduce battery life by more than fifty percent. Read our Interlaken winter travel tips 2026 for more gear advice.

Your camera might try to make the white snow look gray. Increase your exposure compensation by +1 or +2 stops. This ensures the snow looks bright and white in your final images. Check your histogram frequently to avoid blowing out the highlights.

Avoid changing lenses frequently when you are outdoors in the cold. This prevents moisture from getting inside your camera body. If you must change lenses, do it quickly and face the camera down. Use a lens hood to keep snowflakes off the glass element.

When you go back inside, put your camera in a sealed bag. This prevents condensation from forming on the cold electronics. Let the equipment warm up slowly to room temperature before using it. This simple step protects your gear from water damage.