Interlaken festivals celebrate the local area's history, geography and music. The festivals offer something for everyone, even fans of country music and trucks.

William Tell Open Air Theatre Festival

The summer's largest festival begins in mid-June and runs through September. It pays homage to Interlaken's local hero, William Tell. The lengthy festival includes nearly 200 performers and dozens of performances each Thursday through Sunday.

Summer Music Festivals

The three-day Greenfield music festival is held in mid-June each year and features more than 40 international, local and up-and-coming bands. If you can get a pass, the three-day ticket includes the performances, round-trip train travel within Switzerland to Interlaken, camping and parking. It is a deal which would be hard to beat.

The Jungfrau Music Festival pairs experienced musicians with young musicians in an effort to improve and promote music in the Interlaken communities. The festival is held in early July.

Other Summer Festivals

At the end of June is the International Trucker Fair and Country Festival. Although a traveler might not choose to visit Interlaken solely for this festival, it may be of interest to those who are curious how the Swiss celebrate country. The festival has been held for nearly 20 years.

The Grindelwald Yodelling Festival takes place in the nearby Bernese Oberland in early July. The festival is based at Bachläger Alp on First Mountain.

August 1 is Swiss National Day. Celebrations include parades, fireworks, yodeling and bonfires to honor Switzerland's birthday. Travelers who aren't interested in the celebrations should keep in mind this is a national holiday in Switzerland.

Early September holds the Jungfrau Marathon. The course is the standard 26-mile distance, but it covers an altitude change of 1,800 meters. It has been called "The World's Most Beautiful Marathon."

Winter Festivals

The new year is welcomed by Interlaken's youth communities during the Harder Potschete festival each January. The event consists of a parade from the Market Square. The young people of Interlaken wear carved masks to honor the tradition of the mountain spirits. After the parade are concerts and other activities.

Other winter events and celebrations move to the mountains and ski areas. Each year brings a new event, race or competition.

Spring Festivals

The Interlaken Classics Music Festival is held each March and April. Similar to the summer Jungfrau Festival, the Classics Festival shows off young local talent. It is considered by many to be the most important Interlaken festival related to music.