Full Guide to Migros Supermarket Interlaken for Travelers

When you arrive in Interlaken, Switzerland, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is where to buy your groceries. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and adventure tourism. But beyond the scenery, everyday essentials matter too and this is where the Migros Supermarket Interlaken comes into play.
Migros isn’t just Switzerland’s largest supermarket chain; it’s also a local cultural icon. In Interlaken, the Migros store stands out as a convenient, budget friendly, and reliable destination for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re shopping for fresh produce, stocking up for a mountain picnic, or simply curious about Swiss grocery shopping culture, Migros Interlaken has you covered.
Why Migros Supermarket Interlaken is Popular
- Prime Location
- Situated on Rugenparkstrasse, near Interlaken West Bahnhof, Migros is highly accessible by foot, train, or car.
- The supermarket also offers ample parking, which makes it easy for road tripping tourists.
- Wide Range of Products
- Fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.
- Everyday essentials like toiletries, cleaning products, and homeware.
- Ready to eat options, including sandwiches, salads, and pre cooked meals.
- Budget Friendly Options
- Migros is known for its M Budget line, offering affordable versions of almost every product imaginable — from spaghetti and chocolate to toiletries and household items.
- Perfect for students, budget travelers, or families looking to save money.
- Cultural Touchpoint
- Migros famously does not sell alcohol or cigarettes, a tradition dating back to its founder’s public health mission in 1925.
- Locals often joke about being either a “Migros child” or a “Coop child,” depending on where their parents shopped.
What to Buy at Migros Supermarket Interlaken
- Fresh Produce → Apples, berries, mushrooms, potatoes often sourced locally.
- Swiss Cheese & Dairy → Migros has an impressive cheese counter, with Swiss classics like Emmental and Gruyère.
- M-Budget Products → Affordable basics: pasta, tomato sauce, yogurt, shampoo, snacks.
- Chocolate & Sweets → M Budget chocolate bars (just 1.20 CHF) are surprisingly tasty.
- Ready-to-Go Meals → Sandwiches, sushi boxes, salads, and wraps for tourists on the move.
- Household Essentials → Cleaning supplies, toiletries, and small kitchen items.
Pro Tip: Shop two hours before closing time to find discounted products nearing expiration.
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Alternatives to Migros in Interlaken
While Migros is a top choice, Interlaken offers other supermarkets and food stores:
- Coop Supermarket Interlaken → Slightly more expensive, but sells alcohol and has the Prix Garantie budget line.
- Denner → A discount supermarket (owned by Migros since 2007), smaller selection but cheaper alcohol and snacks.
- Lidl & Aldi → Located outside the town center, great for low budget bulk shopping.
- Spar / Volg → Found in villages and rural areas, offering basic groceries and local products.
- Manor Food & Globus (near larger Swiss cities) → For premium and exotic items, though pricier.
Takeaway Food Near Migros Interlaken
If you’re on the go, here are to go food options connected with Swiss supermarkets and chains:
- Coop to Go / Migros to Go → Ready meals and sandwiches at train stations.
- Brezelkönig → Pretzels with cheese, ham, or sausage (found in train stations).
- Swiss Bakeries → Fresh sandwiches, quiches, pastries, and croissants.
- Ässbar → Discount bakery goods from the previous day (available in larger cities like Zurich or Bern, but a great concept worth mentioning).
- Too Good To Go app → Grab end of day surprise bags from supermarkets, bakeries, or restaurants at discounted prices.
Migros Interlaken Opening Hours
While exact hours may vary, here’s the general guideline for Swiss supermarkets:
- Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 08:00 AM – 06:30/07:00 PM
- Thursday or Friday: Often late night shopping until 09:00 PM
- Saturday: 08:00 AM – 04:00/08:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed (except for convenience stores at train stations, like Migrolino or Avec).
In Interlaken, if you arrive on a Sunday, you can find essentials at Migrolino (affiliated with Migros) or Avec stores near the train station.
Swiss Supermarket Culture & Tips
- Organic = Bio → Look for the green “Bio” label on organic products.
- Self Weighing Produce → You must weigh fruits/vegetables and print a price sticker before checkout.
- Bring Your Own Bags → Paper bags cost around 0.30 CHF, plastic bags 0.05 CHF.
- Nobody Bags for You → Be ready to pack your own groceries quickly.
- Late Evening Discounts → Shops reduce prices on perishables a few hours before closing.
Price Comparison: Migros vs Coop vs Lidl
Item (avg.) | Migros | Coop | Lidl / Aldi |
---|---|---|---|
1L Milk | 1.50 CHF | 1.60 CHF | 1.25 CHF |
Bread Loaf | 2.50 CHF | 2.60 CHF | 1.80 CHF |
Chocolate Bar | 1.20 CHF (M-Budget) | 1.30 CHF (Prix Garantie) | 1.00 CHF |
Cheese (100g) | 2.50 CHF | 2.70 CHF | 2.20 CHF |
Water Bottle (1.5L) | 0.45 CHF (M-Budget) | 0.50 CHF (Prix Garantie) | 0.40 CHF |
Final Thoughts:
The Migros Supermarket Interlaken is more than just a grocery store it’s a gateway to Swiss food culture. Whether you’re a budget traveler looking for affordable meals, an expat adjusting to life in Switzerland, or a curious tourist hunting for Swiss chocolate and cheese, Migros offers an excellent mix of quality, price, and convenience.
By exploring M Budget products, learning about Swiss shopping traditions, and checking out alternatives like Coop, Lidl, or Denner, you’ll quickly feel at home navigating Switzerland’s unique supermarket scene.
FAQs About Migros Supermarket Interlaken
1. Does Migros Interlaken sell alcohol?
No. Migros supermarkets never sell alcohol or cigarettes due to a long standing company policy.
2. Which is cheaper in Interlaken: Migros or Coop?
Migros is generally slightly cheaper, but Coop offers more variety, including alcohol.
3. Can I shop on Sunday in Interlaken?
Regular supermarkets are closed, but Migrolino and Avec convenience stores near the train station are open.
4. Is Migros Interlaken good for tourists?
Yes! It’s affordable, centrally located, and has everything from Swiss chocolate to ready to go meals.