Fly to Cities

Switzerland is the land that dreams are made of.  It is Europe’s answer to heaven on Earth.  The country sits on the top of the list for many avid travellers across the globe. And the town of Interlaken in Switzerland stands for all that is beautiful and glorious in the nation.

Interlaken, as the name literally means, is a unique and unusual town, sitting between two lakes; Lake Thun and Lake Breinz in the Bernese Oberland. Strategically placed in the magnificent Jungfrau region, Interlaken is the juxtaposition of beauty in nature with beautiful views of the icy icons; the three famous mountains, the Eiger, the Mönch, and Jungfrau. While in Interlaken, here are a few things you must do and see.

Interlaken monastery and castle

A 12^th century Augustinian monestry, with a 14^th century bell tower, Interlaken’s monastery and castle is situated very close to the centre of the town. It is perhaps the most prominent piece of Interlaken’s history.  A Gothic cloister along with remains of chapel dated 1452 is also preserved.  The former monastery is complete with a church within the castle.

St. Beatus Caves

Another prominent point of interest in Interlaken is the mystical St. Beautus Caves, named after St. Beautus, widely known as the first Apostle of Switzerland. Legend has it that in the 6^th century, the caves sheltered the Saint, who was, at the time just a wondering Irish monk. The Saint apparently did battle with a terrifying dragon in there. The caves are just a short boat ride from Interlaken.

Schynige Platte

Located in the heart of the Jungfrau region, in the Bernese highlands, and the historic clog railway, The Schynige Platte is a small mountain ridge which allows you to experience a journey on the unique cog-wheel train. The divine view from the top brings you face to face with the pristine alpine garden that has 600 species of flowers. You can also get a panoramic view of the famous Swiss Alps that encompass the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.

Hoheweg

Hoheweg is the main street of Interlaken which runs between Interlaken East railway station and Interlaken West. In the year 1860, a large group of hotel owners acquired this property from the Augustinian convent and left it as an open space, setting a great example, by donating the property for town planning. If you are planning a trip to Interlaken, chances are, the hotel you book may be in this Promenade. Hoheweg is the central meeting point for hotel guests and tourists alike. It is again a splendid avenue that affords a magnificent view of Interlaken’s tourist hot-spot, the Jungfrau. While here, you can also see the Garden of Friendship.

Unterseen

At the foot of Mt. Harder, lies the little hamlet of Unterseen. Unterseen is one of the many villages that form the town of Interlaken. A Parish church with a Gothic tower, built in the year 1471, is one of the best things to see in this part of the old town. With picturesque wooden chalets, the kind you see in tiny mountain villages, Unterseen is a typical village where you can witness farm animals grazing around the lawns. Don’t forget to taste traditional Swiss dishes in the tiny restaurants around the Stadthausplatz.

Lake Breinz and Lake Thun

On the east side of Interlaken is Lake Breinz while on its west is Lake Thun. Lake Breinz lies between the limestone ridge of Faulhorn Mountains and the Breinzer Grat, and is seven meters higher than Lake Thun. To get the best view, tourists rent one of the five boats which connect the Interlaken to towns around its shores. Lake Thun on the other side, is a long, narrow lake that is surrounded by mountains. You can explore the lake on a cruise boat which operates throughout the year. Once you alight on the shore of Lake Thun, you will find breath-taking castles and Roman churches.

Harder Klum and Alpine Wildlife Park

Over the Aare River, are the Harder Klum Mountain and the Alpine Wildlife Park. Here you can see ibexes and marmots. To get to the park, you will need to take a funicular that takes you to an altitude of 1322 meters. At the top, you can get a panoramic view of Jungfrau, the entire town of Interlaken and the two lakes. To return to the forest path, you can use the Hardermannli lookout pavilion.

The Tourist Museum

The town of Interlaken also harbours the Touristik-Museum or the Museum of Tourism where one can learn about the history of tourism in the region of Jungfrau. This 3 storey exhibit covers everything from clothing, skiing, early transport and vintage hotels. You can also find historical vehicles and carriages, the rack railway locomotives and lake steamers. The special postal coaches are also on display here.

 Interlaken works as the perfect base for you to see the very best of central Switzerland. It performs a dual role of offering tourists its magnificent scenery while they can also enjoy the comfort of a chic lake side resort. It is one of the oldest and the most popular summer destination in the county.

Things to do at Interlaken in winter

For the thrill seeker, Interlaken promises thrill with beauty.  During the winter, you can head for an exciting round of skiing, it is a 45 minute train ride to get to the valley area. You can go up to the Jungfrau Mountain, the highest point in the entire Europe.  You have to take a day trip from Interlaken but the view once you are at the top, is spell-bindingly beautiful.

Thrill seeking delights

You can also go the Adventure Park in the tree tops.  You can cruise through the zip line in Seilpark, taking a free dive from the Giant Swing and do activities like canoing, rafting, paragliding and much more. There are 9 courses of varying challenging levels for thrill seekers.  You can also indulge in jet boat rides, rafting along the Lutschine River and have fun with helicopter skydiving.

Trying new things at Interlaken

You can try your hand at making raclette, a classic popular Swiss dish and also sign up for a woodcarving school.

Interlaken – Pictures (HD)