Interlaken is like a flat rate. Everything is included – precisely the whole package. If you want to experience Switzerland, you have come to the right place. In addition to snow-covered summits, paradisiacal lakes, underground labyrinthine cave systems, Alpine landscapes as if taken from a picture book and a local mountain that isn’t actually one. Here we have put together for you everything that you absolutely cannot miss when you come to Interlaken!
What a view! High up on the summit of the Schilthorn, there is a fantastic view of a prominent trio. Allow us to introduce the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau – our three giants of the Bernese Alps. The 2,970 metres of the Schilthorn make it the best one for having a clear view of the valley, the mountainous trio and 200 additional summits. Once on top, not only a nice view awaits you, but also the panoramic restaurant Piz Gloria. And, by the way, in the Mürren-Schilthorn skiing region, you will find a total of 25 slopes. Let’s go!
Good news: You don’t have to climb (but you could); instead, there is a streamlined alternative. With the aerial cableway from the valley station of Stechelberg or Mürren, you reach the panoramic summit of the Bernese Alps in 32 min.
Want to learn more? Click here to go to the website!
Allow us to say that Harder Kulm is by trade Interlaken’s local mountain. Well, admittedly the H. K. is actually no mountain – but a spectacularly impressive lookout point. You’ve never seen anything like it! At a breath-taking altitude of 1,322 metres, the observation deck literally projects into the marvellous mountain, valley and lake scenery of Interlaken. And you, you feel like the queen or king of an entire kingdom. So high up, so sublime. Incidentally, this assertion is supported by the building behind you. The panoramic restaurant Harder Kulm resembles a castle (your castle?!) and even sets the table with the most delicious dishes. Good to know: The Harder Kulm is also a perfect starting point for hikes.
Tip: You like it romantic? Go up to experience the sunset!
From the Interlaken-Ost railway station, it is only a short walk to the valley station of Harderbahn. From there, it takes only 10 min. to reach the Harder Kulm with a modern funicular railway.
Operating schedule:
10 April to 1 November 2020: 9.10 a.m.* to 4:10 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. to 8:55 p.m. (last descent at 9:40 p.m.) *On Sundays already from 8:10 a.m.
The railway runs every 30 minutes.
Want to learn more? Click here to go to the website!
Combine a little bit of altitude with a little bit of distance and a huge portion of pure nature – and the result is the adventure of a lifetime. Because: Riding to the Jungfraujoch with the Jungfrau railway is the discovery tour par excellence. The railway chugs along with you through the picturesque Swiss backdrop, passing by mountains and valleys, it’s simply magical. Once on top, at an altitude of 3,454 metres, it is then: Welcome to the top of Europe! The Jungfraujoch is an exciting viewing and experience platform that opens up for you a majestic scenery over the Swiss central plateau all the way to the Vosges and the Aletsch glacier.
By the way: The last station of the Jungfrau railway is Europe’s highest railway station, which also explains the byname “Top of Europe.”
From the Interlaken-Ost railway station, take the Berner Oberland railway towards Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, where you transfer to the Wengernalpbahn and ride to the Kleine Scheidegg. From there, you take the Jungfrau railway directly to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. From Interlaken-Ost, it takes about 2 hours.
The Jungfrau railway runs all year.
Want to learn more? Click here to go to the website!
Have you had enough of altitude? Then let’s go underground! The St. Beatus caves at Lake Thun near Interlaken are the ideal compensation for all the soaring trips to the mountains. A widely ramified cave system awaits you – with lots of exploring potential. About 1 km of it is walkable and leads you through an exciting environment around the waterfall, dripstone formations, wide halls and ravines. Do you know the difference between stalactites and stalagmites? After visiting, the St. Beatus caves, you will certainly know.
Tip: Why don‘t you make a side trip to the cave museum? In the restaurant, you can indulge in a little snack.
The St. Beatus caves are open every day from mid-March to mid-November.
Want to learn more? Click here to go to the website!
The name Interlaken comes from the Latin ‹inter lacūs›, meaning ‹between the lakes›. Actually, our pretty little city really lies between two glittering water worlds, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The former lies west of Interlaken, is 17.5 km long and max. 3.5 km wide – and thus the largest lake in Switzerland lying entirely inside a canton.
First of all, a boat ride on Lake Thun is naturally worth your time. Tour operator BLS Schifffahrt offers various rides. In addition, you can also explore by land a few spots around the lake that are well worth seeing, such as the lakeshore with a panoramic view of the mountains or the five castles on Lake Thun, for example. Cool water activities like canoeing or stand-up paddling are also offered!
Want to learn more? Look here!
No. 2 of the bunch is Lake Brienz, to the east of Interlaken. Although its length of 14 km and its width of 2.8 km make it somewhat smaller than Lake Thun, it is no less enchanting. This lake is also sparkling blue, glitteringly magical and gives a charmingly endless impression, as it is embedded between the majestic mountain scenery and shimmers in the sunlight.
Just like Lake Thun, a boat ride on Lake Brienz is also recommended. Since the lake is surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery and bubbling waterfalls, you can also start exploring the lake by land: How would you like a hike through unspoilt nature, pass by rustic villages with stylish wooden chalets? And for those who still think there’s not enough action, they may like to participate in one of numerous water activities offered on Lake Brienz: jet boats, water skiing, SUP – what’s your choice?
Want to learn more? Look here!
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