What Is Interlaken? All You Need to Know About this Swiss Vacation Destination

Interlaken, which translates to “between the lakes”, is one of Switzerland’s most popular vacation destinations. This picturesque town situated on the northern shore of Lake Thun and between Lake Brienz and the Bernese Alps is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and anyone who wants to explore the Swiss culture and traditions.

Interlaken has seen a great resurgence in popularity over the last few years, thanks to its strong offering of outdoor activities and attractions, coupled with its unique and charming setting. To get an idea of what this delightful little town has to offer, let’s take a look at some of Interlaken’s top attractions.

Top Attractions in Interlaken

Outdoor Activities

With its multiple idyllic lakes, breathtaking mountain views and verdant forests, Interlaken is no stranger to outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts can explore miles of trails in the surrounding mountains, with dozens of guided trips offering various sights and experiences for hikers of all levels.

Water enthusiasts can engage in a variety of activities such as standup paddling, canoeing, and windsurfing on Lakes Thun and Brienz, or visit the resort’s lagoon for pedal boating or wakeboarding. In winter, skiing is one of the major draws to Interlaken, as its slopes are home to the world’s longest freestyle ski runs, among other thrilling winter sports.

Cultural Attractions

In addition to its sporting activities, Interlaken also offers an array of cultural attractions, offering endless exploration and enjoyment to all who visit. One of the most visited attractions is the Harder Kulm lookout point, which gives visitors sweeping 180-degree views of sparkling Lake Thun and snow-capped mountains. From this impressive vantage point, visitors can also visit the Alpine Garden and check out a variety of plants that are native to Switzerland.

Interlaken is home to several art galleries, such as Galerie Flurin Bertschy and Blickwinkel Art Gallery. As a matter of fact, this little town is ranked as one of the top 20 “most romantic” places on earth considered by the Romantics from all around the world.

Ride the Jungfraujoch “Top Of Europe”

The Jungfraujoch railway station (also known as “Top of Europe’) is one Interlaken’s most visited attractions – it is also the highest railway station in Europe located at 3454 meters above sea level! A visit to Jungfraujoch offers spectacular views of the Aletsch Glacier, Europe’s longest glacier – something that promises to take your breath away.

Apart from the glacier, you can also marvel at the beautiful Sphinx observation hall, or visit other attractions within this complex such as the “Ice Palace”, “Alpine Sensation” or the majestic Aletsch viewed from the multi-media room inside the cliff. There are also several eateries and snack bars within walking distance for those who need a quick bite before etting back on their tour.

Conclusion

With its unique Alpine environment and thrilling outdoor sports, Interlaken provides a great alternative to what might seem like a typical vacation destination. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed escape or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Interlaken has something for everyone. To learn more about this cool Swiss getaway spot and its attractions, visitors can check out Interlaken Resort, where they will find a vast amount of information about this beautiful region and its offerings.

An Insider’s Guide to Interlaken: Switzerland’s Scenic Vacation Destination

Nestled between two beautiful alpine lakes and surrounded by breathtaking peaks of the Swiss Alps, Interlaken is a picturesque vacation destination that offers an abundance of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and local charm. If you’re planning a trip to Interlaken, here’s all you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Local attractions

Interlaken is famed for its adventure sports and outdoor activities. Take a boat ride on Lake Brienz, paraglide over the Swiss Alps, or hike to the scenic Harder Kulm viewpoint for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, explore the Höhematte Park, visit the historic 12th-century Augustinian Monastery, or wander the quaint streets of the Old Town, admiring the traditional architecture.

For those intrigued by Swiss culture, a must-visit spot is the St. Beatus Caves with its natural waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites. Interlaken is also home to numerous museums, including the Interlaken Historical Museum, telling the story of the city and its people, and the Unspunnen Stone Museum, showcasing Switzerland’s history and traditions.

Dining spots

Switzerland is known for its mouth-watering cuisine, and Interlaken is no exception. Sample traditional Swiss dishes, such as cheese fondue and raclette, at the Bebbis restaurant or indulge in chocolate heaven with handmade truffles at Confiserie Schuh.

Another popular spot is the 5-star Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, which houses the Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori, offering fine Italian dishes in a stylish setting. Grab a quick bite at Bistro Memory, known for its savory crepes, paninis, and homemade ice cream.

Cultural experiences

One of the outstanding cultural experiences in Interlaken is the yearly Unspunnenfest, grabbing the attention of the Swiss from around the country every twelve years. The festival culminates in a stone-throwing event called Steintossen and a wrestling contest called Schwingen that fascinated international travelers.

For an unusual, but undoubtedly a memorable experience, head to the top of the 3454-meter Jungfraujoch. The magical journey to the world-famous ‘Top of Europe’ includes scenic railways, ice sculptures, and panoramic views of snow-capped mountains.

Local history

Interlaken has a rich history dating back to the 1100s when it was a small settlement. The area’s tourism boom began with the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, which made the journey to the Alps more accessible to tourists. The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, opened in 1865, attracted many famous guests, including Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, and Sophia Loren.

The Augustinian Monastery, which dates back to the 12th century, is another historical attraction providing insight into the city’s history. Visitors can tour the monastery, see the church and crypt, and learn about the site’s fascinating past.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

For those seeking something off the beaten path, consider visiting the charming town of Thun, located just a short train ride from Interlaken. Thun is known for its beautiful castle, picturesque streets, and fantastic shopping. Alternatively, take a scenic drive to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the inspiration for JRR Tolkien’s Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. The valley boasts several waterfalls, including the 300m high Staubbach Falls.

Another unique experience is taking a hot air balloon ride, offering unforgettable views of the alpine landscape and the opportunity to see Interlaken from a new perspective.

Conclusion

Interlaken is an unforgettable vacation destination that offers something for everyone. With its breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, delicious cuisine, rich history, and cultural experiences, it’s no surprise that visitors return year after year. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Interlaken has it all.