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Interlaken’s main street is the long “Höheweg” with a train station at each end (Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West). And the centrepiece of the Höheweg is the Höhematte, where the vista opens out over the green meadow towards the mountains, with the unique view of the Jungfrau. A wide promenade with shady trees and restaurants invites you to linger.
Japanese Garden. This is Switzerland’s first Japanese Garden (designed in 1995 by a Japanese landscape gardener). Next to the Interlaken Hotel on Höheweg, small but beautiful.
Unterseen, adjoining Interlaken north of West Station, is an atmospheric village. It houses some of the area’s oldest buildings, and the square in front of the Amtshaus (municipal building) off Untere Gasse is particularly picturesque. You reach Unterseen by strolling along the Aare river.
See how chocolate is made and try your hand at becoming a chocolatier!! The chocolate show is held daily at 5 and 6 pm at Grand Restaurant Schuh at Höheweg 56. Daily show at 5 and 6 pm, entrance fee CHF 14.80 (including chocolate voucher).
A funicular rises from behind the Ost Station through the woods to the Harderkulm (1,310m), offering vistas over the town, both lakes and a panorama of snowy peaks close enough to touch! The funicular operates from April 22nd – Oct 23rd.
On the other side of town, some 500 m south of West Station, a unique, nostalgic funicular takes you to the top of Heimwehfluh – also called the top of Interlaken (670 m / 2,196 ft), where you’ll be sure to enjoy a fabulous view! Near the funicular station you’ll find the Interlaken Rope Park, an adventure park featuring up to 7 different rope trails and more than 90 different challenges, from ground level up to 20 meters in height. Various degrees of difficulties allow people of all ages to test their agility and fitness. Professional guides will help you along. Open daily Mon – Fri 1 – 6 pm, Sat & Sun 10 am – 6 pm; during July & August daily open from 10 am – 6 pm); CHF 37.- (including equipment and instructions).
On hot summer days take bus no. 6 (direction Thun) to the Interlaken “beach” at Neuhaus! Another good place for bathing is Lake Brienz, one of the cleanest lakes in Switzerland. But be warned, the water’s really cold!
Rent a bicycle and explore the area on your own. Many local suppliers (ask at your hostel) and both railway stations as well offer bike rental and will be happy to give you tips on making the most of your pedal-powered excursion. Biker’s maps are available at Interlaken’s tourist office.
The St. Beatus-Caves, Switzerland's first and only underground cave museum - spectacular but safe. Explore this mysterious maze of stalactites, stalagmites, lakes and waterfalls to a depth of 3,000 metres. From Interlaken by ship, car, bus - or on foot along the historic pilgrims' path (approx. 2 hour walk from Interlaken West Station). Open March 27th – October 26th, 9.30 – 5 pm. Guided tours only! Tours start every 30 minutes, duration approx. 1 h, entry costs CHF 18.-, students or if you hold a visitor’s card 16.-. It can get cold in the caves, so bring something warm to wear!
Tip
Interlaken is perfectly positioned as the gateway into one of the most beautiful regions of Switzerland. This is the number one resort for adventure and fun! No other part of Switzerland has more adventure in store than Interlaken, hence most of the Swiss adventure companies are based here. The beautiful Bernese Oberland offers tons of outdoor activities - on land, in the air and in or on water (you can book outdoor activities at each hostel!). Read more about it www.interlakenadventure.com
For Jungfaujoch – Top of Europe - and more about the beautiful Bernese Oberland www.jungfrau.ch
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