The famous resort, resting place for crowned persons and creative personalities of the 19th century - Interlaken (Switzerland). The city still does not lose its position in the ranking of popular resort destinations in the country. How to have the most interesting time, where it is better to settle, you will learn from our review.
Resort location
The small town of Interlaken (the tourist center of the Swiss Jungfrau region) is located in a valley surrounded by mountains, between two lakes (Brinzer See, Thuner See). Picturesque coniferous and deciduous forests surround the city, creating a unique microclimate. Therefore, there are no strong winds and fogs, sharp temperature changes. Crystal clear lakes, waterfalls, springs - the beauties of nature that attract tourists here.
From international Swiss airports, the city can be reached by rail. There is a direct train from Zurich to Interlaken, and from Geneva, you will have to change trains in Bern.
Recreation options
Skiholidays in Interlaken (Switzerland) are available in the winter season. The ski base in Bitenberg is suitable for beginners or those who do not like steep slopes. The prices here are lower than in other popular resorts, and the service is no worse. From the city it is easy to get to Grindelwald, where the level of difficulty of the slopes is higher. Here you can simply explore the glaciers or visit the observatory, admire the views that enchant with their beauty.
In summer, active recreation is represented by hiking in the mountains. In the vicinity of the city, there are many special tracks laid through the most picturesque corners. Climbers or lovers of paragliding will not be bored in Interlaken either. Tour trip to St. Beatus - caves, famous for their underground waterfalls and gorges, will allow you to plunge into a fairy tale. They are shrouded in legends about dragons that guarded the peace of local residents from strangers.
Those who prefer excursions and sightseeing of historical monuments will find something to see among the sights of Interlaken (Switzerland).
Main attractions of the city
One of the popular tourist places in Interlaken is the "Mystery Park", dedicated to mysterious phenomena. It contains the most unusual and mysterious finds of archaeologists, recreated all the "Seven Wonders of the World" and other monuments of ancient architecture. To learn about the secrets of the Egyptian pyramids or Ancient India, the legends of the Nazca desert, multimedia presentations or engineering objects of the museum will help.
Höheweg Park allows you to enjoy the beauties of nature, ride an old steam locomotive,harnessed by horses. It is easy to get to mountain observation platforms by cable car.
The city of Interlaken (Switzerland) with well-preserved ancient architecture can be called one big attraction. Walking through the historical center will take tourists to past centuries. The ancient bell tower, built in the 12th century, is the main attraction of the city. Not only the church was well preserved, but also several residential buildings. The bell tower is decorated with a clock by K. Brunier - a kind of symbol of the city. They show the time, day of the week, month, lunar phases and zodiac sign. The approach of each new hour is accompanied by cock singing.
You can get around the whole city in half an hour. But you can spend several days exploring the picturesque surroundings. Gordes is a railway junction from which you can go sightseeing in the Bernese Alps.
What to see around
In the suburbs of Interlaken in the summer season you can visit an unusual museum - the "Museum of Rural Life". This is a complex of old buildings: farms, houses, workshops. An excursion to this museum allows you to learn how Swiss peasants were farming several centuries ago, try yourself as a craftsman.
From Interlaken you can go to Thun and see the old castle built in 1191. It is open for visiting. It houses a historical museum, from the exposition of which you can learn a lot of interesting things about the history of the region.
From the railway station "Ost Interlaken" you can get toMeiring and the famous Reichenbach Falls. These places are connected with the history of writing the novel "The Last Case of Holmes". In Meiring, Conan Doyle lived while working on a novel, and it is in the waters of the Reichenbach Falls that the great detective dies. And in memory of this, a museum dedicated to Sherlock Holmes was opened in the town.
A train trip to the Jungfrau will allow you to admire the most beautiful landscapes. From the top of the mountain offers a magnificent panorama of the city and its surroundings. Photos of Interlaken (Switzerland) taken from the top of the Jungfau do not leave anyone indifferent.
Another popular destination is trips to Lauterbrunnen. Here you can see waterfalls, among which is the highest in Europe - Mürrenbach.
Where to stay
Among the hotels in Interlaken (Switzerland) you can find luxury hotels, and hostels, and campsites, and hotels of different "star" level.
Four-star hotels are located in the city center near the West Interlaken train station. Among them, you can find those that provide spa services or have indoor pools.
Budget hotels and hostels that provide bed and breakfast services to their guests are located a little further from the city center. Among them you can find both cozy family nests and more modern youth places.
Campsites provide their services not only in summer but also in winter. One of the popular and inexpensive ones is located on the shores of Lake Thuner See - it is two kilometers from Interlaken(Switzerland).
Several campsites are located on the banks of the Aare River, close to the Ost Interlaken railway station, which is convenient for traveling around the area.
Interlaken Restaurants
The city has many cafes and restaurants, both expensive and budget. National cuisines are widely represented in the city: Thai (Little Thai), Indian (Taj Mahal Indian), Mexican (El Azteca).
The main gastronomic attraction of the city is the Schuh restaurant. It was founded back in 1818. In its menu you can find dishes of different cuisines. And the wine list will captivate with its assortment.
Budget option - Bebbis, located near the train station "West Interlaken". The restaurant is decorated in a rustic style and serves national cuisine.
Another cheap lunch spot is Blueberrys Juice Bar. His menu includes only "he althy" meat, fish, vegetable dishes, fruit desserts.
Shopping in Interlaken
You can bring watches from Interlaken (Switzerland). The city has a large selection of shops that sell products from companies ranging from Remark, Swatch to Rolex.
Real army knives from Victorinox and Wenger Swiss Army will be a great gift. Some stores offer free engraving on purchased knives.
A large assortment of Swiss chocolate is available in the city's confectioneries and shops.
Reviews about holidays in Interlaken
Most of the tourists who visitedInterlaken (Switzerland) in the reviews admire the beauties of nature (mountains, lakes, caves). Rest here is somewhat cheaper than in other Swiss resorts. This also applies to accommodation and the average check of city cafes and restaurants, the cost of ski resorts.
Guests of the town appreciated its convenient location, which makes it possible to go to explore any corner of the country and proximity to the capital.
Many noted a large number of souvenir shops and shops. It is easy to find a budget hotel in the city, and it will be located close to the center.
The guests of the resort liked the service of ski bases and slopes, the ability to rent equipment at any sports store in the city.
