Interlaken lasting beauty and superb alpine scenery will enchant you with views of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun and the towering, snowy Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
Interlaken is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a high-octane holiday in Switzerland. There is no shortage of exciting things to do, from bungee jumping and paragliding to rafting and skiing, that will keep you occupied for the whole year.
1. Visit the lovely Unterseen, Interlaken
Interlaken’s Unterseen is a picturesque and historic district where you may spend some time among medieval architecture and quaint food stalls surrounded by spectacular and breathtaking mountains.
You may visit the Tourismuseum, which details the development of the tourist sector in Interlaken from the Alpine tourism era to the present day, as well as the Stadtkeller, a tiny but attractive performing arts theater with an attached café.
Visit Höhematte, a lovely big open park with great views of the mountains, the town’s architecture, and colorful hang gliders above, if you’re seeking a natural getaway while in Unterseen.
2. Visit Lake Brienz for stunning scenery and buildings from the 12th century.
Lake Brienz, located northeast of Interlaken, is a magnificent sight: a turquoise-blue river surrounded by rugged moss-covered mountains.
In addition to its beautiful scenery, Lake Brienz also offers a wide variety of fun water sports, from jet rides and stand-up paddleboarding to more sedate boat cruises.
Take a guided kayaking trip with a small group and take in the sights of the 12th-century Ringgenberg Castle as you paddle along the water and enjoy the sunshine.
3. Invest the day in a little Harder Kulm sightseeing
Harder Kulm, one of Interlaken’s best vantage spots, is in a stunning natural setting.
From this vantage point of 1,322 meters above sea level, you can take in the breathtaking blue waters of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, as well as the renowned peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. If you’re feeling brave, you can even venture onto the viewing platform’s glass bridge for a closer look at the breathtaking landscape below.
Panorama Restaurant, also perched atop Harder Kulm, provides breathtaking panoramas from almost every table.
4. Take in the sights of the Japan Garden Interlaken.
The Japanischer Garten Interlaken is a tranquil oasis in the center of Interlaken, sandwiched between a historic monastery and a Catholic church and offering stunning views of the city’s namesake castle.
The Friendship Garden, as it is affectionately called by locals, was a gift from the Japanese twin town of Tsu and has several motifs and ornaments typical of Japanese gardens.
In the spring, you can breathe fresh air while inhaling the aroma of blooming flowers. In the summer, you can relax to the soothing sounds of the small waterfall. In the fall, you can explore the pavilion and the pond, which are said to be reflections of the nearby mountains. In the winter, you can spy orange fishes swimming below the ice.
5. See the Interlaken Castle and Monastery, Two Swiss Heritage Sites
The Interlaken Monastery and Castle date back to the 14th century and is located near the Japanischer Garten Interlaken. It currently provides a charming respite from the rush and bustle of the city’s major streets and its many tourists.
Admire the Gothic cloister gallery and other examples of Medieval construction. Although it is no longer in use as an Augustinian monastery and now houses the town’s administrative offices, the monastery is nonetheless an accessible and fascinating attraction that no traveler should miss.
