Interlaken is one of the oldest and most visited summer resorts in Switzerland. This is partly because the resort offers tourists different viewpoints of some of the magnificent scenery that can be found in Switzerland. The resort's central location also makes it a base from which tourists can explore surrounding hotspots in Switzerland, thanks to the network of trains, cable cars, and boats available at the fabled resort.
From tasting mouthwatering chocolate to kayaking and swimming to taking steamboat tour trips and playing golf, there is so much to do at Interlaken.
The Höhematte park is an area in the middle of Interlaken that showcases spectacular flower beds and plants, making for an exciting walkthrough.
The park is also connected to many other hotspots in Interlaken, such as the rail station of Jungfrau, the splendid Höhweg, the Kursaal, the Victoria Jungfrau Hotel, the first Japanese garden in Switzerland, among others.
In the winter, the park offers tourists plenty of space for slow and fast ice skating.
Unterseen is a medieval town on the shore of Lake Thun. It is a pretty quiet town and is essentially the residential area of Interlaken.
The town has an old marketplace where a rustic tower, the only evidence a Church was built in the 13th Century, stands.
While the town itself does not offer much in terms of attractions, the local amenities and chalets still provide an excellent way to pass the day.
The St Beatus Caves is another hotspot near Interlaken that regularly attracts thousands of tourists every month.
The caves were named after an Irish monk, Beatus, who is said to have lived there around the 6th Century. Legends even claim the monk fought off a dragon who already called the caves its home.
The cave system is quite impressive, with several extraordinary chambers housing various dark chasms and underground waterfalls.
There is a Museum on site that tells the story of the history of the caves if you want to learn more about it. There is also a restaurant that offers food and a fantastic view of the surrounding mountain backdrop.
Switzerland is known to produce the best chocolate in the world. There is no better way to taste and sample some of them while at Interlaken than by visiting the Funky Chocolate Club.
The store was opened in 2014 and has become a reliable place for tourists to get their chocolate fix. The experience itself is one you don't want to miss.
Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe, and if that isn't reason enough to visit it while at Interlaken, I don't know what it is.
The Interlaken Line connects to the Jungfraujoch. The ride up to Jungfraujoch offers views that look cut out of a fairy tale. Once at Jungfraujoch, you can explore the Top of Europe Building to admire views of the largest Glacier mountain in Europe.
Located on the western side of Interlaken and surrounded by mountains is a long narrow lake called Lake Thun due to its proximity to Thun.
The best way to explore this lake is by taking a cruise boat or the lake's restored old paddle streamer. The lake provides access to several exciting hotspots, including Thun, historic lakeside castles, museums, among others, all of which you can choose to explore.
There are two ways to get up to the Schynige Platte. The easiest is to take a five-minute walk to Wilderswil, where you can take a rack railway train. The ride up to the top of the Schynige Platte takes about an hour, but It is worth taking because of the fine panoramic views of the Swiss Alps you will be treated to.
The other method is a little more challenging as it requires you to hike from Interlaken to Schynige Platte via a 45-minute trail. Hiking takes you through a beautiful alpine garden with more than 600 species of flowering plants.
The view of the Alps at the top of Schynige Platte is one of the finest you will ever get in Switzerland.
Lake Brienz is a narrow water body that can be found towards the eastern side of Interlaken. It lies between the Faulhorn mountain and the limestone rocks of the Brienzer Grat.
The best way to explore the lake, of course, is by boat tour. This is why it is a popular destination for tourists looking to row or kayak while in Interlaken.
Among the different activities you can carry out at Interlaken if you visit between June and September, some of which are not for the faint of heart!
The surrounding terrain allows for certain exciting and daring sports other than just hiking or swimming. One of such sports is canyoning. Another is Paragliding which can be done to a launch pad created explicitly for a specific purpose. Paragliding offers you a fast and exciting way to explore Interlaken from above and one you should try if you have the courage.
To say Harder Kulm is the biggest attraction of Interlaken would be an understatement. Although Harder Kulm is Interlaken's mountain, it is not as towering as the other mountains in its surroundings. To make things even more accessible than it already is, you can take a funicular to the top of Harder Kulm within 10 minutes.
However, the view at the top of the mountain is one you need to capture on a camera as it is simply beautiful. This is because, from the viewing platform at the top, you can see everything from Lake Brienz to Lake Thun and see the majestic Alps in the distance.
There is a panoramic restaurant at the top of Interlaken's mountain, so you do not have to worry about going hungry while at the top.
Note: This ranking is based on our own experience and research. No uniform rating scheme is followed. We have no claim to the correctness of the ranking. What counts for us is to show the diversity and beauty of Switzerland. Have we published incorrect information? Let us know: hello@switzerland-pictures.com
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5.1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
