Switzerland – Interlaken
Interlaken is among the most visited tourist destinations in the country of Switzerland. Interlaken is located at 570 meters above sea level in the region of Bernese Oberland, the German-speaking heart of Switzerland, through which passes River Aare. On the eastern side of city Interlaken is Lake Brienz and to the western side is Lake Thun. In fact Interlaken gets its name from sitting on the split of land between two lakes. Interlaken is also located at the foot of the towering trio of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Little more than a stopover, if that, for travelers on their way to the mountains, Interlaken nevertheless does have its advantages. One is that it is the center of adventure sports and it offers loads of outdoor activities. It also offers backpacker accommodation in both hostels and campsites. In fact the town is home to numerous backpacker-friendly hostels and companies that provide guided services in horse riding, skiing, snowboarding, canyoning, and also skydiving, hang gliding and paragliding. In fact many skydivers say that to really take in the majesty of the alps you have to get a go at skydiving whilst in Interlaken, as nothing compares to free falling down through the mountains of Switzerland.
The population of Interlaken is about 5,700, however this does not include the many thousands of people that reside in its hotels at through the year. Traditionally a summer tourist desitnation, Interlaken offers winter sport’s fans access to some of the most spectacular skiing in the Alps, with their base in a service-packed small city in a spectacular lakeside setting. The Swiss Alps are renowned for their winter skiing, and Interlaken offers facilities that ensure visitors can enjoy the piste in the utmost comfort. Skiers tend to make for the Jungfrau Mountain for the best runs which is the highest peak in the area.
Interlaken has had various names throughout history – Unterseen in Latin, Inderlappon in Celtic – suggesting that in ancient times the area was inhabited by Celts, Romans and the Alemanni. The town itself was first recorded in history in 1130 when a Baron Seliger founded the monastery in the town. The convent was built in 1130 and lasted until 1528. In the past, printing, textiles, and to a smaller extent watchmaking were also of importance, but today tourism is the most significant source of income.
A simple walk around town is enough to excite the sense – trendy shops, traditional gifts and books, and restaurants that practically drag in a passerby with the tantalizing aromas floating out from the kitchen. The Höheweg is Interlaken’s main street which runs between the two railway stations, Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost (East). Trains run directly from Basel to Interlaken (via Berne), approximately every 30 minutes. Trains run between Zurich and Bern approx. every 30 minutes with connections for Interlaken in Bern. A two-hour long scenic train ride over the “Brünig” mountain pass connects Interlaken with Lucerne and runs approximately every hour. Interlaken also has two funicular railways, the Harderbahn and the Heimwehfluhbahn.
On the Höheweg you will find many souvenir shops and many other shops, some of which sell very expensive items such as jewellery, watches and designer clothes. Many hotels are located along the Höheweg avenue which offers good views of the mountains. Interlaken is small enough to get around on foot or bikes. Taxis are available from either train station and most hotels.
Although Interlaken is not a big city, nature begins to get wild there. It’s one of the oldest resorts in the country, famed for its superb views towards the Jungfrau massif, which lies perfectly framed between two hills to the south of town. The beautiful Jungfrau mountain which is 4158m high is visited every year by hundreds of thousands of visitors, by using the nearby Jungfraujoch railway station which is located at 3450m.
Interlaken therefore serves as a gateway to the Jungfrau region which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized worldwide for its stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage. Jungfrau hiking tours and guided hikes in other parts of the Swiss Alps are an excellent way to experience the mountain scenery and the undeniable charm of the Alps. These tours can be tailored to hikers of all skill, activity, and age levels.
From Interlaken you could take a ride to Grindelwald and Lauternbrunnen and enjoy the pure air at more than 2000 meters, surrounded by green hills (or white hills if travelling during the winter season) and lakes.
Interlaken is also a popular place for newlyweds who decide to spend their honeymoon there. Prices can be expensive, but a week in Interlaken is the stuff of movies as the newlyweds can stay in private Swiss chalets, eat fondue and take romantic walks under the snow capped mountains that tower over the area. The newlyweds can also involve themselves in a skiing honeymoon, if skiing is a passion of theirs.
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