Nestled between the Brienz and Thun lakes is Interlaken. This city boasts some tantalizing views of the Alps, as well as incredible opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. But best of all is the fact that you can sample some delicious chocolate in this corner of Switzerland.
Even the lesser-known charms of Interlaken will leave you stunned and make an everlasting impression on you. From touring the Oberhofen Castle to exploring St Beatus Caves and going for hikes, there is a lot that this city has to offer. Continue reading to find out more!
- Go Paragliding
What can be better than a bird’s-eyes view of the formidable and enchanting Swiss Alps? The answer is nothing. No matter what time of the year it is, you can simply admire the rolling hills that house villages and the peaks, while you swiftly travel from the sky towards the landing site. If you are lucky, your landing site might just be the beautiful field in the Höhematte Park in the city.
If you think you will like the sensation of floating around weightlessly, then paragliding is the perfect activity for you. You can book yours through various companies in the region that offer this wonderful opportunity.
- Hit the Hiking Trails
Going on a hike is possibly one of the cheapest, easiest, and most rewarding things that you can do in the city. Various high mountains in the Alps surround Interlaken, which also include Jungfrau, Eigher, and Monch. There are numerous other paths there, which will allow you to choose the trail of your choice, based on how to fit you are and the amount of time you are willing to spend hiking. Panoramaweg is a two-hour-circuit, whereas Pizol will take you a total of five hours.
- Dive from the Sky
If you like paragliding or the idea of it, you are going to love the thrill that skydiving provides. Book your activity with a company and then get on their van to enjoy the emerald mountainside. The anticipation will slowly build up as the van will drop you off at the preparation area. Here you will get ready to get on a small prop plane. Be sure to hold tight as the plane takes you into the sky and you leave the world behind.
Once you are done screaming on your way down, the whoosh of a parachute will accompany you down towards a grassy field. While you feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins, do not forget to feel the wind on your face and admire the beauty of the world that lies below. You will land as an overjoyed skydiving veteran in the Swiss Alps and can cross that one off your bucket list.
- Treat Yourself at the Funky Chocolate Club
If you want to spend some time indoors to enjoy yourself and indulge in a light-hearted activity, the Funky Chocolate Club is the place to be. It offers a distinct chocolate-infused experience. The club will serve you hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and even allows you to make your own treat out of cocoa.
The place is run by two wonderful business partners, Michaela and Tatiana, who opened it up in the year 2014. If you are a chocolate fanatic and love unique experiences, you must visit the Funky Chocolate Club at least once. The chocolate workshop is a dream come true!
- Explore the St. Beatus Caves
You may have a local tell you the story of the St. Beatus Caves but, simply put, St. Beatus decided to pick this cave as his hermitage, soon after he drove a fire-breathing dragon into Thun Lake. His choice was not a bad one, given that the cave has a quite impressive structure. It has wide halls, incredible limestone structures, gorges, stalactites, and stalagmites in close proximity to underground waterfalls.
The waterfalls do not only flow inside but on the outside as well. They pour out from the mountain and rush beneath the house perched at the top. The traditional home is decorated lavishly with ivory and stone. Feel free to explore the cave museum on your own or take a guided tour.
- Visit the Highest Railway Station on the Continent
The summits in the region of Jungfrau are awe-inspiring and house the highest railway station on the entire continent. It is located at a height of 3,454 meters above the level of the sea. The train of Jungfraujoch winds its way around the towering mountains of Monch and Eiger and snakes its way through the stations of Eigerwand and Eismeer. The entire journey offers you the chance to take in breathtaking views, which make it difficult for you to look at anything else.
The railway station overlooks incredible landscapes, which you can also admire from the viewing platforms located on the Ice Palace, or Aletsch Glacier. It is said that the platform of the station allows you to take in views of Germany, France, and Italy as well if you happen to be there on a clear day.
Furthermore, the region is known for holding a music festival in July and August, featuring performers from across the globe.
- Visit the Oberhofen Castle
You can take a quick boat ride or go for a scenic Thunersee cruise from the city of Interlaken to get to the Oberhofen Castle, located at the edge of Thun Lake. This enchanting lakeside bastion was built in the early years of the 13th century. It boasts exquisite architecture and exhibits the lifestyle of the people residing in the region, from the 16th to 19th century. You can walk through history in the Knight’s Hall, Summer Hall, Gothic Dining Hall, as well as the Middle Eastern Smoking Salon.
Interlaken is an exciting city with its fair share of outdoor and indoor activities. You can indulge yourself by taking on the challenge of skydiving and paragliding or have some quiet time, as you enjoy the gorgeous views of the mountains and the Swiss Alps. Book your ticket to Interlaken today!
