Höhematte

An open town meadow by Höheweg with mountain views.

The meadow and adjoining promenade developed into the tourist town’s public space. Seasonal events and paragliding landings use it today.

It reveals everyday Interlaken and its connection with mountain tourism.

Keep out of marked paragliding landing areas. Jungfrau views depend on cloud; temporary events are not year-round attractions.

Interlaken Castle and Former Monastery

A historic complex with church and park near the centre.

The Augustinian monastery is first documented in 1133. Its property passed to Bern after the Reformation; institutions use parts of the complex.

It recalls local history before the rise of major tourist hotels.

The park is public, but administrative rooms are not visitor galleries. Respect services and current interior-access restrictions.

Unterseen Old Town

The historic core of a separate neighbouring town across the Aare.

Royal permission for a fortified settlement was issued in 1279. Unterseen retained its own town core beside developing Interlaken.

It compares a medieval town with Interlaken’s tourist promenade.

This is a living centre, not an open-air museum. Keep doors clear and note the municipal boundary when booking a taxi.

Alpine Wildlife Park

A small Alpine animal park near the lower Harderbahn station.

The park supported the ibex’s return to the Bernese Oberland. Enclosures house ibex and marmots.

It introduces Alpine wildlife without a mountain summit ascent.

Do not feed animals without permission and keep dogs leashed. Every animal is not guaranteed to be visible; entry is free and donations welcome.

Weissenau Castle Ruins

Medieval ruins near the Aare and Lake Thun shore, outside the centre.

The castle is documented in the late thirteenth century. Its remains now stand beside Weissenau’s protected natural area.

It links fortification history with river and lake landscapes.

Use only open paths and do not climb masonry. This is a separate outing from the centre, not a short stop beside the station.

Harder Kulm

A mountain viewpoint above Interlaken overlooking two lakes.

A funicular connects the town with a mountain viewing area. Clear weather reveals Lakes Thun and Brienz and Bernese Alpine peaks.

It reveals the geography of the land between the lakes.

A separate ticketed excursion, excluded from every urban walk. The advertised 2026 season is 3 April–29 November; check operation, weather and the last descent before travel.

Meadow, monastery and Alpine wildlife

From Höhematte to the former monastery, then cross by the English Garden to lower Harderbahn station and the wildlife park. No mountain ascent.

1.8 km · 110 min

1. Höhematte · 20 min at stop
2. Interlaken Castle and Former Monastery · 25 min at stop
3. Alpine Wildlife Park · 25 min at stop

Two neighbouring town centres

From Unterseen via town bridges and Marktgasse to Höhematte and the monastery complex. Use road crossings; museum interiors are not included.

1.9 km · 110 min

1. Unterseen Old Town · 30 min at stop
2. Höhematte · 20 min at stop
3. Interlaken Castle and Former Monastery · 20 min at stop

To the ruins by Lake Thun

From Unterseen head towards Interlaken West, then follow the signposted riverside path to Weissenau ruins. This is one-way; walking back or returning by transport needs additional time.

3.5 km · 110 min

1. Unterseen Old Town · 20 min at stop
2. Weissenau Castle Ruins · 25 min at stop

Rösti

A fried grated-potato cake: a Swiss classic also common in the Bernese region.

Ask about butter, cheese, egg and meat additions in the chosen version.

Berner Platte

A regional platter of assorted meats and sausages, not an Interlaken invention.

Usually a substantial serving: check ingredients, pork and sharing options.

Berner Alpkäse

Protected regional hard cheese; more mature Hobelkäse is served in thin shavings.

Look for PDO labelling; identify the cheese itself, not just the dish name.

Raclette

Melted cheese with potatoes and accompaniments: a Swiss-wide dish.

Not an exclusively local tradition. Check pickles and the cheese portion.

Cheese fondue

A melted cheese mixture for dipping bread is also served in Interlaken.

Check minimum servings and alcohol in the mixture; note the per-person price.

Money and payments

Currency: Swiss franc, CHF. Euro acceptance and conversion depend on the seller; change may be in francs. Check the terminal currency and keep some cash in CHF.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory. For good service you may round up or leave a discretionary amount; ask whether it can be added when paying by card.

Transport

Interlaken Ost and West are different stations. The local guest card covers transport only within its defined area; boats are excluded. Mountain railways and the Harder funicular require separate fares or specific pass coverage.

Emergency help

112: general emergency number; 117: police; 118: fire; 144: ambulance. These calls are free. Give your location and the incident. Source: bakom.admin.ch/en/other-numbers-free-of-charge-or-not.

Electricity

Supply: 230 V / 50 Hz, plugs C/J. A two-pin Europlug C fits socket J; earthed appliances need a compatible J adapter. An adapter does not change voltage.

Connectivity

Before enabling mobile data, check whether your roaming plan includes Switzerland. Do not assume a neighbouring country’s terms apply. Save maps, tickets and your transport card for offline use.