Interlaken Tourism - Hotel and Chalet Reservation and Ski resorts

A place like Interlaken is first of all a invitation to dynamic and sparkling outdoor activities. The city has been known as a favorite destination for backpackers and adventure seekers since the 19th century. And, indeed, Interlaken does not fall short of the expectations of such tourists, who come here in view of cycling, skydiving, rock climbing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, hiking, skiing, sledging, snowboarding, or of paragliding, but it also stands out as an ideal location for spending family vacations.

Besides enabling adventurous incursions into the very heart of nature, Interlaken is not just a place of doing things, but also of admiring the gifts of nature. Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are located in the close proximity of the Jungfrau Mountain, which leads to a spectacular scenery anyone can enjoy either from the height of the funicular railway, from the ski runs or from a cruise on the lakes.

Short History of Interlaken

Given that Interlaken is primarily a resort boasting about its natural assets which enable sundry recreational activities and sports, the history of the city is of a less importance as to the tourist interest. However, a complete grasp of the place should also refer to a historic coordinate, of which the fact that Interlaken used to have in past ages a religious significance, being the site of the Augustinian Canons, as from the 12th century until the 16th century, is worth knowing. The tourist identity of Interlaken originates in the 19th century, when the city became one of the most popular resorts in Switzerland.

Accommodation at Interlaken

Taking into account that Interlaken is one of the top alternatives of backpackers and enthusiasts of adventure sports, accommodation proper is mainly meant for such tourists. As small as it may be, Interlaken has one of the strongest infrastructures of cheap establishments – hostels included – in the entire country. Thus, accommodation should not be a problem for any category of tourists, since Interlaken also has one luxury hotel for those who want more than adventure from their trip, and plenty of more family-oriented establishments. A camping site is also available in this resort, which rounds up the picture of sleeping venues.

Eating out at Interlaken

Interlaken, as extraordinary as it may be as a place enabling sundry activities and sports, does not necessarily have a gastronomic identity. Yet, this aspect is counterbalanced by the plethora of restaurants serving international food, ranging from Chinese and Thai food to Italian and Mexican cuisine. Swiss specialties are an obvious presence in Interlaken, but the bottom line is that eating in Interlaken is not a purpose proper, but it represents the means of recovering the strengths in view of continuing the activities of exploring nature and enjoying further sports and adventurous incursions.

Tourist Attractions and Objectives at Interlaken

The main tourist asset of Interlaken is decidedly the natural display and the geographic location, which occasions numerous outdoor activities, such as cycling, skydiving, rock climbing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, hiking, skiing, sledging, snowboarding, paragliding. Yet, the city does not lack landmarks, of which the most significant are the Interlaken Castle, Teddyland, the Tourist Museum of the Jungfrau Region and the Model Railway Exhibition. On the other hand, the natural richness of the place, consisting of splendid and dramatic views offered by the Jungfrau Mountain, the Hohematte Park, the Brienz Lake and by the Thun Lake, is not to be disregarded.

Events and Festivals

Summer in Interlaken sees the hosting of certain events, such as the Jungfrau Music Festival and the International Brass Band Competition. The Jungfrau Marathon is yet another event which amasses a large number of competitors, being held in September, just as the Unspunnenfest, which is held in Interlaken on a regular basis, though the occasional floods may lead to the annulment of this festival. Red Bull Air Race World Series takes place in Interlaken as well.