Interlaken (German: Interlaken) is a municipality in Switzerland, a district centre located in the canton of Bern.
Interlaken is a mountain resort, one of the most popular in Switzerland. The city is located in the centre of Switzerland at an altitude of 570 m at the foot of three mountains – Eiger, Münch and Jungfrau. Interlaken can be translated as “inter-lake”.
The resort season here lasts all year round, there are practically no fogs, penetrating winds or sudden temperature spikes. Around the city there are deciduous and coniferous forests, snow-capped peaks, glaciers and beautiful panoramic views. Thanks to this excellent location and the well-developed infrastructure, Interlaken is an ideal starting point for excursions in the surrounding area.
This “city between the lakes” has been a spa area for 300 years. At first it was only a summer resort, but over time it has evolved into a year-round destination for tourists, with interests depending on the time of year. But it became especially popular in the XIX century, when many new hotels were built here and the infrastructure was established. Today Interlaken is a popular resort town with ski resorts at the foot of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch mountains.
Canal and cog railway lines connect the town with mountain villages and impressive sights, including the famous snow-capped Jungfrau peak.
EXCURSIONS AND FEATURES
Jungfraujoch – climbing to an altitude of 3,454 metres at the summit of Mount Jungfrau is one of Switzerland’s most exciting excursions. It is the highest railway station in Europe, also called the “Top of Europe”, and was opened back in 1912. It can be climbed by train, with two transfers. It is the last section of the railway that is the pride of all Swiss people, as no other country in Europe has a railway at such heights. The Jungfrau complex includes several restaurants, a post office, a souvenir shop, conference rooms, an amazing Glacier Museum and a meteorological station. But the most interesting thing here is the observation deck with a magnificent panorama of the majestic Swiss and French Alps, where in clear good weather you can even see Mont Blanc.
Grindelwald (Grindelwald) is a ski resort located nineteen kilometres from Interlaen, where a trip and sightseeing is also one of the excursions. Grindelwald is recognised as an excellent place for winter sports. There are more than 45 mountain cable cars, as well as cable cars, chairlifts and ski lifts to cater for skiers. Here you can visit the only museum in the world, which contains more than forty working models of miniature trains. There is even a zoo in Grindelwand, where the animals of the Alpine fauna are cared for.
Schilthorn Mountain (Schilthorn) – a journey in the footsteps of James Bond on the longest cable car in the Alps, taking about an hour. This is where the first episode of the film was shot. You will see stunning alpine glaciers and grottoes and visit the world’s first mountain-top revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, at 2971 metres.
Harder Kulm is a short excursion to the belvedere at an altitude of 1301 metres, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Alps and the two lakes, Thun and Brienz. You can get there by funicular from Interlaken East for 25 francs. The journey takes about 15 minutes. Departures are every half hour from May to October, from 9am to 6pm. There is a restaurant upstairs.
The Golden Pass Panoramic Route – Golden Pass. The panoramic train takes you along the picturesque Lake Brienz to Meiringen (you can stop here and walk to the Reichenbach Falls), and over the passes to Lucerne. Departures from Interlaken Ost station every hour. No seat reservation is necessary, and Swiss Pass and Tagescard tickets are available for the train.
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