Travel Eye on Interlaken (Switzerland)

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Overview:

This overgrown village has been the tourist hub of the Bernese Oberland for nearly 170 years without turning into a Las Vegas, Blackpool, or Torremolinos. You'll still find cows and sheep on the outskirts, and there are few high-rises, motels, and fast-food joints to spoil the landscape.

Although very busy in summer, Interlaken is not a lively resort and has been described by some as lacking in character, although this might be disputed by the many British visitors who come here year after year. A wealth of early 20th-century architecture and a few delightful tearooms and coffee shops lend it some charm.

The main drag is Hoheweg, which stretches 1 ml between the 2 mainline stations and past a large meadow (Hohematte), which offers an inspiring panoramic view of the Jungfrau range in the distance. The residential area called Unterseen, just over the river, is marginally quainter. Matten, an area to the SE of the centre, is largely residential but also includes some accommodation.

Interlaken is a popular summer retreat for all types, especially more mature holidaymakers. A favourite with British visitors. Increasingly popular with international tour groups, and some backpackers.

Hotels here range from small, older, family-run chalets to larger, internationally known establishments (including one world-class 5-star). Even the most basic accommodation is of a good standard, although decor can be somewhat dated. Some studios and apartments offer cheaper accommodation.

Interlaken makes a suitable base for touring the mountain ranges of the region and is close enough to several ski-resorts to provide an alternative place to stay when they are too full or too expensive. As the region's transport hub, it is also well served by train, steamer and coach services.

Locality:

Interlaken is in the heart of the Bernese Oberland region, 38 mls SE of Berne, 12 mls NW of Grindelwald, 76 mls SW of Zurich airport. It is between the lakes Thun and Brienz (hence the resort's name). The River Aare, which links the lakes, runs the length of the town. Totally flat terrain, with low mountains on one side and the Jungfrau range in the distance.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Lake steamer cruises. Take a boat to Brienz, a picturesque woodcarvers' town at the far end of the wild and scenic Brienzersee. Allow time for a morning or afternoon at the Swiss Open-Air Museum at Ballenberg, near Brienz. Or catch a steamer to Thun, where Lake Thun feeds into the River Aare, and enjoy the views from the towers of its medieval castle.

Mountain excursions. The Jungfraujoch Railway is Europe's highest. It takes you through Alpine meadows, then plunges into a stone tunnel on its ascent to permanent snowfields and spectacular views. Other (and less expensive) excursions include the Schilthorn aerial cable car, the Schynigge Platte cogwheel railway, the Brienz-Rothorn-Bahn with its antique steam-driven locomotives, and funiculars such as Harderbahn, which carries tourists up Interlaken's " Hausberg ."

Hikes. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a casual walker, you'll find a plethora of well-marked trails in Interlaken and nearby resorts. (Note: Paved footpaths along Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and baby carriages.)

City, town, and village sightseeing. When the weather turns dreary, head for Bern (the Swiss capital), where you can shop in arcaded passages, visit museums, and enjoy other activities that don't require an umbrella and galoshes. Even when it's sunny, you should allow time to visit Thun, Brienz, and some of the mountain resorts and villages in the area. All are easy to reach by train, bus, and/or boat.