The charming Swiss town of Interlaken has been a favourite tourist destination since the 19th century for its dramatically romantic setting high in the Swiss Alps between Lake Brienze and Lake Thun. The River Aare runs through the town, joining the two lakes and Interlaken is surrounded on all sides by some of the most stunning winter sports resorts in the whole of Switzerland. Year- round, the city itself is a major Swiss visitor destination, with its glorious view of the snow-covered Jungfrau peak. Its varied accommodation from Interlaken city centre hotels to numerous hostels and backpacker lodgings covers all budgets and its range of outdoor activities is huge.
Activities and things to do in and around Interlaken are seasonal and linked to the prevailing weather conditions. The town is a hub for extreme adventure sports as well as for winter sports and summer hiking, biking, trekking, horse riding, lake and riverside activities and much more. During winter, the reliable snowfalls turn the urban area into a sparkling winter wonderland, with visitors flocking to its beauty in droves. Summer activities include walking the trails around both lakes, hiking and trekking around the Harder mountain and Schynige Platte, July and August swimming in the lakes and at nearby Burgseeli Nature Reserve, a great spot for ecotourists and nature-lovers.
Lake Thun is the place for sailing, with boats for hire in nearby Neuhaus. Summer cycling gives amazing Alpine views on the excellent trails around Lake Brienze,http://www.cheapnorthfacejacketssale.co.uk/north-face-outerwear-women-c-14.html, with longer trails leading to the attractions at Lauterbrunnen. Adventure sports here include some of Interlaken's most popular activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking and other watery pursuits, canyoning and rock-climbing as well as mountaineering, and the best views of all can be had in the cool air above the town via hang-gliding, paragliding, skydiving and scenic flights. Even bungee jumping is catered for, giving the ultimate thrill.
In winter, the spectacular scenery attracts even those who've never felt the need to ski or snowboard, but for the many thousands of winter sports fans who arrive every year, Interlaken is the perfect destination for its location close to many of the best ski resorts in the country including Grindelwald with its magnificent views of the north face of the Eiger. Other resorts include First, Murren Schilthorn and Kleine-Scheidegg-Mannlichen, all part of the famous Jungfrau Winter Sports Region, with families heading for Habkern or Beatenberg-Niederhorn. Skiing at all levels of expertise, snowboarding, sledging, night-sledding, cross-country skiing on a large network of trails around the lakes, ice skating and all the usual aprs-ski fun and games make Interlaken a great base for every possible variation of winter activities.
An iconic Swiss attraction here is the funicular railway, an ever-popular way to rise above the valley floor and travel along the heights with breathtaking views at every twist and turn. Best in spring and summer, Interlaken's funicular heads up the steep slope to Harder mountain for its birds-eye vistas of the Jungfrau region, and lunch in the clear, fresh air at the mountain restaurant is a treat. From nearby Wilderwil, the Schynige Platt Bahn runs to the heights of the Schynige Platte plateau, a short run but spectacularly scenic. The Alpine Gardens here boast more than 500 different species of mountain flora.
Back in Interlaken are a number of monuments and landmarks including pretty Interlaken Castle, built in the early 19th century and resembling a white-painted mansion rather than a castle. The Hohematte Park lies in the heart of the town and is home to a historic Augustine church and convent as well as being covered with multicoloured blooms in spring and summer.
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