Do it Yourself Interlaken is a holiday resort rich in tradition. Just as varied as the glories of nature surrounding the town are sights and scenery in the centre of it all.
Höhematte - the centrepiece
The centrepiece of the Höheweg is the Hoehematte, where the vista opens out over the green meadow towards the mountains, with the unique view of the Jungfrau. A wide promenade with shady trees and restaurants invites you to linger. Farsighted citizens submitted the proposal to the government to purchase the „Hoehematte“for 150’000 Swiss Francs and to place it under a compulsory easement. On January 25, 1864 the council approved the contract. 37 hoteliers and private individuals had taken over the 300 shares. In the framework of an easement contract it was determined that no building would be allowed on the „Hoehematte“at any time.
The Japanese garden
The first Japanese garden in Switzerland, situated on the Höheweg next to the Hotel Interlaken is a symbol of friendship between the sister cities of Interlaken and Otsu in Japan. It was designed in 1995 by a landscape gardener from Otsu and erected according to the rituals of the Japanese horticultural society.
The Kursaal
The cultural focal point is the Kursaal, renovated several times since it was built in 1859, with its magnificent garden and the much admired flower clock. Evening entertainment, music concerts and theatrical performances in the wonderful art nouveau halls, and folkloristic events in the cosy „Spycher“fulfil many desires. Those who want can try their luck at a game of „Boule“or in the slot machine casino. Other discos, restaurants offering musical entertainment and bars are to be found all over the resort.
The «Stadthausplatz Unterseen»
The Stadthausplatz Unterseen to this day has kept the structure of a town square of in the 15th century. The museum of tourism is located in one of the old townhouses. In the centre is the "Stadthaus" which at one time was a hotel. Today it houses a restaurant, art gallery, meeting rooms and the offices for civil wedding ceremonies.
Archeological Cellar Unterseen
Unterssen is one of the best investigated small towns founded in the 13th century. Due to the cooperation of local authorities, the archaeological society and architects, one of the historical cellars lining the square could be maintained and made accessible as an archaeological space. Guides can be arranged on request.
Information and reservation:
Interlaken Tourism, phone 033 826 5300 or Museum of Tourism, phone 033 822 98 39
Alpen wildpark at Harder - ibex compound
Along one of the many paths, at the foot of the Harder mountain, the wanderer can watch the playful games of mountain ibex and marmot. The ibex is the animal found in the town crests of Interlaken and Unterseen. The park was founded in 1913 by the Alpen wildpark society. At that time the ibex had been extinguished in our area. The compound was created to assist in re-integrating the animals in the Interlaken region.
The former Augustine Monastery and castle
Decisive for the development of the Interlaken area was the Augustine Monastery which was founded at the beginning of the 12th century and was first mentioned by name “inter lacus” in 1133. The Interlaken Monastery, which was under the protection of the upcoming City of Berne since 1224, became one of the biggest landowners in the immediate and in the wider neighbourhood. It attracted many merchants and guests by its wealth and by its extensive connections. Later on a convent with at times over 300 nuns was affiliated to the monastery. Financial problems and dissension led to the convent being abolished in 1484. With the reformation in the State of Bern, the monastery was finally abolished in 1528. The former monastery then became the castle and the seat of the governors. Today it houses governmental offices, a parish centre and the protestant and catholic churches. Another section is open to the public and houses a tin figure exhibition.
