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Essentials
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So what's it like?
Walking
At the base of the Lauterbrunnen valley Interlaken is close to the many walking opportunities the region has to offer. Plus there is no chance of getting bored with all the lakeside walks on Interlaken's doorstep.
Why not try -
In the depths of the Hasli Valley you can pay your respects to Sherlock Holmes. The Reichenbach Falls is where Holmes fought his arch enemy Professor Moriaty with both falling to their doom. Our team of reps run a waterfalls tour which visits this waterfall and the Giessbach Falls with the day finishing off in a wood carving museum before a lake cruise back to Interlaken.
For keen walkers there's a relatively challenging route from the Schynige Platte to First. It's 6 hours worth of up and down and of course spectacular views to boot. Once at the summit let the lift and train system do its job and take you back to Interlaken via Grindelwald.- a cruise on a Lake Thun to Beatunbucht followed by the circular walk at Beatenburg
- the Schynige Platte to First walk and an exhilarating ride First Flyer zip line
- dipping your feet into a glacial stream - or to really invigorate go the whole way
Culture
From the start of the 'Grand Tour' era, railways and footpaths have been developed to help visitors enjoy this spectacular region. The Jungfraujoch line climbs to the highest train station in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The rotating restaurant at the top of the Schilthorn was part funded by the James Bond movie 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'.
Getting lost in the village of Brienz's winding streets is likely to inspire the snapping of endless photos, the local houses make you feel like you've stepped back 100s of years with their iconic wooden roofs and abundance of flower boxes. A stroll along the lakefront promenade is often rewarded by the sight of locals giving wood carving demonstrations. If you miss the open air carving then head to one of the many shops selling wooden souvenirs or to the museum. Festivals and open air events are a big thing in Interlaken. In the summer months the hills are alive with the sound of yodeling, rock and country music.
Discover Swiss culture at the Ballenburg open air museum. Travel through time as you visit buildings from different eras, all have been painstakingly taken down and rebuilt. Learn a traditional craft or indulge in traditional fare, home made chocolates and mountain cheese will tantalise the taste buds.
Why not try -- Explore the quirky shops and visit the brown bears of Bern. Sample a beer from the micro brewery of the restaurant next to the bear park
- Travel by steam from Brienz to the summit of the Rothorn
- Take time out and spend a day relaxing in Bonigen's lakeside lido
Lake Cruise 1st class £34 2nd class £26
Sit back and enjoy the views as you cruise across Lake Thun. You'll have spectacular views of the historic castles and pretty villages along the way.
Jungfraujoch: £64
Up at 3,454m Europe's highest altitude railway station opens up a world of snow with an ice palace, a restaurant & observation terrace.
Schilthorn: £47
Scenes from James Bond ('On her majesty's secret service') were filmed up at the summit - experience beautiful views of the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau from the revolving restaurant.
Waterfalls Tour: £70
An intimate guided full day tour by our resort team. Visit the spectacular Riechenbach & Giesbach Falls, Aareschulct - a short walk with magnificent views, the wood carving town of Brienz and a return Brienz lake cruise.
Schynige Platte: £30
From Wilderswil near Interlaken the enchanting old fashioned cogwheel railway slowly climbs up the mountain to the beautiful botanical gardens at the top of Schynige Platte.
Active
Interlaken's location and natural resources of lakes and mountains, makes it the perfect place to take on a range of activities.
Why not try -- Rafting: A guaranteed thrill - ride the melt waters of the glaciers above. There are at least 2 rivers to choose from, the Lütschine is a fast flowing rapid packed river and the Simme is a scenic class 3. Don't worry if this is your first time, trained professionals will be on hand to give you the full low down.
- Canyoning: Exhilarating, action packed and fun are just a few of the descriptives you'll use to tell your friends. As you discover hidden canyon worlds you'll launch into foaming pools, abseil down waterfalls and slide down natural waterslides. For beginners and intermediates there are a couple of routes to choose from and for those with a screw loose, don't worry there's a route for you.
- Lake Kayaking: Soak up the surrounding mountain views as you take smooth paddle strokes and glide through the waters of lake Brienz at your own speed.
- Tandem Paragliding: Up up and away. Become part of the amazing peace and quiet of the skies. Take in the truly awe-inspiring views, safe in the knowledge that an experienced frequent flyer, strapped to your back, will expertly bring you back down to terra firma.
- Rock & Ice climbing: The special feeling of reaching the top is the same for anyone who challenges themselves on a rock face. Use one of the local guides to take you to the best climbs for your ability. Get up close and personal with deep blue glacial ice - abseil into a crevasse. Experience a similar feeling to an artic explorer and book yourself onto a day's ice climbing trek on the Steingletscher.
- Mountain Biking: There's nothing like the freedom a bike gives. And with the superb maps in the Tourist Office you will soon be exploring the surrounding mountains. The circuit around the lake offers some good cross country fun - stop off at the Giesbach Falls before tackling the optional ascent to Axalp.
• swimming pool • lake swimming, windsurfing, sailing and waterskiing • rafting • canyoning • tennis • horseriding • evening cruises with dancing and music (Jul/Aug) • William Tell performances (Jul/Aug)