2_1_DiscoverGermany_Feb2014_Issue11:Scan Magazine 1
10/1/14
10:46
Page 30
Interlaken, pure Switzerland Interlaken combines all of Switzerland`s charms in one place Glacial mountains, emerald lakes and a quaint but lively town: in Interlaken guests can combine activity and leisure in an attractive setting. TEXT: JESSICA POMMER | PHOTOS: INTERLAKEN TOURISM
When faced with the stunning scenery of Interlaken, you are swept away into the idyllic and romantic world of Heidi, the much-loved literary and on-screen character who lives a happy life in a secluded Swiss alpine village. Surrounded by impressive mountains, sparkling emerald lakes and rivers, Interlaken is the ideal place to experience the beauty of Switzerland´s nature. Yet, Interlaken goes beyond being just a pretty rural hamlet, as it offers its visitors all the amenities of a lively town. In short, Interlaken is a treasure trove of the best of Switzerland, all condensed in one place. Situated in central Switzerland, in the middle of the Bernese Oberland, the higher part of the canton Bern, at a height of 568
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m (1,831 ft) above sea level, Interlaken is surrounded by the high Alpine mountain peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The mountains, covered with snow year round, can be accessed by funiculars and even trains. After boarding the Jungfraubahn in Interlaken, the visitor is lead through meadows and brooks into the eternal ice up to Europe´s highest railway station, the Jungfraujoch – the Top of Europe at an elevation of 3,454 m (11,323 ft). The Schilthorn, another nearby mountain, boasts the Alps’ longest aerial cableway, with incredible views stretching for miles. Ardent James Bond fan’s might recognize the famous revolving restaurant Piz Gloria at the top of the Schilthorn as it served as a setting for the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty`s Secret Service.
Ski runs spread wide In winter the slopes of the Jungfrau Ski Region offer perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding and with more than 45 mountain railways, aerial cableways, chair lifts and ski lifts available, there will never be enough days on the slopes. There is a handy free shuttle bus that connects Interlaken with the Jungfrau Ski Region. Further winter activities off the beaten track like nightly snowshoe hikes, trekking with goats or llamas, dog sleigh tours or cross-country skiing can be pursued all over the region. Families who prefer smaller pistes might fare better going to the skiing areas around Lake Thun and Lake Brienz like for example the Axalp skiing area, where the inclines seem a little less daunting.