As the name suggests, Interlaken sits between two lakes - the Thun and the Brienz - and is 1,870 feet above sea level in the Swiss Alps. The town first found real popularity in the 19thcentury when the dramatic scenery that surrounds the area made it an essential stopover on the Grand Tour taken by so many wealthy Victorians. Surrounding Interlaken are the high peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch and it is the perfect place from which skiers can reach over 200 kms of pistes to suit every ability. Alternatively, hire a car in Interlaken and head high into the mountains and take in the wondrous views.
Even though you may be hiring a car in Interlaken, you can take in the immediate area using the many mountain railways and cableways that serve the region. For example, you’ll be able to climb the 11,320 foot Jungfraujoch by rail and be able to say that you’ve travelled to the highest point in Europe that can be reached by train. On the other hand, you may prefer to admire the scenery from one of the many ships that offer cruises on the region’s two lakes.
