Things to do in Interlaken
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Steinbock
While there are dozens of phoney and/or overpriced Swiss restaurants lining Höheweg, this humble tavern is one in which locals also eat. Another good option for Swiss food is the Hirschen.
reviewed
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Alpine Garden
The Alpine Garden on Schynige Platte (The Plateau) boasts over 500 types of flora. Take a cog-wheel train trip from Wilderswil to the 1967m (6450ft)-high plateau and be rewarded by magnificent views and an abundance of alpine flora, including Edelweiss. There's also a collection of thousands of toy bears at Teddyland.
Despite all this, the main attraction is the hiking and the views. The Panoramaweg is an easy two-hour circuit, while the trail to Grindelwald-First is one of the best in the region. If you're here in July or August, don't miss the moonlight hikes.
You reach the plateau on a cog-wheel train from Wilderswil, a short train ride from Interlaken Ost.
reviewed
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Outdoor Interlaken
Can arrange most sports. Switzerland is the world's second-biggest adventure-sports destination, just behind New Zealand, and Interlaken is its busiest hub. Everything you can think of in this regard is offered from here (although the activities take place in the greater Jungfrau Region).
There's river rafting on the Lütschine, Simme and Saane Rivers, canyoning in the Saxetet, Grimsel or Chli Schliere gorges, and canyon-jumping at the Gletscherschlucht near Grindelwald. In addition, there's paragliding off any number of mountains, bungee jumping, skydiving, ice-climbing, hydro-speeding and much more.
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Mystery Park
This other-worldly theme park looms large on the outskirts of Interlaken, with expensive re-creations of a Mayan temple, Egyptian pyramid, Indian Vimana (mythical flying machine), Stonehenge and a highly visible 'Sphere'.
It's the brainchild of Erich von Däniken, the Swiss author of the 1970s bestseller Chariots of the Gods, and its displays (including crop circles in summer) are meant to get you thinking about aliens. Sceptics need not apply. There's a free shuttle bus from Interlaken Ost once or twice an hour.
reviewed
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Hooters
Yes, it’s part of a chain and, yes, the girls in hot pants and too-tight tank tops make feminists rant, but – ooh er, missus – Hooters remains popular. It serves beer, big-screen sports and fine Jungfrau views from the terrace, though most punters seem to have their eyes fixed on bumps of a different kind…
reviewed
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West End
Amuse yourselves with the wine list and remember that good things come to those who wait, as you survey the incongruous Swiss interior of this buzzing, congenial Italian restaurant. Many of the pasta and other dishes are freshly homemade and can take a while to arrive at your table, but when they do, they're usually delicious.
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Benacus
Super-cool Benacus is a breath of urban air with its glass walls, slick wine-red sofas, lounge music and street-facing terrace. The TV show Funky Kitchen Club is filmed here. The menu stars creative flavours like potato and star anis soup and Aargau chicken with caramelised pak choi.
reviewed
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Belvédère Brasserie
Yes it’s attached to the boring-look Hapimag, but this brasserie has upbeat modern decor and a terrace with appetising Jungfrau views. It serves international favourites such as veal in merlot sauce, alongside a handful of Swiss stalwarts like fondue and rösti.
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Goldener Anker
Even fussy eaters will find tastebud pleasers at this beamed restaurant, which, locals will whisper in your ear, is the best in town. The globetrotting menu tempts with everything from sizzling fajitas to red snapper and ostrich steaks. It also has a roster of live bands.
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Sandwich Bar
This crimson-walled snack bar is an untouristy gem. Choose your bread and get creative with fillings (our favourite is Bündnerfleisch, sundried tomatoes and parmesan). Otherwise try tasty soups, salads, toasties and locally made ice cream.
reviewed
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Schuh
Schuh is a Viennese-style coffee house with can’t-stop-at-one pastries and pralines. Skip dinner, however, as the tinkling, Barry Manilow–style piano and sickly pink interior can feel like being trapped in a 1970s B-movie.
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Pizzeria Horn
Exposed brick, chunky tables and photos of Don Camillo set the scene at this inviting piz- zeria. Find a cosy nook to feast on antipasti and delicious wood-oven pizza. There’s alfresco dining on the garden terrace in summer.
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Tellspielbüro
Sells tickets to twice-weekly performances of Schiller's Wilhelm Tell between late June and mid-September, staged in the open-air theatre in the Rugen Forest. The play is in German but an English synopsis is available.
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Welcome India
Decorated like a true curry house with carved wooden statues and a garish mixture of black, orange and yellow, this is the best of several local Indian restaurants. The menu includes Punjabi and northern Indian specialities.
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Buddy’s Pub
Pull up a stool, order a draft Rugenbräu or a ‘sex on the mountain’ (for want of a beach) cocktail and enjoy a natter with the locals. Switzerland’s first pub is loud, smoky and convivial.
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Bernese Oberland Glacier Trek
7 days (Interlaken)
Classic glacier hike into arguably the most spectacular mountains in the Alps.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,290 -
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Per Bacco
A slightly more sophisticated and well-dressed clientele props up the horseshoe bar at Per Bacco, which serves antipasti and Italian wines by the glass.
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Top o’ Met
For coffee and cake, or a cocktail, try Top o’ Met on the top floor of the Metropole Hotel, which has stellar views.
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Tourist Museum
The humble Tourist Museum presents a romp through tourism in the region with costumes, carriages and other curios.
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K44
Squeeze in some climbing practice at K44. The 14.5m-high hall offers a variety of wall types.
reviewed
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Positiv Einfach
This cosy little DJ bar place feels more local and dignified, with its slick, low-lit interior.
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Heimwehfluh
A wonderful view, a model-train display and a toboggan ride all the way back down the hill.
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Swissraft
Swissraft has bases for rafting and hydrospeeding all over the country.
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Hang Gliding Interlaken
Hang GlidingInterlaken organises hang-gliding flights above Interlaken.
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Scenic Air
Scenic Air conducts scenic flights, skydiving and other activities.
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