It's very simple: The best way to see everything in Interlaken is to walk. You can either randomly stroll around, enjoying the panoramic views in all directions, or follow a more structured walking tour. If you'd like some guidance, go to the tourist office and ask for a copy of What to Do in Interlaken. It maps out walks for both young and more mature visitors.
The Höheweg covers 14 hectares (35 acres) in the middle of town between the two train stations. Once the property of Augustinian monks, it was acquired in the mid-19th century by the hotel keepers of Interlaken, who turned it into a park. As you stroll along Höhenpromenade, admire the famous view of the Jungfrau mountain. Another beautiful sight is the flower clock at the Kursaal (casino). You're also sure to see some fiacres (horse-drawn cabs). The promenade is lined with hotels, cafes, and gardens.
Cross over the Aare River to Unterseen, built in 1280 by Berthold von Eschenbach. Here you can visit the parish church, with its late-Gothic tower dating from 1471. This is one of the most photographed sights in the Bernese Oberland. The Mönch appears to the left of the tower, the Jungfrau on the right.
Back in Interlaken, visit the Touristik-Museum der Jungfrau-Region, am Stadthausplatz, Obere Gasse 26 (tel. 033/822-98-39), the first regional tourism museum in the country. Exhibitions show the growth of tourism in the region throughout the past 2 centuries. The museum is open from May to mid-October, Tuesday to Sunday from 2 to 5pm. Admission is 5F ($4.10/£2.15), or 4F ($3.30/£1.70) with a Visitor's Card. Children are charged 3F ($2.45/£1.25).
To see the sights of Interlaken, Matten, and Unterseen by fiacre, line up at the Interlaken West train station. The half-hour round-trip tour costs 40F ($33/£17) for one or two, plus 12F ($9.85/£5.10) for each additional person; children 7 to 16 are charged half fare, and those 6 and under ride free.
Other attractions in the area include animal parks, afternoon concerts, and steamers across Lakes Brienz and Thun. During the summer visitors can sit in covered grandstands and watch Schiller's version of the William Tell story and the formation of the Swiss Confederation. We also recommend the delectable pastries sold in the local cafes.
