Scott is joined by Celina Finger of Interlaken Tourism to talk about this special resort in the heart of Switzerland. Celina talks about the special history of the town before giving us a lowdown on all the best things to do and see there today, with a few insider tips and hidden gems along the way.
Links to places discussed:
Interlaken Tourism – official site to get some ideas for your trip right here
The Birth of Interlaken – informative article about the history of Interlaken and its re-naming
Hotel Interlaken – located on the grounds of the original Interlaken Monastery
Lord Byron – the original European content creator
Unspunnenfest – festival held every 12 years in Interlaken that celebrates all things Swiss
Schwingen – Traditional Swiss wrestling
Jungfraujoch – railway to the ‘Top of Europe’
Victoria-Jungfrau – The grand dame of Interlaken’s historic, luxury hotels
Grand Hotel Beau-Rivage – sit on the terrace and watch the paragliders
Chästeilet – event each September where the cows are brought back down from the high meadows
Bernatone Alphornbau – see alphorns being made near Interlaken
Schilthorn – James Bond filming location and scenic Alpine peak
Schynige Platte Cog Railway – insider tip for serenity and sensational views
Spiez – great stop on Lake Thun, home to a castle and vineyards
Oberhofen – another great stop on Lake Thun with its own castle
Grandhotel Giessbach – dramatic arrival by boat and tram, try the carrot cake after admiring the waterfalls
Burgseeli Lido – locals swimming ‘hole’ where you can get a true local experience
Balmers Hostel – legendary Interlaken establishment
Interlaken Ice Rink – only open in winter, take a spin or shoot some pucks with the locals like I did
SC Bern – juggernaut of Swiss ice hockey in Bern, seeing a game is a blast.
Meiringen – said to be the birthplace of meringue
Rösti – the ultimate Swiss brunch dish
Swiss National Day in Interlaken – don’t miss this nationwide party
Greenfield – rock & metal festival in Interlaken
Wengen – car free village famed for its historic hotels and stunning views
Mürren – car free resort located at 5,000 feet with stunning views
Golden Pass Express – panaromic, touristic train offering stunning views and excellent service
Rugenbräu – very popular local brewery
Haarige Kuh – local craft brewery founded by two Scots