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Let’s cut straight to the chase: if you’ve typed “best places to visit in Switzerland” or “Jungfrau base town” into any search engine, Interlaken has popped up at the top every single time. And for good reason. The name itself says it all—Interlaken, straight from Latin, means “between the lakes.” Any seasoned traveler or local who’s spent more than a week here knows this isn’t just a generic alpine town; it’s a spot where jaw-dropping natural beauty collides with quirky local history, stubborn resident rebellions, spooky legends, and even a few oddball characters that make this place way more memorable than just postcard-perfect views. I’ve been guiding here for over a decade, so I’m not here to spout off generic travel brochure fluff. I’m here to give you the unvarnished, funny, and surprisingly deep scoop on Interlaken—complete with old tales, hidden quirks, and the kind of stories that make you feel like you’re not just a tourist, but a temporary local.
Opening: Did God’s Angel Just Slack Off on the Job? The Sweet Origin Legend of Interlaken
You’ve probably heard the basic geography lesson a hundred times: Interlaken sits snug between Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, with the iconic Jungfrau massif—snow-capped, towering, and impossible to miss—looming large right behind the town center. But the pretty, slightly silly legend behind this perfect setup is way more fun than a textbook definition.
The story goes that God sent a dedicated angel down to Earth to decorate the land, hand-picking the most stunning landscapes for every corner of the globe. This angel was a total overachiever at first, pouring all the best materials—crystal-clear lakes, lush green forests, snow-dusted mountain peaks, and rolling meadows—into places like the Swiss Alps, the Italian countryside, and the Norwegian fjords. But by the time the angel fluttered down to this quiet Bernese Oberland valley, the heavenly supply bag was almost empty. Only random scraps of glittering lake water, tiny clumps of pine trees, and leftover chunks of pure white snow were left.
Fed up and ready to clock out for the day, the angel didn’t bother arranging things perfectly. It just tossed the remaining bits carelessly into the valley, figuring no one would notice a lazy last-minute job. Well, joke’s on the angel—those random scraps turned into the most balanced, breathtakingly beautiful spot on the planet. The lakes settled perfectly on either side, the mountains rose up in a dramatic backdrop, and the meadows bloomed year after year with wildflowers. So if you stand anywhere in Interlaken and feel like the scenery is too perfect to be real, don’t overthink it—it’s just a celestial intern’s lazy day project that accidentally became a masterpiece.
This isn’t some made-up tourist tale, either; it’s a local folktale passed down for generations, one that locals still laugh about when they’re sitting on a bench eating Swiss chocolate and staring at the Jungfrau. It sets the tone for Interlaken perfectly: this is a place that’s beautiful without even trying, and full of little, unplanned wonders that make every visit feel unique.
The Town Center’s Big Lawn: The Stubborn Rebellion That Saved Interlaken’s Most Iconic Spot
Walk down Bahnhofstrasse or Höhemattestrasse, the main thoroughfares in Interlaken’s town center, and you’ll immediately spot it: the Höhematte, a massive, wide-open green lawn that stretches out right in the heart of the town, with an unobstructed, straight-on view of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger peaks. Tourists lose their minds over this spot—they spread out picnic blankets, sip on local Riesling, watch paragliders drift down from the mountains like colorful confetti, and snap hundreds of photos without a single building blocking the mountain view. On a sunny day, it’s pure magic, and it’s easily one of the most photographed spots in all of Switzerland.
But here’s the juicy, little-known history: this lawn wasn’t always guaranteed to exist. In fact, it almost got turned into a giant, ugly hotel complex that would have ruined Interlaken’s iconic skyline forever. Let’s rewind a few hundred years: originally, the Höhematte was the private courtyard of an Augustinian monastery, a quiet, sacred space where monks tended to gardens and prayed. The monastery closed down in the 19th century as tourism started to boom in the Alps, and suddenly, this prime piece of real estate in the middle of town became a hot target for greedy developers.
In the late 1800s, a wealthy Swiss hotel company set its sights on the Höhematte, drawing up plans to build a massive, multi-story luxury hotel that would cover the entire lawn. The company had the money and the political connections to push the plan through, and it looked like the open green space was doomed. But the locals of Interlaken weren’t going to let that happen—and they didn’t protest with pitchforks or angry rallies, the way you might expect. They did it the classic Swiss way: quietly, stubbornly, and with cold, hard cash.
More than 20 local families banded together, pooled every franc they had, and bought the entire Höhematte plot themselves, turning it into community-owned land. They drew up a strict, ironclad rule: no permanent buildings, no construction, no commercial development—ever. To this day, that rule still stands. The Höhematte remains a public green space, free for everyone to enjoy, and not a single brick has been laid on it since the locals saved it. Next time you’re sitting on that lawn, watching paragliders land (and occasionally trip over their own lines, which is always a funny sight), take a second to thank those forward-thinking locals. They fought off big business to keep Interlaken’s soul intact, and that’s a rebellion worth raising a glass of local apple cider to.
Pro tip for travelers: Arrive at Höhematte early in the morning to avoid the midday crowds, and grab a fresh pretzel from the nearby bakery before you settle in. The morning light hitting the Jungfrau peaks is unreal, and you’ll beat the rush of tour groups that flood the area by 10 a.m.
Hiking Harder Kulm: The Mountain Guardian and the Unlucky Monk’s Dark Legend
Look north from Interlaken’s town center, and you’ll see a sharp, rugged mountain peak that juts up above the rooftops—Harder Kulm, the best viewpoint in Interlaken for panoramic vistas of the town, both lakes, and the entire Jungfrau massif. You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to get here, either; a short, scenic cable car ride from the base of the mountain takes you straight to the top in just a few minutes, making it perfect for casual travelers, families, or anyone who doesn’t want to sweat through a long hike.
At the top, you’ll find a cozy mountain restaurant with a terrace that’s made for romance—locals say couples who share a kiss at the Harder Kulm viewpoint will have their love blessed by the mountains and lakes, and it’s a popular spot for engagement photos and anniversary dinners. The views are absolutely breathtaking: on a clear day, you can see all the way across Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, watch the rivers wind through the valleys, and spot tiny alpine villages dotting the hillsides. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget all your worries and just soak in the beauty.
But let’s ditch the romance for a minute and talk about the spooky, dark legend that makes Harder Kulm more than just a pretty viewpoint. Look closely at the rocky cliff face on the mountain, and you’ll see a strange, jagged formation that looks exactly like a human face—locals call it the Harder Mann, the mountain guardian who watches over Interlaken. This isn’t a friendly, cuddly guardian, though; his story is tied to medieval corruption and justice gone brutal.
Back in the Middle Ages, Interlaken was ruled by powerful monks from the local monastery, who held almost total control over the town and its people. Most monks were pious and fair, but a handful abused their power, preying on local villagers and getting away with terrible crimes because no one dared to stand up to them. The legend goes that one young, beautiful local girl was chased up Harder Kulm by a wicked, power-hungry monk who wanted to harm her. Trapped at the edge of a steep cliff with nowhere to run, the girl chose to jump to her death rather than submit to his cruelty.
The Harder Mann, the mountain’s guardian spirit, flew into a rage when he saw the girl’s death. He hunted down the evil monk, dragged him to the cliff face, and scraped the monk’s face onto the rock, cursing him to stay there forever as a punishment, staring down at Interlaken and begging for forgiveness for his sins. To this day, locals claim you can still see the monk’s twisted, sorrowful face in the rock formation—a permanent reminder of the town’s dark, unjust past.
You can still see echoes of this legend in Interlaken’s old town: wooden masks carved to look like the Harder Mann, with scowling faces and rough, jagged features, hang in local craft shops and are worn during New Year’s parades. The parades aren’t cheerful, festive events, either; they’re a quiet reminder of the struggles local people faced against powerful rulers centuries ago. It’s a stark contrast to the town’s sunny, picture-perfect exterior, but it’s part of what makes Interlaken real—this isn’t just a postcard town; it has a history of resilience and fighting back against oppression.
Between Two Lakes: God’s Left Eye vs. Right Eye—Which Lake Should You Choose?
Interlaken’s entire identity revolves around its two lakes—Lake Brienz, nicknamed God’s Left Eye, and Lake Thun, God’s Right Eye. Both are stunning, glacial-fed alpine lakes, but they’re totally different in vibe, scenery, and things to do. As a local guide, I get asked this question every single day: “Which lake should I visit?” The answer depends on what kind of traveler you are, but I always say if you have time, do both—they complement each other perfectly, and you’ll get the full Interlaken lake experience.
Lake Brienz: The Pristine, Turquoise Gem of the Bernese Oberland
Lake Brienz is the quieter, more untouched of the two, with water that’s a vivid, almost unreal turquoise-blue—so clear you can see straight to the rocky bottom in shallow areas. It’s fed directly by alpine glaciers, which means the water is ice-cold (don’t try to swim for more than a few seconds; you’ll go numb instantly) and incredibly pure, often called the cleanest lake in Switzerland. The shoreline is lined with dense pine forests and tiny, charming fishing villages, with no big hotels or tourist traps cluttering the view—it’s pure, unspoiled alpine beauty.
The best way to experience Lake Brienz is by taking a traditional steamboat cruise, which has been operating since 1839, making it one of the oldest lake cruise services in Europe. The cruise takes you past hidden coves, waterfalls that cascade straight into the lake, and tiny villages where time stands still. The final stop is Brienz Town, the woodcarving capital of Switzerland. For centuries, local families have passed down woodcarving skills from generation to generation—back in the day, Swiss farmers had nothing to do during long, snowy winters, so they carved intricate figurines, furniture, and toys from local pine wood. Today, Brienz’s woodcarving shops are full of stunning handcrafted pieces, from tiny cow figurines to life-sized alpine statues, and you can even watch master carvers at work in their workshops. It’s a great spot to pick up a unique, authentic souvenir instead of mass-produced tourist junk.
Lake Thun: The Grand, Castle-Filled Lake with Medieval Charm
Lake Thun is bigger, wider, and more open than Lake Brienz, with a deep blue hue that contrasts beautifully with the green hillsides and snow-capped peaks. What makes Lake Thun special is its shoreline dotted with medieval castles—yes, real, ancient castles that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. A lake cruise here feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages, as you pass one stunning castle after another, each with its own history of knights, nobles, and royal drama.
The main stop on a Lake Thun cruise is Thun Town, a charming medieval city with a towering castle, cobblestone streets, and a historic old town that’s perfect for wandering. Thun Castle dates back to the 12th century, and you can tour its towers, explore its museum filled with medieval artifacts, and get panoramic views of the lake and mountains from the top. The town is full of cozy cafes, local bakeries selling fresh Swiss pastries, and small shops selling regional wine and cheese. For the best photos, take the Lake Thun cruise in the late afternoon—sunset casts a golden glow over the castles, and you won’t even need a filter to get perfect shots.
Quick travel hack: If you’re short on time, take the Lake Thun cruise in the afternoon for the sunset views, and squeeze in a quick morning trip to Lake Brienz for the turquoise water and woodcarving shops. Both lakes are easily accessible by public transport from Interlaken Ost train station, so you don’t need a car to explore them.
Top of Europe and the Eccentric Neighbor: The Man Who Waits for Aliens
No trip to Interlaken is complete without a journey to the Jungfrau, known as the Top of Europe—the highest railway station in Europe, sitting at over 3,450 meters above sea level. The Jungfrau Railway is a marvel of human engineering, built over 100 years ago at the turn of the 20th century, when construction workers carved tunnels straight through the solid rock of the Eiger North Face, a treacherous peak that’s claimed the lives of many climbers. It took years of backbreaking work, dangerous conditions, and incredible determination to finish the railway, and it’s still considered one of the greatest engineering feats in the world today. Yes, the train ticket is pricey, but it’s 100% worth it—you’ll glide through snow tunnels, past glaciers, and emerge at the top to views of endless snow-capped peaks that stretch all the way to France and Italy.
But before you head up to the Jungfrau, I have to tell you about one of Interlaken’s most famous (and most eccentric) residents, a man who’s become a local legend: Erich von Däniken. You’ve probably never heard of him, but he’s a world-famous author who’s spent his entire life arguing one wild theory: that all ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Mayans, were visited by ancient aliens, and that gods and religious figures from history were actually extraterrestrials. He claims the pyramids, Easter Island statues, and even stories from the Bible are all proof of alien contact with Earth.
Von Däniken lives right outside Interlaken, in a quiet house near the mountains, and he even opened a small museum called the Mystery Park (now rebranded, but still full of his alien theories) nearby, filled with exhibits “proving” his alien ancient astronaut claims. His ideas are so out there that he won the 1991 Ig Nobel Prize, a funny, lighthearted award given to weird, quirky, and unusual scientific achievements that make people laugh first and think later.
Locals have a blast with this guy. Teenagers used to sneak out at night, call his house, and pretend to be aliens reporting a UFO sighting near Interlaken, and von Däniken would jump out of bed in his pajamas, grab his camera, and race to the spot to “investigate.” The town’s residents don’t take his theories seriously at all—they just think he’s a harmless, quirky old man who adds a little fun to the town. It’s the perfect example of Interlaken’s weird, wonderful contrast: you’ve got the serious, awe-inspiring Jungfrau, a symbol of human perseverance and natural beauty, and a few miles away, a guy who spends his days waiting for aliens to land. That’s the magic of this town—it’s not just beautiful; it’s full of personality.
Closing: Leave With Mendelssohn’s Eyes, and a Heart Full of Stories
Back in 1842, the famous German composer Felix Mendelssohn traveled to Interlaken, hiked up to a nearby mountain viewpoint, and looked out over the town, the two lakes, and the Jungfrau. He was so blown away by the beauty that he wrote, “In this unbelievably beautiful country, this is the most stunning spot of all.” High praise from one of the greatest composers of the 19th century, and it still holds true today.
When you leave Interlaken, don’t just take home photos of the mountains and lakes, or souvenirs from the woodcarving shops. Take home the stories: the stubborn locals who saved the Höhematte, the unlucky monk cursed to the Harder Kulm cliff, the lazy angel who accidentally created paradise, and the quirky old man waiting for aliens. These are the stories that make Interlaken more than just a tourist destination—they make it a place with soul, history, and a little bit of magic.
Whether you’re a hiker chasing alpine trails, a history buff digging into medieval legends, a casual traveler looking for stunning views, or just someone who wants to relax and soak in Swiss charm, Interlaken has something for you. It’s not perfect, it’s not polished, and it’s full of little quirks and hidden stories—and that’s exactly why it’s one of the best places to visit in Switzerland. So next time you’re planning an alpine trip, skip the generic tourist traps and come to Interlaken. Trust a local guide who’s seen it all: you won’t regret it.
