I know little German, but the name Interlaken says it all. This small town that rests between lakes (and is part of German-speaking Switzerland) is popular with skiers in winter, but is a gem even before ski season begins.
Interlaken is very accessible: the train will let you off within walking distance of most hotels. And most hotels will give you a travel card that allows you free transport on all of the local buses and between the 2 main train stations in Interlaken. Ask at the train station Information Center if your hotel doesn’t.
The views around town are breath-taking: from the joining of the lakes (hence, Interlaken), to the villages in mountains, to the cable cars that transcend the landscapes.
Interlaken is a magnet for adventure seekers. You can rent scooters, go hang-gliding, skiing, and if you’ve lost all sanity… canyon diving.
This is me, having lost all sanity.
Train Tip: Special, smaller trains chug up into the mountains around Interlaken. The Eurail Pass doesn’t cover these trains, but present your Pass anyways, and you will get a 25% discount on these train tickets. You don’t use a day in your Pass, just show it. I spent a day in Grindelwald tasting local cheese and wine.
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Benjamin Thomas
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