Interlaken is known as the adventure capital of Switzerland, and after a visit to this picturesque Alpine town, you will understand why and definitely return year after year. The untouched natural surroundings, crystal-clear waters and snow-covered peaks provide a sense of wellbeing.
Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland is renowned for its impressive mountain scenery and picture-perfect lakes. Being a vacation destination of choice, Interlaken is the ideal starting point for countless excursions.
With over 45 mountain railways, cable cars, chair lifts and ski lifts leading to 200 kilometres of pistes and a dense network of hiking trains. Excursion ships, including historic paddle steamers, ply the waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
The town takes its name from its location between two lakes. It overlaps the glittering Lakes Thun and Brienz and is dazzled by the pearly whites of the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
In winter, visitors benefit from the central location of Interlaken and the associated opportunity to every day pick their favourite among the ski regions of the Jungfrau Top Ski Region or the family-orientated ski region of Beatenberg or Axalp-Brienz.
Cross-country skiers and toboggan riders also are well catered for in the vicinity. And there are over 220 kilometres of winter walking trails in Interlaken, Beatenberg, Axalp-Brienz, Habkern, Wilderswil and the Jungfrau region.
The region’s history is rich and colourful, and tales about how Interlaken mesmerised the Victorians with mountain scenes from the chandelier-lit precincts of all the grand hotels once upon a time. And it’s definitely living up to the tales.
The scenery here is mind-blowing; it’s straight out of a storybook. Blue lakes with white-capped snowy mountains surrounded by green rolling hills and rocky mountains.
Even if you’re not an adventurer seeking the next thrill – Interlaken is perfect for any visitor to experience Switzerland. And the best place to stay …one of those chandelier-lit grand hotels that’s in the middle of all the action.
Boasting a spectacular view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau the Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage certainly lives up to its name. As you step through the grand foyer into the hotel, you will be transported back in time to enjoy the renowned grandeur and hospitality of a Swiss Grand Hotel without missing any modern comforts.
And after a day of sightseeing and adventure-filled adrenaline pumping through your veins, you can go back and relax at the Beauty Center & Panorama Spa. Unwind in the indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam bath, or power up in the gym offering classic massages and cosmetics from Clarins.
The hotel boasts 101 rooms and the suites offer ease and comfort and that special feeling of being far removed from everyday life. The magnificent view of the impressive mountain tops or the turquoise-green water of the river Aare elicits many Oohhhhs and Aaahhhs.
Be it the luxury suite or a tastefully furnished double room – you can enjoy the comfort of a five-star hotel with a dash of Zeitgeist all around you. Many of the rooms also spoil you with a balcony or loggia. The suites are a feel-good world of their own and bring you ‘suite dreams’ in a marvellous alpine world!
Spending a sunset on the balcony while enjoying a glass of wine and taking in the beautiful surroundings is a sight that will forever be one of your best memories.
If you’re in town for business or need to arrange a conference, the hotel is also perfect for that. There are 12 daylight event rooms with modern conference technology for up to 350 people and a magnificent banquet hall.
Everyone loves Swiss cuisine and each region has its own specialities. This is where the original and traditional arts of cookery & baking fuse with the fantastic new creations of artists in love with the flavour. In the Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage, it is not just regional and sustainable products that go into the meals, but also a huge helping of passion. In their restaurants, breakfast is not taken on the hop and the evening meal is not a quick bite to eat. With them, ambience and a fantastic panoramic view come together with regional and international specialities to create the finest culinary pleasure.
You can be sure to enjoy the best Swiss breakfast in the restaurant, L’Ambiance and be spoiled with many regional products. With an enchanting view of the turquoise-blue Aar River and the fascinating mountains in a comfortable, exclusive atmosphere.
And you can let your eventful day wind down with an excellent glass of wine or exotic cocktail in the relaxed atmosphere of the bar, Le Vieux Rivage. In summer they serve cool drinks and fruity punches on the outside terrace.
Top 5 things to do in Interlaken
The best way to experience this beautiful city is to ask one of the concierges at the hotel to put a fantastic itinerary together for you – they will even give you discount vouchers for most of the main attractions.
1. Ride to the top of Europe
Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, you can catch the Jungfraujoch train to the highest railway station in Europe.
Enhance your experience of Jungfrau’s Alpine majesty on an exhilarating full-day excursion from Interlaken to the Top of Europe. Travel to Grindelwald and board the new state-of-the-art gondola Eiger Express to the Eiger Station. Then change into a cogwheel train up the Jungfraujoch pass and arrive at Europe’s highest railway station, known as the ‘Top of Europe’. Absorb magnificent panoramas of snow-capped Alpine spires; gaze at the jagged peak of Europe’s largest glacier, and explore a fairytale ice palace while enjoying illuminating commentary from your guide.
2. Explore St Beatus Caves
St Beauts Caves are a natural system of caves next to Lake Thun. The best way to reach them is by boat or bus from Interlaken or Thun. Then it is just a few hundred metres to the caves’ entrance. Fourteen kilometres of the cave system are explored, and a segment of one kilometre is open to visitors.
You can find out more about the cave’s history and geology in its museum, and there’s also a restaurant with a splendid view of Lake Thun.
3. Explore the old town
This beautiful town has many historical buildings. Take a stroll along the Aare River, which leads to the centre of the Old Town at Unterseen. The sights include the Jungfrau Regional Museum, the 13th-century church, and the town hall. Marktgasse leads into Höheweg and the centre of Interlaken. From here, you can enjoy the Japanese Garden before exploring Interlaken Castle.
4. Go for a hike
There are hundreds of hiking routes around Interlaken – everything from small circular routes to high-altitude treks. In spring the alpine meadows are glorious with their flowers. There are also routes above Interlaken and around Lake Thun. Hiking is a major attraction here and with so many beautiful views and picnic spots, a day out exploring is an absolute must for anyone coming to this area.
5. Learn about chocolate-making
Switzerland is renowned for its chocolate; one only has to wander down the main streets to see exquisite displays of sugary treats. In the Grand Café Restaurant Schuh, there are opportunities to learn about the art of chocolate-making and taste a few of the products. There’s also nothing quite like walking down Interlaken’s shopping area and deciding which chocolate to buy from the vast displays.
Visit https://www.lindner.de/interlaken-grand-hotel-beau-rivage for more information or to book your stay.
