These hilltop cliff heavens are the heart of Switzerland. The magnificent Alps combined with the lush green rustic villages, emerald lakes and the white peak gives it a mesmerizing look.
Interlaken is the base point where you can drive to. From there you can go to Thun, Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch, Murren and lauterbrunnen.
Map
My favorites are Grindelwald Lauterbrunnen and Jungfraujoch – aka the top of Europe.
Interlaken
Interlaken is a small Swiss town sandwiched between two alpine lakes of Brienz and Thun. It has a beautiful scenic charm with the snow capped Alps in the backdrop. The main stretch is from the Interlaken OST Bahnhofstrasse which turns in to Hoheweg. This stretch is full of souvenir shops carrying Swiss-army watch, knives and other Swiss precision instruments. My favorite is the Kirchhofers which has a fantastic collection of Swiss army products. Buying my own Swiss army knife was the main highlight of my Interlaken trip. One of the interesting things about these knives is that you can engrave your name on them. Although they prefer less then 10 letters some stores do support more characters. I always wanted to buy a cool knife with many features primarily for my art projects.
I have always heard from my mom how Bollywood(the Indian movie industry) created indelible impressions of Switzerland when she was growing up. I got to see that first hand. Bollywood has really publicised this place so much that when you walk down the streets of Interlaken, you can see the huge Indian influence. Many Indian restaurants(Vegetarian & Non-vegetarian) serving food with Indian music playing in the background. You might almost think that you are in India.
♿Accessibility
I must say Interlaken and the Jungfrau region are the more accessible places in Switzerland.
– There are two accessible parking just opposite of Hotel Victoria Jungfraujoch which is the prime spot to get a perfect view of the snow capped mountains.
– There is an accessible public restroom just at the turning of banhofstrasse and Howheweg. Make sure you have one frank to use the restroom.
– All of the Streets are wheel chair accessible. Some stores might have a step at the entrance but they have a ramp to enter from the side.
– You can pretty much walk around the whole city on a wheelchair or a mobility scooter.
– From Interlaken you can drive to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. Both are accessible by car. Grindelwald and Jungfraujoch is more ♿ wheelchair accessible in all respects. Schilthorn peak cable car from Lauterbrannen does not carry scooters and wheel chairs. Gimmelwald and Murtren are reachable by cable car which are not wheel chair or mobility scooter accessible.
Tips
– Make sure to plan a trip to Interlaken area on a sunny day and start early morning to enjoy the alpine peaks
– If you are driving, make sure to stop at the beautiful city of Thun while coming from Berne.
– You can take some beautiful pictures on the lush green garden opposite of hotel Victoria Jungfraujoch.
– Paragliding is one of the popular activities among many at Interlaken during summer. More details at https://www.outdoor-interlaken.ch/en
– If you are from India don’t forget to click a picture with the famous movie maker Yash Chopra Statue. It is located in the front yard of Casino Kursaal.
