Interestingly Irresistible Interlaken of Bernese Oberland
Special thank you to Jungfrau Railways (Top of Europe)
Exclaiming in wonder upon reaching Interlaken, located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, I cannot wait for the many adventures that will be explored from this town as the starting point! Nestled in the North of Switzerland, the Swiss-German language is widely spoken in these part of town.
SWITZERLAND is a country which you can visit all year round annually, if not then you must place it in your bucket-list of once-in-a-lifetime visit. Unique with four national language spoken here are Swiss German taking up a bigger pie, French, Italian and a smattering of Romansh. The location of the spoken language is very much influenced by the countries bordering Switzerland.
Being a landlocked country by France in the west, Germany in the north, Austria and the principality of Liechtenstein in the east (which also speaks German), Italy in the south. Where as Romansh language is spoken in Graubunden in the east side.
INTERLAKEN is one of the most prettiest fairy-tale resort town, in between two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Hence the town’s name – Interlaken. Surrounded by breathtaking Swiss Alps, namely Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau which overlooks the township, as if these mountains guards over those who calls this place home.
Where to stay?
Calling Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa home for a short three nights, what could be more perfect than this. Afterall as they saying goes . . . home is where the heart is at least for three wonderful nights. The hotel has much to offer, making one feel like staying in just lazing by the opulent pool, where one can find a small heated outdoor area overlooking the mountains, while surrounded by a snow covered view, I must say it is interestingly irresistible. But the call of exploration was too great to ignore.
As far as the eye can see . . .
Located at one of the most strategic location, the 150-year old hotel is located at the Höheweg. Interlaken’s main street which runs between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost Railway Stations. As I step out onto its pavement, I can’t help but to take a deep breath filling it with cold fresh air of the Bernese alps.
Exploring the street leading to my left, I chance upon Kirchhofer haute horlogerie boutiques. The Swiss are famous for the quality and technology of watches, one can see they take pride in the trade which has been passed down from father to son in the past. They are artist in their own right and from my point of view, brilliant scientist in their own right.
Here at Kirchhofer, it offer the world’s largest selection of Swiss watch brands. Fellow Malaysians remember to look for our own fellow Malaysian Lee Jiaw Soon when you are visiting Interlaken, an experience consultant who has decided to join the company after completion of his studies here in Switzerland.
As you walk in the opposite direction . . . you will find yourself chanced upon a delicious surprise. Schuh Chocolatier is located in the same vicinity of the Grand Café-Restaurant Schuh since 1818, which also serves one of the best Cheese fondue found only here in Switzerland!. They say if one travel to Switzerland without trying an authentic cheese fondue, then you truly have not tasted Switzerland.
Everyday at 5pm, Schuh Chocolatier have prepared a chocolate show. For all chocolate lovers, certainly a must to join in. We find ourselves having the honour of Markus Neff, Master Chocolatier at Schuh Chocolatier here in Interlaken. With his superb knowledge and skills, showing and explaining how these fine chocolates are turned into works of art for the eyes and a pleasure to the sense of smell and taste.
Walking around the city, there are plenty of cafes here to sample. Just to people watch and of course enjoy the excellent atmosphere. Comes springtime and summer, activities around the glacier-fed Lakes Thun and Brienz comes alive! That is another whole new world.
Why would you not want to visit Interlaken?
Not only is there much to offer at the picturesque town of Interlaken, it is also from here that many adventures can be reached. Summing all in one go, exploring one of Switzerland’s quaint town, the magnificent alps and blue lakes.
In winter visitors benefit from the strategic location of Interlaken and the daily opportunity pick their favourite ski regions of the Jungfrau Top Ski Region. Such as Mürren/Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen and First, or the family-oriented ski region of Beatenberg or Axalp-Brienz. Over 45 mountain railways, aerial cableways, chair and ski lifts take athletes to 200 kilometres of pistes.
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. Guests staying in the holiday region of Interlaken may take advantage of the daily ski bus transfer connecting Interlaken with the ski-region Mürren/Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen und First.
Read More on A Perfect Winter ❆ Switzerland:
A Perfect Winter ❆ Switzerland : Having Charlie Chaplin in Vevey
1) Welcome TO CHAPLIN’S WORLD by Grevin
2) PerfeKt winter at 3,454 feet on a fine Thursday
3) Heading up to Grindelwald-First (pronounce as ‘Fierst’)