Interlaken is the metropolis of the Jungfrau Region in the Bernese Oberland.
The town’s focal point is the Höheweg, a boulevard about one kilometre long. Halfway along this main street is the historic Höhematte, a 35-acre meadow affording a breathtaking view of the distant snow-capped Jungfrau. In 1860 a group of far-sighted hoteliers bought and bequeathed the meadow to Interlaken Municipality, on the proviso that it would never be built on. Today, the Höhematte provides the perfect place for paraglider pilots to land after taking off from the surrounding mountains. The Höheweg itself is lined with fine hotels, attractive shops and boutiques, coffee houses and restaurants. It links the Interlaken West and East railway stations and the boat stations on Lakes Thun and Brienz. A further attraction is the Kursaal, the cultural heart of the area. Although an excellent departure point for countless excursions into this spectacular region, Interlaken alone is well worth a visit.