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Interlaken is the
metropolis of the Jungfrau Region in the Bernese Oberland,
Switzerland.
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.
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