Etappe 3: The vacation region of Interlaken
Deep lakes, enchanted caves and breathtaking panoramas: The Interlaken vacation region has a lot to offer in a very small area.
Route: Around Interlaken, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun
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Kilometer for the whole route: about 10km |
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Road conditions: Double lane country road, the route is also passable with large motorhomes (unless otherwise mentioned). Once arrived in Interlaken, we recommend to leave the motorhome at the campsite and to use the public transport. This is free of charge with the Interlaken guest card. |
On the third tour, the journey leads to the Interlaken region. The world-famous tourist resort was called "Aarmühle" until 1891, when it received its present name from the Latin "inter lacus" (between the lakes). This aptly describes the unique location between Lake Thun in the west and Lake Brienz in the east.
Interlaken is the ideal starting point for anyone wishing to explore the Jungfrau region and the eastern Bernese Oberland. There is a lot to discover and explore, so you should definitely plan enough time for this incredibly diverse vacation region!
Unfortunately, it was far from possible for me to work off my complete wish list during this visit. But I will be back - I promise!
A tip in advance: Due to the parking situation in the center, I recommend leaving the motorhome at the campground and exploring Interlaken on foot (or depending on the location of the campground) by public transport. With the guest card Interlaken you can use it for free (here an overview of the route network). As a guest at Camping Manor Farm, even the boat to Interlaken West is included.
A stroll through the village is worthwhile; depending on the season, guests from all over the world flock along the world-famous "Höhematte" to take a selfie with the Jungfrau massif in the background or to watch the paragliders land.
Those who prefer a more tranquil setting can switch to the other side of the Aare and stroll along the river to the historic old town of Unterseen.
More information on Interlaken: www.interlaken.ch
A visit to the St. Beatus caves is highly recommended. From Interlaken these can be reached by own vehicle in about 10 minutes on the northeastern shore of Lake Thun. If you have a large motorhome, we recommend a trip by boat from Interlaken West or by bus (with the Interlaken guest card, the bus to "Beatenbucht" is free of charge).
Here we dive into the fascinating world of dripstone caves. On a length of about 1km you can easily visit the bizarre formations, caves and waterfalls on illuminated and well paved paths. According to legend, in the Middle Ages a fire-breathing dragon resided in these caves, which was chased away by St. Beatus and then plunged into Lake Thun.
Since it is consistently cool (and damp) in the caves, a visit is worthwhile in any weather.
For the visit you should allow a good 2 hours, have sturdy shoes and a jacket.
The St. Beatus Caves are open from mid-March to mid-November.
More information: www.beatushoehlen.swiss
Here you save with the Camping Card: Beatushöhlen Swiss Caves
Note on parking facilities: Shortly after the entrance to the St. Beatus Caves, parking is also available for motor homes.
"High up" is also the name of the game in Interlaken - after all, you are not only "between two lakes" here, but also between the mountains. The neighboring village of Wilderswil is the starting point for a trip up the Schynige Platte. The rack railroad takes you from 586 to over 2000 meters above sea level in just under an hour. The Schynige Platte attracts with an incredible view of the peaks of the Jungfrau region and an instructive alpine plant garden that can be hiked comfortably.
Also for a trip to the Schynige Platte it is recommended to travel by public transport: bus and train are free of charge to Wilderswil station with the Interlaken guest card.
More information on the Schynige Platte Bahn: www.jungfrau.ch/de-ch/schynige-platte/
Here you save with the Camping Card: Schynige Platte
Quasi opposite, north of the "Bödelis", as the locals call the "little ground" between the lakes, rises Interlaken's local mountain, the Harder. For those who like it sporty, the summit can be reached in about two hours on forest and woodland paths. For all others, I recommend the small red funicular.
Once at the top, you can admire the whole of Interlaken and - of course - the triumvirate of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau from the "two-lake bridge". The perfect box seat for spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Depending on whether you want to eat something at the top or start the descent on foot, this excursion can be wonderfully "interspersed".
The station of the Harderbahn is within walking distance from the train station Interlaken Ost in a few minutes, therefore the arrival by public transport is recommended here as well.
More information on the Harderbahn: www.jungfrau.ch/de-ch/harder-kulm
A giant playground for nature lovers and outdoor freaksInterlaken is internationally known as the "Outdoor & Adventure Capital" and as a Mecca for paragliders. On fine days, whole swarms cavort in the sky. The nature around Interlaken offers optimal conditions for any kind of action sports, be it rafting, canyoning, bungee jumping, kayaking, mountain biking, and much more. I will definitely try some of it during my next visit and report about it in detail.
More information on the outdoor offers: www.outdoor-interlaken.ch
Tip for families: Seilpark Interlaken
Here you save with the Camping Card: Outdoor Interlaken, Paragliding Interlaken, Mountainsurf, Strandbad Bönigen
In and around Interlaken there is a large selection of campsites:
Camping Manor Farm
Stars: 5
Number of tourist places: 220
Electricity: Yes
Supply / Disposal: Yes
Suitable for: Tent, camper, caravan, motorhome, large motorhome
Address: Seestrasse 203, 3800 Unterseen near Interlaken
Camping Alpenblick
Stars: 4
Number of tourist places: 120
Electricity: Yes
Supply / Disposal: Yes
Suitable for: Tent, camper, caravan, motorhome, large motorhome
Address: Seestrasse 130, 3800 Unterseen near Interlaken
Camping Hobby
Stars: 4
Number of tourist places: 80
Electricity: Yes
Supply / Disposal: Yes
Suitable for: Tent, camper, caravan, motorhome, large motorhome
Address: Lehnweg 16, 3800 Unterseen near Interlaken
Camping Lazy Rancho
Stars: 4
Number of tourist places: 90
Electricity: Yes
Supply / Disposal: Yes
Suitable for: Tent, camper, caravan, motorhome, large motorhome
Address: Lehnweg 6, 3800 Unterseen near Interlaken
From Interlaken we continue along the north shore of Lake Brienz towards Brienz. On the whole route you can enjoy the beautiful view of the lake from your motorhome. However, you should keep your eyes on the winding roads - even if it is sometimes really hard.
If you want to take a break, you will find several parking lots directly at the lake with picnic areas and swimming possibilities.
The neighboring village of Interlaken is Ringgenberg. Here are the campsites Talacker and Camping au Lac. The camping Talacker above the road is very quiet and with the grassy underground also very recommendable for tent campers. At Camping au Lac you stand directly at the lake of Brienz and look at the passing ships.
Camping Talacker
Stars: 3
Number of tourist places: 40
Electricity: Yes
Supply / Disposal: Yes
Suitable for: Tent, camper, caravan, motorhome
Address: Rosswaldstrasse, 3852 Ringgenberg
Camping au Lac
Stars: 3
Number of tourist places: 40
Electricity: Yes
Supply / Disposal: Yes
Suitable for: Tent, camper, caravan, motorhome
Address: Seestrasse 69, 3852 Ringgenberg
We continue on stage 4 eastwards, into the fascinating Grimsel world.