C4–D4 ⌂ 148 km (92 miles) SE of Bern 4 Thunersee: www.bls.ch; Brienzersee: www.steamchen.com n Interlaken: Marktgasse 1, www.interlaken.ch; Brienzersee: Hauptstrasse 143, Brienz, 033 952 80 80
The modern town of Interlaken lies on a narrow strip of land between two lakes, Thunersee and Brienzersee. Surrounded by the craggy Bernese Alps, the two beautiful lakes are home to postcard-pretty towns, as well as a variety of water sports.
t The charming wooden chalets of Thun, clustered on the banks of Thunersee
Interlaken owes its name to the 12th-century monastery founded here, named Inter Lacus, meaning “between lakes” in Latin. Today a popular resort, the town makes an excellent base for mountaineers and hikers in summer and for skiers in winter, as well as for visitors looking to make the most of the surrounding lakes. Almost 18 km (11 miles) long and 4 km (2.5 miles) wide, Thunersee is the larger of the two lakes, and offers many kinds of water sports, including sailing and diving. Castles also grace the waterside in the towns of Thun, Oberhofen and Spiez. East of Interlaken, the clear waters of Brienzersee stretch out beneath forested slopes and waterfalls. Some 14 km (9 miles) long and almost 3 km (2 miles) wide, Brienzersee is smaller and less developed than Thunersee, making it much more appealing to anglers.
t The Two Lakes Bridge affords spectacular views over the mountains that surround Thunersee and Brienzersee.
Did You Know?
In 1969, the Swiss government dumped more than 6,500 munitions in Thunersee.
GREAT VIEW
On High
The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks can all be seen from the summit of the mountain Harder Kulm, which overlooks Interlaken. At 1,322 m (4,337 ft), the Two Lakes Bridge offers stunning views across the region from a glass-floored viewing platform.