This stunning Swiss town is the epitome of a winter wonderland.
PHOTO Jordyn AsakowiczIf you have visions of skiing down snowy mountains before sipping hot chocolate in a cozy chalet when you imagine the perfect winter day, Interlaken, Switzerland can make your dreams come true. This stunning Swiss town is the epitome of a winter wonderland, with an adventurous twist. Whether you’re a foodie, sightseer, or adrenaline junkie, Interlaken has something for you. Before I first visited Interlaken, I heard so many rave reviews about its incredible views and adventure sport scene that I worried it couldn’t possibly live up to my high expectations—well, it ended up far surpassing them. Interlaken will push you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious food (cheese and chocolate, anyone?) and unforgettable views everywhere you look. If you’re not already convinced, here are my top reasons why Interlaken is the place you need to be this winter:
1. The spectacular mountain views.
The Swiss Alps are magnificence beyond compare, and they take on a different kind of beauty as the light changes throughout the day. Interlaken is surrounded by mountain ranges, so everywhere you go in this extremely walkable town offers an amazing view.
2. The breathtaking lakes.
The town of Interlaken is located between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, and each is uniquely gorgeous. Both expansive lakes are vibrant shades of blue, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. You’ll want to stop and marvel at each of these lakes for a while.
3. Cozy pubs.
You can escape the cold weather by visiting one of Interlaken’s quintessentially Swiss pubs, complete with beer and hearty food like burgers and mac & cheese. Chat with the friendly locals while warming up in one of the town’s quaint bars. My favorites included The Three Tells Irish Pub and Hüsi Bierhaus.
4. Authentic fondue.
We all know Swiss cheese is famous, so enjoying a dinner in which the main ingredient is cheese is a must-do in Interlaken. They take fondue seriously here, and it tends to be on the pricey side (like everything in Switzerland), but if you’re a cheese lover, you won’t be disappointed. I had a great experience at Restaurant Taverne at Hotel Interlaken.
5. Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!
Of course, Switzerland is also known for its delicious chocolate, so you’ll have the perfect excuse to indulge in as much chocolate as your heart desires while visiting Interlaken. I can assure you that authentic Swiss chocolate lives up to all the hype. You won’t have any trouble finding chocolate in this town, but if you need somewhere to start, I would recommend checking out Funky Chocolate Club. They sell their award winning chocolate in many different forms, including in their fantastic hot chocolate, and they even offer chocolate-making workshops!
6. All kinds of adventure.
If you’re looking to accomplish some epic New Year’s resolutions, Interlaken’s got you covered. It’s no surprise this town is widely referred to as the “adventure capital of Europe,” because it offers such a wide range of adventure-sport options. From skiing, to skydiving, to paragliding—just to name a few—Interlaken is the perfect place to tap into your adventurous side. Paragliding over Interlaken was one of the most memorable moments of my life, because while the views of this town are beautiful from the ground, they’re even better from the sky!
