Interlaken, Switzerland

Best Places to Stay

• **Luxury**: Hotel Interlaken, Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Swissôtel Alps
• **Mid-range**: Hotel Bellevue Palace, Hotel Alpenhof, Jungfrau Hotel St. Bernard
• **Budget**: Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof, Hostelling Interlaken, Alpine Lodge

Best Places to Eat

• **Fine Dining**: Taverne Restaurant, Restaurant Bayawa, Hahnengarten
• **Traditional Swiss**: Restaurant Wirtshaus zur gülden Krone, Alpenrösli
• **Cheese Fondue**: Chuchi im Schloss, Restaurant Taverne
• **Chocolate**: Confiserie Tschiemer, Bachmann Chocolatier
• **Local Specialties**: Rösti, Älplermagronen, Biberli (honey-almond cake)

Best Sites to Visit

• **Jungfrau Region**: Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), Eiger, Mönch
• **Lakes**: Lake Thun, Lake Brienz
• **Mountains**: Harder Kulm, First, Schilthorn (Piz Gloria)
• **Adventure Sports**: Paragliding, skydiving, canyoning, bungee jumping
• **Towns**: Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Gimmelwald
• **Waterfalls**: Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls (inside mountain)

Sample 2-3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Harder Kulm & Lakes

• Morning: Harder Kulm funicular for panoramic views over Interlaken and lakes
• Afternoon: Lake Thun boat cruise (or Lake Brienz), explore Spiez or Bern
• Evening: Dinner with traditional Swiss fondue, explore Höhematte park

Day 2: Jungfraujoch Adventure

• Morning: Train to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe, 3,454m), visit Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory
• Afternoon: Return via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, explore village
• Alternative: First by gondola, hike to Bachalpsee lake, or try zipline
• Evening: Relax in a Swiss spa, try local beer or wine

Day 3: Adventure or Relaxation

• Option A (Adventure): Paragliding tandem flight, canyoning in Saxetenbach, or skydiving
• Option B (Scenic): Schilthorn (Piz Gloria, James Bond theme), Alpenglühen sunset views
• Option C (Relaxed): Trümmelbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen valley walk, Stadttheater Interlaken
• Evening: Farewell dinner, perhaps try raclette or Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

*Note: Get a Swiss Travel Pass or regional Berner Oberland pass for transport discounts. Weather changes rapidly in mountains; dress in layers. Book adventure activities in advance during peak season.*