Interlaken is a base for the mountains, but the town itself repays a half-day walk. The Höhematte is a wide meadow in the middle of town beside the Höheweg promenade, protected since 1864 and known for its view of the Jungfrau, with the grand hotels along one side. Paragliders land there in season, and in the evening locals and visitors sit on the grass. A short walk away, across the River Aare, is the Unterseen Old Town, a quieter quarter with historic houses, a church tower and the Stadthausplatz square at its centre. The Tourismuseum, a two-floor museum on the history of tourism in Interlaken, is here, along with an archaeological cellar and the Stadtkeller, a vaulted cellar used for concerts and theatre. Riverside paths along the Aare give an easy stroll.
The Höhematte and the Old Town are free, flat and open in all weather, which makes them a good fit for days when the lifts are closed or the mountains are in cloud. Start at the Höheweg promenade, walk along the Höhematte towards the Jungfrau view, and then cross towards Unterseen. The Switzerland Tourism page for the Höhematte lists no fee and notes parking along the Höheweg. The grand hotels along the edge of the meadow, including the Victoria-Jungfrau, give the scene its Belle Epoque character.
Unterseen Old Town is described by Interlaken Tourism as a place for peace and quiet, a short walk from the busy Höheweg. The Stadthausplatz is the centre, with restaurants, cafés and a tea house, and booking a table is advisable at busy times. The Tourismuseum has its own opening hours, so check them before visiting. The area has a bus stop, toilets and step-free access suitable for pushchairs, and pets are allowed. It is suitable for all ages and any weather.
A good plan is a morning on the Höhematte and Höheweg, a lunch in the Old Town, and a walk by the Aare in the afternoon, finishing with a coffee on the Stadthausplatz. In late autumn the light is soft and low, and the first snow on the Jungfrau looks beautiful from the meadow.
If the sky is clear, combine the walk with the Harder Kulm funicular for the view from above, or with a boat from Interlaken West. If it rains, the Tourismuseum and the cafés are the shelter. Staying in a hotel on the Höheweg puts the whole circuit at your door.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk along the Höheweg and across the Höhematte meadow to Unterseen Old Town, with a square, a small museum and riverside paths.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon for soft light on the Jungfrau, or any time when the lifts are closed.
How long
Two to three hours with a coffee stop.
Tips
Check the Tourismuseum's opening hours, book restaurant tables at busy times and wear shoes for wet paths.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A free first orientation in Interlaken, and a plan for cloudy days.
- Families
- The meadow and riverside paths are flat and open, with step-free access in the Old Town.
- Couples
- Walk the Höheweg at dusk and dine on the Stadthausplatz.
- Pair with
- Harder Kulm, a lake cruise and paragliding landings.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Is the Höhematte free?+
Yes. It is a public meadow with no admission fee, and parking is available along the Höheweg.
What is in Unterseen Old Town?+
The Stadthausplatz square, historic houses, a church tower, the Tourismuseum, an archaeological cellar and the Stadtkeller, plus riverside paths along the Aare.
Is the area suitable for pushchairs?+
Interlaken Tourism lists step-free access in the Old Town, suitable for pushchairs, and pets are allowed.
What can I do on a rainy day?+
Visit the Tourismuseum, sit in a café on the Stadthausplatz or take a short lake cruise on the winter timetable. Check opening hours first.
Can I see paragliders land?+
On suitable days pilots land on or near the Höhematte, so you may watch flights come in from the meadow.
