Interlaken Switzerland: Autumn Experiences And Winter Magic

 

The golden autumn and the first winter days in Interlaken open up new perspectives for you: after a hike led by an expert guide, you’ll suddenly see the incomparable region between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz through completely different eyes: folklore societies reveal themselves from an unusual angle and give an insight into their rehearsals. The view from the new vantage platform on the Stockhorn mountain sweeps across Lake Thun and the Swiss Mittelland as far as the Jura and the glass floor lets you gaze down into the rocky depths. These and other experiences are waiting behind the scenes for you to discover them.

A backstage look at folklore

In Interlaken, yodelling choirs and national-costume groups are a natural part of any fest. Listening to the perfectly pitched voices and watching the nimble-footed dancers, it’s easy to forget that a lot of work goes on behind the folklore scenes. This work can now be seen: from September to November, singers, dancers, flag throwers and alphorn players invite you to visit their rehearsals and get a glimpse backstage.

Stockhorn – as far as the eye can see

Right next to the Panorama Restaurant, a tunnel leads to the new panorama platform in the Stockhorn north face. The spectacular new vantage platform with a glass floor provides some thrilling moments. It offers up a magnificent unimpaired view of Thun, Lake Thun, the Aare and Gürbe valley, the Swiss central plateau through to the Jura and, on clear days, right to the southern Black Forest.

Kunstnacht (Art Night) Brienz, 2 November 2013

The Brienz Rothorn Railway depot becomes a gallery, the cinema screens art films instead of blockbusters and the woodworking and carving workshops are on overtime. Cultural creativity in Brienz is in the spotlight during the Kunstnacht, enhanced by an enthralling mix of traditional and modern music.

Touch the Mountains, 1  January 2014

On the day after the traditional end-of-the-year activities Interlaken likes to put on yet another dazzling display! A spectacular firework display is lit on the Höhematte. Folklore groups, bell ringers and various other festi-vities drum up a wonderful atmosphere along Interlaken’s  promenade. There is also an open-air concert featuring first-rate performers.All in all – a great way to usher in the New Year!

For details about visiting Interlaken please visit: www.interlaken.ch.

Interlaken: A Summer Fairy Tale…

The focus will be on tradition and culture in Interlaken this summer. Farmers and craftsmen will let you look over their shoulders as they work and talk about their daily routine; flag throwers, yodellers and dancers in national dress will meet for colourful folklore evenings and German and Swiss literary classics will be performed on open-air stages in the region. Culinary cruises on Lake Brienz will cater for physical well-being with Indian, Arabic or Swiss specialities served on board according to the cruise. Anyone then seeking a sporting balance is certain to find the perfect activity in our holiday region – whether in the air, in the mountains or in and on the water.

Touch the cow

The plain between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is a paradise for cyclists who like to take things a little more leisurely. The trails lead over fields and meadows without any significant uphill sections. On the Touch the Cow tour however, the emphasis is not on scenery but on meetings – meetings with local farmers who talk about their daily routine, and with their animals, who are happy to be fed and stroked.

Axalp Woodcarving Trail – art alongside the path

Art lines the path on Axalp. The Woodcarving Trail (Schnitzlerweg) leading from the alp above Brienz to the idyllic Hinterburgseeli (lake) is lined with many attractive figures created from tree trunks by Brienz woodcarvers. What began as an attempt to ease the damage to the forest after a devastating winter storm is today a highly acclaimed artistic project.

Swiss Lumberjacking Championships, 22–23 June 2013

Wood chips will fly in Brienz when the 14 best lumberjacks in Switzerland battle for the title of Swiss Champion. The tough men will compete in six breathtaking disciplines, demonstrating strength, skill and speed with saws and axes.

Lake Thun Festival, 16 July–5 September 2013

This season the Lake Thun Festival is venturing to present a Swiss literary classic and bringing a musical version of Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s «Der Besuch der alten Dame» (The Visit of the Old Lady) to Europe’s most beautiful lake stage. The old lady is paying a visit to Thun! The work revolves around love, greed and power – and the fact that it is impossible to avoid the past. Theatre tickets and hotel stays for the Lake Thun Festival are available as a package.