Interlaken

Interlaken a a popular spot for hang gliding and paragliding. Paragliding Interlaken is one of the larger operations. I used Bumblebee, a small three person company. They were excellent. They pick up next to the Interlaken West train station.

A nice tour of Lake Brienz is available on the paddle steamer Lotschberg which boards from both Interlaken and Brienz, and at numerous smaller towns along the way. You can book the tour with breakfast on the 9:02 sailing from Interlaken (order the “Captain’s Breakfast” for a hearty meal), as well as lunch and dinner at other times. There also tours of Lake Thun.

There are some nice accommodations that I saw during the cruise at some of the small towns that the tour boat stops at. Look at Hotel Oberländerhof in Bönigen (CHF145), Hotel Seeburg (adults only) in Ringgenberg (CHF300-450), and Strand Hotel in Iseltwald (CHF250-350). The Brienz cruise website recommends Grandhotel Giessbach next to Giessbach Falls. Cost is CHF434.75 per night (summer price).

Loetschberg

A popular steam railway runs from Brienz to the summit of Brienz Rothorn. Brienz is located on the opposite end of Lake Brienz from Interlaken, a 20 minute drive away. UK travel site Wanderlust has a good overview of sites in the area.

Brienz Rothorn railway

The railway terminus at the summit is close to the Mountain Hotel Rothorn Kulm located at 2,266m (7,434ft). You can just eat at the restaurant or stay overnight and enjoy the spectacular view — of 693 surrounding Alpine peaks! (Double room for single use - CHF135/night)

Berghaus restaurant and lodge

Interlaken - Brienz Rothorn map

High above Interlaken is the Harder Kulm Restauarant which provides spectacular views of both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Harder Kulm Restaurant

Site many famous scenes in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the famous Schilthorn Mountain provides a fantastic view of the surrounding Alps (including the Eiger and Jungfrau) and a chance to have a delicious meal at the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant (once every 45 minutes). At almost 10,000 feet, it is a must do. The Trip begins in Lauterbrunnen, a 20 minute train ride from Interlaken. From there take the frequently available 141 bus to Stechelberg. You then take 3 different cable car rides: the first ends at the small village of Mürren, and the next ends at Brig, and the last goes to the top of Schilthorn. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, though I purchased mine online while riding the bus to Stechelberg. There are abundant hiking trails, so can hike down from Schilthorn, Brig or Mürren.