During the winter months (December to February), the centre of Interlaken is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a large ice rink, beer and food hall and traditional restaurant. It’s particularly lovely to skate to the sounds of classic cheesy music, alongside children twirling and leaping on the ice while the sun sets in the distance.
Top it off with a warming glass of mulled wine in the beer hall and then tuck into a traditional cheese fondue in the Swiss Chalet Restaurant.
Eat
Osteria da Pasquale in Hünibach (a 40-minute direct bus from Interlaken) is a traditional Italian restaurant that makes everything from scratch, including their delicious pasta dishes.
Bären in Bönigen, which is situated next to Interlaken. The restaurant serves all the Swiss staples, most of which contain large doses of melted cheese.
Drink
A trip here is incomplete without ordering a bottle of Rivella, a Swiss soft drink which tastes like a mix of Irn-Bru and lemonade. It’s surprisingly refreshing.
Stay
The Beatus Wellness- & Spa Hotel is located on the side of Lake Thun and has some impressive wellness facilities including an outdoor 35°C pool, indoor pool and seven different saunas. You can also rent rowing boats and pedalos.
For a budget option, book a bed/room at the friendly Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof, which costs as little as £15 per night, including complimentary breakfast and WiFi.
Fact File
Weather: We spent 4 days here in early January, and every day was cold and sunny. Bring thermals and a warm jacket, gloves, hat, scarf and sunglasses.
Language: Interlaken is a German-speaking region in Switzerland, but many of the locals also speak English.
Currency: The currency is Swiss Francs (CHF) – some places only accept cash so make sure you carry some with you at all times. Currently £1 = CHF 1.27
Getting there: SWISS offers more than 150 weekly flights from London City, Heathrow, Gatwick (seasonal), Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Zurich and Geneva.
The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on consecutive days throughout the rail, bus and boat Swiss Travel System network. This includes all rail transfers and local buses. Interlaken is a 2-hour train from Zurich and 2-hours 40 minutes from Geneva.
More info: Visit Interlaken