After a short nap and dinner we decided we had just enough energy to explore around town a bit. Sunset is not until 9:20 so we still had some daylight. Interlaken (as the name suggests) sits right between two lakes. We passed one on the train when we arrived, but haven't seen the other one yet. Its nestled in a valley between the mountains with the 'foothills' just outside the doorstep.
There are tons of paragliders here. (one is coming down just above the signpost) Apparently it has the perfect combo of factors: lifting predictable winds, amazing views, and a giant green in the middle of town where they all touch down. This is on my itinerary for Weds while Charelene goes cycling.
A fun van spotted just around the corner from our place.
This really is the classic Swiss architecture. Some of the buildings were less than 20 years old, others dated back several hundred years according to the dates on the buildings. I love that the shutters are very much working and used, not just decorative.
The hydrangas were absolutely amazing everywhere in town. This was in our back yard.
The nearest flag with a goat/reindeer (?) is the Interlaken flag.
Saw this swinging reindeer horn chair. Didn't get to try it out, but those we did see sitting it in seemed to enjoy it.
This is the field where all the paragliders come down.
Moon over the alps
As we were walking about 8 pm, we suddenly heard church bell starting to toll. They were clearly coming from multiple towers. We could spot the tower of the church on the left from where we were and decided to check it out (Charlene is definitely 'called' by bells where ever they are!)
It turns out that these buildings are a Catholic monastary. It originally closed during the Reformation, but was allowed to reopen in the 1800s (can't remember the date). I love gargoyles.
Beautiful old hotel on the river. Hotel Interlaken (oldest in town)
The Aare river between Thunersee and Brienzersee Lakes.
We walked along the river. It was quite bluish from the rock sediment from glacier melt (calcium?)
We passed the "swimming hole" that our host described to us. It was very hard to get a look because it is surrounded by high hedges. I stood on a bench outside and held my camera over my head to get this shot. The diving tower indicates it is quite deep. Wish I could see it better.
The town was pretty quiet. We did stroll down some of the pedestrian areas with restaurants. There was a definite ethnic area with several Indian and Pakistani restaurants. There appear to be quite a few muslim visitors (lots of women in hijabs).
1736
1599 (original) - restored (?) 1907
I thought of my daughter when we passed these hand made traditional dresses.
Our goal is to go up Jungfrau when its not covered in clouds. Thank goodness there is a 360 cam at the top with live streams. We'll hope for clear skies tomorrow!
"Please watch out for the hedgehogs"
"Gratis" - Had to laugh at this free kids potty by the dumpster. We also passed a free vacuum and book shelf. The vacuum was gone by the time we walked back.
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