Interlaken

With its paradisaical location between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, Interlaken numbers among the most renowned and oldest spas resorts in Switzerland. Celtic tribes settled in the fertile ground of this region early on. The site received its name from the Augustine monastery founded in the 12th century, which was also situated between the lakes, that is, 'inter lacus', as the Latin-speaking monks used to say. Today Interlaken offers splendid historical attractions, including the castle and the cloister of the monastery, which was dissolved in 1528. A collection of idyllic villages with rustic, wooden houses dot the landscape, with the majestic Jungfrau alps looming in the distance. Traditional natural beauty aside, the region is also a hot spot for adrenaline junkies, as the conditions are ideal for various adventure sports such as para gliding, kayaking, skydiving, hang gliding and skiing. For families, the mesmerizing Jungfrau Park, with its astonishing assortment of rides adds enough commercial and modern value to make it one of the most visited destinations in the entire country.