Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

FALL/ WINTER 2024 DREAMSCAPES 39 A picturesque town defined by its position between two turquoise lakes and the splendour of the Swiss Alps of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is the gateway to thrilling outdoor adventure. Take winter. Whether you're skiing down snow-cov- ered slopes or toboggan runs, delighting in a moonlight walk, or paragliding, you can experi- ence the "Adventure Capital of Europe" in an entirely unique way. Whatever your adventure style, the charms of Winterlaken will warm your heart, body and spirit. Spectacular Winterlaken The winter playground of Interlaken is an easy two-hour train trip from Zürich International Airport. Situated between two iconic glacial- blue lakes, Thun and Brienz, the breathtaking peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are visible almost anywhere in the Holiday Region of Interlaken. Interlaken's prime location has made it the heart of adventure activi- ties in the country. Slip on gloves and a dry suit to paddle the glassy waters of Lake Brienz on a half-day guided winter kayaking excursion. Or take to the water on a comfortable two-hour boat ride on Lake Thun between Inter- laken West and Thun with sparkling snowcapped mountain views. For more snowy thrills, find a variety of snow sports nearby in the popular Jungfrau Ski Region. The Grindelwald- First, Grindelwald-Wengen and Mürren-Schilthorn ski areas form part of this spectacular ski hub, offering an enticing array of snow parks, scenic ski runs and steep and deep slopes in a magnificent natural setting. From Interlaken, a free ski shuttle whisks guests to ski area base stations in about 30 minutes. Take the snowshoe trail less travelled in idyllic Isenfluh. Explore snowy forests and remote mountain villages on a panoramic guided tour, and then relish steaming cups of hot cocoa or Ovaltine in a cosy mountain hut. Travel by train from Interlaken valley to the "Top of Europe" on a once-in-a-lifetime train ride up to the highest train station on the conti- nent. The Jungfraujoch sits at 3,454 m above sea level with limitless views of snowcapped peaks and valleys. Fans of the James Bond franchise will also want to make a stop at Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant sitting at the summit of Schilthorn, which was featured in the film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Embark on a culinary adventure on a one- of-a-kind raclette rafting adventure from Bönigen to Interlaken. Drift along the Aare River on a tranquil ride snacking on melted cheese with a glass of white wine while wrapped in warm blankets. TRAVEL PLANNER For more travel information about Interlaken, see interlaken.ch DS BY CLAUDIA LAROYE PHOTOS: INTERLAKEN TOURISM/DANIEL REICHENBACH | INTERLAKEN TOURISM | INTERLAKEN TOURISM/DAVID BIRRI INTERLAKEN, the ultimate adventure capital of Europe Get ready for Winterlaken WINTERHEART- INTERLAKEN Follow the shining lantern path into the festive Winter- heart-Interlaken Christmas Market. Over 50 lavishly adorned stands in Inter- laken's Kursaal Park offer seasonal food, warm gluh- wein and thoughtful holiday gifts. Five spectacularly illu- minated buildings will form Interlaken's Christmas star, and marvel as Father Christmas paraglides daily into the Höhematte to get children's Christmas wish lists from the Santa Post Office.

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