Souvenirs! Get Your Souvenirs!

No, the cuckoo clock does not originally come from Switzerland. It’s a Bavarian way of telling time. However, if you really have to have one, then Interlaken is positively chiming with them and is home to “The only genuine Swiss Cuckoo Clock in the World.” Lötscher clocks are made of linden wood, are carved in Brienz and assembled in Zürich. They also cost. So if you have the money and want your home to take on a real Alpine flair, then make sure you buy the real thing.
www.loetscher.ch
For lesser mortals, there are smaller varieties available and if you have very little room in your bags, then there is the fridge magnet cuckoo clock too! Keep in mind though that a cheap clock will set you back about CHF 50.- , a small Lötscher starts at CHF 180.- So if your budget will stretch that far, a “cheap” Lötscher is still a better buy.
For camp gifts, Interlaken is Swiss-ness gone mad. Schaufelberger on the main street has everything you can think of (and some things you haven’t – cow print underwear, for example) and fits pretty much every budget. All the other souvenir shops stock more or less the same thing and they are not running out any time soon. Chalet Diana is close to Interlaken Ost and next to the usual t-shirts and mugs also has a selection of Christmas decorations and beer mugs. Yet it isn’t all magnets, weird t-shirts, plastic lighters and smiling cows. There are some stores which stock serious souvenirs.
Holzschnitzereien Albert Schild AG (Bahnhofstrasse 19) carries a lovely selection of souvenirs, all extolling some “Swissness” but lacking the kitsch. Elegant Karlen felt bags, attractively packaged, organic soaps and edelweiss shirts sit comfortably next to a room of wonderful wooden children’s toys. It’s a store for the whole family. http://www.swisssouvenir.ch

There is the “Swiss Army Knife” – the brand to look for is Wenger or Victorinox. The question is which one is real deal? Simply put both of them are. It is called:
                                                 The Compromise of 1908
“The company from which Wenger emerged had been a supplier to the Swiss Army as early as 1893, and its sister-company, Victorinox, since 1890. Wenger is in the French-speaking Jura region and its competitor is in the German-speaking canton of Schwyz. To avoid friction between the two cantons, the Swiss Government decided in 1908 to use each supplier for half of its requirements. So Victorinox can lay claim to being the “original”, Wenger can state its Swiss Army Knives are “genuine”. In any case, both have been manufacturing Swiss Army Knives for over 100 years and both must meet identical specifications defined by the Swiss Army.” http://www.wenger.ch/history  

Some of the Victorinox knives are quite ridiculous with literally hundreds of attachments, but a simple one with only 12 tools is usually enough for most people. A basic knife costs around CHF 15.- “Swiss Knife Center" Höheweg 125 in Interlaken stocks the full range of Victorinox and Wenger knives.

The Mad Cow is a new store in Interlaken at Jungfraustrasse 21 and though a lot of the wares are not particularly Swiss, they are fun. It’s a gifting gone a little wild and full of special finds for the hip, younger traveller. The antler coat holders and monkey cuckoo clock are a blast.

www.madcowinterlaken.com
The Swiss Mountain Market opened its doors at Höheweg 133 and specialises in regional produce and crafts. All you need for a picnic from bread to cheese and meat, to what you might want to keep warm – woolly socks and hats, keep your pants up with stylish cow belts and then put all your purchases in one of the Mountain Market handcrafted, recycled bags. It’s an eclectic mix of supermarket and souvenir store, certainly worth a look. They also rent out e-bikes, so peddling in the mountains becomes a breeze.

Perhaps less popular in these politically correct times, nothing represents Swiss mountain life better than schnapps. Schnapps is drunk the length and breadth of the country, with every region boasting its own speciality. In the Berner Oberland region Pflümli and Kirsch are popular ( plums and cherries respectively) but you will also find it made from apples, pears, herbs and potatoes. As varied as the landscape, every place has its’ own brew. This high percentage alcohol is also added to coffee to make the lethal Kafi Fertig (finished coffee, but whether it finishes the coffee off or you, is matter of perspective) and is often drunk during the cold dark days of winter. It is also popular with half frozen skiers at the après ski bars on the slopes. The Swiss Mountain Market has a selection of schnapps in mini bar size, nicely packaged and easy to carry. You can also sample them before you buy.

Scherenschnitt by Urusula Schenk, 1996

Delicate paper-cutting pictures, called Scherenschnitt (or Schärischnitt) are available at the stylish Heimatwerk store, (next to Restaurant des Alpes) at Höheweg 115. The craze for these pictures started in the 18th century when the fashionable folk had their portraits cut to grace their salon walls. Over time the art form developed and the country people made it their own, cutting out scenes from their daily lives in astonishingly intricate detail. When buying Scherenschnitt, ask first if the picture is genuinely hand-made or if it is laser cut.

Embroidery is another craft that has taken a downwards turn in this modern world – who has the time anymore? The embroidery house on Höheweg will change your mind. Beautiful napkins, table cloths and handkerchiefs can make a perfect gift and add a dash of prettiness to any home.

The Embroidery House, Interlaken

Chocolate is, and remains, the undefeated contender in the souvenir war. But what is good chocolate and what isn’t? Plenty of stores sell” genuine Swiss chocolate” but what makes the difference is quality. The large box with a gaudy picture of Matterhorn on it might seem like a good deal but the chocolate isn’t respectable. If you have the time, visit the Schuh Chocolate Show (CHF 14.80 entrance fee, including a chocolate voucher, every day at 5pm and 6pm)on Höheweg or Swiss Chocolate Chalet (Höheweg 95)which specialises in hand made Ballenberg chocolate, some of the best in the country. Merkur Confiserie on Bahnhofstrasse 5 in Interlaken sells fresh Läderach chocolate in large slabs in 21 sinful flavours. It costs CHF 6.50 for 100 grams but you can sample the chocolate before you buy it and Merkur will gift wrap your purchase for free. If this is too much for your senses and you just want a bar of chocolate, go the Coop. Any of the hundred or so Lindt or Callier varieties should set you free. If all else fails, there is still Toberlone.
http://www.chocochalet.ch/

Last but not least, the humble Swiss watch. Interlaken has plenty of watch shops and even if you can’t afford a CHF 8000.- Tag Heuer, it’s still fun to look. Go to Kirchhofer and Bucherer on Höheweg for the genuine Swiss watch experience. Another option is Swatch. A cheap one will set you back CHF 50.- and these come in a variety of colours and designs. Nor are all Swatches cheap – the heftier steel band ones can cost as much CHF 500.- and look like luxury watches. They also do a line of children’s watches which make fun gifts for little people. Swatch is the most popular brand in Switzerland and there is certainly no shame in going home with one…or two. Although there isn’t a Swatch shop in Interlaken plenty of stores sell them.
http://www.swatch.com/

Hotels, Hostels, B&B’s and Camping – Where to Stay in Interlaken

Interlaken has been a tourist destination for well over a hundred years – the relics of bygone days still stand proud in and around the city, the imposing Jungfrau Victoria Hotel, the glamorous St. Georges and the modest Hotel Interlaken all speak of better times, when people flocked to Berner Oberland to take the waters and breath the invigorating mountain air. The spa industry spread throughout the Alps until the 2 world wars put a definite end to its halcyon days.

Many of the grand hotels in Interlaken have weathered the times and today rank amongst the most expensive places to stay in Switzerland. Over the years, Interlaken has started catering to an ever increasing flow of young budget travellers. To match their needs, a wealth of hostels and B&B's have opened their doors and now offer rooms to suit practically every budget.

Rates for dorms start at Fr. 22.- per person, per night, but this is not same for all places – to get the most current rates, check out their websites. Swissbackpackers is a group of budget places throughout Switzerland, offering comfortable self-catering hostels. www.swissbackpackers.ch

 

The Backpackers Villa covers pretty much everything a traveller needs. Centrally located, with a bus stop right outside the door, they offer rooms to suit every type of traveller. All their rates include breakfast, and there is no surcharge for linen and bedding. WiFi, parking and entrance to the public pool is free. There is also a good reduction for families and a long-stay discount. 

Backpackers Villa, Sonnenhof , Alpenstrasse 16.

www.villa.ch

mail@villa.ch

Ph: +41 (0) 33 826 71 71

The Happy Inn Lodge  is located in the centre of Interlaken on Rosenstrasse 17, offering 3-6 bed rooms, single and double rooms, and dormitories. There is no surcharge for linen or bedding and rooms can be booked with or without breakfast. Although The Happy Inn Lodge is not self-catering, it has a good restaurant, Brasserie 17, offering food at reasonable prices. Between September and June they also organise live concerts, parties and events.

www.happyinn.com

Ph: +41 (0) 33 822 32 68

The Lazy Falken Backpacker Hotel is located in Interlaken's historical centre, Unterseen in a beautiful 18th century building. All the rooms have an attached shower and toilet. Sheets and breakfast are included in the price, and although they also have a restaurant with good budget menus, there is also a self-catering kitchen available.

Spielmatte 8

www.lazyfalken.ch

falken@quicknet.ch

Ph: +41 (0) 33 822 30 43

Balmers Herberge and Balmers Tent Village are popular places to stay on the outskirts of Interlaken. They offer a wide choice of accommodation from apartments, dormitories, and private rooms. The tent village is has both dormitories and doubles. Linen is included in the price and so is breakfast. Although there is a self-catering option, Balmers has a restaurant and a Bier Garten serving reasonably priced food. Both the Herberge and the Tent Village attract a young crowd and it's quite a lively. Due to their location, Balmers offers a pick-up service from the railway stations, which can be arranged ahead of time by e-mail.
www.balmers.com
mail@balmers.com

Ph:+41 (0)33 822 19 61

The area between the two railway stations, Ost and West has plenty of hotels, from the pricey to the average, go to www.interlaken.ch for an overview. As the town isn't very large and there is no booming night life to speak of, location is not very important. A regular bus service connects the two railway stations so even if you stay in at West, it would be very unlucky if you missed your train at Ost.
Two hostels not mentioned on the Interlaken tourism but would be worth giving a try. Both of them are located close to Interlaken West, practically behind the Migros shopping center.

Heidi's Hostel Beyeler – hostel accomodation at decent prices. http://www.heidis-hostel.ch/

Katy's Lodge – a B&B rather than hotel. http://www.katys-lodge.ch/


  If you really can't afford to stay in a hotel and the hostels are asking just a little too much, then camping is your best option. Look at www.campinginterlaken.ch for sensibly priced camp grounds in the area. Even if you don't have a tent of your own, some of them offer "rooms" usually in older caravans.

Arriving

There are two railway stations in Interlaken – West and Ost. West is the central station and is located close to the town center and within walking distance of (hotels, hostels etc).

Ost, however, is the station where most visitors arrive. Located on the far end of Interlaken, it is from here that trains leave to Brienz, Meiringen, Luzern, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Unfortunately, it is away from the main drag, so if you are staying at one of the hotels or hostels in or around Interlaken, be prepared for a longish walk. Late at night, Interlaken Ost is very quiet, the information office closes early and signage is poor, try to time your arrival with the buses or be prepared to take a taxi. A taxi from Interlaken Ost to Funny Farm/Mattenhof costs approximately CHF 14.- and is a good option for late arrivals.

Take bus 104 (last bus is at 8pm) from Interlaken Ost to:

Balmers Herberge – offers a pick up service, arrange ahead of time mail@balmers.com

Funny Farm /Mattenhof

Tell Hotel

Hotel Sonne

Alpina Hotel

For all the above places, the bus stop is Hotel Sonne.

Bus 105 from Interlaken West will take you to:

Balmers Tent Village, Camping Jungfraublick : to Shopping Oberland bus stop.

Bus 103, direction Interlaken West, or Bus 21 (Thun) will take you the following hotels from Interlaken Ost. The bus stop is Metropole.

Hapimag Belvedere

Hotel Victoria –Jungfrau

Hotel Metropole

Hotel Splendid

Hotel Harder Minerva

Hotel Weisses Kreuz

To get to Backpackers Villa,Hotel Derby and Hotel Hirschen, get out at bus stop Sonnenhof.

Schwizi's Holiday Apartments are in Ringgenberg and in Niederried. For Ringgenberg, take Bus 102 from Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost (direction Ringgenberg) to the bus stop Ringgenberg Post.

For Niederried, there are trains from Interlaken Ost. To check train and bus times, use the link below.

http://www.interlaken.ch/index.php?id=218&L=3