The Heimwehfluh itself is a very idyllic place. A lovely vintage funicular takes you up the hill, where you can enjoy nice views over the town of Interlaken, the lake Thun and the nearby mountains Eiger, Mönch a Jungfrau.
Getting there
The valley station of the funicular is about a 10-minute walk from Interlaken-West Train Station. By car, you are here from Bern via the A6 motorway in 45 minutes, take the exit Interlaken-West downhill. The station is on the right side right after the first junction. A small paid car park is right next to the station.
Funicular
The operating hours of the nostalgic funicular from 1906 are for this season every day from the end of March to the 21st of November from 10 am to 5 pm. Prices listed on the board next to the ticket office may be a little confusing. We spent a good while sorting out how much is one ride up with the funicular and down with the toboggan run. Finally, this combination for an adult came at 16 francs. It is also possible to buy the higher price ticket which includes two rides on the funicular and two toboggan runs.
Make sure you use the Halb-tax if you have it – you could save 50% on the ticket.
Ok, I admit the headline is a bit misleading. Disappointingly the steep funicular ride in a quaint wooden caravan run amongst trees so you will not enjoy many views here.
Views
But! You can enjoy great views from the top, especially if you climb a higher tower.
Playground
The playground has activities for both the younger kids (sandbox, slide, swings, coin-operated kiddie cars, trampoline) and the older ones (hamster wheel, zip line).
Restaurant
The main benefit of the restaurant is mainly the outside terrace, from which there is a beautiful view overlooking Interlaken and both lakes. We were sitting in the garden near the playground to be able to watch our children.
At the time of our visit the Hungarian specialties were the main highlight of the menu (the Hungarians were operating the restaurant as we soon found out), but I confess that in the hot weather I did not want to order the Segedin goulash.
Toboggan run
For the way back down to the valley, we decided to try a toboggan run. So, let me tell you, it was an experience as short as a funicular ride, but it’s faster and scarier than it looks! You´re given instructions (in English or German) that children under 7 years of age can ride only with parents (sitting in front of their parents), how to accelerate and how to (and especially where!) brake. When you absorb this minicourse, you can set off.
Hiking
If you want to save money on a trip up or down, you can walk on foot. From the signpost near the parking lot, we learned that going up takes about 20 minutes. We also found out from the sign on the playground that a loop trail can be done here. Here we may try next time.
My impressions
If I lived in Interlaken, I would definitely love this place – just for a Sunday walk, for a coffee with a great view. And it is certainly a nice place to take your family/friend when they pay a visit to Switzerland. What do you think? Send me your comments! And do not forget to pin this picture on Pinterest!
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