The top sight in Interlaken is the Jungfrau Mountain, which can be seen from numerous points in town, but best of all from Höhematte. Within the town are excellent museums and some interesting walking and window shopping, although the best of town is from outside looking in, namely from the mile-high Alpine Garden and the Harder Kulm mountain gazebo.

Alpine Garden
With perhaps the most beautiful setting of any garden in the world, the Alpine Garden on the 1,965-metre Schynige Platte plateau features amazing vistas and hundreds of floral species, including Edelweiss. The plateau is accessible via cog-wheel train from Wilderswil, south of Interlaken, and is also the base for the finest hiking in the region. Kids will love Teddyland. Phone: ++41 33 822 2835;  www.alpengarten.ch/eng.

Harder Kulm
Harder Kulm is a glorified gazebo with fine views over Interlaken and the surrounding countryside. It can be accessed from Interlaken East (Ost) station via funicular, a ride which takes 15 minutes to reach the 1,300-metre setting. You can see the town and two lakes at their best from Harder Kulm, as well as stunning views of the Bernese Alps from the mountain restaurant’s observation terraces. Phone: ++41 33 828 7203.

Hoheweg
Hoheweg is Interlaken's main street which can be found lying between Interlaken’s East and West train stations. It is loaded with souvenir shops, eateries and visual attractions including the view of the snow-capped Jungfrau Mountain from Höhematte. The 19th-century Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel is also a must see with its fine gardens and lobby.

Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest railway station, lying at 350 metres above sea level and the ride is stunning. The station has been up here for more than a century and although somewhat of an expensive trip, it really is worth it. Trains generally leave every morning around 08:00 from Interlaken East and return at 16:00. Phone: ++41 33 828 7111; www.jungfraubahn.ch.

Mystery Park
A theme park with a difference, Mystery Park on the outskirts of town features weird and wonderful recreations of some of the world’s true wonders, such as Stonehenge, a Mayan temple, and an Egyptian pyramid. The park was the idea of celebrated Swiss author Erich von Däniken and also comes with crop circles in summer. Free shuttles run from Interlaken Ost throughout the day. Phone: ++41 33 848 506 070.

Touristik-Museum der Jungfrau-Region
The Tourist Museum of the Jungfrau Region on Stadthausplatz was the first regional tourist museum in Switzerland and shows the rise of tourism in the region over the past 200 years. Models of early transport in the city and climbing and skiing equipment are included in the exhibits. The museum is open from May to October. Phone: +41 33 822 9839.

Visitor discounts: a Visitor's Card can be bought by tourists staying in a local hotel and allows discount entry to many of Interlaken’s attractions, as well as savings on public transport. Also available is the Regional Holiday Pass Bernese Oberland for seven and 15-day travel cards across the entire region; the Jungfrau Rail Pass, for six days unlimited travel in the Jungfrau region; and the Junior Card with free travel for six to 16 year-olds.