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Experience this Hidden Side of Interlaken in Less than 2-hours!
Head out on this lovely walk from Interlaken to Wilderswil, perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll, and soak in the same magnificent views that inspired one of Switzerland's most prolific landscape painters. This 2-hour walk has something for everyone. Great views, cool architecture, tons of history, and even some options to grab a drink and make a cheers to the best of Switzerland!
DISCOVERING BERN
INTERLAKEN TO WILDERSWIL
Last year we were checking out event venues in the Berner Oberland and inadvertently stumbled upon this hidden gem of a walk from Interlaken to the nearby village of Wilderswil. It really ticks all the boxes: exceptional views, multi-layered history, wonderful architecture, and doable in under two hours if you don’t mind a quick train ride back! It makes for a lovely evening or morning stroll if you are staying in Interlaken.
We start this walk just outside the Hotel Hirschen at Hauptstrasse 11 in Matten bei Interlaken but, realistically, you can start your walk from anywhere in Interlaken. If you start at, or closer to, Interlaken Ost or West train station, you will need to tack on an extra 15 minutes or so of flat walking time but this should not deter you from this wonderful itinerary.
In total, the walk is just under 4 kilometers or 2.5 miles to Wilderswil Train Station and can easily be extended into a loop if you would like to do a bit more.
You can follow along with our trip using this interactive map
Our Starting Point in Matten bei Interlaken
The Hotel Hirschen lies just on the edge of Interlaken’s urban sprawl in Matten bei Interlaken. This small hotel serves as a convenient, but also quite charming, point at which to start the walk.
First mentioned in the 16th Century and rebuilt in 1780, the Mattenwirtshaus Hirschen, today’s Hotel Hirschen, is listed as a site of cultural significance for the region. Before the boom of tourism in the late 1800’s, this modest tavern was one of the few stops for weary travelers passing though Interlaken. The building is a magnificent illustration of Switzerland’s log construction, and, in the summer, its wisteria is an absolute dream.
From the Hotel Hirschen, we start our walk by turning right onto Wychelstrasse and heading towards the comparatively massive Hotel Regina on the hill. Follow the yellow arrows pointing up Hubelweg towards the entrance to the Regina.
Built in 1864, the Hotel Regina is a fine example of Swiss Victorian era hotels. Since the 1980’s, the Regina has served as a live-in hospitality school, teaching the next generation of Swiss hoteliers.
As you continue up Hubelweg, you will pass the sets of the Tellspiele on your left. This outdoor live-action re-telling of the life of Switzerland’s famous folk hero, William Tell, has regular showings throughout the summer.
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The historic Hotel Hirschen in Matten bei Interlaken
Into the High Alps of Victorian Interlaken: The Kleiner Rugen Ringweg
Upon reaching the top of Hubelweg, you meet a junction with the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg. As the name implies, this well-formed path makes a full loop around Kleiner Rugen, the hill on which you are now standing.
The Kleiner Rugen Ringweg was built in 1858 by Conrad von Rappard, a German expat committed to Interlaken tourism who also opened two hotels near Kleiner Rugen (including the Hotel Regina) and the Kleiner Rugen Trinkhalle, one of our next stops.
While either direction on the Ringweg will get you where you want to go, turning left proves a gentler grade with arguably nicer views.
![View of Wilderswil and Jungfrau from the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=1018,h=679,fit=crop/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2023-05-04-16.03.52-A0xry5231qIyL635.jpg)
![View of Wilderswil and Jungfrau from the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2023-05-04-16.03.52-A0xry5231qIyL635.jpg)
Looking up at Jungfrau from the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg.
Since the creation of the Ringweg, this view has inspired countless visitors. Perhaps none more so than Clara von Rappard, the daughter of Hotel Regina owner Conrad von Rappard. Raised on the Kleiner Rugen, Clara von Rappard would become one of Switzerland’s most prolific modern artists, famous for her portraits, and ethereal landscape paintings of the Berner Oberland. As you follow the Ringweg towards the Trinkhalle, you will find a series of interpretive panels dedicated to the painter’s life and work.
Even on a cloudy day, the nice views over Interlaken and Wilderswil make the walk worthwhile. Beyond the high peaks, some notable sites in the valley below include beautiful Lake Brienz (the site of another excellent walk from Interlaken in our Discovering Bern series) the former Interlaken Air Base with its partially buried hangers, and the giant globe of Jungfrau Mystery Park, a 2000’s era children’s amusement park.
![Interpretive panel along the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg in Matten bei Interlaken](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=543,h=679,fit=crop,trim=128.08839779005527;0;128.08839779005527;0/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2023-05-04-14.06.13-mP4NqaeZKRU2kLnp.jpg)
![Interpretive panel along the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg in Matten bei Interlaken](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop,trim=544.3661327231122;0;544.3661327231122;0/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2023-05-04-14.06.13-mP4NqaeZKRU2kLnp.jpg)
Information panels along the Ringweg share the life and work of Clara von Rappard, one of Switzerland's most renowned modern artists.
View looking back down on Interlaken and Lake Brienz from the Ringweg
![The view of Interlaken and Lake Brienz from the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=1018,h=679,fit=crop/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2023-05-04-16.00.46-mjE5Ml0PZ3CLXyXe.jpg)
![The view of Interlaken and Lake Brienz from the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2023-05-04-16.00.46-mjE5Ml0PZ3CLXyXe.jpg)
Before the Belle Époch, and the height of Switzerland’s Victorian popularity (from about the 1870’s to the breakout of the First World War in 1914), the well to-do of British high society made their way into the Swiss Alps for fresh air, hiking, and leisure at extremely high personal expense.
Railroads and plenty of new infrastructure like the Hotel Regina reduced costs significantly moving into the early Belle Époch and broadened Switzerland’s appeal, particularly to the British middle class. Getting further into the Alps, to places like Lauterbrunnen with its famous waterfalls however, remained a luxury until the completion of the Berner Oberland Railway in 1890.
Just past the junction with Hubelweg, you will notice a quite unusual bridge crossing seemingly nothing along the side of the Ringweg. This recently rebuilt bridge pays homage to the days when Victorian visitors would line up here along a similar bridge to have their photo taken ‘in front of the falls.’
Of course, there is no waterfall today, nor was there one in the 1800’s. The bridge was the Victorian equivalent to a photoshoped image. When everyone was ready and posed, water was poured over the rocks from above to mimic the famous falls that these visitors would likely never see themselves, and a keepsake photo was captured!
As you continue around the hill, the reasoning behind this path becomes a bit clearer. On a nice day, the views of Jungfrau, high in the Alpine, are unimpeded and stunning.
![The path of the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg enclosed by a canopy of trees](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=1018,h=679,fit=crop/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/20230504_140938-mjE5Mlk6vRf1qEzB.jpg)
![The path of the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg enclosed by a canopy of trees](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/20230504_140938-mjE5Mlk6vRf1qEzB.jpg)
The lovely well formed path of the Kleiner Rugen Ringweg
Cheers to the Trinkhalle
![The inside of the Trinkhalle at Kleiner Rugen with views of Jungfrau and the Alps](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=1018,h=679,fit=crop,trim=82.8;367.2;496.8;0/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2023-05-04-14.12.27-Yle538znwrUgzxbG.jpg)
![The inside of the Trinkhalle at Kleiner Rugen with views of Jungfrau and the Alps](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop,trim=42.95454545454545;1212.179104477612;231.95454545454547;0/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2023-05-04-14.12.27-Yle538znwrUgzxbG.jpg)
Exceptional views of the Jungfrau Masif looking up from the Trinkhalle on Kleiner Rugen
As you reach the far end of the Ringweg on the southern face of the Kleiner Rugen, you encounter the lovely partially enclosed Trinkhalle, or drinking hall, our initial destination when we first took this walk.
The Trinkhalle was commissioned by the company of Conrad von Rappard in 1863 as a destination for hotel guests to rest and relax. Whey and mineral water treatments were touted as a cure to any number of ailments and these drinks, alongside stunning views of the Jungfrau Masif, made the Trinkhalle an exceptionally popular destination throughout the better part of the Belle Époch.
After its sale in 1910, the Trinkhalle passed hands many times and served a wide variety of roles from restaurant to glorified shed. Today, the building has been refurbished and serves as an event space available for rent. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Trinkhalle is consistently booked out a year in advance during the summer.
If it is a clear day, it may be worth following the Ringweg just a bit further past the Trinkhalle, to a gazebo with lovely views over Lake Thun and Niesen, the ‘Swiss Pyramid.’ From the gazebo, you will need to backtrack to the Trinkhalle to continue the walk, so, if the weather isn’t great or you don’t care for much more uphill, you can easily skip this stop.
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Victorian era visitors enjoying the views from the Trinkhalle on Kleiner Rugen
![The view over Lake Thun and Niesen from the Ringweg on Kleiner Rugen](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=1018,h=679,fit=crop,trim=82.8;367.2;496.8;0/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2024-03-10-09.20.48-d95rRJyMLXUgbNgd.jpg)
![The view over Lake Thun and Niesen from the Ringweg on Kleiner Rugen](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop,trim=42.95454545454545;1212.179104477612;231.95454545454547;0/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2024-03-10-09.20.48-d95rRJyMLXUgbNgd.jpg)
View of Niesen and Lake Thun from the Ringweg just past the Trinkhalle taken during our latest visit in winter
All This Talk of Drinking Making You Thirsty?
From back at the Trinkhalle, you will leave the Ringweg and head down a gravel road and path about 10 minutes to our next stop, the Rugenbrau Brewery.
Today’s Rugenbrau is a modern family owned brewery supplying beer to grocery stores and restaurants all across Switzerland, but its origins go as far back as 1866 and span a number of sites in the area of the Rugen. If you are interested in learning more about the art of beer making, the brewery offers regular tours. You can find more information at the Rugenbrau Website.
If you just fancy a beer, still head on in to the brewery. Their shop, open during normal business hours, has a great selection and you can grab a drink to go. Enjoy the beer along the walk or at our next stop, Burgruine Unspunnen just a few minutes walk away (by the way, it is completely fine to drink in public across almost all of Switzerland). Alternatively, if you would like some food and drink, there is a small restaurant adjacent to the brewery.
![two beer bottles with beer from Rugenbrau Brewery in Interlaken Switzerland](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=503,h=679,fit=crop,trim=0;17.823182711198427;0;17.823182711198427/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/img_7728-A0xryRq6yyi66k0K.jpg)
![two beer bottles with beer from Rugenbrau Brewery in Interlaken Switzerland](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop,trim=544.3661327231122;0;544.3661327231122;0/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/img_7728-A0xryRq6yyi66k0K.jpg)
A couple of choice brews from Rugenbrau. I am a particular fan of their Oberland Amber
To Burgruine Unspunnen and the Unspunnen Games!
Just a few minutes down the road from the brewery, you come upon Burgruine Unspunnen. This ruin built on a steep rock outcrop has some exceptionally cool architecture and it is still quite easy, if a bit hair-raising, to climb up into the castle tower.
The original origins of the castle at Unspunnen have been mostly lost to time. Likely built in the early 12th Century, we do know that the castle passed hands an exceptional number of times over the centuries as it was pledged over, and over, and over again.
The castle was left to go to ruin in 1762 but regular repairs have been done over the years since 1805 and the first official Unspunnenfest.
![Looking up at Burgruine Unspunnen in Wilderswil, Switzerland](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=1018,h=679,fit=crop/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2024-03-10-10.24.20-dJoNjM8ErptekGP6.jpg)
![Looking up at Burgruine Unspunnen in Wilderswil, Switzerland](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YrDX73DjMeu0Z6y3/2024-03-10-10.24.20-dJoNjM8ErptekGP6.jpg)
Arriving at Burgruine Unspunnen on the Hill above Wilderswil
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The back of Burgruine Unspunnen built precariously on the rocks
Unspunnenfest is a celebration of traditional Swiss culture that occurs approximately every 12 years and takes over the meadow below Burgruine Unspunnen. Steinstossen or stone throwing, Schwingen - a breed of Swiss wrestling, and yodeling competitions are just some of the highlights. The last Unspunnenfest was held in 2017, so if you are keen to be there in person, you have a bit of time to plan your next visit. Expect to come sometime in 2029!
Today's Unspunnenfest started in 1805 while Switzerland was under Napoleonic rule but the competition actually has roots back to the 13th Century. The original festival was started by Berkard von Unspunnen, the founder of the City of Bern, as an opportunity for the upper and lower classes to unite in sport and reconcile their differences (arguably to mixed affect).
Searching for the Unspunnenstein
The modern Steintossen at Unspunnenfest deserves its own section here as its history is just too insane to be ignored.
The first Unspunnenstein, or stone used in the Steintossen competition, was lost sometime between the first games in 1805 and the second competition in 1808. The replacement stone used in 1808 weighed in at 83.5 kg or about 184 lbs and was used in competition until the infamous year of 1984.
In 1984, just 4 years after voters agreed to the creation of Switzerland’s 26th Canton of Jura, the second stone was stolen in the night from the Interlaken Tourism Museum by Jura Separatists and held as a ‘political hostage’ in their demands for further integration of lands held by the Canton of Bern.
Unwilling to bow to terrorism, the organizers of the Unspunnenfest moved forward and found a new stone, some might argue a better stone, weighing the exact same 83.5 kg as the 1808 version. This 3rd stone was used in competition until 2006 when it was retired and replaced by the 4th stone, also subsequently retired, and replaced in 2019 by the 5th 83.5 kg stone. While the 5th stone remains the current Unspunnenstein, this is most certainly not the end of this story.
Rumor had it that the 1808 stone (the 2nd stone if you are keeping track) had been thrown into nearby Lake Thun in 1984 after it was stollen. In a surprise twist of fate, the 1808 stone was rediscovered in 1999 in a Brussels cellar(!) and returned to Interlaken in 2001. At this point, the stone was wildly defaced by the stars of the European Union and weighed in at an unacceptably low 76 kg (167.5 lbs). Completely unfit for competition…
Following a visit at the bicentenary of the Unspunnenfest in 2005, the 1808 stone was put on display in the Victoria Hotel Jungfrau in Interlaken. In broad daylight, four men who have never been identified entered the lobby of the Jungfrau and made off with the 2nd stone for a 2nd time. In its place… a plaster replica painted with the Jura coat of Arms!
The second Unspunnenstein has yet to be rediscovered for a second time but I have a feeling it will show up again someday. Word on the street is that its location will only be revealed once Jura is fully unified.
If you are worried about the current Unspunnenstein, know that it is now kept safely inside the vault of an Interlaken Bank under motion sensors... Learning their lesson, the organizers now only allow the Unspunnenstein to leave the vault for official competition.
UPDATE - As of October 2024, by the popular vote of both the Canton of Bern and the Canton of Jura, the small town of Moutier in the Bernese Jura will officially join the Canton of Jura. This marks a watershed moment in Jura's unification and fundamentally ends the long held conflict between the two cantons. True to their word (as the Swiss tend to be), the separatists have revealed the disposition of the Unspunnenstein! In true kidnapper style, a photo of a recent newspaper sitting over the partially buried stone is now floating around the internet and I am sure it won't be long before the Unspunnentein is once again back in the public domain.
Into the Village of Wilderswil
From Burgruine Unspunnen, we head along a path into the village of Wilderswil. Parts of this path were laid down by the Swiss Army during the Second World War as a small part of the complex network of military installations traversing Switzerland in anticipation of an invasion that would never occur.
From the edge of Wilderswil, we make our way down the hill towards the train station past a dizzying array of traditional chalets, some dating as far back as the 1500’s. Wilderswil is lovely. If you are looking for a much quieter place to stay just outside of Interlaken with great train connections, I would recommend you take a look here.
From the train station in Wilderswil you can easily get back to Interlaken in 10 minutes or up to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen on the Berner Oberland Bahn in about 30 minutes. This is also the jumping-off point for the Schynige Platte Bahn, a historic funicular that whisks visitors up the mountain in the summer to a small restaurant with beautiful views over the Alps.
While Wilderswil Station is the end of our walk, there is tons more to be done from here. I highly recommend downloading the Swiss Mobility App which has great topographic maps and nearly all of Switzerland’s walking paths and hiking trails preloaded. It is what we usually use to navigate.
Overall, this 4 km walk took us just under two hours from Hotel Hirschen to Wilderswil Station including some photo stops along the way. If you are looking for a bit more of an adventure, you could easily extend this walk by exploring more of Unspunnen and Kleiner Rugen. Likewise, if you don’t feel like catching the train back into Interlaken, there are several walking paths on the valley floor that will get you back on foot without backtracking.
If you enjoyed joining us on this walk, take a look at some of the other options in our series Discovering Bern. Thanks for joining us on our latest walk and, until next time, gute Reise! Feel free to leave a comment on our social media!