The History of Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken is a town in Switzerland situated between two lakes, Thun to the west and Brienz to the east. This beautiful town has attracted people for hundreds of years and is one of the oldest tourist spots in Switzerland. Although in earlier times it was known for cloth, printing and watch making, Interlaken is now mainly known for its tourism and sporting opportunities.
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The Name
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Interlaken's name comes from the Latin phrase "inter lacus," which means "between the lakes." However, this name wasn't the first for the town. Before 1891 Interlaken was called Aarmuehle.
Middle Ages
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Augustinian canons built a convent in Interlaken in 1130, and it remained so until 1528. This convent was Interlaken's earliest source of importance.
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Expert Insight
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Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), a classical composer, once said, "If you haven't seen the Interlaken countryside, you haven't seen Switzerland."
Modern History
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Erich von Daniken, author best known for his book "Chariots of the Gods?," developed a theme park in Interlaken called Mystery Park, which first opened in 2003. Shut down in 2006, the park reopened in 2009.
Annual Events
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Unspunnenfest is a festival held in meadows near the Unspunnen castle. It was officially first celebrated in 1805, but it has roots dating back to the 1200s. It wasn't until 1946 that it began to be celebrated on a regular basis.
Every summer just outside Interlaken the Greenfield Music Festival takes place. In autumn the Jungfrau marathon, one of the most well-known climbing marathons, is held.
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