Höhematte

The Höhematte is a broad open meadow in the centre of Interlaken, the Bernese Oberland town that lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It stretches between the Höheweg, the town’s main promenade lined with grand hotels, and the railway station area, and it forms a large green lawn that opens up views to the mountains. Because it is so large and flat, and because the Alps rise directly behind it, it is among the best places in the town to see the Jungfrau, with the Eiger and Mönch beside it, from a lawn chair.

The meadow has a long history. It was once pasture belonging to the monastery that gave Interlaken its name, and when the town developed as a resort in the 19th century, it was kept open as a public green space and as a foreground for the hotels along its edge. The big hotels on the Höheweg, among them the Victoria-Jungfrau, face the lawn, and the promenade along its northern side was laid out for strolling visitors, who in the 1800s included poets, painters and royalty. The park’s openness is part of the town’s identity, and local people defend it against development.

Today the Höhematte is best known for paragliding. Interlaken is one of the main centres of the sport in Europe, and the meadow is the official landing site for tandem flights that take off from the Harder Kulm hill above the town and other launch points. On a good day, brightly coloured canopies spiral down over the Höheweg and touch down on the lawn one after another, and people sit on the grass to watch. It is free entertainment, and a good time to see it is in the morning and afternoon on a clear day, when the wind is favourable. Paragliding itself is run by commercial operators and must be booked in advance.

Around the meadow, you find cafés and restaurants, benches and shady trees, and the lawn is used for events, markets and festivals through the year. Locals walk dogs, play sport and picnic, so the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. In winter, the meadow can be covered in snow, and the view of the white peaks is clear. The park is a short walk from both Interlaken stations and from the landing stage for the lake boats.

The Höhematte suits families, photographers and anyone who wants a restful break in the busy town. It is free and open at all times. The nearby Harder Kulm funicular and the St. Beatus Caves make good additions to a day in Interlaken.