The gateway to the Bernese Highlands, Interlaken's name is fitting, as it straddles the scenic lakes of Brienz and Thun, linked by the turquoise River Aare. A tourist haven, this hub offers a wide variety of active ways to explore the surrounding area, home to some of Switzerland's most famed peaks.

Although Interlaken's most famous neighbor is the "Top of the World," atop the Jungfraujoch ridge between the Jungfrau ("Maiden") and Mönch ("Monk") peaks, this area can get crowded with group tours in the summer. Fortunately, there are plenty of other memorable (and less pricey) sights nearby, such as the Schilthorn, with its revolving restaurant, the world's longest ski race, and appearances in Bond films. For extended hikes, visit the tallest mountain in Interlaken's immediate vicinity, the Schynige Platte. You can enjoy extraordinary beauty without climbing high, by visiting the charming towns, castles, caves, and waterfalls along lakes Thun and Brienz. For more unusual beauty, visit the Trummelbach Falls, which thunder their way through a mountain.