Interlaken - Höhematte / Höheweg

The Höhematte in the midst of Interlaken is a remarkable example of farseeing town planning. The area of 14 hectares/35 acres which had belonged to the Augustinian convent was acquired in 1860 by a group of 37 hotel-owners and private persons and left as an open space, with the Höheweg, a splendid avenue running between the east and west stations and affording a magnificent view of the Jungfrau, surrounded by hotels and flower-beds. Here, too, is the Kursaal, with a theater, a cafe and beautiful gardens (flower clock). At the east end is the former Augustinian convent (1133-1528; inner courtyard with cloister, restored), with a Late Gothic church (stained glass of 1950) and the adjoining Schloss added in 1750 (now housing cantonal offices).