Unterseen
Unterseen features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Interlaken. Give it roughly ~35 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~35 min
- Interlaken Interlaken guide
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About Unterseen
Interlaken's neighbouring old town across the Aare, founded in 1279, with an arcaded town hall square, a medieval church tower and a name that, like Interlaken's, means 'between the lakes'.
Unterseen is the old town that sits across the Aare from Interlaken, a separate municipality founded in 1279, when a local baron was allowed to build a fortified town 'between the lakes' to balance the power of the monastery opposite. Its name, like Interlaken's, means exactly that, 'between the lakes'. The town burned down in 1470 and was rebuilt, and around its Stadthaus square stand old town houses and stone arcades, a listed heritage ensemble of national significance.
The square's Stadthaus, in its present form from around 1818, has served as a market hall, town hall and inn, and today holds a restaurant and, in its attic, an art gallery; its arcade follows the footprint of the market hall built after the fire of 1470. The Reformed church has a medieval tower, though the body of the church was rebuilt in 1852. With the Aare flowing past and the Harder rising behind, the old town makes a quiet, atmospheric contrast to the bustle of Interlaken.
Did you know? Unterseen was founded in 1279, when a local baron was allowed to build a fortified town 'between the lakes' to balance the power of the Interlaken monastery across the Aare.
How long is a visit to Unterseen?
Set aside roughly ~35 min for Unterseen. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Unterseen worth your time?
Unterseen is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Interlaken, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Interlaken
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Unterseen and read more:
Day 1 of the Interlaken in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Unterseen
Preview the Interlaken tour free in the Gingerguide app.