Its funny that after so many years of skiing Europe and staying in or traveling through Interlaken that I have neglected to do a review (or two!) of the lovely town. Luckily, I keep notes & have lots of photos!

Despite its low altitude (often snowless) location, a skyline blighted by the ghastly Metropole Hotel and of all things, the presence of a Hooters restaurant, Interlaken in winter has everything going for it.

Surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountains on the globe and close to world-class natural splendour, sights, skiing & activities, if you are a traveller and not been here, you need too .... asap.

There are often well-priced, last-minute accommodations at Interlaken, when the higher villages of Grindelwald, Muerren, Wengen & Lauterbrunnen are well & truly booked out. Some of the grand old hotels have bargain rooms in winter.

The Interlaken Youth Hostel near the Ost train station is a beauty too, and gets a special mention for helping me survive a few 'bare-bones' journeys. The private rooms are simple, contemporary brilliance. I have used it in the early days as a ski base due to it being only a short stroll to the train and the day's next ski adventure.

Don't forget to wander through the Altstadt (old town). It is easily missed, but is lovely and aside from a little history, is replete with excellent cafes like The Mad Cow, Spatz and the Alstadt Tee Haus & Bakery. And go ice skating in the park after dark, particularly if it’s a cold snowy night, because why wouldn’t you!

The only way to get here is via the Interlaken Ost train station. It connects with the rest of Switzerland, the Jungfrau Ski Region and other ski areas like the nearby Meiringen Hasliberg. Leave the car at home or at the rental depot and visit this amazing part of the world.