Höhematte Park

The Höhematte is the central meadow of Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, a public green space between the Höheweg promenade and the old monastery and castle buildings. It is a wide, open lawn with a direct sightline to the Jungfrau, framed by the plane trees along Höheweg and the Grand Hotel Victoria-Jungfrau. Originally the monastery's grazing land, it is now free to enter at any hour and serves as the town's informal living room, used by locals for picnics and by visitors for a first look at the mountains. In summer, tandem paragliders land on the meadow after flights from Beatenberg and Harder Kulm, which makes a lively spectacle for onlookers, and the field has hosted the Unspunnen Festival since 2011, a traditional Swiss event with stone-throwing, flag-throwing and folk costumes. Other events and open-air markets take place here through the year. A visit is short, usually 30 to 60 minutes, and fits naturally into a walk along Höheweg between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost, about a 10 to 15 minute stroll from either station. Late afternoon offers the best light on the Jungfrau and the surrounding peaks, while summer evenings are best for watching paragliders land. Cloud often hides the mountain at midday, so patience helps. The meadow is busiest on sunny summer weekends and during festivals, and quietest in early morning. Cafes and restaurants line the edge of the park, and the monastery courtyard is a short walk away. Visitors should keep clear of the landing area when paragliders approach and not leave litter on the grass.