The lookout tower and playground
Interlaken and both lakes from above, with a playground.
Kunstverlag Schild-Bichsel — Public domain · Johann Heinrich Müller (1825-1894) — Public domain · Johann Heinrich Müller (1825-1894) — Public domain · Johann Heinrich Müller (1825-1894) — Public domain
The Heimwehfluh is a small hill (669 metres) right on the edge of Interlaken, climbed by a **historic red funicular** (1906) in just five minutes — the shortest, cheapest and quickest "mountain" in town, and a family destination rather than a serious mountain viewpoint. At the top is a small lookout tower with a view over Interlaken and both lakes, a playground, a restaurant terrace and a large model-railway exhibition. Note that the **toboggan run is closed until further notice**, and the model railway can be viewed but is not currently running shows — check the operator's site before making the trip for the children. The view is far less than from Harder Kulm or the Niederhorn, but the place suits young children better. Ten minutes on foot from Interlaken West station — the easiest option on a short day, or with small children tired of long mountain excursions, and far cheaper than the summits.
Interlaken and both lakes from above, with a playground.
Large layouts, viewable but without shows at present.
Heimwehfluhweg, 3800 Interlaken
Kunsthaus InterlakenA small art gallery in central Interlaken, running temporary exhibitions by Swis11 minutes walk4.3
Unterseen Old TownUnterseen is a small town adjoining Interlaken, separated from it only by the ri14 minutes walk4.7
HöhematteAn open grass meadow lying in the exact centre of Interlaken, between the two ra15 minutes walk4.5
Interlaken Monastery and CastleA group of buildings east of central Interlaken, what remains of an Augustinian 18 minutes walk4.4For the view: no — Harder Kulm is far higher and its famous platform overlooks the town and both lakes, and it is the right choice for scenery and sunset. But **for young children**: the Heimwehfluh is clearly better (playground, model trains, very close and cheap — though the toboggan run is closed until further notice). Choose by company: adults wanting a view → Harder Kulm; a family with under-tens → Heimwehfluh.