Heimwehfluh Interlaken – what to expect

When we visited Interlaken in the Easter holidays we were looking for something different for the boys to do. We had done a lot of the mountains and the lakes already. So when I came across Interlaken Heimwehfluh and its toboggan run I thought it would be a good afternoon activity. Although what we found was rather eclectic. 

Where is Heimwehfluh?

Located in Interlaken very close to Interlaken West train station. It sits right at the junction of several roads. The postcode did not work for us. Just like many of the postcodes in Switzerland that seem to cover a much larger area than in the UK. So although the sat nav had us going up the hillside, google maps did work and brought us in at the bottom of the funicular.

Is there parking at Heimwehfluh?

Yes, there are a few parking spaces directly outside (8) and then some further parking slightly up the hill. If this is full then Interlaken West Station is not far. As we were visiting in the low season we managed to secure a parking space right outside. The ticket machine is a little odd in as far as it doesn’t give you a ticket. Instead, you select a space number and put in some money. 

How much does it cost to visit Interlaken Heimwehfluh?

Unlike some of the other attractions we visited during our trip, I could not find a discount code for Heimwehfluh. The Interlaken or camping passes did not give us any discount at the door. It costs 16 CHF per adult, 10 CHF for children between the ages of 6-16. It is the only place during our trip that challenged Harry’s age by saying he’s big for five! To be honest, in comparison with some of the other things we have done, I think this is expensive for what it is. 

You can buy a ticket which allows you to go up and down as much as you like on the funicular and the toboggan. This costs 30 CHF for adults and 20 CHF for children.

You do not pay until you reach the top of the funicular. In the Summer months, the kiosk at the bottom may be open. 

What is there to do at Interlaken Heimwehfluh?

Heimwehfluh boasts the oldest fincular in Interlaken. The short funicular has quaint wooden carriages with curtains and seat pads. In keeping with its heritage. It only takes a few minutes to reach the top.

Next to the ticket office, there is a large model railway show that depicts the layout of the railway in Interlaken. Including the town of Interlaken and the Interlaken-west train station.

There is what they call an adventure playground which has a large yellow slide. The children’s playground also has two rather perilous zip lines (which the boys loved). Swings, a roundabout and a giant hamster wheel. There is also a trampoline and sandpit as well. Plus some slot cars which take 1 CHF to operate. The kids were perfectly happy but to be honest you can get some lovely play areas along the lakeside. 

There s also a viewing tower, which does give you views over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. You are not as high up as Harder Kulm, but in some ways, you see more because of this. 

There is also a large restaurant. With seating in the play area, inside and on a terrace where you can enjoy the view. We sat on the terrace and watched the para-gliders and also some hawks. That was probably my favourite part of the experience.

Toboggan Interlaken

For the toboggan, you have to be seven or over to ride alone. Just as well as there is no way I would let Harry on the bob run on his own. When we visited it was a lovely sunny day although it does claim to be an all weather toboggan run. The cars are quite small making it tricky to hold onto Harry and the braking system at the same time. I didn’t go down instead being left to hold all the coats. The boys seemed to enjoy it although getting off at the bottom was quite difficult by all accounts. 

Restaurant Menu and prices

The panorama restaurant menu was not badly priced. It is the first place we had seen just chips on the menu and the kid’s food prices were around 13.50 CHF. Although we settled on chips, cake and a traditional dish of potato rosti. With drinks came in around 50 CHF. The views from the terrace really are spectacular.

How long do you need at Interlaken Heimwehfluh?

I guess it depends if you are planning on eating. We were there just over two hours. An hour of which was spent in the restaurant. The boys could have stayed for longer playing on the zip lines and it would be a shame to miss the great view from the terrace. So assuming you stop for a drink as well then an hour and a half to two hours if you buy the single ticket. 

Related blog articles

If you have enjoyed this post and are planning on visiting Switzerland then you may like to read about some of the other attractions we visited during our stay in Switzerland.

Ballenburg Swiss Open Air Musuem

Our visit to the Giessbach Falls near Interlaken Switzerland

Lake Brienz Cruise – everything you need to know

St Beatus Caves & Waterfalls Lake Thun

Visiting Harder Kulm Top of Interlaken

Thun Castle

Jungfraujoch Top of Europe – how to plan your visit

Grindelwald First – the best things to do

The Eiger Express Grindelwald – everything you need to know

The whole place is a little eclectic and you can’t help but feel like you have stepped back into the 1950s. But it is pretty with the Jungfrau mountains in the background. Plus there is something to do for the whole family and it hosts the only all weather toboggan in Interlaken. Have you ever been somewhere eclectic while on holiday? Let me know in the comments below.

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