The TOURISMUSEUM Interlaken is a charming and surprisingly rich museum dedicated to the history of travel in the Bernese Oberland. Set inside a beautifully preserved 17th‑century wooden house, it offers an intimate look at how tourism shaped the region—from early mountaineering pioneers to the rise of luxury hotels and modern adventure sports. Its creaking floors and traditional architecture make the visit feel like stepping into a time capsule. Inside, the most captivating displays trace the evolution of Alpine tourism. You’ll find vintage posters, early guidebooks, and photographs showing how Interlaken transformed from a quiet valley settlement into an international destination. The museum also showcases historic travel gear, including climbing equipment used on the Jungfrau and early hiking attire that reveals just how demanding mountain travel once was. A highlight is the collection of hotel memorabilia—menus, guest books, and elegant objects from grand hotels that attracted royalty and explorers. Interactive exhibits explain how railways, steamships, and later aviation opened the Alps to the world.
Unterseen Switzerland
TOURISMUSEUM is located in the old town of Unterseen, right next to Interlaken, at Obere Gasse 26. It is a small but interesting museum dedicated to the history of tourism in the Alpine region, showing how travel in the area developed over the past centuries. The location is very convenient for sightseeing, because it sits only a short walk from the center of Interlaken and the Höheweg promenade. Nearby, visitors can also explore the historic streets of Unterseen, the Aare river area, and the traditional town atmosphere that gives this part of the region its charm. From the museum, it is easy to continue to popular attractions in Interlaken, such as Harder Kulm, the lakes of Thun and Brienz, and boat trips or mountain excursions in the Jungfrau region. This makes TOURISMUSEUM a good stop for travelers who want to combine local history with wider sightseeing in one of Switzerland’s most scenic destinations.