Monastery and Interlaken Castle

The Monastery and Interlaken Castle form one of the town’s most atmospheric historic ensembles, tracing over eight centuries of local life. Founded around 1130 as an Augustinian monastery, the complex once controlled vast Alpine lands and welcomed pilgrims traveling through the Bernese Oberland. After the Reformation, it transformed into an administrative seat, giving the site its unusual blend of sacred and civic architecture. Inside, the highlight is the cloister, a peaceful arcaded courtyard where medieval stonework and carved capitals reveal the monastery’s early craftsmanship. The former chapter house often hosts cultural events, allowing visitors to experience its acoustics and historic atmosphere. In the castle wing, restored rooms display heraldic motifs and period furnishings that illustrate the building’s later role as a regional government center. One of the most interesting features is the preserved Gothic window, whose delicate tracery contrasts with the fortress‑like exterior. The small museum area explains monastic daily life, agricultural traditions, and the political shifts that reshaped Interlaken after 1528.