All over Interlaken, you can find numerous events that have a history dating back generations. As well as the Unspunnen Festival, which takes place every 12 years, there are also cattle drives and wine festivals around Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. The Alps have had a defining influence on the people and culture of the Bernese Oberland. Unspunnen Festival — a celebration for Swiss wrestlers, alpine farmers and folk costume enthusiasts from all over Switzerland.
Switzerland is home to many vibrant traditions that date back centuries, such as Swiss Alpine Wrestling, yodelling, alphorn playing, flag swinging and dancing in traditional dress. The herdsmen of the Holiday Region Interlaken have always loved a good party. In , the Unspunnen Festival was held in the Holiday Region Interlaken for the first time, with the aim of forging bonds between the urban and rural communities.
It is the largest traditional festival in Switzerland and is held to this day every 12 years. The next Unspunnen Festival, which also features Unspunnen Wrestling and parade, will take place in The highlights include the bonfires that are lit on the slopes of the surrounding mountains. A variety of folklore shows featuring alphorns, flag swinging and yodelling are also held.
A popular choice for kids is the torch-lit parade and firework display. In Brienz, Swiss National Day is celebrated on 1 August with a firework display on the lake, while in Iseltwald, there is a village feast, musical entertainment and fireworks in the evening. The farms in many other villages and on the surrounding Alps also serve up a lavish brunch on 1 August.
Every 2 January, Interlaken is haunted by the Hardermannli the spirit of the Harder Kulm mountain , his wife and their children, the Potschen, who, donning masks, frolic through the streets of Interlaken. After the traditional Potschete procession, people gather in the pubs around Interlaken for a cosy evening together. The Harder-Potschete has been celebrated in this way for almost 50 years. The musical entertainment is provided by a host of brass bands, creating an exhilarating atmosphere.
