Japanese garden

Japanese Garden Interlaken (German: Japanischer Garten Interlaken) is a small, free-entry garden in the middle of the Swiss resort town, next to Hotel Interlaken on the Höheweg. It is regarded as the first publicly accessible Japanese garden in Switzerland and is also known as the Garden of Friendship.

How did a Japanese garden end up in Interlaken?

The garden was a present from Ōtsu, Interlaken's Japanese twin city. After roughly two decades of partnership, Ōtsu gave it to the municipality, and the mayors of both towns opened it in July 1995. Local press and the official Interlaken tourism site agree on this account. One hotel listing links the garden to Crown Prince Akihito's visit in 1976, but local sources do not support that, so it is left out here.

What will you see?

The layout echoes the landscape of the Bernese Oberland: the arrangement of rocks and plants stands for the surrounding mountains. The central feature is the Shinji pond, which represents Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, the two lakes that frame Interlaken. In keeping with Japanese garden tradition, water, stone and carefully shaped planting form a quiet, symbolic miniature of nature rather than a conventional town park with flower beds.

It makes a calm pause on a walk along the Höheweg, the broad avenue between Interlaken West and Ost stations with views of the Jungfrau. The Kursaal, with its gardens and flower clock, is close by.

How do you get there, and what does it cost?

The garden sits on the Höheweg, within walking distance of both railway stations, a few minutes on foot from the town centre. Entry is free and the garden is open to any passer-by. Coordinates: about 46.689 N, 7.864 E.

When is the best time to visit?

The garden works in every season, but spring to autumn offers the most colour, with greenery set against water and stone. A visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, so it fits neatly into a stroll along the Höheweg and around the centre.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Japanese garden in Interlaken free? Yes, there is no admission fee.

Who gave the garden to the town? Interlaken's Japanese twin city, Ōtsu. It was officially opened in July 1995.

What does the pond symbolise? The Shinji pond stands for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, while the rocks and plants refer to the mountains of the Oberland.

How long should I plan for? Fifteen minutes to half an hour is enough, ideally as part of a walk along the Höheweg.