Höhematte
Höhematte is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Interlaken audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type park
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Interlaken Interlaken guide
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About Höhematte
The great open meadow in the middle of Interlaken, kept forever unbuilt by a 19th-century agreement so that the view across the grass to the snowy Jungfrau stays open for all.
The Höhematte is the large open meadow at the very centre of Interlaken, a broad stretch of green ringed by the grand hotels and bordered by the Höheweg promenade. The view across it, over the grass to the snow-covered Jungfrau rising between the wooded hills, is the landmark image of Interlaken. That open view is no accident: in 1864 a group of Interlaken hoteliers and citizens bought the meadow from the canton of Bern to stop it being divided and built over.
The purchase came with a strict condition, a servitude: no building, no subdivision and no felling of the trees. It was a remarkably far-sighted piece of town planning, made long before modern planning laws, and it has kept the heart of Interlaken green ever since. The meadow is still privately owned in shares, watched over by a dedicated commission, but it is used as public space, crossed by paths and famous as the spot where paragliders and skydivers float down to land in the middle of the town.
Did you know? In 1864 a group of Interlaken hoteliers and citizens bought the central meadow from the canton of Bern for 150,000 francs, specifically to stop it being built over.
How long should you spend at Höhematte?
Plan about ~30 min at Höhematte. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Höhematte worth visiting?
Höhematte is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Interlaken, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Interlaken
Day 1 of the Interlaken in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Höhematte
Preview the Interlaken tour free in the Gingerguide app.