Cultural historical delights at Rugen

From the roundabout south of Interlaken West station through neighborhood streets to the Rugen forest. From there on gravel paths up to a once eerie place: the gallows of Interlaken stood here, visible from afar. The Chlyne Ruuge is circled on a wide, ring-shaped promenade path. Information boards convey interesting facts about the life and work of the artist Clara von Rappard, who was regarded as Switzerland's most famous painter at the end of the 19th century. Her father owned the nearby Hotel Regina, which included a spa drinking hall as a dependent building. This nostalgic structure is still used as an event venue during the warm season. After crossing the highway at the Rugen brewery, you reach Unspunnen Castle. The once proud building, erected in the 12th century, has for centuries been only a ruin. Nevertheless, it is nationally known thanks to the traditional Unspunnen Alphirtenfest held for the first time in 1805. Via a concrete slab path built during World War II, you pass through Büel into the settlement area of Wilderswil, then soon turn uphill and gain altitude via a traditionally paved cattle trail bordered by dry stone walls. At Talweg, turn right into the forest where the ascent becomes noticeably steeper. Above Schwande, the route changes to a wide gravel road that descends again within the Grosse Ruuge forest. After a short asphalt section, a narrow path winding through the forest leads to Heimwehfluh, where a large model railway installation delights not only children. Either with the nostalgic funicular or on the hiking trail, descend to the outskirts of Interlaken, from where you can reach the west station within a few minutes.