Most visitors to Interlaken never cross the river Aare to Unterseen, and that is precisely why it is worth doing. This small town predates Interlaken itself and has its own distinct character: a medieval church tower, cobbled lanes, old burghers' houses, and a market square where Swiss life continues at its own pace regardless of the coach parties rolling through two minutes away.
The 14th-century church of St. Mary stands in the old market square, its tower visible from across the river. The Tourismusmuseum der Jungfrauregion, housed in a historic building, tells the story of how a remote Alpine valley became one of the world's first international tourist destinations — an oddly fascinating subject. Unterseen is five minutes on foot from Interlaken West station; cross the river and bear right.