The first documented reference to a place called “Interlappen” on the right bank of the Aare, located in the area of what are now the Upper and Lower villages of Unterseen, dates back to the year 1233. In 1279, King Rudolf I of Habsburg granted Baron Berchtold III of Eschenbach-Oberhofen permission to build a fortified town, which was constructed immediately and granted town privileges.
During the Sempach War (1386), Unterseen opened its gates to the Bernese army and, in return, received confirmation of its traditional freedoms; thus, in 1397, Bern redeemed the last pledge from Countess Verena of Kiburg and thereby became the rightful owner of the uppermost town on the Aare. In 1402, Unterseen adopted Bernese municipal rights and was legally incorporated into the growing Bernese state.
Unterseen lies right next to Interlaken, and the municipal boundaries are now so densely built up that only a village sign reminds us whether we are in Unterseen or Interlaken. Today, the village has a population of approximately 5,600 and entices visitors to linger with its nearly endless array of recreational activities. Whether for permanent residence or vacation, Unterseen is ideally situated in the Jungfrau Region in terms of transportation.
Unterseen-Interlaken offers a wide range of summer and winter activities and has direct rail connections to the valley stations of the ski resorts and tourist destinations of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen (including Wengen and Mürren), the Schynige Platte, and the Harder. Unterseen is accessible by car or train. By train, Unterseen-Interlaken is directly connected to international destinations. Unterseen also features a spacious and beautifully landscaped 18-hole golf course.
Shopping in Unterseen is available in the town center, which features a bank, bakery, pharmacy, drugstore, and various shops in the Stedtli district.
Unterseen has daycare centers, a kindergarten, elementary and middle schools, as well as high schools. The high school and vocational schools are located in Interlaken