Things To Do
in Mattenhof
Mattenhof is a picturesque Swiss village tucked into the foothills of the Alps, where rolling meadows meet pine forests and traditional chalets. The town centers around a centuries old parish church, a cozy main square, and easy access to nearby lakes and ridges. Dairy farms, cheese ateliers and seasonal markets shape a slow, welcoming rhythm that draws hikers and food lovers alike.
With reliable trains, pristine landscapes, and friendly guesthouses, Mattenhof makes a perfect base for day trips to Zurich, Lucerne, and the surrounding mountains.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the enchanting village of Mattenhof and check into your cozy accommodation. Spend the morning exploring the quaint streets, admiring the traditional Swiss architecture and the stunning mountain views. Grab a light breakfast at a local café to energize you for the adventures ahead.
Visit the nearby Interlaken, a short stroll or bus ride away. Take a scenic funicular ride up to Harder Kulm for breathtaking views of the Jungfrau and the Interlaken valley. Return to Mattenhof to relax and indulge in a leisurely lunch at a restaurant overlooking the serene landscapes.
Stroll through Mattenhof as the sun sets, painting the sky in vibrant colors. Enjoy a cozy dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant, sampling local specialties such as fondue or raclette. As the night falls, unwind with a glass of Swiss wine and gaze at the twinkling stars above.
Start your day early with a hearty Swiss breakfast, then embark on a day trip to the Jungfrau region. Catch a train from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, often referred to as the 'Top of Europe'. The breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and scenic glaciers will leave you in awe.
Upon arrival at Jungfraujoch, explore the Ice Palace and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck. Have lunch at one of the mountain restaurants, taking in the stunning views while relishing local dishes. Don’t forget to snap plenty of pictures as you soak in the majestic scenery.
Return to Mattenhof in the evening, where the fresh mountain air will invigorate you. Settle down for dinner at a local pizzeria where you can share slices and stories from your day's adventures. End your day with a leisurely walk through the garden or by the riverbank.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $3-6 |
| 🧀Cheese tasting or local product | $8-20 |
| 🚆Local transit ticket | $5-12 |
| 🛌Mid-range hotel night | $120-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning Alpine scenery and tranquil lakes
- Efficient trains and well-preserved Swiss traditions
- Small-town amenities may be limited
- Can be pricey compared to larger cities
- "Grüezi" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me
- "Haben Sie vegetarische Optionen?" - Do you have vegetarian options?
- "Rechnung, bitte" - The check, please
- "Gute Nacht" - Good night
Places to Visit in Mattenhof
Visit one of these nice places.
The whitewashed church with a steep slate roof sits against the early-morning light and mountain backdrop.
A calm lakeside path with reflections of the sky and pines; ideal for sunrise or golden hour portraits.
A rustic, centuries-old bridge framed by willows and flowing water, perfect for wide-angle landscape shots.
A meadow overlook offering sweeping views of the village, lake and distant peaks—best at sunset.
A traditional Swiss barn with colorful frescoes and flower boxes—classic rural Swiss photography.
Clear summer and winter nights reveal a star-filled sky over calm waters, great for long exposures.
Food in Mattenhof
Mattenhof Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy fried potatoes served as a side or main, often with onions, eggs, or cheese, a Swiss staple found in many local restaurants.
Must-Try!
A classic melted cheese dish perfect for sharing in the village inns; usually served with bread and pickles.
Melted cheese scraped onto potatoes, pickles and cured meats, a traditional alpine favorite especially in colder months.
Swiss alpine macaroni with potatoes, cheese and cream, often served with apple sauce on the side.
A refreshing, dairy-based muesli breakfast originating from the region, made with oats, yogurt, fruit and nuts.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly farmers market on the village square offering cheeses, bread, seasonal produce and local honey.
Seasonal pop-up stalls near the lake offering sausages, pretzels and local pastries during weekends.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Grüezi upon meeting someone; maintain polite and quiet demeanor in public spaces and on trains.
Be punctual for reservations and meetings; Swiss culture values timeliness.
Keep noise to a minimum in residential areas; respect quiet hours in the evening.
Safety
Tipping in Mattenhof
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common but optional.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days, mild to warm temperatures, and lush green landscapes; good for hikes, lake swims and outdoor cafés.
Crimson foliage and harvest markets; cooler mornings, pleasant daytime temperatures and fewer crowds.
Snow-capped hills and festive lights; ideal for skis, snowshoeing and cozy inns, with shorter daylight hours.
Blossoming orchards and rising temperatures; perfect for easy hikes and garden visits.
Mattenhof at Night
Hiking in Mattenhof
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Several hours round trip with panoramic views over the lake and surrounding hills.
A shaded, easy-to-moderate trail following the river through a narrow gorge.
Gentle loop through alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring and summer.
Airports
How to reach Mattenhof by plane.
Major international hub near Zurich; frequent rail connections to Mattenhof area.
Smaller regional airport with flights to major Swiss and some European destinations.
Small regional airport serving eastern Switzerland; good for short connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Swiss-German speakers, families and older residents with a growing number of international visitors.
Seasonal visitors attracted by nature, cheeses and Alpine scenery.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in nearby mountains during winter.
Widely enjoyed across the foothill trails and lake paths.
Road cycling and mountain biking on scenic routes.
Water sports on Lake Mattensee in warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mattenhof.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Swiss inns offer vegetarian options; ask for no meat stocks and request cheese or mushroom based dishes; many places can adapt fondue or rösti with vegetables.