18 Jul Isenfluh
Isenfluh, the small village above Lauterbrunnen. It is known above all for its narrow streets and the unique view of Interlaken and the surrounding Bernese Alps.
History about Isenfluh
The small village was first mentioned in a book in 1319 as Ysenfluo. The small village is still pronounced in Swiss German as Ysenflou. Until today it is assumed that a Celtic settlement first settled the village. The first evidence of an influx of people from the Lötschental is found around 1401. The Interlaken monastery owned the small village from the 14th century until 1528 when it became the bailiwick of Interlaken. For almost 270 years it was administered by the bailiwick of Interlaken. Since the end of the former administration it now belongs to the community of Lauterbrunnen.
Accessibility
Until 1905 Isenfluh never really had a good path. Now, in 1905, the first simple footpath was built, connecting the small village directly with Lauterbrunnen. Before that there was only a small path between the small village and Gündlischwand. In 1950 a new road was built within 10 years. Even today the road is known as “The road of youth”. Young people, pupils and apprentices spent several weeks in the village and built a new road into the valley.
From 1962 to 1963 the first solid and asphalted road was built. Already after two years the first problems appeared, so that smaller repairs were necessary again and again. In July 1987 the road was completely destroyed in a landslide. So that Isenfluh was completely isolated and there were no more passable roads. The village could only be reached again by a provisionally built emergency cable car. Almost 5 years later the small village was reconnected to the road network by a newly built road. With a 1200 meter long helical tunnel, the village can now be reached safely by car.
Since 1975 there has also been a cable car connecting Isenfluh with the hamlet of Sulwald.
