Meiringen-Hasliberg Information

Apres-ski

Like many Swiss resorts, Meiringen-Hasliberg does not have as thriving an après-ski scene as party hotspots in neighbouring France and Austria, but there are a handful of lively bars from which to choose.

Sherlock Alpenclub (tel: +41 339 710 003) is a good stop for late-night clubbing, while Lyon's Pub (tel: +41 339 716 369; www.lyons-pub.ch) offers pub-style games in a friendly setting. Aquarium Bar (tel: +41 339 712 786) on the slopes at Käserstatt is the place for a post-ski drink amid Europop sounds.

A number of night-time activities are available from the tourist office, including a meal and night skiing at Käserstatt every Friday, and a choice of fondue or raclette plus unlimited night tobogganing at Mägisalp on Wednesdays.

Eating out

Swiss specialities such as rösti, fondue and raclette can be found at the two dozen restaurants scattered throughout the resort. Among the best on the slopes is Berghaus Mägisalp (tel: +41 339 725 326; www.maegisalp.ch) at Mägisalp. This wood-clad chalet-style restaurant serves local dishes and hosts musical entertainment. A similar concept operates at Berghaus Käserstatt (tel: +41 339 712 786) in Käserstatt, which also offers generous helpings of moreish meringue.

For pre-skiing nourishment with spectacular views, catch the gondola up to Alpentower, home to Panoramarestaurant Alpentower (tel: +41 339 725 326) with its breakfast buffet, brunch and lunch options. And between runs, head to Balisalp in Bidmi– it has a varied menu including steak, schnitzel, hamburgers and salads.

Additional offerings include a tasty pizza at Pizzeria Pinocchio (tel: +41 339 721 212; www.hotel-meiringen.ch) or, for those searching for something a bit more luxurious, Hotel Victoria (tel: +41 33 972 1040; www.victoria-meiringen.ch) offers gourmet dining with a French and Asian influence.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

There's a surprising abundance of activities in Meiringen-Hasliberg, but unsurprisingly, the Sherlock Holmes connection looms large, with a museum (tel: +41 33 972 5151) dedicated to the detective housed in the basement of the English Church in Casinoplatz.

Another attraction is the Ballenberg Swiss Outdoor Museum (tel: +41 33 952 1030; www.ballenberg.ch) in nearby Hofstetten, which includes full-scale rebuilt houses dating back as early as the 14th century.

For a taste of local industry, watch craftspeople at work in the Oberhasli Weaving Studios (tel: +41 339 711 457; www.waebi.ch) in Innertkirchen or violinmakers putting the finishing touches to their instruments at the Violin-Making School (tel: +41 339 511 861; www.geigenbauschule.ch).

Other available facilities include indoor tennis courts in the Alpine Tenniscenter (tel: +41 339 713 900), a 5.5km (3.4-mile) toboggan run (tel: +41 338 541 616) and 40km (25 miles) of winter hiking trails, as well as an abundance of snowshoeing tracks.

Family fun

Meiringen-Hasliberg is a family-friendly resort and has thus been granted the 'Family Welcome' award by Switzerland Tourism.

Children can find their feet on skis using the nursery slopes at Skihäsliland Swiss Snow Sport School (tel: +41 339 725 141; www.skischule-hasliberg.ch) at Bidmi. Once proficient, children can be taken by instructors on the guided Muggestutz ski trail, which tells the story of Muggestutz, a forest-dwelling dwarf (descriptions mainly in German).

A kids' club (tel: +41 339 725 050), for children aged two to 12, runs at Hotel Viktoria and babysitters (tel: +41 339 710 763) are also on hand.

Retail therapy

Meiringen has a range of shops to suit most needs. The Migros supermarket (Bahnhofstrasse) stocks most typical food items, but for more specialist local food products - including a wide variety of cheeses, yoghurts and homemade ice cream - head to Molki Meiringen (tel: +41 339 711 432;www.molki-meiringen.ch)

Those looking for souvenirs should head to Heimatwerk Oberhasli (tel: +41 33 971 3376), which offers locally made woven gifts and crafts.

Splashing out

Make the most of being among some of Switzerland's highest peaks with a scenic helicopter flight, which takes in the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau summits, as well as the glistening Aletsch Glacier. Flights are operated by Berner Oberländer Swiss Helicopter AG (tel: +41 338 289 000; www.swisshelicopter.ch) in Interlaken. The company also offers heli-skiing and skydiving packages.

Hotels

There are various forms of accommodation in Meiringen, from chalets and self-catering apartments to budget guesthouses and luxury hotels. Most of the hotels in Meiringen are a short walk from the main gondola lift, while there are also slopeside options further up the mountains.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap