My turn, although I've never been to Interlaken
Interlaken, Matten, Unterseen
The Augustine monastery was founded at the beginning of the12th century and first documented in 1133. It played a decisive role in the development of the ‘Bödeli’ (local name for the flat plain between Lakes Thun & Brienz). From 1224, the Interlaken monastery enjoyed the protection of the ambitious city of Bern and became one of the largest landowners in the region. Its wealth and widespread connections attracted many traders and guests to the establishment. A convent was later affiliated to the monastery and at times housed over 300 nuns.In 1484, financial problems and friction resulted in the abolition of the convent and with the arrival of the Reformation in Bern in 1528, time was also up for the monastery. From then on the building served as the official seat of the provincial governor. In later times, the monastery church was put to another use, serving to store barrels and wagons until it eventually fell to ruin. Today’s Protestant church was built in 1909 on the foundations of the old church nave. At the same time the Catholics built their own House of God immediately next to the Protestant church.
Interlaken, The former Aarmühle
Today’s resort of Interlaken was once known as Aarmühle (Aare Mill). From 1562, the monastery mill that gave the place its name was owned by the provincial bailiwick. In 1708, the four mill wheels at Aarmühle finally ground to a halt. The Mühlekanal (mill canal) is a reminder of this industry from earlier times. In 1891, the local council successfully applied to the government to change the name "Aarmühle" to the commonly used "Interlaken" (between the lakes). The name Interlaken was already being used in geographical maps, travel books, timetables and even advertisements. Permission to change "Aarmühle" to "Interlaken" was granted in December 1891.
Matten
The name Matten can be traced back to a document dated in 1183 where the expression "Interlacus-Madon" was found. Another mention was in 1242 when a blacksmith's shop with tavern was described which is presumed to be todays' Gasthof Hirschen. In historical times the land of Matten was shared by the farming communities of Aarmühle (Interlaken), Wilderswil and Matten. In 1838 Matten and Aarmühle had a falling out which resulted in the founding of the political community of Matten.
