Names
Australian Placenames of German Background
Interlaken, Tasmania
Town entry sign at Interlaken, Switzerland.
The name of this rural locality in the Southern Midlands first appeared on a map of Tasmania in 1837 - the map was produced by George Frankland, who was on an expedition in the area as surveyor-general of Tasmania). It is thought likely that it was named after the town Interlaken in the Swiss canton of Bern due to the lakeside location. Interlaken in Tasmania is situated between Lake Sorell (to the north of the road) and Lake Crescent (to the south). Interlaken in Switzerland is located on the land between Lake Brienz (to the east) and Lake Thun (to the west).
The town Interlaken took its name from its geographical position 'between the lakes' (in Latin inter lacūs).
Sign announcing the lakeside reserve at Interlaken, Tasmania
♦ References:
Placenames Tasmania. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. Interlaken. (Nomenclature Number: 323K) <www.placenames.tas.gov.au>