On January 2 every year, Interlaken is haunted by the masked figures of the Hardermann, his wife and his band of followers, the Potschen.
Masked figures (known as the Potschen) run through the streets, screaming and shouting, pulling spectators along, and spreading (mock) fear and dread. Once the traditional Potschete procession is over, everyone meets up again in Interlaken’s local bars and pubs for a friendly get-together, and the party continues. The Harder Potschete has been held in this way for almost 50 years now.
