Best Things To Do in Interlaken

Interlaken, the adventure capital, has established itself as a top destination for those who want to combine the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps with adrenaline-fuelled activities. Nestled between the mountains of the Bernese Oberland and the lakes Thun and Brienz, this Swiss town offers the perfect setting for extreme sports such as paragliding, bungee jumping and canyoning.

But Interlaken is not just for the adventurous; you can also enjoy idyllic landscapes, hikes to iconic sites such as Jungfraujoch, and indulge in the flavours of Swiss cheese and chocolate in a fairytale setting. Want to know what to see and do in central Switzerland? Come along! Here's what to do.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps from the air is a unique experience that only Interlaken, the adventure capital, can offer. Paragliding in Interlaken is an activity that allows you to soar through mountainous landscapes, crystal-clear lakes and green valleys flanking the Bernese Oberland for about half an hour. Taking off from a hill, you will feel the freedom of flying as the wind guides you.

During the flight, you can admire Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, as well as the imposing Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. If you are looking for an adrenaline-fuelled experience that is unique to Switzerland, paragliding is the perfect choice for you.

Interesting details

• Duration: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (including preparation and flight).
• What you should know: the activity is suitable for beginners, and you will be accompanied by an instructor in your tandem. The best time to fly is between May and September, when the skies are at their clearest.

Lake Brienz, with its turquoise waters, is the ideal setting for paddling and enjoying Swiss nature in all its splendour. You can admire the Ringgenberg Castle, see the iconic "Bruhngasse" in the distance, dubbed the**"most beautiful alley in Europe**", and also see the famous jetty that a South Korean series included in the list of must-see places for globetrotters. In short, this activity takes you to explore the lake's surroundings while paddling through captivating alpine scenery.

On the other hand, the serenity of the water will allow you to enjoy an incomparable experience, surrounded by mountains. You won't want to miss this summer experience in the middle of the Swiss Alps, as it is ideal for those looking for peace and adventure at the same time. What more could you ask for a holiday like a movie?

Interesting details

• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• What you should know: the activity is ideal for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, and if you book a kayak tour you can even opt for a night tour.

Carla's Tip

In autumn and spring the sunlight on Lake Brienz accentuates its turquoise colour, making it the best time to take a photo tour of the area. But, if you go in June and August, the weather is kinder to the body.

The Jungfraujoch, known as the 'top of Europe', is a must-see if you're in Interlaken. This breathtaking viewpoint allows you to admire the trails that wind through the glacier chain and surrounding mountains at more than 3,400 metres above sea level.

Discover the 22 kilometres of the majestic Aletsch glacier, which you can reach on the Jungfrau, one of Switzerland's most beautiful trains. From the Sphinx observatory and its Ice Palace, you'll have breathtaking panoramic views. Prefer adventure? Walk on the glacier or explore the picturesque village of Grindelwald. The tour starts from Interlaken and offers a variety of activities to enjoy alpine nature at its best. I encourage you to set aside at least one day of your Swiss itinerary to enjoy this experience.

Details of interest

• Duration: 6 to 8 hours (round trip).
• What you should know: be sure to bring adequate clothing for the cold, even in summer. It is advisable to book in advance as this is a very popular tour.

Interlaken is a European paradise for canyoning enthusiasts. Descending vertiginous abseils, sliding down waterfalls, jumping into crystal-clear pools of water and descending narrow canyons are just some of the thrilling activities you can enjoy here.

Canyoning in Interlaken is not just an activity, it's a way to connect with nature in a different and adrenaline-filled way. There are a variety of routes to suit all tastes, with the Chli Schlieren and Grimsel area being the most popular. Guided by experts, you can discover hidden corners while challenging your limits. If you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, this experience will take you deep into the Swiss Alps.

Interesting details

• Duration: between 4 and 7 hours, depending on the route you choose.
• What you should know: no previous experience is necessary, but you should be in good physical condition. When booking a canyoning experience in Interlaken, your safety equipment, wetsuit and everything you need for the activity is usually included, as well as expert guidance, as this is one of the top experiences in the Swiss Alps.

If you've ever dreamed of bungee jumping from a great height, Interlaken is the perfect place to make that experience a reality. Bungee jumping on the Stockhorn Mountain above Lake Stocksee offers you a free fall of more than 130 metres as you gaze out over the Swiss Alps.

The jump is made from a platform suspended over a lake, which adds even more adrenaline to the activity. Be warned, it's not for the faint-hearted, but if you're looking for a unique energy rush, this is the challenge for you.

Interesting details

• Duration: between 4 and 5 hours, it's a half-day activity.
• What you should know: you must be at least 14 years old and your weight must be between 45 and 115 kg to participate. Make sure you book in advance as demand is high, especially during the summer.

Because Interlaken isn't all about adrenaline, I recommend a quieter experience. Take a trip to Gruyères, a charming little village in the heart of Switzerland that boasts the world's best cheese.

As you wander through the winding streets of Gruyères, you can stop at the Maison Gruyère factory Here you can enjoy a tasting - well, more like a feast if you're a cheese lover like me - of the famous Gruyère cheese, as well as watching the cheese-making process live. Another interesting stop is the Château de Gruyères, which adds a cultural touch to your visit.

But the adventure doesn't end there, in fact, now it gets sweeter because the next recommendation is a stop at the traditional chocolate factory Maison Cailler, where besides delighting the palate with its creamy chocolate, children can participate in escape rooms, outdoor games or visit the museum. Still want more chocolate? Just cross the street to enter the home of the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory, where tastings continue to end the day in the sweetest way with a tour of Gruyères' must-haves.

Interesting details

• Duration: between 6 and 8 hours (including the train ride and visits to the cheese dairy and chocolate factory).
• What you should know: This type of tour can be done on private bus tours or by boarding the Chocolate Train, a railway for gourmands that is set in the best Belle Époque style.

Did you know that

A curious fact about this little town is that it houses the HR Giger Museum, dedicated to the illustrator who won the Oscar for his work on the film Alien. It's a surrealist space that's definitely worth a visit.

The Lütschine River is known for its white water, which makes it an ideal place for rafting. If you like action and water, this activity will take you through class III and IV rapids as the Swiss Alps come alive before your eyes.

The experience is intense and adrenaline-fuelled, as you connect with nature at its wildest. It's a thrilling way to explore Interlaken and one of the most popular activities for water adventure lovers.

Interesting details

• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• What you should know: ideal for people in good physical condition. No previous experience is necessary as you will be accompanied by expert guides. The best season for rafting is from May to September.

For a more relaxing experience, a cruise on Lake Thun is an excellent option. Aboard a boat, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Alps, medieval castles and quaint little villages.

Lake Thun is larger than its neighbour, Lake Brienz, and offers a variety of routes to explore. This is an ideal activity if you are looking for some quiet time during your visit to Interlaken, as well as a unique opportunity to capture memorable scenery.

Interesting details

• Duration: between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the route you choose.
• What you should know: the boats operate all year round, but the best time to enjoy the cruise is between May and October.

Grindelwald is a charming alpine village that serves as the access point to First, a 2,168-metre mountain that offers spectacular views of the mighty Eiger.

Aside from its breathtaking panoramas, Grindelwald First is known for offering one of the most thrilling adventures in the Swiss Alps: zip-lining. Reason for the fame? Because unlike the traditional option, where you zip from tree to tree, here the zip line takes you down the mountain for almost a kilometre. This speedy ride with incredible views adds to the adrenaline rush of the experience.

On the other hand, when you reach the top, you can also choose to walk along a 2,166-metre cliff with the First Cliff Walk, go mountaineering, get close to Bachalpsee Lake, take the cable car or go mountain biking down First.

Interesting details

• Duration: between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the activities you choose to do on the mountain.
• What you should know: The zip line is accessible to most visitors, although there are some height and weight restrictions. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for changing conditions on the mountain. This activity is available between May and October. I recommend arriving early to book your activities in advance.

Paddle surfing is one of the most popular water activities on Interlaken's lakes, and Lake Brienz offers the perfect setting to enjoy this activity.

Thanks to its calm and crystal clear waters, paddle surfing allows you to relax while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Alps. This is a great option if you are looking for a serene way to explore the lake and connect with nature.

Interesting details

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours, depending on your level of experience.
• What you should know: it is advisable to do this activity during the summer months, when the waters are warmer.

Whether you prefer Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Pierce Brosnan or Daniel Craig as Agent 007, if you're a fan of the Bond saga, James Bond, you'll want to get up close to the iconic Schilthorn, a mountain that reaches 2,970 metres and became famous for being one of the main locations in the film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service".

Here you can relive some of Agent 007's most memorable scenes. You will also have the opportunity to explore James Bond World, where the Skyline Walk, the Thrill Walk and the interactive exhibition will immerse you in the fascinating world of espionage.

On the other hand, at the top, you will find Piz Gloria, another important space on the set of the saga. It is a revolving restaurant that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Swiss Alps, specifically the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. For those looking for a fun, sustainable and stimulating visit in and around Interlaken, this place is the answer.

Interesting details

• Duration: between 4 and 6 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the summit and the James Bond World.
• What you should know: the activities are suitable for the whole family and can be enjoyed all year round.

In the village of Beatenberg, with Lake Thun as its neighbour, lies one of the region's most fascinating natural wonders: the St. Beatus Caves, a legendary cave system and the largest in Switzerland.

These caves are shrouded in legend and mythology, as the hermit St. Beatus is said to have driven out a dragon that inhabited these depths centuries ago. Today, you can explore this subterranean world full of amazing geological formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, as you walk along a well-lit path 1km deep into the mountain.

And the experience is not limited to visiting the caves; you can also enjoy a museum that tells the history and legends surrounding this place. With breathtaking views of Lake Thun from the entrance, the St. Blessed Beatus Caves combine history, nature and adventure in one place.

Interesting details

• Duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours, including the visit to the caves and museum.
• What you should know: the caves are open from April to October, and it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket, as the temperature inside is cool.