The Best Outdoor Activities in Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken, Switzerland

In the heart of Switzerland hides a region which seems to be from another time, nature blossoms create a tangible paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Interlaken is a traditional resort town in the Bernese Oberland region of central Switzerland, built on a narrow strip of the valley, between the emerald waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it’s home to old wooden houses and green areas on each side of the Aar river. The surrounding mountains, covered with dense forests, alpine meadows and glaciers, offer a variety of different hiking and ski trails. There is also canyoning, rafting, kayaking, paragliding, parachuting and a whole myriad of other activities to discover in this almost mythical place.

Here is our selection, with a brief overview, of some unmissable experiences to get stuck in to in Interlaken .

Paragliding

Take off from one of the most beautiful summits of Switzerland and admire the vast Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau, Schilthorn and Titlis lakes seen from a new panoramic perspective . Fly over the river Aar and you land in the center of Interlaken within the boundaries of Hohematte Park, the Amisbühl take-off spot in Beatenberg offers excellent thermal conditions, allowing you to extend your flight time. After a short easy walk to the take-off point, your pilot will equip you with a harness and helmet and conduct a brief on safety measures and take-off procedures from 1350 meters above sea level! Feel the connection between heaven and earth by flying over the sparkling crystal-clear waters of Thun and Brienz lakes.

Canyoning

There aren’t that many places on earth where you can discover the pleasures of canyoning, with its amazing rock formations and mountain scenery, the Grimsel Canyon is one of the most spectacular places in the world to give it a try. Canyoning is the perfect activity for everyone as it can be adapted to all levels and it doesn’t require any previous experience. The Grimsel session starts at a 50m check-point and continues with vertiginous drops, impressive zip lines and naturally formed slides. Jump, slide and climb the rocks and waterfalls of Saxeten Canyon, push your limits with the highest jump reaching around 7 meters in height and simply revel in the joy of being surrounded by a lush forest. This exceptional canyon provides the unique feeling of fusing with nature while you embark on an intrepid journey through these narrow gorges.

Wakeboarding

Every day of the week a team of experts will be ready and raring to kit you out and take you through a thrilling wake session. The Malibu boat can accommodate up to 10 people, so load up with a few friends who are ready to cheer you and get a few snaps while you speedily cruise on the water surface with your board.

Rafting

Rafting is always guaranteed to fill with you joy and a bit (or a lot) of adrenaline, and, even better, you don’t need to have any previous experience in the sport. The Simme is a very fun class 3 river located in a beautiful and picturesque Swiss valley, this white-water outing is ideal for a group of family and friends looking for a new thrill . Discover the Lütschine river, by far the most exciting of the Bernese Oberland and once the icy snow of winter has finally melted under the warm spring sunshine it fills the river with exciting rapids. After a thorough briefing from experienced guides, you will embark on the rafts in the beautiful valley below the famous Eiger with its sumptuous landscape of forests, mountains and lakes.

Canoe Kayak

Gather the family and come along for an unforgettable kayak trip on the stunning Lake Brienz, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes you can become the captain of your own boat on one of the most enchanting lakes in Switzerland. Paddle under this region’s towering cliffs, discover the secluded beaches and take a time-out to swim in the turquoise waters. A family-friendly kayak tour starting at Bönigen on Lake Brienz and taking you on a journey across the Lütschine River towards the northern shore, giving you the opportunity to explore the magnificent cliffs, the 12th century Ringgenberg Castle and secret beaches along the way.

Bungee Jumping

Here’s one for the thrill seekers who aren’t afraid of heights, treat yourself to the thrill of an adrenaline fueled bungee jump where you can be lucky enough to experience a unique view of this grand alpine landscape. Stockhom bungy, located in the Swiss Alps, offers an unexpected view which starts with a 134-meter climb in a mountain gondola and ends with you taking the plunge once the doors open for a flight over the pristine Stockensee mountains.

Free fall

Finally, if after all that, you still haven’t had a healthy dose of adrenaline, then it’s time to try a parachute jump! A breath-taking experience in one of the most beautiful settings, leaping from a plane or helicopter, skydiving is something every thrill seeker should try once in their lifetime.
Start this incredible adventure with a 15 to 20-minute scenic flight as the plane soars ever higher over the magnificent lakes of Interlaken: Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. After the flight it’s time to jump! Weightlessly free fall at 200km / h for 45 seconds while attached to your qualified instructor, and experience an adrenaline rush like no other!Once the parachute opens its time to enjoy 4-5 minutes of controlled flight where you get a chance to soak-up the thrills of this jump and the fantastic panoramic views, before a smooth landing back on solid ground.