Best Things To Do in Interlaken

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

But Interlaken is not only for the adventurous; you can also enjoy idyllic landscapes, excursions to emblematic places such as Jungfraujoch, and delight in the flavors of Swiss cheese and chocolate in a setting that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Want to know what to see and do in central Switzerland? Come with me! Here I tell you.

Enjoying 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 will allow you to soar through the skies between 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 while 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-filled experience that you can only experience in Switzerland, paragliding is the perfect choice for you.

Interesting details

• Duration: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (includes 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 sky is clearer.

Lake Brienz, with its turquoise waters, is the ideal setting for paddling and enjoying Swiss nature in all its splendor. You can admire the Ringgenberg Castle, observe in the distance the iconic "Bruhngasse" baptized as the**"most beautiful alley in Europe**", and also see the famous pier that a South Korean series included in the list of must-see places for globetrotters. In short, this activity takes you to explore the surroundings of the lake while paddling among alpine landscapes that will captivate you.

On the other hand, the serenity of the water will allow you to enjoy a unique 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 who are looking for peace and adventure at the same time. What more could you ask for a movie vacation?

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 color, 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 find yourself 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 meters above sea level.

Discover the 22 kilometers of the majestic Aletsch glacier, which you can reach on the Jungfrau, one of the most beautiful trains in Switzerland. From the Sphinx observatory and its Ice Palace, you will have breathtaking panoramic views. Prefer adventure? Walk on the glacier or explore the picturesque village of Grindelwald. The tour departs from Interlaken and offers a variety of activities to enjoy alpine nature at its best. I invite you to reserve 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 excursion.

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 is a way to connect with nature in a different and adrenaline-filled way. There is a wide 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 are looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, this experience will take you deep into the Swiss Alps.

Details of interest

• 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 have ever dreamed of jumping from a great height, Interlaken is the perfect place to make that experience a reality. Bungee jumping on the Stockhorn Mountain, above the Stocksee Lake, offers you a free fall of more than 130 meters high, while your gaze is lost among the Swiss Alps.

The jump is made from a platform suspended over a lake, which adds even more adrenaline to the activity. Of course, this is not an activity for the faint of heart, but if you are looking for a unique release of energy, this challenge has your name on it.

Interesting details

• Duration: between 4 and 5 hours, it is 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. Be sure to book in advance, as demand is high, especially during the summer.

Because not everything in Interlaken is adrenaline, I recommend a quieter experience. Take a trip to Gruyères, a charming little town that boasts the world's best cheese in the heart of Switzerland.

As you wander through the winding streets of this place, you can stop at the Maison Gruyère factory. Here you can enjoy a tasting - well, more than a tasting, it's almost a banquet if you're a cheese lover like me - of the famous Gruyère cheese, as well as watch the cheese-making process live. Another interesting stop is the Castle of Gruyères, which adds a cultural touch to your visit.

Although, the adventure does not end there, in fact, it is now sweetened because the next recommendation is a stop at the traditional chocolate factory Maison Cailler, where in addition to delight 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.

Details of interest

• Duration: between 6 and 8 hours (including the train ride and visits to the cheese factory 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 railroad 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 Award for his work on the film Alien. It is a surreal space that is definitely worth a visit.

The Lütschine River is known for its whitewater, 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, while the Swiss Alps come alive before your eyes.

The experience is intense and adrenaline-filled, while connecting with nature at its wildest. It's an exciting way to explore Interlaken and one of the most popular activities for water adventure lovers.

Details of interest

• 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 small picturesque villages.

Lake Thun is larger than its neighbor, 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.

Details of interest

• 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-meter mountain that offers spectacular views of the mighty Eiger.

Its breathtaking panoramas aside, 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 go from tree to tree, here the zip line takes you down the mountain for almost 1 kilometer. This full speed ride with incredible views, increases the adrenaline of the experience.

On the other hand, when you reach the top, you can also choose to walk along a cliff at 2,166 meters high with the First Cliff Walk, practice mountaineering, approach the Bachalpsee Lake, ride the cable car or descend the First on a mountain bike.

Details of interest

• 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 weight and height restrictions. It is recommended to 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, crystal-clear waters, paddle surfing will allow you to relax while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Alps. This is a great option if you're looking for a serene way to explore the lake and connect with nature.

Details of interest

• Duration: between 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 meters and became famous for being one of the main scenes in the movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

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

On the other hand, at the top, you will find the 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 adapted for the whole family and can be enjoyed all year round.

In the village of Beatenberg, with Lake Thun as its neighbor, 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 filled with amazing geological formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, as you walk along a well-lit path 1 km into the mountain's interior.

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 Caves of St. Beatus combine history, nature and adventure in one place.

Details of interest

• 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.