Visitors to Interlaken, the beautiful town nestled between two lakes and the Swiss Alps, offers adventure seekers a plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities that make for a great holiday. Located two hours by train from Zurich, and three from Geneva, Interlaken is a great option for all travellers, including families, that boasts unbeatable scenery, adventure activities and a ‘Swiss-ness’ that’s undeniable.
Here are the top 10 must-try activities in Interlaken:
#10. Schilthorn. Visit the top of Schilthorn for a James Bond-themed adventure, majestic mountain views and a 360-degree revolving restaurant. See Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau and more than 200 other mountain peaks; on a clear day you might see Mont Blanc in France and Germanys’ Black Forest.
#9. The Thrill Walk. On your way up to Schilthorn, take a quick stop at Birg for an exhilarating adventure walk. The Thrill Walk is a 200-metre walkway that clings to the side of the rock, testing your courage with transparent walkways, tightrope walks, chain-link tunnels and dramatic 360-degree views.
#8. Hiking. Enjoy the extensive network of well-maintained hiking trails throughout the area. Take in the striking views of the surrounding mountains, as well as the turquoise lakes of Thun and Brienz that offer hikers of varying fitness levels the opportunity to explore.
#7. Skiing and Snowboarding. During winter months, discover the magic of the Swiss Alps by skiing and snowboarding, plus take advantage of après-ski downtime in cozy Swiss-style resorts. You have five diverse skiing and snowboarding areas: Beatenberg-Niederhorn, Brienz-Axalp, Diemtigtal and, during especially snowy winters, the small resorts of Habkern and Aeschi–Aeschiried.
#6. Kayaking, Canoeing or SUP. With Interlaken nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, there are many easy and relaxing ways to enjoy time on the water, whether it be kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the lakes and marvel over their unique colours and surrounding mountain scenery.
#5. The Adventure Park. Spend some time in the beautiful Interlaken forest on wooden bridges, Tarzan swings and zip lines. The Ropes Park contains nine courses of varying difficulty and heights, offering a fun day out for beginners, full-scale adrenaline junkies, and even children with its Butterfly Walk.
#4. Harder Klum. Take the tram up to Harder Klum – the top of Interlaken – for beautiful views of the town and the two lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. Visitors can also enjoy the Harder Klum panorama restaurant, which is reminiscent of a castle.
#3. Pool and Spa. After a long day in the mountains, stay at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel to enjoy its unbeatable pool and spa facilities. Soak in the indoor pool, relax outside in the hot tub, or indulge in any of its speciality spa services. This tradition-conscious luxury hotel is sure to impress.
#2. Jetboat Interlaken. Cruise around Lake Brienz at top speeds with a jetboat tour that takes you past impressive landscapes and majestic waterfalls. Get your adrenaline pumping as the boat does 360-degree spins – remember to hold on for dear life! Fondue options also available.
#1. Paragliding. Take a leap of faith and soar like a bird over Interlaken with an amazing paragliding adventure. Fly tandem with an experienced pilot so you can just sit back and enjoy the views of the surrounding Alps, the town of Interlaken and the two beautiful lakes. This one is an experience of a lifetime!
