SWITZERLAND — Interlaken, nestled between the glacial lakes of Thun and Brienz and surrounded by the iconic peaks of the Bernese Oberland, is fast becoming one of Switzerland’s most visited destinations for year-round travel.

At this year’s CATO Out-of-Country Summit, taking place this week in Switzerland, members had the opportunity to discover why Interlaken is capturing the attention of Canadian travellers.

Travelweek is all aboard with the CATO Summit in Switzerland, and covering the trip as it journeys from Interlaken to Lausanne to Geneva.

The trip started off in fine style, as CATO Summit attendees had the opportunity to ride the iconic Luzern–Interlaken Express, where scenic lake and mountain views set the tone for an experience that is equal parts traditional and modern, adrenaline and relaxation.

As Interlaken CEO Daniel Sulzer told CATO members: “It’s a great pleasure to have you here in Interlaken. We are heavily investing in the winter season by shifting more focus from summer holidays to the all year round and winter activities Interlaken has to offer.”

Aeschi ski area has beautiful views of Lake Thun and the Alps (photo credit Mike Kaufmann)

YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL TRAVELLERS

Interlaken is more than just a gateway to Switzerland’s most iconic mountains—it’s a four-season playground offering everything from serene lake cruises to high-alpine thrills.

As Canadian CATO-member tour operators discovered, Interlaken is evolving into one of Switzerland’s most dynamic destinations, blending tradition with a huge variety of experiences for every kind of traveller.

Winter kayaking on Lake Brienz (photo credit Lorenz Richart for Switzerland Tourism)

Here’s a snapshot of activities and experiences available …

• Cruising Lake Brienz with BLS Interlaken Lake Cruise – Glide across vivid turquoise waters often compared to Lake Louise, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery.
• Exploring hidden gems – Wander the authentic lakeside towns of Thun, Brienz, and Spiez for a slower, more local pace steeped in Swiss charm.
• Winter kayaking on Lake Brienz with Hightide Kayak School – Paddle across crystal-clear waters framed by snow-dusted peaks for a peaceful, cold-season adventure.
• Sledding through alpine landscapes – Enjoy a classic Swiss winter pastime on scenic runs in the surrounding Bernese Oberland mountains through Outdoor Switzerland.
• Hiking and biking trails – Access hundreds of kilometres of marked routes, from tranquil valley paths to high-altitude alpine treks.
• ‘Raclette rafting’ on the Aare River with Outdoor Switzerland – Savour melted Swiss cheese while floating downriver in a uniquely local culinary experience.
• Lakeside wine tasting in Spiez – Sample regional vintages with panoramic views of Lake Thun and the surrounding vineyards with Alpine Weinkultur.
• Woodcarving in Brienz at Trauffer – Create your own hand-carved Swiss cow in a village famous for its living artisan traditions.

For clients seeking active adventures, cultural immersion, or peaceful moments in nature, Interlaken ticks all the boxes, in every season.

THREE ICONIC MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCES

No visit to Interlaken is complete without heading to the top of Switzerland’s most iconic experiences available all year round.

Family fun overlooking Lake Brienz, Switzerland (photo credit Mike Kaufmann)

Here’s a look …

• Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: Europe’s highest railway station delivers sweeping views of the Aletsch Glacier and UNESCO World Heritage alpine landscapes.
• Grindelwald-First – Top of Adventure: Popular with thrill-seekers, this summit features cliff walks, ziplining, and hiking trails with unmatched views.
• Schilthorn – Piz Gloria: Famous as the setting for the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,’ the rotating restaurant and 360-degree views are as cinematic as the movie itself.

These high-alpine adventures, easily reached via rail or gondola, offer year-round access to snow, sky and Swiss engineering marvels.

They’re also ideal for a more relaxed and less active crowd who just want to take in the stunning mountain scenery that makes Switzerland famous.

The four-season playground of Interlaken has hundreds of kilometres of hiking and biking trails (photo credit Mike Kaufmann)

STAY IN STYLE: VICTORIA-JUNGFRAU GRAND HOTEL & SPA

CATO Summit delegates also had the chance to stay at one of the country’s most iconic properties: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa.

With over 160 years of history and a prime location between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the hotel is a luxurious base for exploring Interlaken year-round.

Now part of the Michel Reybier Hospitality collection, the Victoria-Jungfrau seamlessly blends heritage with modern wellness. The property features one of Switzerland’s largest spas, spanning over 5,500 square metres, with a heated outdoor pool, private spa suites, 17 treatment rooms, and a full fitness program. “The spa is a program of its own,” said Ralph Mehrabani, Regional Director of Sales.

It’s perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day enjoying the Interlaken activities.

The landmark property offers 216 elegantly renovated rooms and suites, blending historic charm with modern comfort. Guests can enjoy refined dining across three on-site restaurants, while families appreciate thoughtful amenities like The Beehive, a dedicated kids’ club set in a whimsical cottage on the hotel grounds.

With its central location, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the region. Whether it’s for couples, families, or wellness travellers, Mehrabani says the hotel – and Interlaken – offer a “Swiss Army knife” of experiences: “Nature lovers, food lovers, skiers, or spa-goers – everyone finds something here. And for Canadians looking to reconnect with nature, there’s no better place to start.”

Interlaken’s Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa features one of Switzerland’s largest spas (photo credit Daniel Reichenbach)

GETTING THERE FROM CANADA

Accessing Interlaken from Canada is easier than ever, thanks to multiple direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to Zurich and Geneva with carriers such as Air Canada, SWISS and Lufthansa.

Travelling from Zurich to Interlaken is easy and scenic, with a smooth rail connection via Lucerne onto the Luzern–Interlaken Express, where panoramic views of lakes, mountains, and alpine villages set the tone for the journey ahead.

For those continuing onward, the GoldenPass Express, a luxurious train ride that weaves through some of Switzerland’s most picturesque landscapes en route to Montreux towards Lausanne and Geneva.

As Interlaken continues to invest in all-season tourism, Canadian travel advisors can match clients with an alpine experience that’s as diverse as it is unforgettable – as CATO Summit delegates experienced. From snow-dusted summits to sparkling lakes and high-end spas, Interlaken offers a fresh take on Switzerland 365 days a year.

More information about travel to Interlaken is at Interlaken.ch/en/.

Follow Travelweek for more coverage live from the CATO Summit in Switzerland. 

Lead image caption: Spiez is near Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland region. Many travellers to Switzerland visit both as a two-destination holiday. Spiez is a popular spot for wine tastings (photo credit Mike Kaufmann)