What to do in Interlaken

Located in the enigmatic Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, Interlaken is the adventure sport enthusiast’s paradise. A magical landscape of mountains and lakes offers an impressive amount of outdoor activities.

Interlaken, meaning between two lakes, is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland. Located on a narrow stretch of the valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this picturesque city is one of the best base camps for discovering the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Interlaken was already a popular spot during the 19th century, with people like Goethe traveling the mountains, but the success came with the completion of the Bernese Oberland Railway in 1890 and the Jungfrau Railway in 1912.

Thanks to the enormous quantity of water around Interlaken, white water activities can be experimented in full glory. The best spot for rafting in the Swiss Alps can be found here, the mighty Lütschine River. There, you will splash on clear alpine waters with class 3 and 4 from the north face of the Eiger all the way to Lake Brienz. Be sure to pack a change of clothes because there is no way you’re getting out dry!

If you want to fully be part of nature, canyoning is the way to go. Interlaken’s geography gives you the opportunity to explore multiple ravines and creeks. Popular spots like Saxeten will prove challenging but incredibly fun!

Always guarded by three astonishing mountains, the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau, Interlaken attracts climbers from all over the globe. On one of the faces of the Sustenhorn, you’ll find the Susten Pass. During winter its walls become ice solid, allowing iceclimbing. With spots of a wide variety of levels, Susten Pass is one of the most alpine sceneries where you can climb on ice.

At the north face of the Eager, adventures can engage in the most extreme via ferrata in Switzerland known as Rotstock. This 6 hour climb will reward you with awe-inspiring landscapes at 2,663m. Pack lightly because it’s going to be a challenge!

The overwhelming beauty of the region has taken adventures to the sky. Taking off from Beatenberg at 1350m, you will glide over the Interlaken valley. During this flight you will have an exclusive view of the three mountains (Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau) and both lakes (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz) while feeling the fresh mountain air on your face.

For those who like to keep their feet on the ground, Interlaken has many hiking trails in which you can witness the magic of the Swiss Alps in first hand. Popular hiking spots include Harder Mountain and Schynige Platte, yet a bit further a hike around mirror-like Lake Bachalpsee is something you can’t dare to miss.

During winter, Interlaken is perfectly located for skiers who don’t like to feel bounded to one ski resort. Located next to the Jungfrau Top Ski Region, skiers spending their holidays at Interlaken can chose to enjoy the white pow-pow at either Mürren/Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen or First. Combining over 200 km of drawn ski slopes, you can even spend a day in each one! Also in the region, about 220 km of trails destined for ski touring or snowshoeing are available for those seeking the peace of the mountains.

It only takes a looking at a few photographs to fall in love with the treasure of the Swiss Alps, now imagine witnessing it live and in living color!