Best things to do in Interlaken
Find out more about those top places in Interlaken
Interlaken: Switzerland’s Adventure Playground with a Dash of Charm
Nestled between the shimmering lakes of Brienz and Thun, Interlaken is Switzerland’s ultimate paradise for alpine adventures. Surrounded by the towering, glacier-capped peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch, this little gem of a town offers a thrilling variety of things to do for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re after an extreme sport fix or simply want to take in the breathtaking views, Interlaken has something for everyone—no matter how wild (or laid-back) your style may be.
The Ultimate Adventure Hub
Let’s be honest—if you’re heading to Interlaken, it’s probably because you want to do something that’ll make your heart race. And guess what? You won’t be disappointed. Extreme sports are the name of the game here, and whether you’re into paragliding, white-water rafting, or ice climbing, Interlaken has you covered.
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Paragliding: Soar like an eagle above the lakes and mountains—because why wouldn’t you want to glide through the sky while taking in some of the most stunning views on earth? It's one of the top attractions in Interlaken, and it’s a serious bucket-list experience.
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Rafting and Canyoning: If you prefer your thrills with a side of water, white-water rafting on the Aare River or jumping into the wild, gushing canyons is the way to go. Get ready to feel the rush!
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Skiing and Snowboarding: Winter sports are always a hit here. Interlaken is your gateway to the Jungfrau Ski Region, where skiing and snowboarding are practically a lifestyle. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, the slopes are as perfect as they come.
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Ice Climbing: Ready to take your adventure to another level? Try ice climbing on the nearby frozen waterfalls and glaciers. It's the perfect challenge for thrill-seekers who want to feel like a real-life action hero.
Exploring the Town: Charm Meets History
But wait, if you’re not all about the extreme sports (we get it, sometimes you just want to relax), Interlaken is also home to some serious charm. Imagine strolling through streets lined with quaint alpine cottages, stopping at cafes and fin-de-siècle hotels that once hosted weary Victorian travelers escaping to the mountains. Interlaken’s history can still be felt in its old-school spas and the timeless elegance of the buildings.
You’ll find plenty of things to do that aren’t quite as intense but are equally rewarding:
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Stroll Through the Town: Interlaken’s old town is a picturesque maze of cobbled streets and traditional Swiss architecture, perfect for a relaxed afternoon of sightseeing. Don’t forget to snap a photo by the Aare River, where the views of the surrounding mountains are just unreal.
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Visit Harder Kulm: For a more leisurely activity with jaw-dropping scenery, hop on the funicular up to Harder Kulm—the top attraction in Interlaken for panoramic views. From this vantage point, you can gaze over both lakes and the peaks of the Swiss Alps, and if you’re feeling fancy, enjoy a meal at the mountaintop restaurant.
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Take a Cruise on Lake Thun: For something a bit gentler, take a scenic boat tour on Lake Thun. With the towering mountains surrounding the lake, this tranquil cruise will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting.
A Gateway to Adventure and Relaxation
Whether you’re looking to feel the rush or unwind in the most idyllic of settings, Interlaken is the perfect blend of both. And with its charming streets, stunning lakes, and postcard-perfect views, you’ll quickly fall for this alpine wonderland. So grab your camera, pack your adventure gear, and get ready to experience Switzerland like never before.
Looking for more ideas? Interlaken isn’t just about extreme sports and alpine charm—it’s a hub for unforgettable sightseeing and a town that invites you to create your own unforgettable memories. This is a destination where you can feel the thrill of the mountains one moment, then sip coffee in a cozy cafe the next. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, there’s always something to do in this beautiful Swiss town.
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Jungfraujoch
Perched 3454 meters above sea level in the snow-capped Swiss Alps is Jungfraujoch, the world’s highest railway station. Day trips from Interlaken take you through some of Europe’s most iconic scenery before ascending to the summit by rail, which is encircled by the Altesch Glacier. Once on the roof of the world you can marvel at the breathtaking landscapes, sample Swiss cuisine at a mountain-top tavern and learn about the history of this remarkable railway station.
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Harder Kulm
One of the quintessential Interlaken experiences is taking the town’s funicular to Harder Kulm, which lies nearly 1500 meters above sea level. From the summit a variety of hiking trails ranging from pleasant strolls to adrenaline pumping epics begin while the recently opened Two Lakes Bridge is Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon’s Sky Bridge.
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Tourist Museum
The Tourist Museum, which is one of Interlaken’s most low-key attractions, is also one of its most fascinating. The museum details the town’s swift rise to fame during the Victorian-era, the emergence of mass tourism in the region and its recent transformation into an adventure sports mecca. Guided tours of the small but perfectly formed museum are available.
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Saint Beatus Caves
Well beneath the surface of the Swiss Alps that surround Interlaken is the subterranean world of Saint Beatus Caves. Clad in a phantasmagoria of stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations, the caverns are simply unforgettable – especially once you learn of their fabled history as the home of dragons.
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Lake Brienz
Sandwiched between impressive Alpine peaks is the picture-perfect Lake Brienz. With Interlaken perched on its western tip, the town makes the perfect base for exploring its wonderful scenery whether by vintage paddle boat tours or by something a little more adventurous, such as jet skis or kayaks.
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Paragliding
For vertigo-free visitors to Interlaken, one of the area’s most unforgettable activities is paragliding. A variety of highly experienced local operators run tours from the town that let you glide down pine-clad Alpine valleys and survey the snowy peaks from the air.
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Heimwehfluh
Trundling up the hill south of Interlaken is the 19th century funicular Heimwehfluh. While the scenery this side of the town may be more rolling than Alpine, the summit station gives you the opportunity to go tobogganing in the winter or simply admire spectacular views of Lake Thun.
