Interlaken is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities that will satisfy any thrill-seeker or nature lover. Whether you want to soar above the Alps, dive into the crystal clear lakes, or explore the stunning scenery on foot, Interlaken has something for you. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures you can experience in Interlaken. Find the best winter Interlaken outdoor winter adventures at the bottom of this post.
Interlaken Outdoor Summer Adventures
Skydiving
If you are looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, skydiving over Interlaken is the perfect choice. You can choose to jump from a helicopter or an airplane, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, as well as the lakes of Thun and Brienz. You will be accompanied by a professional instructor who will guide you through the whole process and ensure your safety. Skydiving is an unforgettable experience that will make you feel alive and free.
Paragliding
Another way to experience the beauty of Interlaken from above is paragliding. You can glide through the air with a tandem pilot, who will take care of everything while you relax and enjoy the scenery. Paragliding is a peaceful and serene activity that will make you feel like a bird. You can also try hang gliding, which is similar to paragliding but with a rigid wing. Both activities are suitable for beginners and experts alike.
White Water Rafting
If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, rafting is a great option for you. Interlaken has several rivers that offer different levels of difficulty and excitement. You can go white water rafting on the Lütschine, Simme, or Saane rivers, depending on your preference and skill level. You will be equipped with a wetsuit, helmet, and life jacket, and guided by an experienced rafting instructor. Rafting is a fun and exhilarating way to explore the wild side of Interlaken.


Canyoning
Canyoning is another water-based activity that will challenge your senses and skills. Canyoning involves descending through narrow gorges, using various techniques such as rappelling, sliding, jumping, or swimming. You will encounter waterfalls, pools, rocks, and caves along the way, making it a diverse and adventurous experience. Canyoning is suitable for anyone who loves water and adventure.






Jet Boat
If you want to enjoy the beauty of Lake Brienz in a fast and furious way, jet boat is the activity for you. You will board a powerful jet boat that can reach speeds of up to 75 km/h and perform spectacular 360° spins. You will also pass by some of the most scenic spots on the lake, such as the Giessbach Falls and the Iseltwald village. Jet boat is a thrilling and refreshing way to discover Lake Brienz.
Kayaking
If you prefer a more leisurely and relaxing way to explore Lake Brienz, kayaking is a good alternative. You can paddle on your own or with a guide, and enjoy the calm and clear water of the lake. Kayaking is a great way to get close to nature and admire the stunning views of the mountains and forests surrounding the lake. You can also stop at some of the charming villages along the shore, such as Brienz or Bönigen. Hightide kayak is a great place to rent a kayak or get a guide to show you around.


High Ropes Park
If you are looking for a fun and challenging activity on land the high ropes park is a great option for you. Ropes park is an adventure park that consists of various obstacles and courses suspended in the trees. Lots of ziplines await you too. You can test your balance, agility, and courage as you climb, swing, zip-line, or jump from one platform to another. The high-ropes course is suitable for all ages and skill levels, as there are different courses ranging from easy to difficult.
Glacier Canyon
If you want to experience something unique and spectacular, glacier canyon is the activity for you. Glacier canyon is a natural wonder that was formed by glacial erosion over thousands of years located just outside of Grindelwald You can walk through the canyon on a wooden walkway that follows the course of the river Lütschine. You will see impressive rock formations, waterfalls, potholes, and fossils along the way. Glacier canyon is a fascinating and educational experience that will make you appreciate the power of nature right in the middle of the Swiss Alps
Mountaineering
If you are an experienced climber or want to learn how to climb in the Alps, mountaineering is the activity for you. Interlaken has some of the most iconic peaks in Switzerland, such as the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, or Schilthorn. You can join a guided tour or take a course with a certified mountain guide who will teach you the basic skills and techniques of mountaineering. Mountaineering is an amazing way to challenge yourself and reach new heights.
Via Ferrata aka Klettersteig
If you want to try something between hiking and climbing, via ferrata is the activity for you. Via ferrata – called Klettersteig in German – is a protected climbing route that involves metal steps, ladders, bridges, and cables. You will be equipped with a harness and a helmet, and attached to a steel cable that runs along the route. Via ferrata is a safe and accessible way to enjoy the thrill of climbing and the views of the Alps. Interlaken has several via ferrata routes, such as the Mürren or the Allmenalp.




Bungee Jumping
If you are looking for an extreme adrenaline rush, bungee jumping in Interlaken is the perfect choice. You can experience one of the most unusual and breathtaking bungee sites in the world, the Stockhorn bungy. You will be lifted 134 meters up in a mountain gondola, and then take the plunge towards the pristine mountain lake Stocksee. You will feel the thrill of freefalling and bouncing back up in the air, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. Alternatively, you can try the canyon swing in Grindelwald, where you will jump from a platform into a glacial gorge and swing like a pendulum over the canyon.
Hiking…with a Fondue Backpack
Fondue backpack hiking is a unique and delicious way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Interlaken, Switzerland. With a fondue backpack, you can easily prepare your own cheese fondue on any location you choose. Whether you want to dip your bread in the melted cheese next to a lake, a waterfall, a castle ruin, or a mountain top, you will have everything you need in the fondue backpack. It includes a fondue pot, a burner, cheese, bread, pickles, wine, tea, and even pesto for a twist. Fondue hiking is a fun and cozy adventure that will make you feel closer to nature and Swiss culture.
Interlaken Outdoor Winter Adventures
Skiing & Snowboarding
Interlaken is a great base for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, as it offers easy access to some of the best ski resorts in Switzerland. You can choose from over 200 km of perfectly groomed pistes, suitable for all levels of ability and experience. Whether you prefer the challenging slopes of the Jungfrau ski region, the family-friendly areas of Beatenberg-Niederhorn, Brienz-Axalp, or Diemtigtal, or the small but charming resorts of Habkern and Aeschi-Aeschiried, you will find your ideal ski destination in Interlaken. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, as well as the lakes of Thun and Brienz, as you glide through the snow.
Starlit Sledding
Another way to enjoy the beauty of Interlaken at night is starlit sledding. You can travel from Interlaken high into the Swiss Alps, take in the starlit winter panorama, and then zip down a 1-hour long sled run. Along the way, you will pass by snow-covered fir trees, alpine meadows, and frozen waterfalls. You can also combine starlit sledding with a fondue or raclette in a cosy mountain inn like the fondue villa & garden who offers a fun and delicious starlit night sledding & fondue package.

Swimming and Winter Swimming
Interlaken is not only a paradise for summer swimming, but also for winter swimming. You can enjoy the refreshing and clear water of the lakes of Thun and Brienz, or the indoor and outdoor pools of Bödelibad Interlaken. If you are brave enough, you can also join Interlaken New Year’s dip & dive, a tradition that involves jumping into the refreshing water to celebrate the start of a new year. People bring their favourite rubber ducks as support, eat hot soup to warm up & cheers to the new years at the shores of the lake of Thun. The New Year’s dip & dive is popular in many countries but in Interlaken, you can do it with a stunning backdrop of the Alps. Swimming and winter swimming are great ways to invigorate your body and mind in Interlaken.




Winter Walking & Hiking
Interlaken is a wonderful destination for winter walking and hiking, as it offers a variety of trails that suit different levels of difficulty and interest. You can enjoy the snow-covered landscapes, the frozen lakes, and the panoramic views of the Alps. You can also find cozy mountain huts and restaurants along the way, where you can warm up and taste some local specialties. Here are some of the best winter walking and hiking trails in Interlaken.
- Niederhorn – Waldegg: This moderate trail starts from the Niederhorn cable car station and follows the ridge to Waldegg, passing through pine forests and alpine meadows. The views of Lake Thun and the surrounding mountains are stunning.
- From First to Bort via Waldspitz: This scenic trail starts from the First cable car station and goes to Bort via Waldspitz, where you can enjoy a delicious cheese fondue. The trail offers amazing views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
- Lakeside Paths & Walking Trails: If you prefer a more leisurely and relaxing walk, you can choose from several lakeside paths and walking trails in Interlaken. You can discover tranquil nature reserves, fairytale forests, and wide-open fields. You can also admire the reflections of the mountains on the lakes of Thun and Brienz.
- Männlichen & Kleine Scheidegg Winter trails: close to 100km of winter walking trail await you in the centre of the Jungrau region. Take a cable car up to Eigergletscher station or Männlichen and follow the purple winter walking trail markers.
Interlaken Outdoor: Great Adventures Await
Interlaken is a destination that offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventures. Whether you are looking for adrenaline, fun, or relaxation, you will find it in Interlaken. So don’t hesitate and book your next adventure with us today!