Outdoor Adventure Activities In Interlaken: By Water, Land And Air

Nestled between the cobalt blue lakes of Thun and Brienz, is Switzerland’s adventure capital, Interlaken. This place is blessed with sparkling rivers and mountains which makes for perfect settings to experience high-flying adventure and adrenaline kicks. The pulse racing adventure activities that this place has to offer makes Interlaken one of the best destinations for adventure sports. Be it land, water or air, Interlaken has action-packed adventures to set every thrill seekers pulse racing. No wonder it is called the ‘adventure capital of Europe’.

Adventure Activities In Interlaken: By Water

You’ll be spoilt for choices when it comes to water activities in Interlaken. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones:

Water Canyoning 

There are numerous gorges in Interlaken that’s great to get a feel of this epic activity. You will have to plunge into icy pools, crawl under rocks, slide down waterfalls, and pass through narrow/tall gorges on this canyoning adventure. Conquer the gorges and waterfalls within the canyon with guidance from experienced guides. Canyoning is quite a challenging activity but you don’t need to be a great swimmer to do it as all necessary safety equipment like helmets, lifejackets and ropes are used to keep one safe. Come get close and personal with nature with this exhilarating activity to try out with family or friends. 

River Rafting

Next up is the river rafting which is one of the most adventurous things to do in Interlaken. Interlaken being nestled between two lakes, makes for an ideal location to conquer the white water. It has some of the best rafting spots in the Swiss Alps. This outdoor activity is sure to send chills down your spine as you navigate the raging waters and currents. All the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps you see while being swept along the river is an added bonus. If you are looking for a bit of action but not too much, then this is one of the perfect adventure activities in Interlaken for you.

Kayaking

If you are not looking for adventure and want to just relax and enjoy the quiet environment, then Kayaking is one such activity that can be done with family, friends or even children. If it’s your first time at kayaking, Interlaken is a great base for this activity. Lake Brienz is the best place for Kayaking in Interlaken Switzerland not only in summers but winters too. The strong and steady current of this lake allows you to float without much effort. Enjoy the beautiful cliffs, fishes, other water animals and the Swiss Alps at your own pace with this outdoor activity in Interlaken.

Jet Boating

If you fancy some speed on the water, then this wet and wild ride on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz is the thing for you. Professional and experienced captain will take a small group of people around the entire lake. The captain is not only in charge of the ride but also gives interesting information about the region and its culture. Hold on to your seats tightly as the driver performs 360° spins and high-speed drifts on the lake. The entire tour over stunning turquoise waters covers secluded beaches, castles, waterfalls and the surrounding lakes. Both young and old guests can enjoy this ride.

Suggested Reads: 10 Water Sports That Will Make You Want To Hit The Waters Right Away!

Adventure Activities In Interlaken: By Land

You’ll be spoilt for choices when it comes to land activities in Interlaken. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones:

Hike Harder Kulm

At 1322 m above sea level lies the Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain. This mountain town in Europe is known for its panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Lakes Thun and Brienz. Hiking up and down this mountain is completely free. Start your hike from Interlaken up to the summit. This three hour climb will take you through the forest with glimpses of the lake and breathtaking views of the Bernese Alps. Once up there, enjoy a traditional Harder breakfast at the restaurant or coffee shop on the top. Take some amazing pics from the two-lake Footbridge, which is the ideal vantage platform. Adventure freaks can hike back down to Interlaken, others can take the funicular. 

Walk Through Glacier Canyon

Discover the impressive Glacier Canyon through a walking tour in Grindelwald. It took nearly 250 million years for Mother Nature to carve out this masterpiece. Today the canyon is a popular destination for its unique sensory walk through exposed rock galleries and tunnels. Glacier Canyon is divided into six themes – Coincidence, Formation, Geology, Water, Glacier and Myth. The most famous attraction here is the 170 m2 SPIDERWEB which spans the canyon, allowing visitors to scramble, walk or crawl seven meters above the roaring Lütschine River. This outdoor activity is accessible in all weather conditions and can be a unique experience for people of all ages. 

Train Ride To Jungfraujoch

Boarding a train to the top of Europe is one of the best things to do in Interlaken. Jungfraujoch train station stands at 3,454 meters high, making it Europe’s highest railway station. This cogwheel train starts from Interlaken to stop at Kleine Scheidegg and then to Wengen and finally to Jungfraujoch. The entire one hour thirty minute journey takes you through scenic and breathtaking views of Aletsch Glacier and the Swiss Alps. Once you arrive at Jungfraujoch Interlaken in Switzerland, you can try tubing, skiing, sledding, snowboarding or Ziplining. There are multiple viewing platforms too from where you can take in the incredible views. 

Also Read: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Jungfraujoch

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is one of the most exhilarating experiences that one can have in Interlaken. Wearing a harness and clipping it into a strong wire, literally hanging off the wall is not an activity for faint hearts. For beginners, there are friendlier routes to climb with the help of certified guides. For experienced climbers who have full knowledge of the techniques and tricks can challenge themselves by attempting difficult levels. There are half-day climbs and full-day climbs to choose from. All rock climbing routes are decided a few days before the climb based on weather and rock conditions. The surreal surroundings make the climb completely worthwhile.

Adventure Activities In Interlaken: By Air

You’ll be spoilt for choices when it comes to aerial activities in Interlaken. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones:

Paragliding

How about soaring through the sky to get a bird’s eye view of Interlaken. Paragliding is one of the most popular adventure activities in Interlaken for some extra fun and excitement. The morning begins with a drive to the hilltop in a van. During the entire drive up the hill, your guide or instructor will brief you on the take-off and landing process along with some safety tips. When ready, all you need to do is step off the take-off site with your qualified instructor. Within seconds you will be flying past Harder Kulm’s viewpoint and soaring high above Interlaken. The breathtaking flight touches down after 20 minutes leaving you with an exhilarating feeling. Best time to go paragliding is between April and October. 

Skydiving

There’s no bigger adrenaline rush than what a Skydiving experience can give. Jumping out of a plane or helicopter from Interlaken makes for an unbelievable experience. You don’t need prior training to experience this adventure activity. You will be harnessed to a trained professional who will make sure that you enjoy the experience as well as land safely in Interlaken. So just relax and enjoy the drop for this is something that will remain with you forever. The views of the Swiss Alps, expansive glaciers, Interlaken’s two lakes and its equally enchanting surroundings is sure to blow your mind away. Your Interlaken adventures will not be complete without a skydiving experience.

Bungee Jumping 

Perhaps one of the popular outdoor adventure activities in Interlaken is Bungee jumping. The most unusual site of them all is the Stockhorn bungee which is the world’s best and most beautiful bungee jumping location. After securing with a harness you are lifted 134m up in a gondola, the scenery from above is just insane. Get ready to take the plunge from above and a free fall towards the tranquil mountain and the lake below. Experienced jump masters will be waiting for you to be lowered into the waiting boat. Your bungee jumping experience ends in a few minutes but the memories stay on forever. 

Helicopter Rides

Last but not the least, top off your holiday with an unforgettable scenic chopper ride. A helicopter tour will take you over Lake Thun, Swiss Alps, and the world famous trio – the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The flight then moves over the Lauterbrunnen valley and the Schilthorn summit, and then finally flies over the great James Bond filming location. Be it summer or winter, this scenic flight is an experience you just cannot miss. For people who want to try their hand at skydiving, this is a perfect activity where you can combine both. 

Because of its geographical positioning in the heart of the Alps, there are more adventure activities in Interlaken than in any other place in Switzerland. So if you are planning an adventure holiday, look no further, head straight to Interlaken for it is the ultimate playground for adventure seekers.