From mountain hikes to paragliding in crisp, Alpine air to subterranean exploration, this action-packed town is full of adventure
Nestled in the Bernese Oberland, the first thing you’ll notice about the gorgeous town of Interlaken is that, well, it’s gorgeous, filled with traditional Swiss Alpine scenes everywhere you turn. But Interlaken isn’t just a pretty face, as it’s also known to be a hub for active pursuits and thrilling sports. This is the place to be if you want to tick-off some bucket-list activities on land, in the water or even up in the air. Here are ten of our favourites, and remember you can find more Interlaken inspiration by clicking here.
Since Interlaken is positioned so snugly between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it would be silly not to make the most of these vast bodies of water. The easiest way to do this is by hopping on a boat and setting sail on one of the many scenic cruises available. As you pass by meadows, forests and mountains, look out for castles if you’re on Lake Thun, while Lake Brienz offers views of the Giessbach waterfalls and the charming fishing village of Iseltwald.
It seems fitting that ‘Interlaken’s local mountain’ provides surely the most beautiful and spectacular views of the town. And no wonder, because Harder Kulm stands 1,322 metres-above-sea-level, also giving you spectacular positioning to see the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The journey up to the summit is just as dramatic, whether you take the much-loved funicular railway (which has been in operation for more than 100 years) or embark on an adventurous hike.
All aboard for a seriously scenic railway ride on a traditional rack-and-pinion steam railway, opened in 1892. At 2,244 metres-above-sea-level you’ll be treated to fantastic views of a staggering 693 mountain peaks – don’t worry, you don’t need to count them all. Once you reach the summit in your strikingly coloured red steam locomotive, you’ll need to refuel (just like the train, in fact), which you can do in style at Berghaus Rothorn Kulm, a mountain hotel providing yet more superb views.
Are you searching for the quintessential Swiss scene? If so, head straight to this sun-kissed mountain plateau, where you’ll see colourful Alpine flowers and plants in the Botanical Alpine Garden, while hearing the unmistakable tones of alphorns resonating through the mountain valleys. Alphorns have been played in the region for many years (initially as communication between herdsmen and farmers) and the tradition continues today. The Schynige Platte is also a haven for hiking, as it’s the starting point for numerous beautiful trails that lead walkers through unbeatable Alpine scenery.
A pyramid in Alpine Switzerland? Strage as it may seem, that’s exactly what you’ll see when visiting this marvellous mountain, whose triangular shadow makes for an incredible sight on Lake Thun, as well as providing a blissful panorama of Interlaken and the surrounding regions. Hop on the funicular railway and travel up along the world’s longest staircase (totalling 11,674 steps) to the summit, where glorious views and refreshments at Berghaus Niesen Kulm await you.
Those after an exhilarating way to see Interlaken will appreciate a jetboat tour across Lake Brienz. Enjoy gnarly 360-degree spins in your boat as you zoom across the water, pausing only to hear stories about the region from your captain. The views of waterfalls, mountains and endlessly blue skies look even better at this speed.
Live the high life while you’re holidaying in Interlaken by gliding slowly and peacefully through the air on a paragliding excursion. You’ll get an unrivalled bird’s-eye-view of the traditional villages, sparkling lakes and flower-strewn meadows scattered down below, ending at the Höhematte park with a view of the famous Jungfrau.
There are panoramas and then there’s the panorama offered at the top of the Niederhorn mountain, which is something else entirely. Marvel at distant, snow-capped mountains and the blue glint of Lake Thun from 1,950 metres above sea level, and when you’ve caught your breath, why not hop on a scooter bike to make your descent? This super-fun method of transport offers a quick and scenic way to travel, and there are various scooter bike trails around Niederhorn that let you explore the landscape.
You can do a lot in 20 minutes, such as reaching the summit of the mighty Stockhorn mountain via a smooth cable car ride. Once you’ve made it to the top, 2,190 metres-above-sea-level, soak up views of the perfectly Swiss countryside around you, and consider the fact that a whopping 200 mountain peaks are visible from your location. If you want to take it easy, catch some rays on the sun terrace of the aptly named Panorama Restaurant. If, however, you want to crank things up a notch or ten, there’s always the option to bungee jump out of a cable car towards Lake Hinterstocken, revisiting a few of those 2,190 metres you’ve just conquered.
Found high above Lake Thun, this incredible network of limestone caves is a genuine spectacle. The impossibly intricate stalagmite and stalactite formations are a thing of beauty, but that’s just one aspect of this incredible underground world waiting to be explored. While you’re there, listen out for the unmistakable dripping and bubbling of water, adding yet more atmosphere to this subterranean wonder.
