21 Epic Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland [2025]
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I knew Interlaken was famous for adventure sports, but I didn’t realize just how many incredible things there are to do here—or how much I’d fall in love with this place.
I came for the paragliding, epic hikes, and maybe a little Swiss chocolate, but I left with way more than that.
Some of my best memories? Floating on Lake Brienz’s ridiculously turquoise water, losing my shoe mid-runoff while paragliding (seriously—how does that even happen?), and finding a lakeside sauna that ended up being exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
And then there was the canyon swing… which, in a moment of pure self-preservation (or maybe just fear?), I canceled a full 24 hours in advance.
Just knowing I was supposed to throw myself off a cliff wasn’t sitting well—so I bailed before I even had to look down. No regrets. (Okay, maybe a little.)
Whether you’re here for the thrill, the scenery, or just an excuse to slow down, this If you’re planning a trip, this Interlaken travel guide has something for every kind of traveler.
And since I’ve tried (almost) everything on this list, I can promise these are the absolute must-dos.
So if you’re planning a trip, let’s make it unforgettable—here are 21 epic things to do in Interlaken.
Top 3 Experiences in Interlaken
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Paragliding Flight with Pilot
✨ Ariel view of Interlaken ✨
✨ Qualified pilot ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Canyon Swing
✨ 90-meter thrilling jump ✨
✨ 1 drink after the jump ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chocolate Fondue on Lake Brienz
✨ Marshmallows, fruits, pretzels, and biscuits ✨
✨ White wine & warm tea ✨
Best Time to Visit Interlaken
The best time to visit Interlaken depends on what you want to do.
- Summer (June – September): Perfect for hiking, paragliding, canyoning, and boat trips on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun. The weather is warm, and all the mountain trains, cable cars, and hiking trails are open. This is the peak tourist season, so expect crowds. I visited in September and found it to be perfect whether and fewer crowds.
- Winter (December – March): Best for skiing, snowboarding, and winter adventures like night sledding and spa days by the lake. Interlaken itself doesn’t have ski resorts, but nearby areas like Grindelwald and Mürren are easy to reach.
- Spring & Fall (April – May, October – November): Shoulder season means fewer crowds and lower prices, but some mountain activities (like Schynige Platte and Jungfraujoch) may have limited access due to weather conditions. It’s great for sightseeing and day trips but less ideal for high-altitude hikes.
Now let’s hop into the list!
Adventure & Outdoor Activities in Interlaken
1. Go Paragliding Over Interlaken
Book this activity | Duration: 1.5 hours
Paragliding is hands-down one of the best adventure activities in Switzerland, and it was my favorite experience.
When I was planning my Switzerland Itinerary, I was torn between this and skydiving, but this felt like the perfect way to ease into adrenaline adventures.
When you book your paragliding flight, you’ll receive instructions on where to meet in Interlaken. From there, they will shuttle you up a mountain where you’ll be matched with one of the instructors.
They will strap you in, give very brief instructions on how to run off the side of a mountain, and off you go!
Pro tip: tie your shoes very tight before taking off. Mine slipped off during the run, but luckily, the instructor behind us spotted it and literally flew it down for me—earning me the nickname Cinderella.
The scariest part is the jump, but once you’re in the air, it’s such a smooth flight.
I loved paragliding over Interlaken because you see the city, Lake Brienz, and Lake Thun in a way you won’t be able to from just a hike. You won’t get these views anywhere else.
✨ Book Your Paragliding Flight ✨
2. Ride the Toboggan Run at Pfingstegg
If you’re looking for an adventure activity that’s fun for the whole family, you’ll want to take a ride on Pfingstegg’s Toboggan run.
You will ride down a winding track with epic views of the Swiss Alps—it’s basically a rollercoaster, but you control the speed.
I did one run and it was so much fun and kind of an unusual activity. I started off slow, taking in the valley views and got my bearings, then picked up speed, letting the track pull me into full-throttle mode.
How to Get to the Pfingstegg Toboggan Run
Pfingstegg is located outside Grindelwald, making it an easy half-day trip from Interlaken. Here’s how to get there:
- Drive your rental car or Take the Train to Grindelwald | Directions
- From Interlaken Ost, take the Berner Oberland Railway (BOB) to Grindelwald (~35 minutes).
- Trains run frequently, so there’s no need to stress about timing.
- Walk to the Pfingstegg Cable Car Station
- Once you arrive in Grindelwald, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Pfingstegg cable car station.
- Follow signs for Pfingstegg Bergbahn.
- Ride the Cable Car to Pfingstegg
- The Pfingstegg cable car takes about 5 minutes to reach the top.
- Buy Your Toboggan Run Ticket
- Follow signs for the Rodelbahn (Toboggan Run) once you get off the cable car.
- You can buy a single ride or a bundle if you think you’ll want to go again.
3. Go Canyoning at the Chli Schliere
Book this activity | Duration: 7.5 hours
If you are looking for an all day adventure activity in Interlaken that’s a bit of a challenge try canyoning at the Chli Schliere.
This 7.5-hour adrenaline rush will take you sliding down waterfalls into the gorges of Chli Schliere.
Your day will start with a 60-minute drive from Interlaken to the canyon, giving you time to take in the views and mentally prepare for what’s ahead.
Once you arrive, the instructors will get you ready with a wetsuit, helmet, harness, and canyoning shoes before heading to the starting point.
There are no exit points once you start—meaning once you start you are fully committed to finishing the course.
If you have a fear of heights, struggle with swimming, or have any serious medical conditions, this isn’t the right activity for you.
✨ Book Your Canyoning Adventure ✨
4. Try the Canyon Swing in Grindelwald
Book this Activity | Duration: 2-3 hours
If you are braver than me, you’ll love this next activity! Take the jump at the Canyon Swing in Grindelwald.
I’ll be transparent and say I had this booked and was convinced I was going to do it up until 24 hours before…. I backed out.
The canyon swing is not for the faint of heart.
When you arrive at Glacier Canyon, you’ll take a short walk up to the platform.
Once you have your harness and safety gear secured you’ll be ready to take the 90-meter leap into the canyon.
If you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, add this to your Switzerland bucket list.
Water Activities in Interlaken
5. Take a Boat Ride on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun
Next, we are going to hit the water on the beautiful lakes around Interlaken. One of the best ways to experience Interlaken’s lakes and surrounding mountain scenery is by getting out on the water.
Option 1: Take a jet boat ride on Lake Brienz
Book this Activity | Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
If you want a fast past and thrilling ride, take the jet boat tour on Lake Brienz. This is a 50-minute ride that will take you to the most scenic spots around the lake.
They’ll provide waterproof gear that will help keep you dry and because you’re likely to get wet and won’t want to take out your phone, they offer free downloadable photos from your tour.
Option 2: Get the Boat Cruises Day Pass for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun
Book this Activity | Pass valid for one day
Another option is to get an unlimited day pass to cruise both of the famous lakes at your own pace. There isn’t a specific time frame that you have to take the boat rides but the pass is only valid for one day during their operating hours.
The boats will make stops around the lake and you are free to get on and off to explore the local towns surrounding the lake.
✨ Book Your Boat Day Day Pass ✨
6. Paddle board on Lake Brienz
Book this Activity | Duration: 2 hours
My second favorite activity was paddle boarding on Lake Brienz.
I wanted to find a local rental shop rather than booking a guided tour so I could explore at my own pace—paddling when I felt like it and just lounging on the board whenever I wanted to take a break.
The lake’s beautiful turquoise water was unbelievably clear and had amazing views of the surrounding mountains and rock faces.
After a couple of days of intense hiking, it felt amazing to just float, take in the views, and cool off in the chilly water.
Nicole Schneider, the owner of the rental shop we chose, was super helpful in getting us set up with our boards and onto the water. She made sure we had everything we needed and gave us tips on the best areas to explore.
✨ Book Your Paddle Boarding Adventure ✨
7. Sauna & Swim in Lake Thun
Going for a sauna was another one of my favorite experiences in Interlaken, and honestly, I’m not sure many people even know about it.
The only reason I found it was because it was offered at our hotel, and since it’s open to the public for booking, I had to share it.
The sauna is at Strandhotel Seeblick in Faulensee, a small lakeside hotel about 15 minutes from Interlaken.
If you have a rental car, I highly recommend staying here. It’s in a quiet area right on Lake Thun, and if you book a room with a balcony, you’ll get amazing sunrise views over the water.
The sauna itself is a small wooden hut right on the water, wood-heated and super cozy.
There’s a tiny entryway to leave your stuff before stepping into the main sauna room.
An extra relaxation room next to it stays warm from the sauna heat but isn’t nearly as hot, so you can lie down and take a break before jumping back in.
Inside that room, there’s a trapdoor in the floor with a ladder leading directly into the lake—so instead of running outside in the cold, you just climb down straight into the water.
That first shock of cold after heating up in the sauna was exactly what my sore muscles needed after days of hiking.
Hiking In Interlaken
8. Hike Augstmatthorn for an Epic Ridgeline View
Hiking Augstmatthorn was hands down the most jaw-dropping hike I’ve ever done. The views were unreal, and it might just be the most beautiful trail I’ve ever set foot on.
It was also one of the hardest—but only because we decided to take a shortcut.
You have two options for hiking Augstmatthorn.
The traditional route starts at Harder Kulm, where you’ll take a gondola from Interlaken up to the trailhead. From there, it’s an 11-mile out-and-back hike that takes about 6.5 hours.
The first gondola doesn’t leave Interlaken until 9:10 AM, which means a later start and a full-day commitment. That’s part of why we opted for the shortcut—we wanted to start earlier and still have our afternoon open.
We went paddle boarding afterward, which was just what we needed. All I wanted to do after that hike was lie down and soak my limbs in cold water.
The shortcut will take you to Augstmatthorn via Lombachalp. This route is ideal if you have a rental car.
We drove to Lombachalp, plugging in Jägerstübli Lombachalp restaurant on Google Maps since the trailhead parking is directly across the street.
This route is a 4-mile loop with a 1,873 ft elevation gain in a very short amount of time.
The trail is steep, at times requiring you to scale over rocks, and when we went, it was muddy and not super well maintained—but it was quick compared to the long route.
As a casual hiker in decent shape, I found it challenging but totally doable. This was the best hike we did in Switzerland.
9. Cable Car to Mürren & Scenic Walk from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen
Okay, I keep saying every activity is my favorite, but writing this post just keeps reminding me how amazing Switzerland is—you really can’t go wrong with anything you choose to do.
Alas, this was another one of my favorite experiences.
It’s also something you wouldn’t just stumble upon if you hadn’t researched directions ahead of time.
If you want to experience Lauterbrunnen’s famous waterfalls at your own pace, this 4-mile walk from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen is the way to do it.
It takes about two hours and follows a mostly flat, paved path. Even though AllTrails rates it as “hard,” it’s super accessible, stroller-friendly, and more of a scenic stroll than a hike.
Here’s how to get there and make the most of your day:
- Start in Lauterbrunnen, where you’ll take the cable car up to Grütschalp. From Grütschalp, you’ll hop on the train to Mürren—a small village in the mountains.
- Take your time walking through Mürren—stop for lunch, browse the little shops, and take in the views.
- When you’re ready to go, head to the cable car station on the far end of the village (there’s one main road through the village), where you’ll ride down to Stechelberg.
- Once you exit the station in Stechelberg, you’ll find the trailhead in the parking lot—from there, it’s a beautiful, easy walk back to Lauterbrunnen, passing some of the valley’s most stunning waterfalls.
Google maps directions:
- Lauterbrunnen to Mürren BLM Station
- Mürren BLM Station to Mürren to Stechelberg Station
- Walk from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen
10. Hike to Oeschinensee Lake
One of the hikes I was most excited about but didn’t get to was Oeschinensee Lake, and it’s officially number one on my list for when I go back to Switzerland.
We did several hikes in the area, but this one just didn’t happen—and I regret it.
Oeschinensee is one of the most famous alpine lakes in Switzerland, with beautiful turquoise water, big cliffs, and some of the best hiking trails in the region.
You can take the cable car from Kandersteg and do an easy walk to the lake, or take one of the longer, more challenging routes for even more epic views.
I’ll be making this a priority next time, and if you have the chance to go, don’t skip it like I did!
Eat Swiss Chocolate and Fondue in Interlaken
11. Eat Swiss Fondue in Interlaken
If you leave Switzerland without eating fondue, did you even go?
I knew I had to try it while in Interlaken, and honestly, my first experience wasn’t as life-changing as I expected.
I went to Fondue Villa & Garden, which has amazing reviews, but for me, it was just… okay. Maybe I caught it on an off night, or maybe I just didn’t love the sides they offered. (Lesson learned: the sides matter.)
The second time, I had fondue at Alti Metzg Bistro in Mürren, and it was delicious. They served it with fresh bread and soft potatoes, which made all the difference. Something about dunking those warm, fluffy potatoes into the gooey cheese just hit differently.
If I had more time, I would’ve checked out Restaurant Laterne, another popular spot right in Interlaken. It’s on my list for next time!
12. Buy A LOT of Swiss Chocolate
Listen, I fully intended to bring home Swiss chocolate as gifts… but let’s be real, most of it never made it out of my hotel room.
Swiss chocolate lives up to the hype—so smooth, so creamy, and way too easy to justify eating at any hour.
I stopped at Läderach several times. Anytime I was in downtown Interlake, I walked out with a handful of chocolate.
I popped in and grabbed a few pieces from the display—just enough to snack on while wandering around town.
13. Eat Chocolate Fondue on Lake Brienz
Book this Activity | Duration: 2 hours
If there’s one way to make Swiss chocolate even better, it’s by melting it into a pot and eating it while floating on a lake.
On the Chocolate Fondue boat tour, You’ll cozy up on a boat and dip fruit and marshmallows into delicious chocolate while soaking in the views of Lake Brienz.
The tour starts in Bönigen, where you’ll get a quick intro and safety rundown before setting off.
The chocolate fondue comes with an assortment of fruits, biscuits, pretzels, and marshmallows—plus a glass of white wine and warm tea to sip as you float between Bönigen and Interlaken.
If you’re a chocolate lover— this activity is for you!
✨ Book Your Chocolate Fondue Boat Tour ✨
Unique Experiences in Interlaken
14. Ride the Schynige Platte Train
If you’re in Switzerland during the summer, this train ride is a must.
The Schynige Platte Train has been running since 1893 and still slowly makes its way up the mountain, giving you time to take in the views—rolling green hills, wildflowers, and both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz below.
At the top, you’ve got options of things to do. You can go for a scenic hike, check out the alpine garden, or just enjoy the views.
How to Get to Schynige Platte
- Take a quick 5-minute train from Interlaken Ost to Wilderswil.
- Switch to the Schynige Platte Railway in Wilderswil
- The train runs June to October
15. Try the Night Sledding Tour in the Alps
Booth this Activity | Duration: 3 hours
The night sledding tour takes you high into the mountains, where you’ll bundle up, hop on a sled, and race down a trail in the mountains.
You’ll start in Interlaken, where you’ll meet your guide and take a ride up into the mountains.
The trail winds through forests, open meadows, and past waterfalls, all lit by the moonlight.
If you’re looking for a winter activity that’s way more fun than you’d expect from a sled, this is it.
✨ Book Your Night Sledding Tour ✨
16. Visit the St. Beatus Caves
Booth this Activity | Ticket Valid for 1 Day
If you’re up for a little adventure mixed with Swiss legend, the St. Beatus Caves are worth a visit.
Located in the cliffs above Lake Thun, these caves have tunnels and underground waterfalls.
Before heading inside, you can check out the cave museum to learn about the history and geology of the area.
There’s also an old legend that a dragon once lived here—until a monk named Beatus came along and drove it away. (Did it really happen? Who knows. But it definitely adds to the vibe.)
The cave itself has a 1-kilometer walking path that winds through lit grottos, narrow canyons, and massive rock formations.
The temperature stays at around 8-10°C (46-50°F) year-round—so bring a jacket!
✨ Book Your St. Beatus Caves Tour ✨
Day Trips from Interlaken
17. Visit Lauterbrunnen, the Valley of 72 Waterfalls
When it comes to day trips from Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen is an easy 20-minute ride away.
You can get there by train from Interlaken Ost or a rental car.
Lauterbrunnen looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. Even when I saw it in person, it didn’t seem like a real place.
With Lauterbrunnen’s massive cliffs, the beautiful green valley, and 72 waterfalls make it one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen.
I experienced many of the waterfalls by walking from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen. It was a peaceful stroll that took me through the valley.
We also made a stop in Mürren, via cable car from Lauterbrunnen, where we had fondue and charcuterie at Alti Metzg Bistro before heading back down to explore the town and stop in the local shops.
As far as things to do, one day is plenty, but honestly, I wish I had gone back just to see it one more time.
18. Explore Grindelwald & Do the First Cliff WalK
Grindelwald is about 30 minutes from Interlaken. The train from Interlaken Ost takes around 35 minutes and driving takes about 30 minutes.
Once you’re there, you’ll be able to walk to the cable car stations to reach the mountains
My first impression of Grindelwald was that it was so green. The grass looks so soft that you just want to lie down in it and take a nap.
As you make your way up the mountain on the cable cars, you’ll see cows sprawled along the rolling hills grazing and their bells chiming.
It feels peaceful, almost storybook-like, but in a totally different way than Lauterbrunnen.
While Lauterbrunnen has dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, Grindelwald is rolling alpine hills.
I visited Grindelwald twice. The first time, we took the cable car up from the Firstbahn station to do the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk—a metal walkway that wraps around a cliff.
The second time, we came back to take the cable car up from Grindelwald station for the Pfingstegg toboggan run.
If you want to venture up both stations like I did, it could be done in one day if you’re short on time.
19. Take the Cable Car to Schilthorn’s ‘007’ Viewpoint
Schilthorn’s 007 viewpoint is about an hour from Interlaken, where you can see one of the best 360° views of the Swiss Alps.
It’s another famous location for the production of the James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Once you’re at the top, you’ll be at 2,970 meters (9,744 feet) altitude. You’ll be overlooking the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau summits.
You can visit the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, that rotates so you have 360° views while you dine.
If you want to make a stop along the way, the Birg Thrill Walk (one cable car stop below Schilthorn) has a glass walkway and metal net bridges hanging over the cliffs.
How to Get to Schilthorn from Interlaken
- Drive or take the train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen (~20 minutes).
- From Lauterbrunnen, take the #141 bus to Stechelberg Schilthornbahn (~15 minutes).
- Ride the cable car from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald.
- Transfer to the second cable car from Gimmelwald to Mürren.
- Take the third cable car from Mürren to Birg. Get off here to do the Thrill Walk.
- Take the last cable car from Birg to Schilthorn.
20. Hike Stoos Ridge
Stoos Ridge was the first hike I did in Switzerland, and it did not disappoint. I stopped here on my drive from Zurich to Interlaken. It’s about 1.5 hours from Interlaken in the Lake Lucerne region.
Since I was on my way to my hotel in Interlaken, I opted for the shorter and easier route and took the Stoos funicular to the top. This is known to be the steepest funicular in the world.
From the top, the ridge hike is about 2.7 miles and takes about 2 hours. If you want more of a challenge, you can hike the 7.8-mile loop from the parking lot instead of taking the funicular which is about 5 hours.
The trail itself is very well maintained and heavily trafficked. It’s more of a touristy hike. While there are a few steep spots on the trail, it’s doable for all fitness levels and never felt too overcrowded.
I’m not sure it quite beats the Augstmatthorn views in Interlaken, but it was up there with beautiful overlooking views of the surrounding area and pretty turquoise lakes.
On the hike, you may come across some curious cows. They were friendly and photogenic, but remember don’t pet or feed them!
After passing the cows, you’ll hit the steepest part of the trail before reaching the funicular that will take you back down to your car
21. Take an Overnight Trip to Zermatt & See the Matterhorn
Zermatt is one of the most famous spots in Switzerland because it’s home to the Matterhorn.
If you decide to venture to Zermatt from Interlaken, I recommend staying overnight. It’s doable in one day, but it will be a long day, and you probably won’t have much time to explore the village.
How to Get to Zermatt by Car
If you have a rental car, here’s how to get there and hike to Stellisee Lake:
- Drive to Täsch – Zermatt is car-free, so you’ll need to park in Täsch. Parking costs 1 CHF per hour (~2 hours from Interlaken | park here).
- Take the Shuttle Train into Zermatt – The Zermatt Shuttle runs every 20 minutes and costs 17.20 CHF round-trip (book here).
- Check in to your hotel: If you’re staying overnight, check in to your hotel and drop off your things.
- Walk to the Sunnegga Valley Station – A short walk from the train station in Zermatt. (get directions)
- Gondola from Zermatt to Sunnegga – This is the first stop up the mountain ($16 round-trip – Book here).
- Gondola from Sunnegga to Blauherd – This gets you even higher ($119 round-trip – Book here).
- Hike 1.7 miles to Stellisee Lake – A short but scenic hike to one of the best views of the Matterhorn.
After seeing the Matterhorn, head back to Zermatt for the night.
The next morning, explore the town or take another gondola up to Gornergrat for an even better panoramic view before heading back.
How to Visit Zermatt Without a Car
If you don’t have a rental car, the easiest way to visit is by train or guided tour.
By Train:
- Book a train ticket for the train from Interlaken to Zermatt.
- Takes about 2.5 hours each way.
Book a Guided Tour:
If you don’t want to worry about how to there, book a Zermatt & Matterhorn tour that includes transportation, gondola tickets, and a local guide.
Wrapping Up
Interlaken has a way of surprising you. I came for the adventure, but it was everything in between—the quiet moments in the mountains, the unexpected finds, the ridiculous amount of cheese and chocolate—that really made it special.
Hopefully, this list of must-do activities in Interlaken to make your trip unforgettable.
Whether you’re here to chase adrenaline or just take in the views, there’s no wrong way to do Interlaken.
Try something new, take your time, and just enjoy it—because chances are, you’ll already be planning your next trip back before you even leave.
Continue Planning your Switzerland Trip
- Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? (Honest Traveler’s Review)
- 10 Days in Switzerland: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Guide to Hiking in Interlaken: 8 Incredible Trails for Every Fitness Level
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