• Home
  • U.S. Destinations
    • Midwest
    • Northeast
    • Northwest
    • Southeast
    • Southwest
    • Coastal
  • International Destinations
    • Africa/Middle East
    • Antarctica/Arctic
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Mexico/Central America/Carribean
    • Oceania
    • South America
  • Food & Drink
    • For the Home
    • On The Town
    • At the Bar
    • Recipes
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Getting There
    • Staying There
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Gear & Gifts
    • People Stories
    • Focus on Photos
  • About
    • Our Site
    • Contributors
    • Write To Us
    • Write For Us
    • Work With Us
    • Disclosure
    • Subscribe
    • Privacy Policy
Confetti Travel Cafe
Celebrate travel, culture, connection
Interlaken Switzerland
Europe, International, International Destinations 2

6 Things to Do Around Interlaken, Switzerland

By Anna Timbrook · On June 21, 2020


Interlaken might not have the same appeal as Switzerland’s big cities like Lucerne and Zurich, but that only means that it’s suited for a different type of traveler! And if you would rather spend time outdoors than in shops, it’s definitely the place for you. This charming town lies in between the Thun and Brienz lakes, and it’s heaven on Earth for adventurers. Not only can you attempt to go on some of the toughest hikes in the country, but you will also have the opportunity to have several once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From witnessing underground waterfalls to seeing the highest-altitude post office on the continent – here are the six best things to do around Interlaken!

paragliding things to do in Intertaken

Paragliding,skydiving and rafting are all popular things to do around Interlaken.

Skydiving, Paragliding, Rafting And More

Interlaken is the best playground an adventurer could ask for. If it’s an adrenaline rush you seek, you will have a hard time saying goodbye to this charming Swiss town. Why? Because Interlaken is the adrenaline capital of Switzerland, and they have it all!!

Skydiving and paragliding are very popular in Interlaken. Several different companies in the town offer this experience to tourists, which means that the prices are pretty competitive. Whether you’re looking to roam around the sky for quite some time, or just experience the rush of the freefall, Interlaken will not leave you disappointed.

And it doesn’t stop there; considering that the city lies nestled between two lakes, there’s all sorts of water adventures you can keep yourself busy with. Rafting is certainly on the menu, as is jet boat riding! And if water is your thing, then you can also hire a two person kayak, a canoe or stand up paddle board and explore Lake Brienz on your own.

Other exciting things you do in Interlaken include bungee jumping, canyon swinging, kayaking and hang gliding – and that’s just in the summer. If you happen to visit Interlaken in the winter, you’ll have loads of fun skiing and snowboarding, and you can even go snowshoeing and sledding. Seriously, the fun never has to stop if you don’t want it to!

Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm is the highest point in Interlaken, offering sweeping views of the lakes and the charming town below. You can get to the mountain platform in just under 10 minutes if you decide to take the vertical train, or you can hike there. The trail to the top is well marked, and it’s about a three-hour hike.

Before you decide that the funicular will do just fine, here’s a great reason to put in the legwork to the top – the Alpine Game Park is just a few minutes away from the Interlaken railway station. It’s a unique opportunity to spot Marmots and Ibex in the wild, and we guarantee it’s an experience you’re not likely to forget.

There’s a restaurant at the top where you can sit down and admire the views while enjoying a drink or getting a bite to eat. More often than not you will also get to enjoy live folk music, making this a proper Swiss experience you should not miss out on!

Harder Klum things to do around interlaken

Schynige Platte

Even though it’s not quite so easy to reach, it’s entirely worth it to put in the effort and go to Schynige Platte. Catch a bus from Interlaken to Wilderswil, and from there a train will take you to Schynige Platte – a small mountain ridge with some of the best views in this part of the country.

Once you get to the top, you can explore as many hiking trails as you want. Most are quite short circuit trails, but it could still take you several hours to complete them. Why? Because the nature around you is so magnificent that it’s virtually impossible to just focus on the hikes, and not the incredible views.

Schynige Platte also features a huge alpine botanical garden. It’s perfect for people who want to see the wonderful plants, without actually having to risk their lives on mountain cliffs. The garden has over 650 different plant species, and you can easily see at least two thirds of them if you embark on a kilometer-long hike.

Schyinge Platte things to do around interlaken

Hiking Trails For Days

The region of Interlaken-Oberhasli offers approximately 928 different hikes you could set out on. So, when we say hiking trails for days, we actually mean it!

And one of the best hiking trails in the area isn’t even in proper Interlaken. Head to Interlaken Ost and get on a train that takes you to Lauterbrunnen. Popularly known as the valley of waterfalls, this area offers lots of circuit trails that will take you to see some truly stunning nature. If you’d like to see a system of glacier waterfalls, then head to Trümmelbachfälle – you’ll see lots of other waterfalls on the way from Lauterbrunnen, but they can’t really compare to the waterfall inside the mountain.

If you are looking for a true challenge, then the toughest hike in Interlaken is definitely the right one for you. The Hardergrat hike is one of the most dangerous hikes in the area, and it’s suitable only for very experienced hikers. The trail begins at Brienz and it takes you all the way up to the Harder Kulm station, for a total hiking time of at least six hours. With many steep cliffs along the way, not even the most avid hikers should attempt to take on the trail on wet days – just one mistake could very well be your last.

Interlaken hiking trails

That the hiking trails are world-renowned around Interlaken is a well-known.

St. Beatus Caves

Just some 15 minutes outside Interlaken (by train) lies one of the most impressive tourist attractions in this part of Switzerland – the St. Beatus Caves. You’ll be wowed even before you reach the caves – it’s impossible not to be impressed by the mesmerizing waterfalls that have carved a path through the mountain cliffs.

But the journey begins only once you’ve reached the caves. The underground path is about a kilometer long, and it is without a doubt worth your time. Just make sure to bring a jacket, since it tends to be pretty cold inside the caves.

The pathway inside is well lit, ensuring that you’re able to get a good look at everything around you. All the different rock formations are certainly interesting, but not nearly as intriguing as the actual waterfall inside the caves.

Once you’ve had enough of the underground exploration, you can head to the restaurant that sits just above the entrance. The food is delicious, the views are spectacular and a cup of hot coffee will warm you up after the underground exploration in no time.

You won’t want to miss St. Beatus Caves just outside of Interlaken

Jungfraujoch: the Top Of Europe

Getting to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken is neither cheap nor quick, but it’s something you should definitely do if you have the extra time. Because, would you really skip out on the once in a lifetime opportunity to stand at the Top of Europe, just because it’s a bit further away than you’d like?

The Swiss know how to take advantage of a great location, and that’s exactly what they did here. A lift will take you up 108 meters in just 25 seconds to the Sphinx observation deck. Here, you can enjoy mountain views that are out of this world – if you’re not afraid of heights, it might just be the highlight of your trip.

And if you start experiencing altitude sickness, a quick trip to the Lindt chocolate shop will fix you right up. It wouldn’t be a Swiss experience without access to chocolate, even at an altitude of 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) above sea level. You can also enjoy a walk through the Ice Palace that features some rather unique sculptures – just make sure to wear the right shoes!

Jungfraujoch

The views at Jungfraujoch may just be the highlight of your visit to Interlaken

For More:

  • Interlaken, official tourism
  • My Switzerland, official Tourism Board
  • On our site: An Alpine Adventure: From the Eiger to the Matterhorn

Download PDF
Anna TimbrookcavesHarder KulmhikingInterlakenJungfraujochoutoodrsparaglidingSchynige PlatteSt. Beatus CavesSwitzerland
Share Tweet
Avatar

Anna Timbrook

Anna Timbrook was born to travel the world, having studied languages all her life. Although she has traveled the world, she now calls Switzerland home and spends her time writing about her experiences on Expert World Travel.

You Might Also Like

  • business travel post covid Getting There

    Future of Business Travel Post COVID-19

  • save money on food while traveling Food & Drink

    How to Save Money on Food While Traveling Abroad

  • European Christmas markets Art & Culture

    5 Virtual Tours to Fairy Tale European Christmas Markets

2 Comments

  • Avatar
    Byron Johnson says: July 3, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    I was in Interlochen several weeks before Christmas, so many travel years ago. I realize you cannot list everything in a destination as beautiful as Interlochen, so I will add one to the list. The Piz Gloria, a short train ride out of town. At 2970 meters on Schilthorn, it offers sweeping views, including the Eiger. Part of the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed there. The Piz is a mountain top rotating restaurant, one of the first in the world.

    You ride up the lower portion of the mountain from the valley on a steep cog railway, walk through a quaint Swiss mountain town and then continue upward on a ski lift to the Piz Gloria for the spectacular views.

    Reply
    • Nancy Zaffaro
      Nancy Zaffaro says: July 3, 2020 at 3:20 pm

      You’re making me want to return to Switzerland, Byron!

      Reply

    Leave a reply Cancel reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Search

    Like What You See? Write For us!

    We're always interested in publishing new stories that celebrate travel, culture and connection. Take a look at our Submission Guidelines and pitch your story.

    Follow Us on Instagram

    confettitravel

    Some happenin’ colors out there this morning! . Some happenin’ colors out there this morning!
.
.
#sunrise #sunriseoftheday #goodmorning #breathe #oregon #coldair #gooddayahead #goodvibes
    So today I made a treat; squid ink #paella . Even So today I made a treat; squid ink #paella . Even got a pretty good socarrat, that savory bottom of the paella pan crust going.
.
I love a good paella and I love squid. I’ve cleaned the buggers just so I could know how to do it and decided it’s worth buying them already cleaned! But today I used what had on hand, and that meant no squid, just some large shrimp and tiny bay shrimp from the freezer. I had a good #bomba rice. Red and green pepper and a bit of garlic. And Aneto brand cooking base made it reeeally easy, with lots of good squid and fish flavors, a bit of tomato and veggie flavors and seasonings, including a bit of #saffron 
.
.
I’m not Spanish and didn’t grow up with this. But I’m Italian and did enjoy squid a few different ways, and there was a neighborhood Greek restaurant that made the best stuffed squid too. So this was a savory and salty happy-happy meal on a Sunday afternoon.
.
Here’s to keeping a good stocked pantry!
.
#paella🥘 #squid #squidink #shrimp #aneto @anetobroth #spanishfood #seafood #rice #sunday #sundaydinner #foodie #homecooking #homecooked #cooking #quickmeals #backtoworktomorrow
    What a day, what a day!!! . (Not my images of cour What a day, what a day!!!
.
(Not my images of course and normally wouldn’t do it...but. 🎉)
.
.
#inauguration #inaugurationday #freshstart #hope #healing #action #46 #celebrate
    Remember that lovely little #amaryllis bulb encase Remember that lovely little #amaryllis bulb encased in red wax? Well, I’ve been enjoying the growth and blooming process! With #gratitude for such a thoughtful gift.
.
The tall #bulb is in its third bloom by the way; great fun to help make happen!
.
#amaryllisflower #flowers #winter #wintercolors #addsomecolor #friendship #gifts #newyear
    Morning cappuccino and homemade biscotti! . Fun to Morning cappuccino and homemade biscotti!
.
Fun to have my daughter making the biscotti now, from my favorite recipe.
.
#morningcoffee #morningmotivation #coffee #coffeelover #espresso #cappuccino #biscotti #chocolatechips #chocolatechipbiscotti #chocolatechipcookies #startmyday #happysunday
    ‘Tis the spirit of the season! A good friend sto ‘Tis the spirit of the season! A good friend stopped by with the most #apropos #gift !
.
 #christmas2020 #christmas2020🎄🎅🎁 #tistheseason #besafe #besafeoutthere #xmas #christmasdecor #christmasornaments2020 #friends #friendship #makemelaugh #laugh #smile #wehavetolaugh
    Raise a glass ... Happy Christmas Eve! . . #girlfr Raise a glass ... Happy Christmas Eve!
.
.
#girlfriends #morningyoga #christmas #friends #friendship #giftexchange #christmasgifts #christmastime #mimosa #mimosas #raiseaglass #soover2020 #before5
    A good start to any #holiday ! We had every intent A good start to any #holiday ! We had every intention of doing our morning yoga ... but #mimosas and gift exchanges were calling! Rare to miss ... but ... Happy Christmas Eve!
.
.
#girlfriends #morningyoga #christmas #friends #friendship #giftexchange #christmasgifts #christmastime #mimosa #mimosas #raiseaglass #soover2020
    Christmas Eve and the last window on my 1960 Adven Christmas Eve and the last window on my 1960 Advent calendar is open! I love this little tradition.
.
Sorry, no chocolates in this one! Merry Christmas! I wish you all a healthy and happy and safe #holiday !!
.
#christmas #merrychristmas #advent #adventcalendar #childhoodmemories #windowsofinstagram #familytime #memories #tradition #traditions #familytraditions #nochocolate #besafe  #besafeoutthere
    A bad mom moment ... I don’t remember which #kid A bad mom moment ... I don’t remember which #kiddo made this or when! But I still love my #winter doorstop! Ha! Merry Christmas!🎁 
.
.
#christmas #christmasdecor #christmaspast #homemade #kidmade #doorstop #family #familytime #gifts #kidmade #christmastime
    Always something new under the stars and sun and m Always something new under the stars and sun and moon! A friend gave me an #amaryllis and check it out! Encased in red wax, no watering needed. Can’t wait to see the #bloom! And I’m including a shot of my “old” Amaryllis as well. The blooms won’t be ready for the holidays, but this will be the third time since last Christmas that they will bloom. Yay me!
.
.
#flowers #flower #christmas #gift #tradition #enjoytheholidays #happyholidays #red #colorful #christmasgifts #christmasdecor #friends #friendship #luckyme
    Squash seeds ... I’ve always baked them with dry Squash seeds ... I’ve always baked them with dry spices. But this time around, I took a tip from my daughter-in-law and baked them in a little #marinade of soy sauce, ginger and some hot chili oil. Delicious!
.
.
#squash #seeds #snacks #fallfoods #foodies #foodie #foodporn #foodiesofinstagram #fromthegarden #gardentotable #chilioil #soysauce #ginger
    My city of bridges ... A #saturday walk around dow My city of bridges ... A #saturday walk around downtown Portland ...
.
.
#portlandoregon #portland #eastside  #westside #inmycity #takeawalk #willametteriver #walk #walking #fall #fallvibes #fallweather #waterfront #bridges #tillikum #tillicumcrossing #steelbridge #steelbridges
    Perfect day to walk the Esplanade in downtown Port Perfect day to walk the Esplanade in downtown Portland ...
.
.
#portlandoregon #portland #eastside  #westside #inmycity #takeawalk #willametteriver #walk #walking #fall #fallvibes #fallweather #waterfront
    happens every December, don’tcha know ...the foo happens every December, don’tcha know ...the food bill goes through the roof! Can’t resist buying all kind of little favorite delicacies!!
.
.
And I haven’t even STARTED picking up #cheese and #charcuterie yet! LOL!
.
#holidays #foodie #foodiesofinstagram #favoritethings #favoritefoods #christmas #gourmet #gourmetfood #truffles #cranberries #mussels @penncoveshellfish #capers #dittmann  #saltedcapers @starvationalley  @drinkcacoco #drinkingchocolate @jacobsensaltco #oregon #washingtonstate #washington #cooking #cookingathome
    And a merry Christmas ... I really do love the hol And a merry Christmas ... I really do love the holidays and this year, in that regard, is no different than any other. #bekind #beafriend #breathe 
.
.
#christmas #christmastree #christmas2020 #christmastime
    A little prayer for peace...happy #Hanukkah! . . # A little prayer for peace...happy #Hanukkah!
.
.
#hannukah #hanukkah2020
    A #granddog boy-dog and his treat! Cooper, loved s A #granddog boy-dog and his treat! Cooper, loved seeing you ... oh, oh and your mom and dad...😉
.
.
@cooper.d.shiba #dog #dogsofinstagram #caninelove
    Exploring the neighborhood and this is the view on Exploring the neighborhood and this is the view on my way back before getting off the main road and back onto my little side street.
.
#walking #takeawalk #fall #walk #mthood #mthoodoregon #portland #oregon #inmyneighborhood
    New house, new garden, new season, new world...in New house, new garden, new season, new world...in full fall color!
.
.
#fall #autumn #fallcolors #mybackyard #trees #hugatree #outside #garden #inthegarden #fallcolor #newhouse #oregon #clackamas #portland #happyvalley #happyvalleyoregon #peaceful #relax
    Load More... Follow on Instagram

    Our Contributors!

    We love our Contributors and enjoy building a community of writers. Take a look at who’s writing for Confetti Travel Cafe on our Contributors page!

    Find us on Facebook

    Recent Comments

    • Nancy Zaffaro on 7 Best Places in Japan for Freelance Writers
    • writeessaytoday on 7 Best Places in Japan for Freelance Writers
    • Nancy Zaffaro on Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Moscow
    • Arie on Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Moscow
    • Nancy Zaffaro on Tiffany Stained Glass Windows in Franklin, Pennsylvania
    • Donald Ziegler on Tiffany Stained Glass Windows in Franklin, Pennsylvania

    Archives

    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016

    Categories

    Recent Posts

    • Future of Business Travel Post COVID-19
    • How to Enjoy Coffee Around the World
    • The Burton: A Historic Tavern in Allegany, New York
    • An Introduction to Sipping Tequilas
    • Top Trends in Travel Blogging
    • Tips For Moving to a Different State
    • How to Save Money on Food While Traveling Abroad
    • Home
    • Our Site
    • Contributors
    • Write To Us
    • Write For Us
    • Work With Us
    • Disclosure

    Categories

    • Africa/Middle East (15)
    • Antarctica/Arctic (1)
    • Art & Culture (27)
    • Asia (31)
    • At the Bar (57)
    • Canada (3)
    • Coastal (36)
    • Europe (42)
    • Food & Drink (141)
    • Food And Drink (70)
    • For the Home (33)
    • Getting There (24)
    • International (92)
    • International Destinations (116)
    • Mexico/Central America/Carribean (13)
    • Midwest (4)
    • Northeast (13)
    • Northwest (76)
    • Oceania (7)
    • On The Town (76)
    • Outdoors (16)
    • People Stories (24)
    • Recipes (30)
    • South America (6)
    • Southeast (33)
    • Southwest (17)
    • Staying There (47)
    • Travel & Lifestyle (71)
    • Travel Destinations (21)
    • Travel Gear & Gifts (27)
    • Travel Tips (55)
    • U.S. (74)
    • U.S. Destinations (140)
    • Uncategorized (1)

    Recent Posts

    • Future of Business Travel Post COVID-19
    • How to Enjoy Coffee Around the World
    • The Burton: A Historic Tavern in Allegany, New York
    • An Introduction to Sipping Tequilas
    • Top Trends in Travel Blogging
    • Tips For Moving to a Different State
    • How to Save Money on Food While Traveling Abroad

    Tag Cloud

    Japan Center Malls Louisville eclipse 2017 Willamette Valley AVA Joshua Albern Gnawa tapsilog Tongass National Forest horse-drawn carriages Columbia Empire Farms Bamberg Dubai Devil's Churn glassware outdoor adventures Kit Carson Museum Columbia River Gorge Serghini Poterie des Fes Stacey Gibson floating markets Cane & Canoe Breckenridge Arts District foods to eat in India luxury hotels blackberries oxygen spas astronomy Manali plan your trip places to visit in Nepal Great Tasting Tours South America Two Brothers Brewing tourism contemporary Paris whitewater Jamaica kare-kare Jumeirah Beach where to eat in New Jersey

    © 2020 Confetti Travel Cafe. All rights reserved.