12 Amazing Things To Do In Interlaken For First-Time Visitors

Interlaken is a beautiful Swiss town which is located between two beautiful lakes in the middle of the Swiss Alps. Are you looking for fabulous things to do in Interlaken? If yes, you have come to the right place.

12 Best Things to Do in Interlaken

Whether you are interested in exploring stunning views or want to visit lesser-known spots or attractions, Interlaken has all for tourists.

So, with all that said, let’s start this blog post by mentioning unique things to do in Interlaken.

Adventure Activities

Interlaken is primarily known as the adventure capital of Switzerland and for best reason. There is no shortage of adventurous activities for first-time visitors.

1. Go Paragliding Over Interlaken

There’s no other perfect way to explore real beauty of Interlaken than from the sky. For thrill seekers and nature-lovers, this is the best way to enjoy stunning views from above.

You will fly above the turquoise lakes of lake Thun and lake Brienz, glide past snowy Alpine peaks, and land safely in Höhematte Park, all with a professional airline and pilots.

Duration

Maximum of 1.5 to 2 hours including both transport and briefing.

Best for

Both beginners and experienced flyers.

2. Try Skydiving

If paragliding is not for you, then no one stops you from enjoying skydiving. Jumping out of a plane at 13,000 feet with the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch mountains as your backdrop is an experience you will never forget. The free fall ride lasts about 45 seconds, followed by a peaceful parachute descent.

Duration

With briefing and flight, the total time will be 3 to 4 hours.

Pro Tip

Do not forget to avail their video and photoshop packages.

3. Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride

Around the Jungfrau Region, taking a beautiful helicopter ride is one of the best things to do in Interlaken in one day.

With this ride, you will fly over glaciers, deep valleys, and iconic peaks, including beautiful Jungfrau itself. This is one of the best ways to appreciate the amazing beauty of Swiss Alps.

Flight Time

20 to 60 minutes

Best for

Mountain lovers and photographers

4. White-water Rafting or Canyoning

Interlaken tour is incomplete without trying amazing water sport activities like white water rafting and canyoning. Canyoning involves abseiling, sliding, and jumping through mountain gorges, perfect for the adventurous ones.

On the other hand, if you prefer teamwork and want to go for big splashes, must enjoy white water rafting down the Lütschine River.

Canyoning Levels

Beginner to Advanced

Best Rafting Season

May to September

Nature and Sightseeing

Other than adrenaline activities, Interlaken is a natural paradise with amazing views of towering mountains, alpine lakes and fairytale valleys. Here are some natural and sightseeing experiences that you should not miss.

5. Ride the Harder Kulm Funicular

Harder Kulm Funicular is knowns as “Top of the Town” area with beautiful panoramic views. With this quick 10-minute funicular ride, you will go 1,322 meters above sea level.

Through this ride, you will also enjoy views of both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with towering trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. One of the perfect things to do in Interlaken winter.

Best Season to Ride

Mid-April to late November

Pro Tip

Take a ride during sunset time to admire beautiful golden color views.

6. Visit the Breathtaking Trümmelbach Falls

Trümmelbach Falls is situated inside the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Basically, this fall is a series of 10 glacier-fed waterfalls hidden inside a mountain.

You can reach to this area through tunnels, caves, lifts, and stairs carved through the rock. The water flows through narrow limestone walls, an unforgettable experience.

Time Needed

1 to 2 hours

Best Season to Go

April to early November

7. Explore Lauterbrunnen and 72 Waterfalls

From Interlaken, this place is just 20 minutes away via train. Lauterbrunnen is considered as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.

Brought up surrounded in high cliffs with wooden chalets scattered all over is home to 72 waterfalls, the famous Staubbach Falls that descends 300 meters down a sheer cliff.

Activities to Enjoy

Easy hikes
Bike rides
Photo ops
Waterfall exploration

Best for

Nature exploration, photography and peaceful walks.

8. Take a Cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Interlaken lies between two beautiful lakes i.e., Lake Thun (to the west) and Lake Brienz (to the east). One of the best free things to do in Interlaken.

Either lake’s idyllic boat cruise provides an easy means to experience the country’s splendor, with villas, mountains, and fortresses mirrored upon the glistening water.

Cruise Duration

1 to 2.5 hours but it all depends on route.

Pro Tip

For romantic touch, it is best to try sunset or dinner cruise.

Culture, History & Leisure

Are you looking for unusual things to do in Interlaken? There are relaxing spots, unique famous attractions and historical landmarks that you can explore. Let’s take a look at what you can enjoy here.

9. Stroll Through Höhematte Park

Sitting at the very heart of Interlaken. Höhematte Park is a 14-hectare park that serves as the town’s picturesque centerpiece.

This park is filled with flowerbeds, benches, and walking trails, it’s the ideal spot to stroll along and observe paragliders landing with the Alps as a stunning background.

Other Things to Do

Enjoy surprising views of the Jungfrau peak.
Go to nearby Victorian-style Hotel on one side.
Take horse-drawn carriage rides.

Pro Tip

The best time of the year is spring and summer when flowers are in full bloom.

10. Visit the Open-Air Museum Ballenberg

This is located just a short train ride from Interlaken, a beautiful museum that lets you show more than 100 historic buildings across Switzerland.

In this museum, you will learn about rural craftsmanship in the form of traditional farmhouses, barns and workshops with local customs.

Opening Season

April to October

Pro Tip

Spend at least half a day here for better cultural and historical exploration.

11. Tour a Swiss Chocolate Workshop

No Swiss trip would be complete without tasting Swiss chocolate. In Interlaken, take it up a notch and enroll in an interactive chocolate-making course.

Learn about the creation of the signature confections and create your own edible masterpieces to bring back home. This is one of the best things to do in Interlaken summer.

Popular Option

Funky Chocolate Club Interlaken

Experience includes

Tasting session
Chocolate-making class
Your own bar

12. Try Swiss Cuisine at a Traditional Chalet Restaurant

After a day of sightseeing, there’s no better way to relax than with a rich Swiss dinner. Interlaken has a range of traditional restaurants in which to indulge in local specialties in a cozy, Alpine setting.

Imagine wooden decor, candlelit tables, and mountain scenery, such a wonderful unique experience. For those who are looking for amazing things to do in Interlaken at night, this is best option.

Must-Try Dishes

Cheese Fondue: Melted cheese served with bread cubes.

Rösti: Crispy grated potatoes, often topped with eggs or bacon.

Älplermagronen: Swiss-style mac & cheese with onions and applesauce.

Recommended Spots

Restaurant Chalet
Hüsi Bierhaus
Restaurant Laterne

Final Thoughts!

Interlaken is not just a gateway to the Swiss Alps, it’s an adventure paradise overflowing with nature, culture, and charm.

Paraglide above crystal-clear lakes, hike through valleys steeped in waterfalls, or indulge in cheese fondue at a homely chalet, whichever it is, Interlaken has something for every traveler.

These 12 must-do things to do in Interlaken will get you started as a first-time visitor to experience the essence of Interlaken. So, pack your bags, charge up your camera, and get ready to explore one of Switzerland’s most magical places.