Interlaken Adventure Activities: Paragliding, Canyoning & More

Nestled amidst the stunning Bernese Oberland, between two pristine turquoise lakes and surrounded by towering peaks,Interlaken stands as Switzerland's undisputed adventure capital. This picturesque town offers an exhilarating playground for thrill-seekers, promising unforgettable experiences from high-flying aerial escapades to heart-pounding aquatic adventures.

Interlaken: Switzerland's Adventure Capital

Interlaken's unique geographical position makes it a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Flanked by Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and with easy access to the majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, the landscape provides a natural amphitheater for a vast array of adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-timer looking to step out of your comfort zone, Interlaken has something spectacular in store.

Soaring High: Paragliding Over Interlaken

Imagine launching from a mountain slope, feeling the wind lift you gently, and then effortlessly gliding over a panorama of snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and the dazzling blue waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. This is the magic of paragliding in Interlaken, an absolute must-do for many visitors.

Most paragliding experiences here are tandem flights, meaning you'll be securely harnessed with an experienced, certified pilot. After a brief safety introduction, you'll take a short run down a gentle slope, and within moments, you'll be airborne. The sensation is surprisingly serene, offering breathtaking 360-degree views that simply cannot be captured from the ground. Flights typically last between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on weather conditions, and conclude with a gentle landing right in the heart of Interlaken.

What to Expect:

Unforgettable Views:Witness the iconic peaks of the Jungfrau region and the shimmering lakes.
Professional Pilots:All operators in Interlaken use highly trained and certified tandem pilots.
No Experience Necessary:Tandem paragliding requires no prior training.
Best Time:While possible year-round, summer (May to September) offers the most consistent good weather and warm temperatures.

Tip:Book your paragliding experience in advance, especially during peak season, as slots fill up quickly. Morning flights often offer calmer conditions and clearer visibility.

Dive In: Canyoning Through Alpine Gorges

For those who prefer their adventure a little wetter and more rugged, canyoning is an exhilarating choice. This activity involves navigating through a natural mountain gorge, combining elements of rappelling down waterfalls, sliding down natural rock slides, jumping into crystal-clear pools, and swimming through narrow passages.

Interlaken boasts access to several renowned canyoning routes, each offering varying levels of difficulty and spectacular scenery:

Chli Schliere:Known for its adrenaline-pumping jumps and long slides, this canyon is ideal for thrill-seekers looking for a challenging experience.
Grimsel Canyon:Offering a more technical and scenic journey, Grimsel features impressive granite formations and offers stunning views, often considered a classic.
Sauterbach Canyon:A great option for beginners or families, with smaller jumps and slides, providing a fun introduction to canyoning.

Like paragliding, canyoning is always done with certified guides who provide all necessary safety equipment, including wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses. They will guide you through every step, ensuring a safe and exciting journey.

For another incredible canyoning destination in Switzerland, consider exploring the stunning Valle Verzasca.

More Thrills and Spills: Beyond Paragliding and Canyoning

Interlaken's adventure menu extends far beyond its two most famous activities. Here are more ways to get your adrenaline pumping:

White Water Rafting

Feel the rush of navigating glacial-fed rivers like the Lütschine or the Aare. The Lütschine river, originating from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, offers class III-IV rapids for an intense experience, while the Aare river provides a more gentle, scenic float for families and beginners. Rafting seasons typically run from May to October.

Bungee Jumping & Skydiving

If freefall is your calling, Interlaken delivers. Experience a 134-meter bungee jump from a gondola over the Stockhorn mountain lake, or take to the skies for a tandem skydiving experience from a plane. Skydiving offers a different perspective from paragliding, with a longer freefall portion before the parachute deploys, providing unparalleled views of the entire region.

Ropes Parks & Via Ferratas

For those who prefer to stay connected to something solid, adventure parks and via ferratas offer a fantastic challenge. The Seilpark Interlaken (Ropes Park) features multiple courses of varying difficulty, with zip lines, rope bridges, and swings set amongst the trees. Nearby, the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk and various via ferratas provide thrilling mountain traverses with fixed cables and ladders, offering incredible views and a sense of accomplishment.

Jet Boating & Water Sports

For high-speed thrills on the water, jet boating on Lake Brienz is an exhilarating option. Skim across the surface, experience 360-degree spins, and take in the stunning lakeside scenery. Both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz also offer opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and wakeboarding.

Winter Adventures

When the snow falls,Interlaken transforms into a winter wonderland, offering easy access to world-class ski resorts like Jungfrau Ski Region. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy thrilling sledding runs, snowshoeing, or even winter canyoning (for the truly hardy!).

Planning Your Interlaken Adventure Trip

To make the most of your adventure in Interlaken, a little planning goes a long way:

When to Visit:The peak season for most adventure activities is from May to September, when the weather is warm and stable. However, shoulder seasons (April, October) can offer fewer crowds and pleasant conditions. Winter sports run from December to March.
Booking in Advance:Popular activities, especially paragliding and canyoning, often sell out. Book your tours and experiences online well ahead of your arrival, particularly if you're traveling during peak times.
What to Pack:Comfortable, layers of clothing are essential. For water activities, bring swimwear and a towel. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera (though many operators offer photo/video packages).
Getting There:Interlaken is easily accessible by train from major Swiss cities like Bern and Lucerne, and even from Zürich. The town itself is compact and walkable, and most adventure operators offer pickup services from local accommodations.
Nearby Exploration:While in the region, consider visiting the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, famous for its 72 waterfalls, or taking a scenic train up to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.

Safety is Paramount

While the activities in Interlaken are thrilling, safety is always the top priority. All reputable adventure operators in Interlaken adhere to strict safety standards, employ certified guides, and use high-quality, regularly inspected equipment. Always listen carefully to your guides' instructions, ask questions if you're unsure, and choose operators with strong safety records.

Interlaken truly lives up to its reputation as a haven for adventure seekers. Whether you're soaring through the sky, plunging into a mountain gorge, or navigating a rushing river, the experiences here are designed to create lasting memories and an unparalleled sense of exhilaration against the backdrop of one of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes. Prepare to challenge yourself and embrace the wild beauty of the Swiss Alps!