Activities in Interlaken

Culture

From the start of the 'Grand Tour' era, railways and footpaths have been developed to help visitors enjoy this spectacular region. The Jungfraujoch line climbs to the highest train station in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The rotating restaurant at the top of the Schilthorn was part funded by the James Bond movie 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'.

Getting lost in the village of Brienz's winding streets is likely to inspire the snapping of endless photos, the local houses make you feel like you've stepped back 100s of years with their iconic wooden roofs and abundance of flower boxes. A stroll along the lakefront promenade is often rewarded by the sight of locals giving wood carving demonstrations. If you miss the open air carving then head to one of the many shops selling wooden souvenirs or to the museum.

Festivals and open air events are a big thing in Interlaken. In the summer months the hills are alive with the sound of yodeling, rock and country music.
Discover Swiss culture at the Ballenburg open air museum. Travel through time as you visit buildings from different eras, all have been painstakingly taken down and rebuilt. Learn a traditional craft or indulge in traditional fare, home made chocolates and mountain cheese will tantalise the taste buds.

Why not try -

Explore the quirky shops and visit the brown bears of Bern. Sample a beer from the micro brewery of the restaurant next to the bear park
Travel by steam from Brienz to the summit of the Rothorn
Take time out and spend a day relaxing in Bonigen's lakeside lido

Active

Interlaken's location and natural resources of lakes and mountains, makes it the perfect place to take on a range of activities.

Rafting
A guaranteed thrill - ride the melt waters of the glaciers above. There are at least 2 rivers to choose from, the Lütschine is a fast flowing rapid packed river and the Simme is a scenic class 3. Don't worry if this is your first time, trained professionals will be on hand to give you the full low down.

Canyoning
Exhilarating, action packed and fun are just a few of the descriptives you'll use to tell your friends. As you discover hidden canyon worlds you'll launch into foaming pools, abseil down waterfalls and slide down natural waterslides. For beginners and intermediates there are a couple of routes to choose from and for those with a screw loose, don't worry there's a route for you.

Lake Kayaking
Soak up the surrounding mountain views as you take smooth paddle strokes and glide through the waters of lake Brienz at your own speed.

Tandem Paragliding
Up up and away. Become part of the amazing peace and quiet of the skies. Take in the truly awe-inspiring views, safe in the knowledge that an experienced frequent flyer, strapped to your back, will expertly bring you back down to terra firma.

Rock & Ice climbing
The special feeling of reaching the top is the same for anyone who challenges themselves on a rock face. Use one of the local guides to take you to the best climbs for your ability. Get up close and personal with deep blue glacial ice - abseil into a crevasse. Experience a similar feeling to an artic explorer and book yourself onto a day's ice climbing trek on the Steingletscher.

Mountain Biking
There's nothing like the freedom a bike gives. And with the superb maps in the Tourist Office you will soon be exploring the surrounding mountains. The circuit around the lake offers some good cross country fun - stop off at the Giesbach Falls before tackling the optional ascent to Axalp.