Best Things to Do in Interlaken

Nestled between two shimmering alpine lakes and surrounded by some of Switzerland’s most dramatic mountain scenery, Interlaken is one of the most exciting destinations in the Swiss Alps. Often called the adventure capital of Switzerland, this picturesque town sits at the heart of the Bernese Oberland and serves as the gateway to the famous Jungfrau region.

Whether you’re dreaming of soaring above the Alps while paragliding, hiking through valleys filled with waterfalls, or taking scenic train journeys to glacier viewpoints, Interlaken offers an incredible variety of experiences. At the same time, the town itself has a relaxed atmosphere with lakeside walks, charming streets, and spectacular mountain views in every direction.

If you're planning a trip to Switzerland, here are the best things to do in Interlaken, from adrenaline-filled adventures to unforgettable scenic excursions.

1. Visit the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

One of the most famous excursions from Interlaken is visiting Jungfraujoch, often referred to as the Top of Europe. At 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) above sea level, it’s the highest railway station in Europe and offers an unforgettable alpine experience.

The journey itself is part of the adventure. From Interlaken, trains climb through picturesque villages like Grindelwald and Wengen before entering tunnels carved through the mountains.

At the summit you’ll find:

• The Sphinx Observatory, offering panoramic views of the Alps

• The Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps

• The Ice Palace, a tunnel carved inside the glacier

• Snow-covered landscapes even during summer

Although it’s one of Switzerland’s most popular attractions, the experience of standing above the glaciers surrounded by towering peaks makes it absolutely unforgettable.

Click here for a Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Private Day Trip from Interlaken.

2. Paraglide Over Interlaken

If you’re looking for a thrilling experience, paragliding above Interlaken is hard to beat. Few places in the world offer such spectacular scenery for a flight.

Most paragliding trips begin on the slopes above town and glide gently over the valley before landing in Höhematte Park, the large green space in the center of Interlaken.

During the flight you’ll see:

• The turquoise waters of Lake Thun

• The deep blue waters of Lake Brienz

• Snow-capped peaks surrounding the valley

Even if you’ve never paraglided before, tandem flights with experienced pilots make it safe and surprisingly peaceful. Instead of feeling extreme, the experience often feels calm and almost dreamlike as you float above the Alps.

Click here for a Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken

3. Explore Lauterbrunnen Valley

Just a short train ride from Interlaken lies one of the most beautiful valleys in Europe: Lauterbrunnen.

Often described as the inspiration for fantasy landscapes, Lauterbrunnen Valley features towering cliffs and 72 waterfalls cascading down the rock walls.

The most famous waterfall is Staubbach Falls, which plunges nearly 300 meters from the cliffs above the village.

While visiting the valley you can:

• Walk through the peaceful village

• Visit the dramatic Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain

• Take a train to the car-free village of Wengen

• Ride the cable car to Mürren

The scenery here is so breathtaking that many travelers consider Lauterbrunnen the highlight of their entire Switzerland trip.

Click here for a Lauterbrunnen Private Hike and Paraglide Experience.

4. Take a Boat Cruise on Lake Thun

A relaxing way to experience the scenery around Interlaken is by taking a boat cruise across Lake Thun.

The lake’s deep blue water contrasts beautifully with the surrounding mountains, and several charming villages and castles line its shores.

One of the highlights is visiting the town of Thun, which features a picturesque old town and a medieval castle overlooking the lake.

A cruise on Lake Thun is especially enjoyable on warm summer days when the mountains reflect perfectly in the water.

Click here for the From Bern: Thun City Tour, Beatus Caves, Lake Cruise and Cheese.

5. Visit Harder Kulm – Interlaken’s Best Viewpoint

For the best view of Interlaken, head to Harder Kulm.

A funicular railway climbs steeply from town to the summit in about 10 minutes. At the top, you’ll find a stunning viewing platform suspended high above the valley.

From here you can see:

• Both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

• The town of Interlaken below

• The snow-covered peaks of the Jungfrau region

Sunset is one of the most magical times to visit when golden light illuminates the mountains.

Click here for the Best of Bernese Oberland & Harder Kulm (Private Tour).

6. Walk Along Lake Brienz

If you’re looking for a peaceful activity, a walk along Lake Brienz is a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

The lake is famous for its vivid turquoise color caused by glacial minerals in the water. Small villages, wooden chalets, and forested mountains surround the shoreline.

You can also take a short train ride to the charming lakeside village of Brienz, known for its traditional wood carving and picturesque streets.

Click here for the Trip to Lake Brienz and the Valley of 72 Waterfalls from Zurich.

7. Go Canyon Swinging

For adrenaline seekers, canyon swinging near Interlaken is one of the most thrilling activities in Switzerland.

Unlike a traditional bungee jump, canyon swinging involves jumping from a platform high above a canyon and swinging through the air above rushing water.

The experience is intense but unforgettable, and the surrounding alpine scenery makes it even more dramatic.

Interlaken is famous for extreme sports, so if you enjoy adventure activities, you’ll find plenty of options here.

Click here for a Canyoning in Interlaken from Zurich adventure.

8. Take a Day Trip to Grindelwald

Another incredible destination near Interlaken is Grindelwald.

This alpine village sits beneath towering mountain peaks and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Jungfrau region.

One of the most famous attractions here is the First Cliff Walk, a dramatic metal walkway attached to the side of the mountain.Other activities include:

• Hiking scenic alpine trails

• Riding mountain cable cars

• Visiting glacier viewpoints

• Enjoying panoramic mountain restaurants

Grindelwald feels like a classic Swiss mountain village and is well worth visiting during your stay in Interlaken.

Click here for the Ski Day Trip to Grindelwald from Zurich.

9. Visit St. Beatus Caves

Located above Lake Thun, the St. Beatus Caves offer a fascinating underground adventure.

These caves stretch deep into the mountain and feature impressive rock formations, underground waterfalls, and illuminated pathways.

According to legend, a dragon once lived inside the caves before being defeated by a monk named Beatus.

Today, visitors can explore the caves on a scenic walking route that includes stunning views over Lake Thun.

Click here for the From Basel: Thun Tour, Beatus Caves, Lake Cruise & Cheese.

10. Stroll Through Interlaken’s Town Center

While many visitors come to Interlaken for outdoor adventures, the town itself is worth exploring.

The main street is filled with cafés, restaurants, and shops selling Swiss chocolate and souvenirs.

A highlight is Höhematte Park, the large green field in the center of town where paragliders land throughout the day. Watching colorful paragliders drift down against a backdrop of mountains is a uniquely Interlaken experience.

Nearby, you can also visit the historic Interlaken Monastery and enjoy scenic walks along the river.

When to Visit Interlaken

Interlaken is a year-round destination, but each season offers something different.

Summer (June–September)
Perfect for hiking, lake activities, and paragliding.

Winter (December–March)
Ideal for skiing in nearby alpine resorts.

Spring and Autumn
Quieter seasons with beautiful scenery and fewer crowds.

Final Thoughts

With its breathtaking alpine scenery, thrilling outdoor adventures, and easy access to some of Switzerland’s most famous mountain destinations, Interlaken is one of the best places to visit in the Swiss Alps.

Whether you’re soaring above the valley while paragliding, exploring the magical waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen, cruising across Lake Thun, or standing high above the glaciers at Jungfraujoch, every day here offers unforgettable experiences.

For travelers looking to experience the best of Switzerland’s mountains, lakes, and outdoor adventures, Interlaken truly delivers an alpine adventure unlike anywhere else in Europe.