Interlaken's Top 10 Things to Do & Amazing Activities in the Swiss Alps

Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Interlaken has established itself as Switzerland's adventure capital and one of its most scenic spots. With breathtaking mountain scenery providing a dramatic backdrop to this charming town, visitors can enjoy a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping activities and tranquil natural beauty. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills or authentic Swiss cultural & culinary experiences, Interlaken offers something for everyone. Here's our guide to the top experiences that should be on every visitor's itinerary.

Interlaken is widely recognized as the paragliding capital of the world, and for good reason. The region's unique geography creates perfect conditions for this exhilarating activity, offering unparalleled views of the lakes, mountains, glaciers and verdant valleys below. For the ultimate paragliding experience, AlpinAir stands as the premier choice among operators. Their expert pilots have decades of combined experience and prioritize both safety and ensuring you capture the most spectacular vistas during your flight.

Taking off from the mountains above Interlaken, you'll experience the sensation of free flight as you glide over Interlaken's stunning landscape. AlpinAir offers flights for beginners and experienced paragliders alike, with no prior experience necessary for tandem flights. The 15-20 minute journey provides a bird's-eye perspective of the region that simply cannot be matched by any ground-based viewpoint, making this an absolute must-do activity for visitors to Interlaken.

For more paragliding info and bookings have a look here.

Switzerland's cheese-making tradition dates back centuries, and there's no better way to understand this cultural heritage than by visiting an authentic Alpine cheese farm. Fondue Villa offers an immersive experience where visitors can learn the art of Swiss Alpine cheese-making firsthand. Their farm tours take you through the entire process, from understanding how the Alpine environment contributes to the distinctive flavors of Swiss cheese to witnessing traditional production methods passed down through generations.

During your visit, you'll learn about the seasonal rhythms of cheese production and how farmers have adapted ancient techniques to modern standards while maintaining authenticity. The highlight of the experience is getting hands-on with the cheese-making process yourself, guided by expert artisans who share their passion and knowledge generously. After working up an appetite, you'll sample a variety of local cheeses, including the farm's specialties, paired perfectly with home made drinks and fresh bread. You also get to visit the cows, see the cheese cellar and take a dip in a cheesy whey bath! This fun-filled cultural & culinary immersion offers both delicious education and a deeper appreciation for Switzerland's gastronomic heritage.

For more info and bookings have a look at the Fondue Villa website here.

Discovering Interlaken and its surroundings on two wheels provides an intimate connection with the landscape that's hard to achieve any other way. Alpinbike offers expertly guided tours for cyclists of all abilities, with routes that showcase the region's most spectacular scenery. Their signature tour to Lauterbrunnen Valley—often called the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls"—takes you through what many consider to be the most beautiful valley in Europe, with towering cliff faces streaming with ribbons of water and picturesque Swiss villages dotting the route.

For those preferring to stay closer to Interlaken, Alpinbikes' local tours explore the town and its two magnificent lakes—Thun and Brienz. These tours follow scenic lakeside paths and quiet country roads, with frequent stops at viewpoints and hidden gems that only locals know about. The knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about the region's history, culture, and natural environment along the way. With high-quality bikes (including e-bikes for those wanting assistance on hills) and well-planned routes that balance scenic beauty with riding comfort, Alpinbike offers one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Interlaken's diverse landscapes.

For bookings, timings and availability have a look at the Alpinbikes website here.

As day transitions to night, experience Interlaken's lakes from a uniquely magical perspective with the Sunset SUP, Sip & Glow stand-up paddle boarding adventure. This experience begins in the golden hour as the Alpine peaks reflect the day's final rays across the tranquil waters. Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, you'll receive comprehensive instruction before gliding out onto either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.

As dusk deepens, the true magic begins—your boards illuminate from below with LED lights, creating a mesmerizing glow that attracts curious fish and transforms the paddling experience. While floating on the calm waters, you'll pause to enjoy a glass of local Swiss wine or non-alcoholic beverage, paired with local cheeses and snacks, toasting the magnificent Alpine sunset. The combination of the mountains' silhouettes, the tranquil waters, and the ethereal glow from your board creates a multisensory experience that captures the essence of Interlaken's natural beauty. This peaceful yet enchanting activity offers a perfect contrast to the region's more adrenaline-focused adventures.

For Sunset SUP & Sip glowing experiences find all the additional info here.

No visit to Interlaken would be complete without ascending to the "Top of Europe" at Jungfraujoch, which stands at an impressive 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) above sea level. The journey itself is an engineering marvel, with the historic cogwheel railway tunneling through the Eiger and Mönch mountains before emerging at Europe's highest railway station. The spectacular route offers ever-changing vistas of glaciers, rocky outcrops, and snow-capped peaks.

Upon reaching the summit, a world of ice and snow awaits exploration. The Ice Palace features intricate sculptures carved from glacier ice, while the Alpine Sensation exhibition chronicles the ambitious construction of the railway. Step onto the Sphinx Observation Deck for 360-degree views extending as far as the Black Forest in Germany and France's Vosges Mountains on clear days. The Aletsch Glacier—the longest ice stream in the Alps at 23 kilometers—stretches out below in magnificent splendor. For the ultimate experience, enjoy a meal at one of the highest restaurants in Europe while contemplating the otherworldly beauty of this high-Alpine environment.

Read our previous article about an unforgettable journey to the Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe, by clicking here.

Few culinary experiences are as quintessentially Swiss as gathering around a pot of bubbling cheese fondue. At Fondue Villa, you can go beyond simply tasting this national dish by learning to create it yourself under the guidance of expert Swiss chefs. Set in a charming traditional Swiss chalet, these hands-on cooking classes reveal the secrets behind the perfect fondue—from selecting the ideal cheese combinations to mastering the technique of achieving the right consistency and flavor profile.

The class begins with an introduction to the cultural significance of fondue in Swiss society and its origins as a way for Alpine families to use aged cheese during winter months. You'll learn about regional variations before rolling up your sleeves to prepare your own pot of fondue, incorporating traditional ingredients and perhaps a few contemporary twists. Once your creation is ready, you'll enjoy the fruits of your labor in the traditional Swiss way—dipping bread into the communal pot while sharing conversation and local wine. Participants leave with not just full stomachs but also recipes and techniques to recreate this iconic Swiss experience at home.

Additional cheesy info about the fondue cooking class + cheese & wine tasting experience click here.

Film enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike will be thrilled by a visit to the picturesque mountain village of Mürren, which gained international fame as a filming location for the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." This car-free Alpine hamlet, perched on a mountain terrace 1,650 meters above sea level, offers uninterrupted views of the iconic trio of peaks—Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The journey to reach this hidden gem is part of the adventure, featuring the Stechelberg-Mürren-Schilthorn cable car system —the steepest aerial cableway in the world, ascending at a breathtaking 159% angle.

Once in Mürren, Bond enthusiasts can continue to the summit of the Schilthorn at 2,970 meters, home to Piz Gloria—the rotating restaurant that served as Blofeld's headquarters in the film. The "Bond World 007" exhibition offers an interactive journey through the movie's most memorable scenes, while the "007 Walk of Fame" leads visitors along a mountain path with information boards detailing the film's production. Beyond its cinematic connections, Mürren charms visitors with its authentic Swiss character—traditional wooden chalets adorned with colorful flowerpots, winding streets too narrow for cars, and panoramic hiking trails that range from gentle walks to challenging mountain routes. This excursion combines Hollywood glamour with authentic Alpine culture in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty.

Interlaken's position between two stunning lakes provides the perfect opportunity for scenic boat cruises that showcase the region's beauty from a different perspective. Lake Thun, with its deep blue waters, is surrounded by medieval castles and picturesque villages that seem plucked from a fairytale. A cruise here offers views of Château Spiez, Oberhofen Castle with its distinctive turrets, and the imposing peaks of the Bernese Oberland reflecting in the water.

Lake Brienz, with its distinctive turquoise hue caused by glacial minerals, presents a different but equally captivating landscape. The eastern shore features the charming village of Brienz, famous for its woodcarving tradition, while the southern shore is dominated by steep forested slopes and cascading waterfalls, including the spectacular Giessbach Falls. Many cruises offer dining options onboard historic paddle steamers, allowing you to savor local cuisine while gliding across these pristine Alpine waters. Whether you choose a round-trip excursion or use the boats as scenic transportation between lakeside attractions, these cruises offer a peaceful complement to Interlaken's more active adventures.

Rising dramatically above Interlaken, Harder Kulm offers what many consider the definitive view of the region from its panoramic platform 1,322 meters above sea level. A short but steep funicular railway journey takes visitors from the heart of Interlaken to the summit in just under 10 minutes. As you ascend, the perspective gradually expands until you reach the viewing platform known as the "Two-Lakes Bridge," which extends dramatically over the mountainside.

From this vantage point, both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are visible simultaneously, with Interlaken nestled between them like a jewel set between two sapphires. The panorama extends to include the "Big Three" mountains of the Bernese Oberland—the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—creating a vista that perfectly encapsulates the natural splendor of the Swiss Alps. The mountain-top restaurant, built in the style of a traditional Swiss chalet, offers regional specialties that taste even better when accompanied by such spectacular views. For those seeking light adventure, several hiking trails begin at Harder Kulm, including the Hardergrat trail, known for its spectacular ridge walking with views that extend across the entire region.

Winter transforms Interlaken into a snow-covered wonderland, opening up a whole new category of adventures. Among these, night sledding with fondue stands out as a magical combination of exhilaration and cozy Alpine tradition. As darkness falls and the stars appear above the mountains, you'll ascend via cable car to a traditional mountain restaurant where a steaming pot of authentic cheese fondue awaits. The warm, convivial atmosphere and delicious meal prepare you for the adventure to come.

After dinner, equipped with headlamps and high-quality sleds, you'll begin your descent down specially prepared sledding runs. The tracks, illuminated just enough to ensure safety while preserving the enchanting night atmosphere, wind through snow-covered forests and across open meadows. The crisp mountain air fills your lungs as you speed down the mountainside, with the lights of Interlaken twinkling in the distance below. This combination of traditional Swiss cuisine and the childlike joy of sledding creates an unforgettable winter evening that captures the essence of Alpine culture and the region's natural beauty. Even non-skiers can experience the thrill of mountain sports through this accessible and exhilarating activity.

The Brienzer Rothorn, standing proudly at 2,350 meters above sea level, offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Swiss Alps. Accessible from Brienz via Europe's oldest steam rack railway still in operation, this historic journey takes visitors on a nostalgic ride through Alpine meadows and forests before emerging above the treeline to reveal breathtaking vistas. The summit rewards travelers with 360-degree views encompassing over 690 mountain peaks, Lake Brienz's turquoise waters, and on clear days, glimpses as far as Germany's Black Forest. The mountain features excellent hiking trails of varying difficulty, a mountain restaurant serving traditional Swiss cuisine, and the unique opportunity to witness the vintage steam locomotive in action—complete with the evocative sounds and smells of a bygone era of mountain travel. Whether you're a railway enthusiast, photography lover, or simply seeking unforgettable Alpine scenery, the Brienzer Rothorn journey represents Swiss tourism at its most authentic and charming.

With its perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, Interlaken truly offers something for every traveler and the Interlaken's Top 10 Things to do & amazing activities are just scratching the surface of this Alpine wonderland. Whether you're seeking adrenaline rushes or peaceful communion with Alpine landscapes, this gem in the heart of Switzerland delivers unforgettable memories. From paragliding over twin lakes to savoring locally-produced cheese and chocolate, Interlaken's diverse attractions showcase the very best of Swiss hospitality and the majestic Bernese Oberland region.