Top 7 Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland
Full transparency, my trip to Switzerland would not have happened if it hadn't been for my work trip to Germany and my coworker who told me to go. He planned this trip for me—well, some of it!
On this list, I didn't get a chance to do the hike, sadly, because when I went, the mountain passages were still closed for hiking because of the snow. But I included that hike on this list because I did try to do it, and it was the main reason (besides the views) I came here.
1. Paragliding
Usually, when I make these lists, they don't have a specific order—but this one does. Hands down, the number one thing to do in Interlaken is paragliding. I didn't have this on my list of things to do until my coworker convinced me—and then semi-blackmailed me—to do it. He would not allow me to live it down if I didn't. I have nothing against flying . . . I love to travel, and I have a plane tattoo on my wrist—but I was nervous about jumping off a cliff.
Thankfully, when you paraglide, you do NOT jump off a cliff. Instead, after the very scenic drive to a grassy hill, your instructor is attached to you, and all you must do is run down a hill. The wind does everything else. Honestly, it was not scary at all. Think about how a plane taxis . . . the pilot gives it all the power, and you lift off.
I didn't realize paragliding was a super popular activity in Interlaken until I arrived. Seeing what feels like hundreds of different color paraglider wings circling above you is awe-inspiring.
Still, it makes sense because of the strong winds and the views! Seeing the landscape from a bird's eye view was unbelievable. I was speechless. I enjoyed all the panoramic views of the mountains, lakes, tiny homes, and businesses. For roughly 15-20 minutes, you will soar over Interlaken.
My guide from Swiss Paragliding and Adventure was among the top 5 guides I have ever had while solo traveling. He provided all the safety tips but also talked about Interlaken’s background and places to try, and, most importantly, he reminded and allowed me to enjoy flying above the Swiss Alps.
Soaring over the Alps is its own oxymoron; it's the fastest but slowest time you will ever experience. Before you know it, you go from running down a hill, flying past Harder Kulm's viewpoint, the crystal blue lakes, and circling over the town of Interlaken, and then you are landing.
It is by far my favorite thing to do in Switzerland! I booked this tour the day before I did it, and I was lucky. It is a popular activity in Interlaken, so I recommend booking ahead or doing what I did and booking it last minute!
2. Enjoy Views from Harder Kulm
I did this the same day as paragliding, which was my last full day in the town. Here, you can hike all the way up or take the cable car up, as I did. The cable car is over 100 years old and takes you to Harder Kulm, which sits 1,322 meters above sea level on an incline of 64 percent, in less than 10 minutes! It is crazy!
One thing I will warn you about is that taking the car up is very popular, and you will be packed in like sardines. But don’t worry; it's a quick ride! Once on top, you can walk to the restaurant and have lunch or hang out on the glass deck to check out stunning town views, lakes, and the Swiss Alps. This is the perfect place to take in the views if you don't want to paraglide!
3. Stroll around the Town Center
The town of Interlaken is so charming; you can stroll around and look for some souvenirs, Swiss Chocolate, local beer, food, and views! Now, keep in mind that it gets a bit busy and crowded, so if you want to avoid crowds, you can head over to the streets that lead to the river. There, you can find fewer people and more local stores. Plus, you get to see stunning views of the water!
4. Visit the Village of Grindelwald
Take the 20-minute train ride to Grindelwald and experience a fairytale village. I took the train there to go hiking, but sadly, I couldn't hike because the trails were not open. I was disappointed, but I still had an epic time there. I recommend taking the gondola to see the stunning views of the Bernese Alps. I also recommend checking out Glacier Canyon Grindelwald, where you can walk inside a Canyon and hang out on the spider web that suspends 170 meters above the water!
Try some chocolate there, or grab a pint or a sandwich from one of the local places and enjoy the stunning views!
5. Visit the Village Laturerbun
Besides being a cute town, Laturerbun is famous for Staubbach Fall, which is 270 meters tall and one of Europe's highest vertical waterfalls. The hike up the falls is steep but totally worth it! Also, if you feel more adventurous, you can hike behind the falls. Expect to get wet, but it’ll be worth it once you see the town from behind a waterfall!
Another thing to do is grab some coffee at the stand at the waterfall and just walk around the town, taking in the sights. The views are different from those at Interlaken, and you’ll enjoy the lush fields.
6. Swim in Brienz or Lake Thun
Swimming isn't the best word; it's more like jumping in and getting out because it is so cold. I went to the lake to do a cold plunge. It was the coldest lake I had ever experienced, but it felt amazing, and my body was happy I did it! Plus, you can say you swam in a Swiss lake!
7. Schynige Platte to First Hike
I was here in mid-May, and as I mentioned, I was supposed to do this hike, but the mountain passage was still closed because of the snow. The hike from Schynige Platte to First via Faulhorn is the top hike in Interlaken, and it offers an epic view of the mountains. This is a 10-mile hike with a steep incline, so be prepared for a full-day adventure by bringing snacks, extra layers, a battery charger, and water.
Let me know in the comments how your travels went. And be sure to check out my top things to do in Grindelwald!