Interlaken: Switzerland’s Adventure Capital Between Two Lakes
Interlaken is the beating heart of the Swiss adventure scene. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the legendary Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains towering to the south, this small town punches miles above its weight in thrill-seeking potential. Paragliding, skydiving, canyoning, bungee jumping, and some of the best hiking in Europe are all on the menu — plus the iconic Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station.
Why Visit Interlaken?
Interlaken’s location is absurdly scenic. The town sits on a narrow strip of land between two brilliant turquoise lakes, and on a clear day the north face of the Eiger fills the southern horizon like a natural IMAX screen. The Höheweg promenade, lined with hotels and flower gardens, offers uninterrupted views of the Jungfrau massif and is one of the most photographed urban views in the world.
Beyond the scenery, Interlaken is the adventure hub of Switzerland. It’s the base for paragliding over two lakes, canyoning in glacial rivers, and taking the historic Jungfrau Railway to the Top of Europe. It’s also surprisingly accessible on a budget if you plan your activities strategically and buy your mountain tickets in advance.
Top Attractions in Interlaken
1. Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe
At 3,454 metres, Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest railway station and one of the most extraordinary man-made experiences in the Alps. The Jungfrau Railway, built between 1896 and 1912, tunnels through the Eiger and Mönch mountains on its spectacular climb to the saddle between the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks. The journey itself is an engineering marvel — the train stops at Eigerwand and Eismeer stations, where viewing windows peer out across the ice fields.
Highlights:
- Sphinx Observatory viewing platform — 360° Alpine panorama at 3,571 m
- Aletsch Glacier — the longest glacier in the Alps, visible from above
- Ice Palace — a walk-through cavern carved inside the glacier
- Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven — the world’s highest chocolate shop
2. Paragliding Over Two Lakes
Tandem paragliding is the single most iconic experience in Interlaken. You’ll launch from Beatenberg or the Harder Kulm and glide over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in your peripheral vision. The landing is a gentle descent into the Höheweg park in the centre of town. It’s not cheap, but it’s one of those experiences that justifies the entire trip to Switzerland.
Highlights:
- 15–20 minutes of silent flight with Alpine views
- Smooth tandem flights — no experience needed
- GoPro footage included with most packages
- Landing right in the centre of Interlaken
3. Harder Kulm — Interlaken’s Local Mountain
The Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s very own viewpoint, reachable by a funicular that climbs 732 metres in just 10 minutes. The viewing platform — called the “Two Lakes Bridge” — extends out over a sheer drop, offering a vertigo-inducing panorama of both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Jungfrau massif beyond. It’s the cheapest mountain excursion in the area and the best introduction to Interlaken’s geography.
Highlights:
- Spectacular two-lake panorama from a single viewpoint
- The Two Lakes Bridge — glass-floored platform extending over the cliff
- Harder Kulm restaurant with Swiss cuisine and beer garden
- Sunset dining — the funicular runs late in summer
4. Lake Brienz & Giessbach Waterfalls
Lake Brienz is the more dramatic of Interlaken’s two lakes — a deep turquoise body of water surrounded by steep forested slopes. The lake’s unreal colour comes from glacial silt suspended in the water. At the eastern end, the Giessbach Falls cascade 500 metres down a cliff face in 14 distinct tiers. A historic 19th-century funicular railway carries visitors from the ferry dock up to the Grandhotel Giessbach, where a short walk leads to the best waterfall viewpoints.
Highlights:
- Boat cruise across Lake Brienz’s turquoise waters
- 14-tier Giessbach Falls — one of Switzerland’s most beautiful waterfalls
- Historic funicular to the Grandhotel Giessbach
- Swimming in the lake at several access points
5. Schilthorn & Piz Gloria
Schilthorn (2,970 m) and its revolving restaurant Piz Gloria offer a James Bond-flavoured alternative to the Jungfraujoch. The mountain starred as the villain’s lair in the 1969 Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” The rotating restaurant completes a full revolution every hour, giving you a constantly changing 360° view of over 200 Alpine peaks. The cable car journey up from Stechelberg via Mürren and Birg is one of the most scenic in the Alps.
Highlights:
- Piz Gloria revolving restaurant with 360° views
- Bond World — interactive exhibition about the film’s production
- Skyline Walk — a narrow viewing platform with glass floor
- Birg station’s Thrill Walk — cliff-hanging walkway with see-through sections
6. Grindelwald & First Cliff Walk
Grindelwald, a short train ride from Interlaken, is the gateway to some of the best hiking and adventure activities in the Bernese Oberland. The First Cliff Walk — a metal walkway hugging the cliff face at 2,168 metres — is one of the area’s newest attractions. From Grindelwald First, you can also ride the First Flyer (a zipline reaching 80 km/h) or the First Glider (a winged zipline that soars over the valley).
Highlights:
- First Cliff Walk — accessible via cable car from Grindelwald
- First Flyer zipline — 800 metres of adrenaline at 80 km/h
- First Glider — ride like an eagle over the valley
- Bachalpsee lake hike — one of Switzerland’s most beautiful easy hikes
Budget Breakdown: Interlaken
Budget per person per day (excluding accommodation):
- Budget Traveller: CHF 65–95
- Mid-Range: CHF 130–190
- Comfort: CHF 230–350
Sample Costs:
- Harder Kulm funicular return: CHF 32
- Jungfraujoch return ticket (advance online): CHF 150–200
- Tandem paragliding: CHF 190–230
- Restaurant dinner: CHF 30–55
- Supermarket meal: CHF 10–15
- Hostel dorm: CHF 38–55
- Mid-range hotel double: CHF 130–220
Disclaimer: Prices and operating schedules vary by season. Always check mountain weather conditions, cable car operating times, and book adventure activities in advance during peak season.