Interlaken — Adventure Capital★★
Interlaken is located — as the name suggests — between two lakes: Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The town itself is less a sight than a base camp: From here, mountain railways, helicopters, paragliders, canyoning tours, and hikes start in all directions. The Höhematte, the large meadow in the center, offers the iconic view of the Jungfrau — a postcard motif when the Föhn wind blows.
★★ Höhematte & Jungfrau View
The 35-hectare meadow in the heart of Interlaken is the launch site for paragliders and the best place for the Jungfrau View. In the morning, when the sun illuminates the north face of the Jungfrau, the sight is unforgettable. In summer, paragliders land here by the minute — a spectacle for spectators.
Adventure Activities
Interlaken is the adrenaline capital of Switzerland:
- Paragliding: Tandem flights from 170 CHF (20–30 min., landing on the Höhematte)
- Canyoning: From 145 CHF (half-day, abseiling and jumping through gorges)
- Bungy Jumping: Stockhorn Bridge, 134 m, from 195 CHF
- Jetboat: On Lake Brienz, from 100 CHF (1 hour)
- Skydiving: Tandem jump from 4,000 m with an Alpine view, from 380 CHF
Arrival & Base
Interlaken has two train stations: Interlaken West (Lake Thun side, towards Bern) and Interlaken East (Lake Brienz side, transfer to Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen). The town is easily explored on foot — most hotels, restaurants, and shops are located on the Höheweg between the two stations (20-minute walk).
From Bern: 50 min., from Lucerne via Brünig Pass: 1:50h (scenically fantastic). All included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
💡 Tipp
Interlaken is a base, not a destination — don't spend too many days here, but take advantage of the perfect connections: Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Brienz, and both lakes are reachable within 30–60 minutes. A centrally located hotel in Interlaken is the most efficient solution for the Bernese Oberland.
