Visiting Interlaken? 10 Fun Things to Do

You’ll find Interlaken perfectly positioned between two stunning Alpine lakes, making it Switzerland’s adventure capital without breaking your budget. Whether you’re craving adrenaline-pumping activities like paragliding or prefer gentler pursuits such as scenic train rides, this charming town offers something for every traveler. From underground waterfalls to revolving mountaintop restaurants, you can experience Switzerland’s most iconic attractions while keeping costs reasonable. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

Take the Train to Jungfraujoch for Europe’s Highest Railway Station

When you’re looking for an unforgettable alpine experience without breaking the bank, the train journey to Jungfraujoch delivers Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 meters above sea level. You’ll start from Interlaken Ost, reaching the “Top of Europe” in about two hours.

The final 35-minute stretch ascends 1,400 meters through the Eiger and Mönch mountains via tunnel—a remarkable engineering feat from 1912. The railway tracks end inside a spectacular rock cavern that serves as the terminal station.

Don’t forget essential gear: layered jackets, gloves, hat, and sunglasses for year-round freezing temperatures and intense alpine sun. Book seat reservations during peak season (May-October) to avoid disappointment.

You’ll access panoramic views of Aletsch Glacier, observation decks, restaurants, and the famous Ice Palace—all carved into rock caverns beneath the mountains.

Ride the Funicular to Harder Kulm for Sunset Views

For just eight minutes of your time, you’ll gain access to one of Switzerland’s most rewarding sunset viewpoints via the Harderbahn funicular. The steep ride climbs 775 meters from Interlaken Ost station to Harder Kulm’s panoramic terrace at 1,322 meters above sea level.

You’ll catch stunning views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks through the funicular’s panoramic windows. The base station sits just five minutes from Interlaken Ost railway station, making it easily accessible.

During peak season, trains run every 15-30 minutes until 9:40 PM, perfect for sunset timing. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during summer months.

The panorama restaurant offers refreshments while you watch twilight paint the Bernese Alps. Round trip tickets cost CHF 44 per adult, though significant discounts are available with various Swiss travel passes.

Paraglide Over the Alps and Land in Höhematte Park

While watching paragliders drift down from the mountains offers its own thrill, taking the leap yourself delivers an unforgettable Alpine experience that’ll have you soaring above Switzerland’s most dramatic peaks before gently touching down in Höhematte Park’s central meadow.

You’ll launch from elevated points around Interlaken, gliding past Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger while your instructor handles the technical aspects.

The 35-acre park provides a safe, flat landing zone right in town’s heart, making it convenient for spectators to watch your arrival. Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours in the park after landing, whether relaxing from the adrenaline rush or exploring the scenic surroundings.

Budget tip: tandem flights vary in price, so compare operators and book during shoulder seasons for better deals.

The experience contributes to Interlaken’s “Adventure Capital of Europe” reputation, and you’ll understand why once you’re floating above those iconic snow-capped peaks with unmatched panoramic views.

Cruise Lake Thun With Swiss Cheese and Mountain Scenery

Though you’ve just touched solid ground after paragliding, Lake Thun’s two-hour cruise offers the perfect way to decompress while still soaking up those same iconic Alpine views from water level.

You’ll glide between Thun and Interlaken West, spotting the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks alongside lakeside castles and charming villages like Spiez and Oberhofen.

Here’s the budget-friendly twist: if you’ve got a Swiss Travel Pass, your cruise is completely free. Without one, expect to pay around CHF 51 for the full route.

Onboard dining ranges from casual à la carte to themed experiences featuring Swiss cheese and hot stone menus. The nostalgic steamship Blümlisalp operates seasonally during summer and winter holidays for those seeking a classic maritime experience.

The boats are wheelchair accessible, and you can hop off at various stops to explore before catching the next departure.

Explore the Underground Waterfalls at Trümmelbach Falls

After you’ve taken in the Alpine peaks from Lake Thun’s surface, descend into Europe’s largest underground waterfall system at Trümmelbach Falls, where 10 glacier-fed cascades thunder through carved limestone chambers inside the mountain itself.

You’ll experience the raw power of meltwater from Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau glaciers as it drops 140 meters through spiral-carved passages.

Take the tunnel lift to access upper cascades, then follow secured walkways for close-up viewing from multiple vantage points.

The “drumming” sound of 20,000 liters per second creates an unforgettable acoustic experience.

Visit during spring thaw or summer melt for peak flows. The falls transport over 20,000 tons of glacial debris annually, demonstrating the incredible erosive force shaping these underground chambers.

Entry requires a ticket with no Swiss Half Fare discounts, but this UNESCO World Heritage site offers unmatched underground exploration.

Walk Through Traditional Swiss Life at Ballenberg Open-Air Museum

Once you’ve experienced the thundering underground cascades, step into Switzerland’s living history at Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, where you’ll walk through an authentic recreation of traditional Swiss rural life spanning centuries.

Located near Brienz, this 66-hectare site features over 110 original historical buildings transported stone by stone from across Switzerland.

You’ll explore authentic farmhouses, barns, and workshops while watching craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills like woodcarving, basket weaving, and cheesemaking.

Kids will love the 200 farmyard animals roaming the grounds and interactive experiences in period costumes.

Plan at least 3-4 hours for your visit, and consider the on-site toy train to navigate the expansive grounds. The Ballenberg Train connects the east and west entrances with stops at key locations throughout the museum.

The museum operates mid-April through early November, making it perfect for seasonal exploration.

Kayak the Turquoise Waters of Lake Brienz

Why settle for admiring Lake Brienz from the shore when you can paddle across its legendary turquoise waters? Kayaking here costs just CHF 30-40 per hour for singles or CHF 45-60 for doubles – surprisingly affordable for Swiss standards.

You’ll launch from Bönigen (easily reached by Bus 103) and paddle past 12th-century Ringgenberg Castle while surrounded by Alpine peaks and dense forests.

Three-hour guided tours include all equipment and photography services, with small groups of six ensuring personalized instruction.

Don’t worry if you’re a beginner – expert guides make this accessible to all skill levels.

Summer offers warm swimming breaks, while winter tours provide snowy tranquility with specialized dry suits. The main safety consideration is staying clear of ferry boats, which move faster than they appear and should be avoided at all times.

Book morning, afternoon, or evening departures for different atmospheric experiences.

Discover the Stalactite Wonderland of Beatus Caves

While most travelers stick to Interlaken’s surface attractions, you’ll find one of Switzerland’s most spectacular underground worlds just minutes away at St. Beatus Caves. This limestone cave system stretches 14 kilometers through the Niederhorn Massif, though you’ll explore about one kilometer during the 45-60 minute tour.

You’ll descend 297 steps through dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations, passing subterranean waterfalls and grottos illuminated by electric lighting. The caves offer fascinating history too—archaeological evidence shows human habitation dating back 15,000 years, plus local legends about St. Beatus banishing a dragon from these chambers.

Twenty-five informational panels explain the geology and history along your route. The caves remain accessible year-round, making this underground adventure possible regardless of when you visit Switzerland. The entrance museum and Restaurant STEIN & SEIN complete your underground adventure with budget-friendly dining and stunning Lake Thun views.

Experience the 360-Degree Views From Mount Schilthorn’s Revolving Restaurant

After exploring underground wonders, you’ll want to experience Switzerland’s most famous revolving restaurant at Mount Schilthorn’s summit. Piz Gloria sits at 9,740 feet and rotates completely every 45 minutes, giving you uninterrupted views of over 200 peaks including Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

You’ll reach the restaurant via cable car from Mürren—about 32 minutes from Interlaken Ost station. While the journey’s spectacular, budget-conscious travelers should know food quality’s mixed and prices reflect the tourist location. The signature 007 Burger offers decent value and Instagram appeal.

The real draw isn’t the dining—it’s the incredible 360-degree Alpine panorama and James Bond filming location atmosphere. The restaurant features both brunch and dessert buffet options alongside an à la carte menu with Swiss and Mediterranean dishes. Book during clear weather for best visibility, and consider combining your visit with the Thrill Walk cliff experience.

Stroll Through Medieval Unterseen’s Cobblestone Streets

Just a short walk from Interlaken’s tourist crowds, you’ll discover Unterseen’s enchanting medieval streets that transport you back to 1279. You’ll wander narrow cobblestone pathways lined with half-timbered houses featuring colorful facades and exposed wooden beams.

The streets radiate from Stadthausplatz, where you can admire the historic Stadthaus and St. Beatus Fountain.

Don’t miss the Archaeological Cellar for fascinating historical insights, or the Tourismmuseum showcasing the region’s tourism development. St. Mauritius Church stands as a beautiful medieval landmark worth photographing.

Explore hidden courtyards and artisanal shops tucked along winding streets. Grab affordable local cuisine at cafés around the square, then stroll the peaceful Aare River promenades. For the most magical photographs, visit during golden hour when the warm lighting perfectly illuminates the historic architecture and creates stunning reflections in the river.

This authentic Swiss experience costs nothing but offers memorable charm away from Interlaken’s busier attractions.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Interlaken offers something for every budget and adventure level. Mix expensive experiences like Jungfraujoch with free activities like strolling through Unterseen‘s historic streets. Pack your own snacks for train rides to save money, and consider staying in nearby towns for cheaper accommodations. Book activities online for potential discounts, and don’t forget comfortable walking shoes—you’ll be doing plenty of hiking between these incredible Swiss adventures.