One of the most stunning cities in the world, Interlaken, Switzerland is an incredible place for a winter getaway. There is no shortage of experiences to have here, both above and below the mountain tops.
While some activities are only available to do in the summer, once the first snow falls, there are tons of adventurous opportunities.
Outdoor Interlaken is the hub for adrenaline-inducing activities in Interlaken. They offer all types of tours of the town, guides for snow sports, and all the gear you could possibly need for your excursions. Get ready to fill your trip with non-stop exploration and unforgettable experiences.
Here are my top ten things to do in Interlaken in winter!
Go Paragliding in Interlaken
There is nothing in this world like running off the top of a mountain at full speed and flying over snow-capped trees, gorgeous lakes, and a little Swiss town.
With so many paragliding spots in the city leave it up to Outdoor Interlaken to find the best one.
After gathering the right gear and heading up to the top of a mountain, it’s time to fly. With a guide right behind you, get ready to run off the mountain and fly through the sky, taking in the sights of beautiful Interlaken.
Your pilot will even bring along a GoPro to capture every heart-pounding moment, with the option to purchase photos afterward.
This was the most incredible experience and a must-do when visiting Interlaken.
Swiss Food and Culture Tour
Switzerland is renowned for two incredible things: cheese and chocolate. If you find yourself in Interlaken, I highly recommend hopping on the Outdoor Interlaken guided Swiss Food Tour.
The tour kicks off at an adorable cheese shop where you can sample four different local cheeses. Next stop, the Funky Chocolate Club, for some chocolate treats.
The Funky Chocolate Club also offers chocolate-making classes where you can craft your very own chocolate bar by hand.
Along the way, you will explore medieval Switzerland stumbling upon traditional wood-carving shops.
The final stop? A charming local farm to taste the freshest milk and cheese straight from the source.
This tour is like the ultimate crash course in all things Interlaken. And who could resist a day filled with cheese and chocolate? It’s a foodie’s dream come true!
The tour company also offers free walking tours and private customized tours of the area.
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Go Sky Diving in Interlaken
If you’re gonna take the plunge and go skydiving, why not do it Swiss-style? Fly up in a plane with your professional guide, and take the ultimate leap of faith into the winter sky.
As you freefall, brace yourself for jaw-dropping views of snowy mountains and sweeping landscapes. It’s the adrenaline rush of a lifetime, with a backdrop straight out of a dream!
Snow Sports Around Interlaken
The Swiss Alps are known for great skiing and snowboarding. Outdoor Interlaken offers packages to suit every skill level!
Forget about lugging your gear around—just swing by the rental shop and grab everything you need right there. Guides will take you up and down the mountain or send you off on your own adventure depending on which package you choose.
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Snowshoeing
If you’re itching to explore Interlaken’s snowy wonderland but aren’t quite ready to tackle the slopes on skis or a snowboard, snowshoeing is the perfect solution.
You’ll be kitted out with all the gear and expert guidance necessary to trek through the Interlaken winter landscapes. Strap on those snowshoes and explore at a slower pace.
Boat Cruise
The city of Interlaken is sandwiched between two stunning lakes: Luke Thun and Lake Brienz. And what better way to see the sights than with a boat cruise?!
Take a mountain lake tour to dive into the wonders of Lake Brienz including beautiful cliffs, waterfalls, and magical villages. Keep your eyes peeled for Oberhofen, a fairytale castle perched on the lakeside.
And come December, hop aboard a boat to the Christmas Markets.
With departures from various points in Interlaken, you can craft your own dreamy hop-on-hop-off day tour.
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Jungfrau Mountain
Head Up to Jungfrau Mountain
Known for being the highest point in Europe, this is one of the most popular day trips from Interlaken.
While it requires an investment in both time and money, the payoff is unparalleled—a panoramic view of the Alps.
To reach the summit, expect to pay around 150 CHF (170 USD) with a Eurail Pass or 225 CHF (225 USD) full fare for a round-trip ticket from Interlaken. The journey itself takes around 2.5 to 3 hours each way by train so make sure to bring a good book and a few snacks!
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Play on the Vertical Rush
If you are feeling low on adrenaline and need a little pick-me-up, head to Outdoor Interlaken’s Adventure Park in the treetops.
Free fall from the Giant Swing, take a leap on the BASE Jump Simulator, race along the fastest and longest zip line in Seilpark, and test your balance on the Highline.
Schilthorn Mountain
Visit Schilthorn Mountain
You absolutely can’t miss this adventure from Interlaken!
Hop on a short train ride to Lauterbrunnen, then catch a cable car to Grütschalp before hopping on another train to Mürren.
Once you’re in Mürren, buckle up for an epic journey: take a cable car to Birg and then catch a connecting car to Schilthorn. Trust me, this route offers the most jaw-dropping views of the UNESCO World Heritage trio— Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
Hungry? Head to Piz Gloria, the world’s first revolving restaurant, for a lunch experience like no other. And if you’re a fan of 007, don’t miss the James Bond exhibition dedicated to the movie filmed right there!
Night Sledding With Fondue
There are still adventures to be had after the sun goes down in Interlaken. After grabbing all the necessary gear from the Outdoor Interlaken shop, hop on a gondola and head up to the top of a mountain for some night sledding!
With guides leading the way, you’ll head on a thrilling sled ride down a specially carved trail under the night sky. Trust me, sledding down a steep mountain in the dark is an experience like no other!
After making it down the mountain, you’ll be whisked back to town to a cozy restaurant located within one of Interlaken’s oldest hotels. And what’s on the menu? Cheese fondue, of course! It’s the perfect way to end a fantastic night of adventure.
And there you have it! The best things to do in Interlaken winter! Let me know in the comments what activity is at the top of your bucket list.
A big thank you to Outdoor Interlaken for hosting me during my time in Interlaken. All opinions and thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.
Hello! Planning to visit Interlaken this coming winter from Christmas through the New year. I know it’s high-tourism season, wondering if you think it’s necessary to pre-book activities like night sledding, or paragliding? Thanks in advance!
Caroline
Yes! I would definitely pre-book activities if you can 🙂
Hello! When did you visit Interlaken? And what months would you recommend? For example is over late December to January very very cold? Thank you!
I went in the winter months! December and January will be very cold as it’s the middle of winter. All you need to do is pack your warmest layers and invest in some good quality clothing that will keep the chill at bay 🙂