Interlaken: Switzerland's Adventure Capital — Skydiving, Paragliding & Canyoning

Europe's Adventure Capital

Interlaken sits at 568 metres above sea level between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Jungfrau (4,158m), Mönch (4,107m), and Eiger (3,967m) forming a wall of ice and rock to the south that is simply one of the most dramatic mountain panoramas on earth. The town itself is unremarkable — a strip of hotels, adventure operators, and fondue restaurants — but the landscape surrounding it is extraordinary, and the adventure industry built around that landscape is the most concentrated in Europe.

On any given summer day, you can watch skydivers falling from 4,000m, paragliders spiralling in thermals above the lakes, and canyoners abseiling down waterfalls in the gorges above town. Interlaken has turned adventure into an art form.

Skydiving: Freefall Over the Alps

Skydiving in Interlaken is one of the most spectacular experiences in the world. The jump altitude is 4,000m (13,000 feet), the freefall lasts 60 seconds at 200km/h, and the canopy ride takes you over the two lakes with the Jungfrau massif filling your entire field of vision.

Operators: Skydive Interlaken and Alpin Raft are the two main operators. Both are USPA-affiliated with impeccable safety records.

Tandem skydive: CHF 395 (€410) including video package. Minimum age 16, maximum weight 100kg. No experience required — you're attached to a certified instructor throughout.

Best conditions: Clear days from May to October. The jump is cancelled in cloud cover or strong winds. Book early morning slots for the best chance of clear skies.

What to expect: The aircraft climbs for 20 minutes. At 4,000m, the door opens and the cold hits you — approximately -10°C at altitude. The freefall is 60 seconds of pure sensory overload. The canopy opens at 1,500m and you float for 5–7 minutes, steering toward the landing field in the Bödeli plain between the lakes.

Paragliding: The Gentler Alternative

For those who want the aerial perspective without the freefall, paragliding from Beatenberg or Grindelwald delivers equally spectacular views at a more contemplative pace.

Launch sites:

Operators: Paragliding Interlaken, Airtime Paragliding, Skywings Paragliding. All offer tandem flights with English-speaking pilots.

Canyoning: Switzerland's Hidden Gorges

The gorges above Interlaken are extraordinary — narrow limestone canyons carved by glacial meltwater, with waterfalls, natural slides, and pools of crystal-clear water. Canyoning involves abseiling down waterfalls, jumping into pools, and sliding through natural rock chutes.

Saxeten Gorge — the classic Interlaken canyon. Half-day trip, suitable for beginners. Jumps up to 8m, natural slides, abseils up to 20m. Cost: CHF 110–130 (€115–135). Operators: Alpin Raft, Outdoor Interlaken.

Grimsel Gorge — more challenging, longer, higher jumps (up to 15m). Full-day trip. Cost: CHF 160–190 (€165–200). Intermediate to advanced.

Chli Schliere — the most extreme canyon near Interlaken. Expert only. Jumps up to 22m, powerful waterfalls. Cost: CHF 200–250 (€210–260).

Skiing & Snowboarding: The Jungfrau Region

In winter, Interlaken is the gateway to the Jungfrau ski region — three interconnected resorts (Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren) with 213km of pistes and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Alps.

Grindelwald-First — the largest area, excellent intermediate terrain, Eiger views throughout. The First Cliff Walk (a cliffside walkway at 2,168m) is open year-round.

Wengen — car-free village, traditional atmosphere, excellent for families. The Lauberhorn downhill race course is here — the longest and oldest World Cup downhill in the world.

Mürren — the most dramatic location, perched on a cliff above the Lauterbrunnen valley. The Schilthorn (2,970m) offers 360° views and the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant (James Bond's On Her Majesty's Secret Service was filmed here).

Lift passes: Jungfrau Top Ski Region — 1 day CHF 79 (€82), 6 days CHF 370 (€385).

Temperature & Month-by-Month Guide

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Best months: July–September for adventure sports. January–March for skiing.

Where to Eat

Where to Stay

Budget (€70–130/night): Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (hostel with mountain views, dorms from €35, private rooms from €80), Hotel Aarburg (central, clean, €70–100).

Mid-range (€130–250/night): Hotel du Nord (boutique, central, €140–200), Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (historic, lake views, €200–350).

Luxury (€250–500/night): Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel (5-star, spa, Jungfrau views, €300–500), Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage (lakefront, €250–400).

Getting There

Fly to Zurich (ZRH, 2h train) or Bern (BRN, 1h train). From Amsterdam: KLM to Zurich from €100 return. From London: easyJet/Swiss to Zurich from £70 return. From New York: Swiss direct to Zurich from $550 return.

Train from Zurich to Interlaken Ost: 2 hours, CHF 52 (€54) one way. Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains and many mountain railways.

Insider Tips

1. Book skydiving the moment you arrive — slots fill up days ahead in summer. If it's cancelled due to weather, you get a full refund or reschedule.

2. The Jungfraujoch (3,454m, the "Top of Europe") is worth the CHF 225 (€235) return ticket — the highest railway station in Europe, with a glacier plateau and views into Italy.

3. September is the best month — summer crowds have thinned, the weather is stable, and the autumn light on the mountains is extraordinary.

4. Combine activities — most operators offer multi-activity packages (skydive + paraglide + canyon) at 15–20% discount.

5. The Harder Kulm funicular (CHF 34 return) gives the best view of Interlaken between the two lakes — go at sunset.