Best Things to Do in Interlaken in Summer: A Local Guide's Picks

Interlaken sits between two shimmering lakes, Thun and Brienz, with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rising just behind it. It's the perfect base for a Swiss summer — whether you're here for big adrenaline or slow, beautiful days.

I've lived in the Jungfrau Region since 2016. Here are the things I always recommend to people staying in Interlaken.

1. Skydive over the Alps

If you want the ultimate thrill, this is it. With a helicopter skydive, you lift off over Interlaken, rise up in front of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and jump — freefalling over the Alps before your parachute opens and you float down with the turquoise lakes below. It's not cheap, but people talk about it for the rest of their lives.

2. Spend a day in Lauterbrunnen — and go up to Mürren

You can't stay in Interlaken without a day in Lauterbrunnen. It's only about 20 minutes by train, and you arrive in what I think is the most beautiful valley in the world: sheer cliffs, 72 waterfalls, and the car-free village of Mürren perched on the edge high above.

• See Staubbach Falls right in the village, and Trümmelbach Falls, ten glacier waterfalls thundering inside the mountain.
• Ride up to Mürren for one of the best views in Switzerland. Here's my guide on How to Get to Mürren.
• Walk the North Face Trail, with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau right in front of you.

Want a local to show you the hidden corners? Join me on a guided hike. Not sure whether to pick Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald? Read Lauterbrunnen vs Grindelwald.

3. Ride the valley by e-bike

The easiest way to see the Lauterbrunnen Valley's waterfalls is on an e-bike. On my Valley of Waterfalls tour we ride from Lauterbrunnen past Staubbach and into Trümmelbach Falls, then deep into the quiet back of the valley to a mountain restaurant most visitors never reach. No cycling experience needed — the e-bike does the hard work.

4. Take the train to Jungfraujoch

One of the most famous train journeys in the world. From Interlaken, take the train to Grindelwald Terminal, ride the Eiger Express gondola to Eigergletscher, then the Jungfrau Railway up through the mountain to Jungfraujoch — "Top of Europe", the highest railway station in Europe. Explore the Ice Palace, see the Aletsch Glacier, and take in the view from the Sphinx Observatory. Go on a clear day — and go early.

5. Hike up to fly down

Interlaken is one of the paragliding capitals of the world, and you'll see colourful wings floating over town all summer. For something extra special, try Hike & Fly above Mürren: you hike up to a viewpoint with a professional tandem pilot, then fly down over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. No experience needed.

6. Go up Harder Kulm

Interlaken's own mountain. A short funicular ride takes you up to a viewing platform that seems to float above the town, with both lakes below and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in front of you. Stay for dinner at the panorama restaurant and watch the light change on the peaks.

7. The Hardergrat — only for experienced hikers

The Hardergrat ridge runs from Harder Kulm towards the Brienzer Rothorn, high above Lake Brienz. The views are breathtaking — but it's an extremely exposed, very demanding route for experienced, very fit mountain hikers only, not a casual day out. If you're thinking about it, please read my Hardergrat guide first.

8. Have a fondue picnic

For a really Swiss afternoon, grab a Fondue Picnic Backpack — everything you need for a cheese fondue for two, packed and ready to carry. I'll share my favourite secret spots, so you can enjoy it in a meadow with a view, far from the crowds.

9. Cruise the lakes

Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are the jewels of the region. Hop on a paddle steamer for a slow, relaxing cruise, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or hire a quiet electric boat. On a hot day, there's nothing better than a swim in the turquoise water.

Plan your summer

Interlaken has something for everyone — thrills, culture, lakes and mountains. If you'd like help putting your days together, or a local to show you around, send me a message. And if you're heading up into the mountains, have a look at Things to Do in Mürren.

Have the best summer,
Laura