Is Interlaken the Adventure Capital of the World?

Queenstown in New Zealand is often referred to as the adventure capital of the world. But Interlaken, the Adventure Capital of Europe, has the potential to dispute this title. Interlaken offers the ultimate combination: breathtaking nature and exciting activities. And the best thing? All adventures are centred in Interlaken. Why travel halfway around the world when the adventure is right in the centre of Europe?

In this article, Manawa's long-standing partner OUTDOOR shares the best adventures in Interlaken with you.

So here's a list of activities that can be reached in under an hour from Interlaken. Are you ready?

Action for adrenaline junkies

Canyoning

Outdoor

Fifty metres of abseiling, exciting jumps, crystal-clear natural pools and rapid rock slides. You can have it all. There are three gorges in and around Interlaken that are suitable for canyoning: Interlaken, Grimsel and Schliere. There is something for everyone when canyoning in Interlaken, from beginners to experienced athletes. The natural spectacles are just a stone's throw from the centre. The Interlaken Gorge, for example, can be reached in just 10 minutes.

Bungy Jump

Outdoor

Have you ever jumped 134 metres from a gondola? If not, it's high time you did! The Stockhorn bungy jump is unique. This ultimate adrenalin rush awaits you just 25 minutes from Interlaken. The gondola transports you to the centre of the Hinterstockensee and 3...2...1... jump towards the crystal-clear water! The jump is not for the faint-hearted, but it's worth it.

Skydiving

Outdoor

Want to see the Alps from the very top? The free fall during a skydive in Interlaken lasts 45 breathtaking seconds. Professionals agree: one of the most beautiful skydives in the world and a must for all adrenalin junkies. A 25-minute drive from Interlaken for a wonderful 15-minute sightseeing flight in an aeroplane + skydive. Ideal! When you jump out of the aeroplane, you plummet towards the earth at 200 km/h and experience an adrenaline rush like never before.

Canyon Swing

Outdoor

A 90 metre free fall at no less than a dizzying 120 km/h? This is a reality in the Grindelwald glacier gorge. The Canyon Swing near Interlaken is similar to a bungy jump. However, you jump feet first and are attached to your upper body. It takes an unrivalled amount of courage to take the plunge. Surrounded by the high rock faces, you experience a free fall, followed by huge pendulum swings through the gorge. Pure thrills just 25 minutes from Interlaken.

Experience nature up close

Via Ferrata

Outdoor

The picturesque mountain village of Mürren is not only known from the James Bond film "The World Is Not Enough", but also for its spectacular via ferrata. Just under an hour from Interlaken, breathtaking climbing at a height of 300 metres, a suspension bridge 400 metres in the air and an exciting zipline await you. You'll feel like James Bond. A mountain guide can accompany you on your adventure or you can explore the via ferrata in Mürren on your own.

Rafting

Outdoor

Interlaken is not only known for its majestic mountains and deep gorges, but also for its wild rivers. The mighty Lütschine offers the best river rafting in the Alps! Are you really adventurous? Get ready for class III-IV whitewater rapids. On the second river, the Simme, everyone can have fun. Meet like-minded people directly in Interlaken and set off together on the 20-minute trip to the starting point. 2 hours of action await you.

Mountain sports

Outdoor

Seize the opportunity. There is hardly a place where 4000m peaks rise so close to civilisation. You can explore the impressive mountain world in a variety of ways: from a short hike up the Harder, Interlaken's local mountain, to high-alpine tours lasting several days, everything is possible. The hike up the Harder takes just 1.5 hours from the centre.

If you want to delve deeper into the impressive mountain world, you can go on a two-day glacier hike. The Aletsch Glacier is a must for every bucket list, as it is the longest glacier in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by 4000 metre-high peaks, you can spend two days exploring natural wonders.

Athletes and connoisseurs in bad weather

Rope park

Outdoor

Rest day? Or bad weather? No problem. The rope park in Interlaken is perfect for all needs. Nine courses with different levels of difficulty and 160 exciting tasks are waiting to be mastered by you. Don't worry, you'll get your money's worth no later than 23 metres above the ground. The rope park is easily accessible on foot, taking around 20 minutes from Interlaken.

Jetboat

Outdoor

Jetboats are all the rage. And the whirling 360° turns are guaranteed to make you scream. Enjoy a spectacular ride on the shimmering turquoise-blue waters of Lake Brienz, one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. During this jetboat trip near Interlaken, you will experience breathtaking sights from the water and learn exciting stories about the region. All just 7 minutes from the town centre. Could it get any better?

Interlaken - hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts

• A meeting place for like-minded people: The communities that form here are unique. Adventure enthusiasts from all over the world meet in Interlaken to share their passion for thrills and exchange experiences.
• A hit in winter too: only summer activities are listed here in the blog. But Interlaken doesn't disappoint in winter either. There are large ski resorts that are easily accessible by public transport. So even in the winter months you can experience a trip full of heart-pounding adrenalin.
• On-site advice: Are you in Interlaken? The first address for your adventures is OUTDOOR Switzerland. Based in Interlaken, it is one of the largest providers of mountain and outdoor activities in Switzerland. Your activity will be organised directly by OUTDOOR and led by a certified guide. This guarantees the highest level of safety and quality.