Winter Bucket List | Top Adventures to try out in and around Interlaken

There's loads to do in Interlaken in summer and autumn, but Interlaken truly shines in winter.

During the cold season, this lovely town between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is the perfect starting point for many winter activities around the two lakes or up in the surrounding mountains.

We picked a handful of unforgettable winter experiences for you: on the water, in the snow, in the air or in warm indoor spaces.

Winter Kayaking on Lake Brienz 🚣‍♀️

Want to get away from the busy ski slopes this winter and explore something new? Then you have to try kayaking on Lake Brienz in cold weather.

The waters of Lake Brienz, calm and inviting, even in winter © Switzerland Tourism

Experience breathtaking lake views with every stroke of your paddle, no matter what mother nature brings - sunshine or snow flurries.

Put on your dry suit to keep you warm and grab a thermos full of hot tea for an added touch of cosiness, and you're ready to be transported into a wintry fairy tale.

Put your drysuit on and don't worry about the cold © Switzerland Tourism

💡 WINTER SPECIAL: Winterlaken Ski & Lodge

Enjoy an action-packed winter holidays in the Bernese Oberland at a special price, valid between 16 December 2023 – 1 April 2024.

The "Winterlaken Ski & Lodge" package deal invites you to stay between two and eight nights, with breakfast and a winter sport pass for the Jungfrau Ski Region included.

Besides choosing your own accommodation, you can use the ski storage facility at the Grindelwald Terminal, the ski shuttle and local buses free of charge.

Interlaken winter view from Harder Kulm © Interlaken Tourismus

 

With your package starting from CHF 285, enjoy:

• 2 to 8 nights in Interlaken with breakfast included;

• Winter sport pass for the Jungfrau Ski Region (three ski regions in one: Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn);

• Ski locker at the Grindelwald Terminal;

• Ski shuttle from Interlaken;

• Use of public transport within the route network of the Interlaken guest card.

• Didn’t bring any skiing or snowboarding equipment? No problem! When you book, you will receive a unique discount of 20% on rentals of skiing and snowboarding equipment from INTERSPORT Rent-Network in Grindelwald.

BONUS: If you book for 3 nights or more, you will get a unique voucher worth CHF 50. Redeem it with any participating business in Interlaken.

Book now

Try a Snowshoe Tour at Isenfluh 🏔️

Explore picturesque snowy forests and charming mountain villages that tourists rarely get to see. A true hidden gem.

Snowshoeing is the best way to get close to the wintry mountain peaks © Outdoor Switzerland AG

If skiing is not your thing, or you simply prefer a peaceful time away from the bustling slopes, snowshoeing is the perfect activity for you.

Hike comfortably in deep snow and immerse yourself in breathtaking natural surroundings that are hard to reach otherwise.

Isenfluh hides gorgeous winter landscapes waiting to be discovered © Outdoor Switzerland AG

Glide over snow-covered Interlaken ❄️

This winter paragliding flight will have you soaring high above the beautiful winter landscape that surrounds Interlaken.

Take in the breathtaking views of the world-famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks while bundled up in warm clothes. Admire the turquoise-blue Lake Thun and Lake Brienz as they glisten against the backdrop of white snowy mountains.

Frozen Interlaken is a sight from high above © Skywings Paragliding

How will this work?

You will be picked up at a meeting point in Interlaken, then travel 20 minutes to Beatenberg. After a short safety briefing, you'll take off from a gently inclined slope and soar through the skies. Depending on the weather, you'll be in the air for approximately 10-20 minutes before landing in the heart of Interlaken.

Beatenberg has plenty of space for you to take off © Skywings Paragliding

Stay at the Grandhotel Giessbach 

The nostalgic Grandhotel Giessbach is situated above the turquoise Lake Brienz and offers a unique view over the lake as well as the surrounding mountains.

It is a hotel full of history, a place of strength and tranquillity. The 4-star hotel has 74 individual rooms, furnished with furniture from the Belle Epoque.

The Giessbach Hotel looks straight out of fairytales © Grandhotel Giessbach

Spend your time enjoying the taste of local, freshly-sourced cuisine at Les Cascades restaurant. In the evening, make sure you drop by the cosy hotel bar with live piano music and a warm fireplace. Unwinding guaranteed!

Enjoy the pristine nature park of the Grandhotel Giessbach with its more than 220,000 square meters available at all times of the year. Right past the Grand Hotel, you will discover the splendid Giessbach Waterfall cascading across 14 levels and plunging 400 meters down. You can take your time to explore some beautiful trails along the waterfall as well.