10 Reasons Why Interlaken Has to Be Your First Trip This Semester

By Allie Filmanowicz

Interlaken is an ideal weekend getaway during your semester abroad in Europe! Embrace the winter wonderland vibes and head to the Swiss Alps for an epic adventure. Whether you’re into pretty views or adrenaline-fueled activities, it’s all here.

We’re based in Interlaken and love showing off how incredible this mountain town truly is — so come explore with us!

1. Interlaken Offers Endless Opportunities for Adventure

Looking for an adrenaline rush that doesn’t involve skiing or snowboarding? Interlaken is full of them!

Why not try skydiving over Interlaken or paragliding over the Alps?

Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience while you’re abroad in the magical city of Interlaken.

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2. Interlaken Has Picture-Perfect Views

Interlaken is known for its breathtaking views!

Whether you are looking for the perfect Instagram post and caption or just a picture to send home to Mom, there is no better place than Interlaken for natural splendor.

From the winter wonderland vistas of frozen lakes and the amazing elevated views of the Swiss Alps to cute alpine cottages nestled in towering evergreens, you’ll have plenty of super snaps in your camera reel.

3. Visit Interlaken For Awesome Skiing and Snowboarding

If winter sports are something you enjoy be sure to head on up to Kleine Scheidegg Mountain for an awesome day of mountains and fresh snow!

Don’t forget your camera because this mountain is one for the books!

Whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder, you can enjoy our Interlaken Winter – Meet us There Tour, crammed full of outdoor activities to enjoy.

We’ll be meeting in the Jungfrau Region — widely considered one of the birthplaces of recreational skiing. Where better to enjoy the fresh snow?

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4. Enjoy Skydiving Above the Glistening Alps

If you want to see Interlaken from the air, why not try skydiving from an airplane?

After a scenic 15-minute airplane ride, prepare to leap from a plane (parachute included!) at 4,000m (13,000 ft), where you’ll feel the ground rushing towards you at 200 km/h (120 mph)!

Don’t worry, an instructor will be with you the whole time. After the cord is pulled, enjoy a gentle sail to earth for 5-7 minutes.

Have you got the stomach to skydive? The views from above are unbeatable on this unique way to explore Interlaken.

5. Experience Night Sledding in the Interlaken Alps

After a day filled with beautiful views and exciting adventures, start your night right by slipping and sliding down one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges.

When you’ve spent an hour experiencing the slopes by starlight, you can top your evening off with delicious fondue in a Swiss restaurant on our Night Sledding Tour.

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6. You Can Make Your Own Swiss Chocolate in Interlaken

Why spend your money on the good stuff when you can make it yourself?

While in Interlaken, head over to the Funky Chocolate Club to test your hand at making your own signature Swiss chocolate!

Swiss chocolate is renowned for being delicious, but can you blend the beans and beat the Swiss by making your own delicious treats?

7. Ascend the Heights of the Schilthorn Like 007

Interlaken is well-known as the extreme sports capital of Europe, but do you dare to visit the Schilthorn?

This alpine summit has jaw-dropping panoramic views of over 200 of the Alps’ tallest (and most famous) peaks, like the Jungfrau and Eiger.

Ascend via cable cars to visit the summit, dine at a revolving restaurant or walk the sky bridge over the gaping, icy abyss thousands of feet below.

Fun fact: this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to Bond World and a Bond cinema, as the classic movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was shot here.

8. Try the Sumptuous Swiss Food in Interlaken

If you have never tried a rosti, you are truly missing out.

A rosti is a delicious traditional Swiss meal that is hashbrown and cheese based; different vegetables and meat are added depending on personal preference to this warming meal.

Besides rosti, you can expect other delicious dishes after a day at the slopes including raclette and fondue. If you like cheese, you’re in the right place with these hearty, gooey dishes.

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9. You Can Buy a Real Swiss Army Knife

An authentic Swiss Army knife is the perfect thing to gift yourself or someone back in the States! You’ll always be prepared for any situation with one of these bad boys.

Just be sure to put it in your checked bag when you travel to avoid any issues at security.

10. Take a Winter Tour of Lake Brienz

If you’d like the whole of Lake Brienz to yourself, winter is the perfect time to visit. Escape the ski slopes and explore a different side of Interlaken.

Join us on a Winter Kayak Tour of Lake Brienz, where you’ll learn how to kayak and spend two hours gliding along the lake to enjoy the snow-covered mountains that mirror in the water.

If you’d like something a little more fast-paced, hop aboard our Winter Jetboat Ride on Lake Brienz!

Prepare to speed 500 meters over 14 cascades down into the lake. Bring your camera for 30 kilometers of unforgettable moments, including spectacular views and full 360 spins in the jetboat.

Winter Kayak in Interlaken

We hope our list full of Interlaken activities has inspired you to start planning your next winter adventure! If you’re thinking about studying abroad or are planning to tour Europe, Interlaken is a great place to explore the outdoors.

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