Interlaken - Paragliding, Canyoning and Rafting

Interlaken is where alpine scenery meets pure adrenaline, with soaring paraglides above turquoise lakes and fast-moving rivers below. From the heights of Beatenberg to the gorges of Saxeten and the wild waters of the Lütschine, every turn promises an unforgettable rush.

⚡ DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

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⚡ DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 — Interlaken / Beatenberg: tandem paragliding over the lakes and the Alps

⚡ The first day is dedicated to tandem paragliding — the region of Interlaken’s most famous aerial adventure activity. Takeoff usually happens on the slopes of Beatenberg Amisbühl, and landing is on the Höhematte meadow in central Interlaken. This place is known for stable thermal conditions, panoramic views of Lakes Thun and Brienz, and vistas of the three peaks — Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. For a tourist, this is one of the safest ways to get strong emotions: a tandem format, a professional pilot, a short briefing before departure, official takeoff and landing, weather control, and commercial operators that work in the region year-round. The active part of the flight itself usually lasts about 10–20 minutes, while the full experience with transfer, waiting for a weather window, and preparation takes around 1.5–2.5 hours. Level — beginner-friendly, instructor only. Before booking, it is important to check: weight and age limits, health clearance for back or heart issues, severe fear of heights, or pregnancy, the language of the briefing, what is included in photo/video, cancellation conditions due to wind, cloud cover, or rain, and whether your insurance covers adventure activities. The best conditions often depend on wind and visibility; even in high season, an operator may postpone a flight, so it is better not to plan tight connections on arrival day. After the flight, keep the evening free for a calm walk around Interlaken and recovery.

Day 2 — Saxeten / Interlaken: canyoning in a guided beginner-friendly format

⚡ The second day is canyoning with a licensed operator in the surroundings of Interlaken, with a meeting base in Matten bei Interlaken and a short transfer to the canyon. For an ordinary tourist, it is more reasonable here to choose Canyoning Interlaken rather than tougher options like Chli Schliere: the local route is shorter, works well as an introductory format, and its obstacles are organized so that guides can control the pace and offer ways around some elements. The region is known for canyoning thanks to its narrow alpine gorges, cascading water, and well-developed adventure infrastructure. The whole tour usually takes about 3 hours, including transfer, equipment, briefing, and return to base. Level — for beginners / moderate, strictly with a guide. Safety is provided by certified guides, a mandatory briefing, a wetsuit, helmet, harness, and an official commercial route; the tourist does not need to make technical decisions independently. Before booking, you should carefully check: minimum age, ability to comfortably handle cold water and physical activity, medical restrictions, whether insurance covers canyoning, whether you can opt out if you feel unwell, the exact pickup point, and whether personal cameras are allowed — on some tours they are limited by operator rules. Seasonality is especially important: water level, precipitation, and recent downpours directly affect whether tours can run, and some more difficult canyons are not operated at all after rain. For that reason, it is best to leave the second day free of other heavy physical loads: after canyoning, a quiet evening, sauna, or early dinner in Interlaken is the better plan.

Day 3 — Lütschine / Lake Brienz: rafting on the Lütschine with a guide

⚡ The final day is whitewater rafting on the Lütschine River, one of the best-known rafting sections near Interlaken. Start check-in usually takes place at the operator’s base in Matten bei Interlaken, then the group goes to the put-in point in the Lütschental area, and the rafting finishes by the water near Lake Brienz. This activity is especially popular in the Bernese Oberland because of the river’s glacial origin, strong current, and the dramatic transition from a mountain valley to a vivid turquoise lake. At the same time, for the tourist, safety is built around the team format: a guide works in the boat, there is pre-start instruction on basic commands and water behavior rules, and participants are given a helmet, life jacket, wetsuit, and footwear, while the route runs only at acceptable water levels and suitable weather. The tour usually lasts about 4 hours total, of which 1.5–2 hours are on the water. Level — moderate, instructor-only and in a group. Before booking, check: the operating season, postponements due to water level and temperature, age and health restrictions, whether you need to know how to swim, whether showers/changing rooms are available at the base, whether return transfer is included, and what language is used in the briefing. In early summer the water is often stronger due to snowmelt, and in bad weather conditions can change sharply, so a flexible schedule is especially useful. After such a vivid finale, it is convenient to plan departure in the evening or the next morning, rather than immediately tight after the activity ends.

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