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Sitting on a swathe of land abutted by Lake Brienz to the east and Lake Thun to the west, Interlaken is quite literally a town between two worlds. This dinky little alpine village, characterised by its picture book timber houses and immense mountain views, packs a big punch when it comes to adventuring – there’s a good reason it’s been nicknamed the adventure capital of Europe.
While winter travel is often defined by downhill thrill-seeking, Interlaken offers a range of activities for visitors hoping to immerse themselves in a mountainous winter wonderland without their week being dominated by skiing. From motor-powered hot tubs to high-altitude train rides, we’ve got your guide to winter in Interlaken; the hottest ticket this festive season.
Cruise control
In winter there is a daily boat service on Lake Thun between Thun and Interlaken West, with the journey taking just over two hours. Fall under the spell of the imposing landscapes that surround you, staring up at snow-capped peaks while you cruise along sparkling natural surroundings.
Polar express
Views, views and more views. The Jungfraujoch region is known as the ‘Top of Europe’, and for good reason — you can take a once-in-a-lifetime train ride up to the highest train station on the continent. Experience the jaw-dropping ride through undulating terrain to Jungfraujoch perched at 3454m above sea level with never-ending views of snow-capped peaks and valleys.
Santa’s grotto
Immerse yourself in festive cheer with a wonderful walk through Interlaken to the magical Christmas market Winterheart-Interlaken, known as ‘The Home of Winter Feeling’ by locals. It’s hard to miss, thanks to the illuminated deer, which beckon like beacons from the roof, guiding your way to the entrance. A 10-metre-long tunnel full of yuletide lights and decorations leads to the heart of the market; the 8-metre-high Christmas tree, which is adorned with a variety of lights and decorative elements, and is framed by the snow-covered Harder Kulm behind. Santa takes flight daily, and more than 50 stands sell crafts and gifts from across Switzerland from 29 November until 22 December.
The Jungfraujoch offers views of Europe
Floating away
In winter, Lake Brienz is a haven of peace. Discover the atmospheric winter landscape from the water with a guided kayak tour. Clad in a warm dry suit and accompanied by an experienced coach, you will paddle on the lake, as the snow-capped massifs rise above.
Bubble bubble toil and trouble
Fancy getting on the water with a little less exertion? Make a beeline for HotTug, a motorised hot tub heated to 38 degrees which glides across Lake Brienz. Keep warm in the balmy water as you navigate around the emerald waters and toast to winter.
Cheese please
No trip to Switzerland – let alone the Swiss mountains – is complete without raclette. Fancy taking your cheese escapades to another level? Hop aboard a raclette raft, where experienced guides navigate you across the calm waters from Bönigen to Interlaken while you slide bubbling cheese onto potatoes and sip on a crisp glass of white wine. Sail by the softly-lit river banks and watch as the mountains become even more impressive in the dusky evening light.
Come fly with me
You know what they say – the best way to get a feel for a place is to get above it. Earn some adrenaline junkie credentials and stare down the expanse of Interlaken from the edge of a cliff before launching yourself off and sailing down with a paraglide to keep you buoyed. Watch as the blue lakes seem to melt into the snow-covered fir trees, mountains rising up so close you can touch them and in the middle of it all, Interlaken, sparkling like a beacon. Take things even higher, and hop aboard a light aircraft for a spot of skydiving.
Walk the talk
Explore snowy forests, pristine meadows and remote mountain villages, and experience the Switzerland tourists never see. Idyllic Isenfluh is away from the tourist trail, and an easy snowshoe tour through the forest and its surrounds is the perfect activity for people who don’t want to ski, or who want to escape the crowded slopes and enjoy a bit of nature. With the shoes’ sharp soles allowing you to comfortably and safely hike in deep snow, you can get off the beaten track and deep into the mountains.
Fresh powder
And, of course, for those powder hounds who can’t venture into the mountains without at least one trip down the corduroy, Interlaken is a gateway to some of the region’s best ski resorts. With two valleys, three mountain ranges and over 130 miles of excellently groomed pistes, the Jungfrau Ski Region provides more than enough to keep snow-seekers happy. Home to the Grindelwals-First, Grindelwals-Wengen and Mürren-Schilthorn ski areas, the expansive terrain will keep you entertained for weeks. A quick 30 minute free ski shuttle from downtown Interlaken will deposit you in the thick of it all. BYO salopettes. ♦
Discover your slice of Winter paradise at interlaken.ch/winter or @interlaken
