13 Unique Activities to Do in Interlaken This Spring

Discover 13 unforgettable experiences in Interlaken where you can enjoy nature, adventure, and culture in the heart of the Alps during spring.

With the arrival of spring, Interlaken awakens as if from a deep slumber. As the snow on the Alpine foothills धीरे-धीरे recedes, the valleys turn green, and the waters of the lakes gain an even more vibrant hue with the spring sun. This charming town, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, transforms into a true paradise for travellers wishing to witness nature's rebirth and soothe their souls during the spring months. Especially in May, Interlaken offers an ideal atmosphere for exploration with its gushing waterfalls, budding mountain flowers, tranquil lake shores, and trails yet to be crowded.

Over the years, I've come to Interlaken countless times, but every spring, I've felt an indescribable excitement to see this region anew. Because here, everything gains a different spirit according to the season: the waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, strengthened by snowmelt; watching the lakes in golden light from Harder Kulm; or a journey to Alpine gardens on historic trains… All these turn Interlaken not just into a travel destination, but a spring ritual. In this article, I will share with you my 13 favourite Interlaken activities, especially for late spring, and my own experiences. Let's step into this fresh start in the heart of the Alps together.

Interlaken Nature and Scenery Activities

1. Harder Kulm Summit: The Perfect Spot for a First Glimpse of Interlaken

An unforgettable view from 1,322 meters, where you can see both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz simultaneously.

To start your Interlaken trip, I think one of the most ideal places is Harder Kulm. The modern funicular, departing from the station oldukça close to the town centre, takes you up to 1,322 metres in just about 10 minutes. Even during the journey, the view slowly begins to reveal itself, and the excitement builds as you ascend. The funicular usually operates from morning hours until sunset in the spring, offering you flexible visiting times; however, it's always a good idea to check the current operating hours on their website.

When you reach the summit, the first thing that greets you is the famous 'Two Lakes Bridge' (Zwei-Seen-Steg) platform. The iconic silhouette of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains that appeared before me here is truly breathtaking. Below, the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun stretch out in all their beauty. Especially if you go警察ound sunset, the view becomes even more magical with the golden light effettoing the mountains. Sitting in the panoramic restaurant at the summit, sipping a coffee or tasting a local delicacy while enjoying this view, is perfect for savouring the moment. There are also short hiking trails starting from the summit; they offer great options if you want to breathe in the Alpine air and explore the surroundings a bit.

2. Schynige Platte: A Journey to Alpine Flowers by Historic Train

Yellow buttercups blooming amidst the greenery on Schynige Platte, shining in the sunlight; a vibrant and peaceful nature scene in mid-spring.

If you want to experience the authentic atmosphere of the Alps and magnificent views together, the historic cogwheel train to Schynige Platte is a fantastic option. Departing from Wilderswil station, this train takes you on a slow but delightful journey to 1,967 metres in about an hour. The train itself is an experience; with its wooden seats and clattering ascent, it transports you to a different time. It's worth noting that this line usually opens in late May or early June, so it's important to confirm its operational status before your trip.

When you get to the top, not only a magnificent mountain panorama awaits you, but also the famous Alpine Garden (Alpengarten). Here, you can see hundreds of different Alpine flowers and plants in their natural habitat. Towards the end of spring, as the flowers bloom, the plateau becomes a riot of colour. There are hiking trails of various difficulty levels available; from short strolls to several-hour climbs. The Panoramaweg trail, in particular, follows the ridge, offering you constantly changing, incredible views. Walking here, accompanied by the sound of cowbells and the clean mountain air, you feel completely rejuvenated.

3. Peaceful Boat Trips on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

View from the towers of the historic Thun Castle: The Bernese Alps in the background, and below, the charming town on the shores of the tranquil Lake Thun.

Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, which flank Interlaken, are like the lifelines of the region. Hopping on one of the boats gliding over these turquoise waters is one of the most relaxing activities, especially on days when the spring sun begins to warm. There are regular ferry services as well as special tour boats. You can check the current schedule of BLS Schifffahrt.

The incredible turquoise colour of Lake Brienz and its steep slopes have always fascinated me. You should particularly consider tours that stop at the Giessbach Falls; seeing the waterfall from the boat is a fantastic experience. Lake Thun, on the other hand, offers a different kind of beauty with its castles like Oberhofen and Spiez along its shores, and its wider, calmer nature. Sitting on the boat deck, watching the surrounding villages and mountains, takes away all stress along with the gentle breeze. If you wish, you can disembark at a particular village, explore the area, and then return by another boat.

4. Lauterbrunnen Valley: A Walk Among Waterfalls

Staubbach Falls, cascading elegantly from nearly 300 meters, is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the Swiss Alps.

Known as the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls," Lauterbrunnen is a short train ride from Interlaken and is definitely a must-see. The moment you enter the valley, you are greeted by massive rock faces rising on either side and numerous waterfalls of varying sizes cascading down these walls. The most iconic is Staubbach Falls, which gracefully tumbles from nearly 300 metres right next to the village.

However, my favourite is Trümmelbach Falls, reached by an elevator carved inside the mountain, carrying up to 20,000 litres of water per second. Feeling the power and sound of the waterfall inside the rocks is an incredible experience. Before summer, during this period, the waterfalls are at their most powerful due to melting snow. There are easy walking trails at the bottom of the valley that pass by the waterfalls. Renting a bike or simply walking to Stechelberg is a great way to soak in the scenery and fresh air along the way. Walking in this valley, you feel like you're inside a natural wonder.

Interlaken Spring Events and Festivals

(Festival dates are usually set annually, so it's advisable to check for current information before your trip.)

5. Interlaken Street Food Festival: World Flavours Together

If your trip coincides with the last week of May (it's usually held around then), be sure to visit the Street Food Festival in Interlaken. In the area set up in the town centre, you can find food trucks and stalls offering different flavours from all over the world. The atmosphere is usually very lively; street musicians, laughter, and delicious food smells mingle.

If you enjoy trying different tastes like I do, this place is a true haven. A wide range is offered, from Asian cuisine to Mexican tacos, local Swiss delicacies to desserts. In the evening hours, the ambiance becomes even more enjoyable with the lighting. It's a great option both for mingling with locals and for a reasonably priced meal.

6. Interlaken Street Festival: Local Culture and Entertainment

Another enjoyable event, also usually held at the end of May, is the Interlaken Street Festival (it may be known by different names in some years). The town's main shopping street, Marktgasse, is closed to traffic for this day and transforms into something of a fairground. Stalls where local artisans display their handmade products, live music performances, dance groups, and various shows add colour to the street.

This festival is a great opportunity to get a closer look at the region's local culture and arts. Various activities are also planned for children. I usually enjoy Browse the stalls selling local cheese or handmade wooden products. This lively atmosphere, which lasts throughout the day, shows that Interlaken has not only nature but also a vibrant social life.

7. Brünig Steam Train Experience: A Nostalgic Getaway

If you have a special interest in trains or are looking for a different experience, you might consider the Brünig Steam Train tour, which runs on specific dates (for example, one or two days in May). With this historic train departing from Interlaken Ost station, you take a scenic journey, usually towards Meiringen, along the lakeside and through lush green valleys. The sounds of the steam locomotive, the smell of soot, and the atmosphere of the historic carriages truly transport you to the past.

The spring views seen from the windows somehow seem much more impressive than on a regular train journey. During the trip, the train staff often wear period-appropriate clothing, which completes the atmosphere. As these tours are specially organised, tickets need to be booked in advance and can be a bit more expensive than regular train services, but the unique experience they offer is, in my opinion, worth it.

Interlaken Adventure and Sports Activities

8. Tandem Paragliding: The World Beneath Your Feet

Interlaken is known as one of Europe's adventure sports capitals, and paragliding is one of the most popular activities here. It's wonderful to experience this, especially during this beautiful time of spring when weather conditions are generally stable and the views are clear. Tandem flights with a professional pilot from nearby hills like Beatenberg offer you a bird's-eye view of Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and of course, the majestic Alpine peaks.

Taking that first step, running towards the void, and suddenly your feet leave the ground and you begin to glide silently... It's a hard-to-describe feeling of adrenaline and freedom! The lush green valleys stretching below, the tiny-looking houses, and the sparkling lakes create a truly enchanting view. The flight lasts about 15-20 minutes, and you usually land in Höhematte park in the centre of Interlaken. I can say it was one of the most unforgettable experiences I've ever had; even if you have a slight fear of heights, the pilots are very experienced and will put you at ease.

9. Canyoning: An Adrenaline-Filled Adventure in Cool Waters

If you're not afraid of water and adventure, canyoning might be just the thing for you. Equipped with special neoprene suits, helmets, and other safety gear, you navigate through mountain streams and canyons with a guide. This activity involves jumping off rocks, sliding down natural water slides, abseiling down waterfalls, and swimming through narrow passages. Tours of varying difficulty levels are organised around Interlaken, especially in the Saxeten or Grimsel regions.

I tried the beginner-level tour in Saxeten, and it was incredibly fun. Although getting used to the cold mountain water is a bit tough at first, you forget about it with the excitement of the activity. Exploring places in nature that you wouldn't normally be able to reach, challenging yourself physically, and sharing this excitement with your group is a great feeling. At this time of year, the waters are still cool, but the special suits keep you warm, and thanks to the melting snow, the streams are fuller.

10. Lakeside Cycling: Gentle Pedals Accompanied by Scenery

Interlaken and its surroundings are full of flat and well-marked cycle paths, making it ideal for exploring by bike. The route around Lake Thun, in particular, is quite popular. With a bike rented from Interlaken (electric options are also available), you can enjoy a pleasant tour along the lakeside, through lush green meadows and charming villages. The views you encounter along the way are so beautiful that you'll often want to stop and take photos.

I usually start from Interlaken West station and pedal along Lake Thun to Neuhaus or further. The path is mostly flat and separate from car traffic, so it's quite safe and comfortable. You can take a break at small cafes along the way or even watch people swimming in the lake if the weather is nice. The area around Lake Brienz can be a bit hillier, but its scenery is just as impressive. Cycling in spring, smelling the surrounding flowers, and witnessing the vitality of nature is a special pleasure.

Interlaken Family-Friendly and Cultural Activities

11. Alpenwildpark: A Place to Meet Alpine Animals

The Silent Guardian of the Alps: Steinbock at Rest

The Alpine Ibex (Steinbock), native to the Swiss Alps, enjoys the sun in Alpenwildpark.

Alpenwildpark, located right next to the lower station of the Harder Kulm funicular, is an enjoyable and easily accessible activity, especially for families with children. It's not a large zoo, but rather a small, free park where you can see a few animal species native to the Alps. The most notable residents are the ibex (Steinbock) with their magnificent horns. It's quite interesting to watch them resting or climbing in their rocky enclosures.

You can also see adorable marmots in the park. Especially on sunny days, they come out of their burrows and scurry around, communicating with each other with whistle-like sounds. A walk through the park takes about half an hour and is not strenuous. Stopping by here before or after taking the funicular to see these iconic Alpine animals up close can add a nice touch to your trip.

12. Heimwehfluh: Nostalgia, Views, and a Bit of Fun

Heimwehfluh, a small hill just south of Interlaken, is reached by a historic funicular that has been operating since 1906. Even this short but steep journey is a nostalgic experience in itself. When you reach the top, you are greeted by a restaurant and terrace offering a beautiful view of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains.

However, the main attraction of Heimwehfluh is the fun summer toboggan run (Rodelbahn) that descends from the top. Sliding down a metal track in small single-person sleds is great fun for both children and adults. There is also a large model railway exhibition and a playground for children at the top. You can buy separate or combined tickets for the funicular, restaurant, and toboggan run. It's a nice alternative for families to spend a few hours.

13. Interlaken Tourism Museum: A Journey into the Region's Past

To understand that Interlaken is not just about natural beauty but also holds an important place in the history of Swiss and European tourism, visiting the Tourism Museum (Touristikmuseum) is a good idea. Located in a historic building in the old part of town, this museum showcases how the region was discovered in the 19th century, how the first tourists travelled, and how tourism developed over time.

The museum displays interesting objects such as old hotel equipment, historic travel posters, old maps, mountaineering gear, and photographs from that era. The sections on how the region's transportation (railways, funiculars) developed are also very informative. Especially if you encounter a rainy day or are curious about the region's cultural past, spending about an hour visiting this museum will add a different dimension to your Interlaken experience.

Things to Do in Interlaken in Spring

In the pre-summer calm, Interlaken embraces you with all the vibrancy of spring. Whether you gaze at the mountains from Harder Kulm, witness the power of the waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen, cycle along the lake, or simply join in the excitement of a festival... Every moment you spend here will turn into an unforgettable memory in the heart of the Alps. The activities on this list are my favourites, but I am sure you too will create your own Interlaken adventure and be captivated by the magic of this place.

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Publish Date: 14 May 2025

| Author: Jaseph

| Category: Weekend Getaways , Cultural Journeys , Nature Adventures in Europe