Interlaken Travel Guide: Paragliding, Jungfraujoch & More

There’s a moment on the train into Interlaken when the mountains appear between the lakes and you understand, viscerally, why people have been coming here for 200 years. The Eiger’s north face. The Mönch. The Jungfrau. All three looming directly above a small town that has figured out exactly what it wants to be: the world’s adventure capital.

Interlaken is the launchpad. From here you can paraglide over the valley (one of the best experiences of our lives, genuinely), take the train up to Jungfraujoch at 3,454 meters, hike to the Schynige Platte, kayak on Lake Brienz, or cruise Lake Thun.

The Jungfraujoch train is pricey but unforgettable — you ride through the inside of the mountain itself and emerge into a world of glaciers and 360-degree alpine views. Book early, go on a clear day, and bring layers regardless of the season.

For the adventurous: paragliding operators run smooth tandem flights that even non-adrenaline-junkies end up loving. Skydiving is also popular. And bungee jumping off the Stockhorn cable car gondola is as extreme as it sounds.

Stay in Matten or Unterseen rather than central Interlaken if you want something quieter. Eat at the local Migros or Coop for budget meals, or splurge on a mountain hut lunch when hiking. The views are worth the price of the cable car, every time.