Best lakes, waterfalls & water activities in Interlaken
Interlaken is more than a mountain paradise — it’s also a haven for water lovers. From alpine lakes and powerful waterfalls to river rafting and canyoning adventures, this guide highlights the best places to swim, chill, and explore near Balmers Hostel.
1. Lakes to Swim & Relax
Lake Brienz (Brienzersee)
Just a short walk from Interlaken Ost or a quick bus ride from Balmers. The water is crystal clear with incredible turquoise tones. Perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just sunbathing.
🔹 Best spot: Bönigen lido – with changing cabins, grassy areas, and epic views.
👉 Discover the most beautiful lakes around Interlaken
Lake Thun (Thunersee)
Warmer than Brienz, great for a full day out. Ideal for kayaking or renting a pedalo. Combine it with a visit to Spiez or Thun Castle.
🔹 Bonus: Sunset from Neuhaus beach is stunning.
👉 Check out the best swimming spots in Interlaken
Oeschinensee
This alpine lake near Kandersteg is one of the most spectacular in Switzerland. Think turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.
👉 More about a Day trip to Oeschinensee
Bachalpsee
A scenic alpine lake near Grindelwald, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. It's a popular hiking destination and perfect for a day trip. The hike to Bachalpsee is around 2h loop. Worth the trip! Swimming is allowed in Bachalpsee, but it's not recommended due to its extremely cold temperatures. Even in mid-July, large ice chunks can be present.
👉 Learn more about Bachalpsee
2. Hidden Waterfalls Worth the Walk
Giessbach Falls
A fairytale spot. Take the boat or the bus from Interlaken to Giessbach and hike up behind the powerful waterfall. You can walk behind it!
🔹 Pro tip: Pair with lunch at the historic Grandhotel Giessbach.
👉 More on hiking to the Giessbach Falls
Reichenbach Falls
Famous for Sherlock Holmes. Accessible by funicular. The falls are dramatic, and the gorge views are breathtaking.
👉 Explore the top 5 waterfalls around Interlaken
Staubbach Falls (Lauterbrunnen)
Iconic and Instagram-famous. One of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.
🔹 Magical during golden hour.
👉 Discover Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach Falls
3. Water Adventures & Activities
Float Down the River – Interlaken’s Most Relaxing Adventure
Looking for something chill but unforgettable? Floating down the Aare River is the ultimate slow adventure in Interlaken. Start in Thun and let the gentle current carry you to Bern, drifting past lush forests, quiet villages, and alpine views. It’s like tubing — Swiss-style.
Grab an inflatable boat, a few friends, a waterproof bag (for snacks + dry clothes), and enjoy a few hours of pure summer bliss. The water is clean, cool, and calm — just the right mix of refreshing and relaxing.
🔹 Safety tip: Wear a life jacket and check the weather before heading out. Always avoid weirs (clearly marked).
👉 Read our full guide on floating down the river in Interlaken
River Rafting (Lütschine)
Adrenaline guaranteed! Book a rafting trip on the Lütschine river — it’s wild, fast, and glacier-fed. Most trips start from Interlaken.
👉 Rafting Lütschine activity page
Canyoning (Saxeten or Grimsel)
For the bold. Rappelling, jumping, sliding down waterfalls — an unforgettable experience with trained guides.
👉 Canyoning Interlaken activity page
👉 Top adventure sports in Interlaken
SUP & Kayak Rentals
Available on both lakes. Calm mornings are best for paddling silently with the Alps reflecting in the water.
👉 Read our Kayak / Paddleboard tips
👉 Go on a kayak tour on the lake
Cliff Jumping
Some of the best natural jump spots are hidden in the valley or around mountain lakes.
👉 Find out the top cliff jumping locations around Interlaken
Jet boat
High-speed spins, big splashes, and stunning lake views — the Jet Boat Interlaken ride is pure adrenaline on Lake Brienz.
Hold tight as you zip past cliffs and waterfalls with 360° turns and mountain panoramas!
👉 Book this activity here
4. Chill Local Spots (for low-budget adventures)
Burgseeli (Goldswil)
A warm, forest-lined mini-lake, perfect for swimming and relaxing, and mostly locals! Entry fee, but worth it.
🔹 Great for a calm afternoon away from the crowds.
Aare River Banks
Walk or cycle along the river — dip in, picnic, nap under the trees.
🔹 Favorite Balmers chill zone: Head to the area near Interlaken Ost, right by the bridge leading to the Harder Kulm funicular. You’ll find steps leading into the water and a grassy area to relax after your swim. The current gets stronger toward the middle, so stick to the edges for a safer swim.
5. Gorges & Caves to Explore
If you’re looking for something wild and off the beaten path, Interlaken’s gorges and caves are pure natural drama.
Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht)
It is a narrow limestone canyon near Meiringen, where you can walk on suspended wooden platforms just meters above the rushing turquoise river — it’s an easy, family-friendly adventure with epic photo spots.
👉 Don’t miss our guide to caves and gorges
St. Beatus Caves
For something darker and deeper, on the shores of Lake Thun, the Saint Beatus caves let you explore underground waterfalls, stalactites, and echoing chambers in a mythical setting (legend says a dragon once lived there). Both sites are great for rainy days or when you want a cool break from the summer sun.
👉 Make sure to read about rainy days in Interlaken
