From an easy day by the water to something more adventurous
Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with waterfalls, rivers and mountain lakes within easy reach. This guide covers places to swim, walks near the water and activities you can book during your stay at Balmers.
1. Lakes for swimming and relaxing
Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is fed by glacial water and is usually colder than Lake Thun. It is popular for swimming in summer, while during the rest of the year it makes a good spot for a cold dip.
You can find plenty of small spots along the shore, particularly around Bönigen, so you don’t need to use an official swimming area. If you prefer changing cabins and a grassy place to lie down, Bönigen lido is there too.
Hightide rents SUPs and kayaks just around the corner. Rentals normally operate from mid-April to October, depending on the weather.
👉 Discover the most beautiful lakes around Interlaken
Lake Thun
Lake Thun is generally warmer than Lake Brienz. You can swim, rent a kayak or pedalo, or combine a day by the water with a visit to Spiez or Thun.
Neuhaus beach is one of the easiest swimming spots to reach from Interlaken. It also gets the evening sun.
👉 Check out the best swimming spots in Interlaken
Oeschinensee
Oeschinensee is a mountain lake above Kandersteg. Swimming is allowed, although the water remains cold even in summer.
The lake is reached by cable car followed by a walk. During the summer season, book your cable-car ticket and ascent time slot before travelling. For 2026, reservations are required for the ascent through 8 November. This also applies if you buy your cable-car ticket through SBB, as the SBB ticket does not include the time-slot reservation.
A limited number of time slots may be available from the machines at the valley station, but they can sell out on busy days.
👉 More about a Day trip to Oeschinensee
Bachalpsee
Bachalpsee lies above Grindelwald and is reached on foot from First. The return walk takes around two hours, not including time spent at the lake.
The route is very popular and can be busy throughout the day, particularly during summer. Don’t expect a quiet mountain walk in high season.
Swimming is allowed, but the water is pretty cold. Ice can still be present in July, so only enter the water if you are accustomed to cold-water swimming.
👉 Learn more about Bachalpsee
2. Waterfalls near Interlaken
Giessbach Falls
Giessbach Falls are worth a visit and can be reached by boat from Interlaken Ost or Iseltwald. You can also take the bus to Iseltwald and walk from there on a relatively easy path along Lake Brienz. The path is easy to follow and takes you through the forest before reaching the falls.
The historic Grandhotel Giessbach is right next to them if you feel like stopping for lunch or a drink on the terrace overlooking the lake.
Expect the area to be busy, especially on sunny days during high season.
👉 More on hiking to the Giessbach Falls
Reichenbach Falls
Reichenbach Falls are near Meiringen and are best known for their connection to Sherlock Holmes.
The funicular runs to the main viewing area from May to October. You can also walk up, although the path is steep. Another option is to take the funicular to the top and follow the marked walking route back to the valley station, which takes around one hour.
👉 Explore the top 5 waterfalls around Interlaken
Staubbach Falls (Lauterbrunnen)
Staubbach Falls drops from the cliff above Lauterbrunnen and can be seen from the village. It is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.
The amount of water varies during the year and is usually strongest when snow is melting or after heavy rain.
👉 Discover Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach Falls
3. Water activities
Floating down the Aare
Floating from Thun to Bern is a proper Swiss summer activity. You can do it without a guide, but it takes a little more planning than simply turning up with an inflatable boat.
Aarebootsvermietung is next to Schwäbis train station in Thun. They provide the boat, safety equipment and route information, then collect everything at the exit point in Bern. They also offer guided trips.
Outdoor Interlaken runs an organised float if you would rather have someone else take care of the route and equipment.
The Aare moves quickly, so check the conditions before setting off and pay attention during the safety briefing. Make sure everyone is comfortable in the water and knows where to exit in Bern.
👉 Read our full guide on floating down the river in Interlaken
River Rafting (Lütschine)
Guided rafting trips run on the Lütschine during the warmer months (May to September). The river is fast and glacier-fed, and trips usually include equipment, transport and a safety briefing.
Book with a professional local operator. Trips depart from Interlaken.
👉 Rafting Lütschine activity page
Canyoning (Saxeten or Grimsel)
Canyoning trips around Interlaken involve moving through a gorge with a trained guide. Depending on the route, this includes abseiling, jumping into pools or sliding down rock channels.
Different trips are available for different experience levels.
👉 Canyoning Interlaken activity page
👉 Top adventure sports in Interlaken
SUP & Kayak Rentals
Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented on both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Conditions are often calmer earlier in the day, but wind and weather can change quickly.
Check the forecast and ask the rental providers about local conditions before going out.
👉 Read our Kayak / Paddleboard tips
👉 Go on a kayak tour on the lake
Cliff jumping
There are several known cliff-jumping spots around Interlaken, but water depth and conditions can change. Don’t jump at an unfamiliar location without reliable local information.
It’s better not to go alone. Check the current and landing area before entering the water. If you’re unsure where to go, join one of our guided tours.
👉 Find out the top cliff jumping locations around Interlaken
Jet boat
Jet boat trips run all year round on Lake Brienz and include high-speed turns close to the lower Giessbach Falls. They depart from Bönigen and should be booked in advance during busy periods.
👉 Book this activity here
4. Spots for low-budget adventures
Burgseeli (Goldswil)
Burgseeli is a small lake near Goldswil. Its water is usually warmer than Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and the swimming area has plenty of grass and shade.
There is an entrance fee, so check the Burgseeli website for current prices and opening times.
Aare River Banks
One of the closest swimming spots is near Interlaken Ost, beside the bridge leading to the Harder Kulm funicular. Steps lead into the water, with a grassy area nearby.
The current becomes stronger towards the middle of the river, so stay close to the edge. If you are unfamiliar with river swimming, ask us at reception before going in.
5. Gorges & Caves to Explore
Glacier Gorge Grindelwald
Sadly, the Lower Grindelwald Glacier has retreated far up the valley, but the 300-metre-high rock walls are still impressive. The cool temperature inside the gorge is also a welcome break on a hot summer day.
Take the train to Grindelwald, then either walk down to the gorge or take the bus from the train station. Adult entry is currently CHF 21, but check the price before travelling.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can also try the canyon swing inside the gorge. It needs to be booked separately.
Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht)
The Aare Gorge is a narrow limestone gorge near Meiringen. A 1.4-kilometre walkway runs through it, partly on wooden platforms above the river.
Adult admission is currently CHF 13, with a discount available through the Interlaken Guest Card. Opening dates vary depending on the entrance and the time of year, so check the official website before visiting.
👉 Don’t miss our guide to caves and gorges
St. Beatus Caves
St Beatus Caves are on the northern shore of Lake Thun. Inside, the walking route passes underground waterfalls, stalactites and rock formations.
According to local legend, Saint Beatus drove a dragon from the caves. You can visit the exterior, waterfall and surrounding grounds for free, while the cave route itself has an entrance fee.
👉 Make sure to read about rainy days in Interlaken
