Interlaken in Winter – The Perfect Alpine Getaway
Sitting on the edge of the Alps and nestled between two deep-blue glacial lakes, Interlaken is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in winter. As part of the Jungfrau region, it’s surrounded by iconic landmarks like the pristine Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys and the mighty peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Often called the Adventure Capital of Europe, Interlaken offers a huge variety of easily accessible activities – from relaxing lake cruises to bucket-list helicopter skydives.
When it comes to the Interlaken winter weather, you can expect crisp, chilly days and a cosy atmosphere with Christmas lights, markets, and steaming cups of mulled wine, with snowy peaks all around. In other words: the perfect base for some of the top things to do in Switzerland in winter.
If you’re wondering what to do in Interlaken in winter or planning an Interlaken winter itinerary, this guide will help you pick the best experiences in and around town.
Winter Things to Do in Interlaken
These are the things to do in Interlaken in winter that you can enjoy right in town or starting from Interlaken itself – perfect if you don’t want to travel too far but still want a true Swiss winter experience.
Interlaken’s Winter Adventures On Land
In winter, Interlaken’s town centre transforms into a winter wonderland. As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, the streets light up, Christmas markets appear, and the whole town feels cosy and festive.
You’ll find:
- Christmas markets with local crafts, hot Swiss dishes and mulled wine
- A wide range of restaurants and bars to warm up after a day outside
If you want to keep your feet firmly on the ground, check out the St Beatus Caves – a labyrinth of mesmerising passages, grottos and halls ready to be explored.
For a local vibe, the Christmas market in Unterseen offers a wonderful winter atmosphere with live music, hearty Swiss food and a more “village” feeling just a short walk from the town centre.
In the Air – Paragliding & Skydiving (Featuring the Winter Exclusive: Eiger Jump)
If you’re looking for what to do in Switzerland in winter beyond skiing, Interlaken’s air adventures are hard to beat.
Paragliding Over a Snowy Interlaken
Not a fan of intense adrenalin, but love great views? A tandem paragliding flight is a perfect middle ground. After a short drive and take-off briefing, you’ll run a few steps with your tandem instructor, and soon be gliding high above Interlaken.
In winter, you’ll float between snow-capped mountains and deep-blue lakes, with the town and its lights spread out beneath you. Flights usually last around 20 minutes and land right in the centre of Interlaken – an easy, accessible winter highlight.
Helicopter Skydiving – Featuring the Helicopter Skydive Eiger Jump – Grindelwald
For the ultimate winter bucket-list experience, join us at Skydive Interlaken for a helicopter skydive – one of the most unforgettable Interlaken, Switzerland winter activities.
Our signature winter jump, the Helicopter Skydive Eiger Jump – Grindelwald, deserves a special spot on any list of the best things to do in Switzerland in winter:
- Iconic location – You jump in front of the legendary north face of the Eiger, with the Jungfrau Region’s peaks and glaciers all around you. In winter, everything is covered in snow – the contrast between the rock walls, white slopes, and blue sky is unreal.
- Scenic helicopter flight included – Before the jump, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking scenic helicopter flight from Interlaken to Grindelwald, passing over the famous Jungfrau ski region resorts of Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg. This flight alone would already rank high among the top things to do in Switzerland in winter.
- Exclusive winter product – The Eiger Jump is a truly special experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. If you’re searching for what to do in Interlaken in winter that’s different from skiing and snowboarding, this is it.
- Warm & comfortable, even at altitude – Worried about the cold at 4,000 m? With all that adrenalin pumping through your veins, you’ll barely notice it – but just in case, we provide jumpsuits to wear over your clothes, plus gloves, neckwarmers, and cosy, heated helicopters all the way up to jump altitude.
If you’re building an Interlaken winter itinerary and want a once-in-a-lifetime story to tell, the Helicopter Skydive Eiger Jump – Grindelwald is the experience to put at the top of your list.
Or you could experience a helicopter skydive into Interlaken itself – the only jump of its kind, and the only way to skydive into Interlaken itself. The Helicopter Skydive Interlaken takes you into the skies high above the town, where you will jump in between the two lakes and freefall with the Swiss Alps stretching out in front of you.
On the Water – Winter Kayaking & Lake Cruises
Interlaken’s lakes don’t close for winter – they just get quieter and more atmospheric. For travellers who love water and scenery, there are some unique options.
Winter Kayaking on Lake Brienz
If you’re feeling adventurous, try winter kayaking in Interlaken on Lake Brienz with Hightide.ch. With a warm dry suit and professional guides, you’ll paddle on glassy, turquoise water surrounded by steep cliffs and snowy peaks.
It’s a peaceful, slow-paced adventure and one of the more original things to do in Interlaken in winter, especially if you enjoy nature and photography.
Floating Hot Tub on Lake Brienz
Imagine floating across Lake Brienz in a steaming hot tub, with the snowy peaks around you. The Hot Tug experience, a heated, electric hot tub boat, is perfect for couples, families and small groups looking for a warming experience, with drinks and snacks available.
Lake Thun Winter Cruises
Prefer comfort but still want views? Head to Lake Thun and board one of the cruise boats that run all year round.
You can:
- Stand outside on deck, enjoying the crisp air and panoramic vistas
- Or sit inside in a warm cabin by the window, order something from the restaurant and watch the winter landscape glide past
With multiple piers and routes, it’s easy to fit a cruise into your Interlaken winter itinerary.
Winter Things to Do Near Interlaken
Once you’re ready to explore a little further, there are even more top things to do in Switzerland in winter just a train or cable car ride away from Interlaken. These make perfect day trips from town.
Ski Resorts in the Jungfrau Region
If skiing or snowboarding is your main winter goal, Interlaken is a great base. Within about an hour by public transport you’ll find several connected ski areas:
- Grindelwald – Wengen – The largest ski area in the region and very family-friendly. There’s a wide choice of pistes for all levels, cosy mountain huts and après-ski spots. It includes the Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen resorts.
- Mürren – Schilthorn – A bit smaller but more dramatic, Schilthorn is ideal for strong skiers and riders who enjoy steeper slopes, freeride options and ski touring. In good snow conditions, you can ski all the way from nearly 3,000 m down to Lauterbrunnen at 900 m.
- Grindelwald – First – A freestyle playground on the “sunny side” of Grindelwald, with the best snow park in the area, plenty of slopes for all levels of skier, plus ski-touring options and lively après-ski.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Switzerland in winter and want to mix skiing with other experiences like skydiving or winter kayaking, staying in Interlaken and riding out to these resorts is a smart choice.
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
For a classic Swiss winter excursion, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is hard to beat.
You’ll ride the historic Jungfrau Railway, a pioneering project that started in 1896 and climbs through tunnels inside the Eiger and Mönch to reach the high-alpine station. Once there, you can:
- Visit the Sphinx Observatory at 3,571 m for views over the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe
- Walk through the Ice Palace
- And stop by the Lindt chocolate shop
It’s a full-day experience and one of the best places to go in Switzerland in winter, especially if you’re travelling with family or non-skiers.
Schilthorn – Piz Gloria & Thrill Walk
Another must for your Interlaken winter itinerary is the Schilthorn – Piz Gloria.
At just under 3,000 m, this summit features a revolving restaurant with 360° views of hundreds of peaks. You can enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch or lunch while the panorama slowly rotates around you.
On the way up or down, make sure to stop at the mid-station and walk the famous Thrill Walk – a metal walkway clinging to the cliff face. It’s a fun, slightly nerve-tingling experience and great for photos.
Interlaken in Winter – Build Your Own Adventure
Whether you’re into skiing, winter hiking in Interlaken, peaceful kayak tours, cosy Christmas markets or high-adrenalin adventures like the Helicopter Skydive Eiger Jump – Grindelwald, Interlaken is one of the best places to go in Switzerland in winter.
Use these ideas to shape your own Interlaken winter itinerary – and when you’re ready to see the Jungfrau Region from a completely different angle, we’ll be waiting for you in the helicopter.