Rafting — Bernese Oberland

The Bernese Oberland offers one of the most spectacular settings in the world for white water rafting. The Lütschine, a river fed by the glaciers of the Jungfrau, thunders down the valley with raw energy through deep gorges and dramatic rocky passages. Its waters, a milky turquoise characteristic of glacial rivers, provide an exceptional playground for this half-day adventure that combines adrenaline with immersion in Alpine nature.

Your adventure begins at the Interlaken rafting centre, where professional certified guides welcome you for a comprehensive briefing. Paddling techniques, safety positions and communication signals are taught with expertise and good humour. The equipment provided — full neoprene wetsuit, life jacket, helmet and river shoes — is of professional quality and fitted to all body types.

Equipment and Safety Briefing

A shuttle takes you to the launch point upstream in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. From the very first minutes on the water, the scenery is breathtaking: limestone cliffs rise on both sides, waterfalls cascade from the rock faces like veils of mist, and centuries-old pine forests form a green canopy above the river. The 14-kilometre descent alternates between Class III-IV rapids — which send the adrenaline soaring with their waves, rollers and narrow passages — and calmer sections where you can take in the landscape and catch your breath.

Your guide, an expert on the river, steers the raft with impressive precision while sharing insights on the valley's geology and the power of the glaciers that feed the Lütschine. As a permanent backdrop, the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau dominate the landscape with a majesty that gives this water adventure a truly Alpine dimension. Every bend of the river reveals a new natural tableau, and the most intense passages draw cries of exhilaration from the crew.

The Lütschine Descent — Rapids and Alpine Scenery

After arriving at the finish point, hot showers and a changing area await you at the centre. Photos and videos taken during the descent by a dedicated photographer are available as an optional extra — the perfect memento of an extraordinary day.

Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland are Europe's capital of outdoor adventure sports. Situated between two lakes (Thun and Brienz) and dominated by the Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau trio, this region offers an exceptional playground for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Interlaken — Capital of Adventure Sports

Interlaken, whose name literally means 'between the lakes', is nestled in a flat valley at 568 metres above sea level. The Höheweg, a 700-metre central promenade flanked by Belle Époque hotels and gardens, offers a frontal view of the Jungfrau that serves as a natural theatre. In the evening, the promenade comes alive with restaurant terraces and groups of tourists sharing tales of the day's adventures.

Water sports are Interlaken's great speciality. Beyond rafting on the Lütschine, the region offers canyoning in the Saxeten Gorge (waterfall descents, jumps, natural slides), kayaking on the lakes and rivers, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Brienz. The Aareschlucht (Aare Gorge), 30 minutes from Interlaken, is a spectacular 1.4 km-long canyon, 200 metres deep, accessible via suspended walkways above turquoise waters — a fascinating geological experience.

Paragliding, Canyoning and Thrills

Tandem paragliding above Interlaken is one of the most popular experiences in Switzerland. Taking off from the Harder Kulm or Beatenberg rewards you with 10 to 20 minutes of free flight with views of both lakes, the snow-capped peaks and the valley — an unforgettable first flight. Bungee jumping from the Stockhorn Bridge (134 m) or the Glacier Canyon (100 m) is reserved for the boldest adventurers.

Lake Brienz, to the east of Interlaken, is famous for its extraordinarily glacial blue waters — the bluest in Switzerland. Historic BLS steamboats sail between Interlaken and Brienz in 1 hour 15 minutes, passing spectacular views of forested cliffs, waterfalls and fishing villages. The Giessbach Falls, 500 metres high across 14 tiers, cascade directly into the lake — the historic Grand Hotel perched beside the falls is accessible by a funicular dating from 1879, the oldest in Switzerland still in operation.

Lake Brienz and the Giessbach Falls

Brienz, at the far end of the lake, is Switzerland's capital of wood carving. The School of Wood Carving (Schule für Holzbildhauerei), founded in 1884, still trains artisans in the centuries-old tradition. The Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum, located near Brienz, brings together over 100 traditional buildings from all regions of Switzerland — farms, chalets, mills, workshops — reconstructed across a 66-hectare park. It is the ideal place to understand Switzerland's architectural and cultural diversity.

The Brienzer Rothorn (2,350 m), accessible by Switzerland's last steam-powered cogwheel train (in service since 1892), offers an exceptional panorama over Lakes Brienz and Thun, the Bernese Alps and the Swiss Plateau. The 50-minute journey in vintage carriages, through Alpine pastures and coniferous forests, is a nostalgic railway experience.

Brienz — Wood Carving and the Ballenberg Museum

Lake Thun, to the west of Interlaken, is lined with medieval castles. Thun Castle (12th century), perched above the town, houses a historical museum with a remarkable Knights' Hall. Spiez Castle, on a rocky promontory by the lake, is surrounded by vineyards and features a 10th-century Romanesque church — one of the most photographed landscapes in the Bernese Oberland. Oberhofen Castle, with its French-style gardens descending to the water's edge, is an architectural jewel.

On the food front, Interlaken and its region are renowned for meringues with Gruyère cream (the double cream from the Brienzer Rothorn-Bahn is legendary), Lake Brienz trout, Bernese rösti (with smoked bacon and fried egg) and Nidelkuchen (cream cakes) from the Ringgenberg bakery.

Lake Thun and Its Castles

Lake Thun, with its deep blue waters, is lined with spectacular medieval castles. Thun Castle (12th century), perched on a hill above the town, houses a historical museum with panoramic views of the Bernese Alps. Oberhofen Castle sits with its feet in the water, surrounded by romantic gardens. Spiez Castle, considered the most beautiful lakeside site in Switzerland, overlooks a vineyard that produces one of the highest-altitude wines in Europe.