Plans for a rainy day
So, you’ve come to Interlaken, bags packed with plans of stunning alpine views and great adventures… and now it’s raining. Don’t sweat it! Rain in Interlaken is pretty normal, even in summer. But just because the skies are moody doesn’t mean you have to be. We’ve got plenty of rain-friendly ideas for all kinds of travelers.
RAINY BUT READY TO STAY ACTIVE
If a little water from above isn’t going to stop you from exploring, here are some outdoorsy ideas that’ll keep you on the go:Giessbachfälle
This short, flat hike from Iseltwald to Giessbach Falls skirts Lake Thun, taking about 1.5 hours. The trees along the way act like nature’s umbrellas, helping you stay a little drier. Bonus? The rain makes the falls even more spectacular! Grab a hot chocolate at the nearby Giessbach Hotel while you soak up the view. Want more details? Check out our full post on how to get there!
Lauterbrunnental
Lauterbrunnental is this stunning valley of 72 waterfalls and is a must-see in any weather. Rain and mist make it look even more magical. Some of the higher trails (like Mürren or Gimmelwald) might lose visibility on rainy days, so check the cloud levels before heading up.
Harder Kulm (Lower Viewpoint)
Harder Kulm Reception ist Interlaken’s best viewpoint, and the steep hike up takes around 1.5 to 2 hours with an elevation gain of 800m. Stop halfway at a barn for incredible views of the town and both lakes, if the skies are clear enough keep going to the top. But if the clouds are really low, save the effort and turn back halfway.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Some high-flying activities like paragliding, hang-gliding, or skydiving usually get canceled in the rain, but there are still a few adrenaline-pumping options that don’t mind a bit of water.Rafting
Rain or shine, you’re getting soaked anyway, so why not embrace it? Rafting through the Simme or Lutschine rivers is thrilling in any weather, and rain amps up the river’s flow—more rain, more fun!
Canyoning
Jump, slide, and rappel through natural rock formations and pools. Light rain just makes it more exciting! But if there’s heavy rain for several consecutive days, Canyoning could be canceled for safety reasons, so keep an eye on the forecast.
MUD-FREE, PLEASE
Not up for muddy trails? Escape to one of the nearby cities for a day of sightseeing without too much outdoor exposure.Visit Thun Castle
Just a quick 20-minute train ride from Interlaken, Thun has an iconic 12th-century castle where you can dive into Swiss history and have amazing views of the city. Don’t miss the Stadtkirche Thun church, which dates back to the 1300s!
Explore Bern
Switzerland’s capital, Bern, is only a 45-minute train ride away. Rain or shine, there’s plenty to see, from the impressive government buildings and the famous Zytglogge clock tower to the bear park or Einstein Museum. Check out our guide on the top 5 things to do in Bern!
