Best Swimming Spots Around Interlaken

Where to go swimming in Interlaken

After a long day hiking in the Swiss Alps, there’s no better way to cool off than jumping into one of Interlaken’s crystal-clear lakes or rivers. Whether you’re looking for a quick dip, a full day of sunbathing, or some adventure, Interlaken has swimming spots for everyone. Summers here can get surprisingly warm, so pack your towel, and sunscreen, and dive into these stunning natural pools surrounded by the Swiss Alps.

Our best swimming places in Interlaken

Check out our interactive map at the bottom of this post to find all the spots and plan your route!

Bönigen – Lake Brienz

Bönigen is a charming lakeside village located just east of Interlaken, offering easy access to Lake Brienz. While the lake is slightly warmer than Lake Thun, don’t expect a big difference – it’s usually just 1-2 degrees! You can get to Bönigen by taking Bus 103 from Interlaken Ost (free with your guest card).

Best spots to swim in Bönigen:

• Small delta in between the river and the lake: Along the shore, you’ll find several beautiful swimming spots, including a peaceful area where the river flows into the lake. It’s a great place to relax, swim, have a BBQ, or enjoy the sun on the small beaches.
• The Beach: A sports and leisure area where you can rent kayaks, and SUPs, and enjoy inflatables in the water. There’s also a heated pool (24°C) and plenty of space for a full day of fun. Entrance is only CHF 6.

Neuhaus – Lake Thun

Lake Thun is the perfect spot in Interlaken for sunset lovers. Neuhaus, located on the edge of a nature reserve, offers wide open spaces and stunning lake views. Take Bus 21 from Interlaken Ost or West (free with your guest card).

Best swimming areas in Neuhaus:

• The Swimming Steps: Located near the volleyball nets to the left of the parking lot, these steps lead straight into the lake. You’ll even find a floating platform for jumping and enjoying the 360° mountain views.
• Kiffersinseli: A very popular spot among locals. Walk to the right of the parking lot and follow the path to a small delta area with plenty of space to relax, a BBQ spot, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for groups of friends.

For more action, you can rent kayaks or SUPs here. Feeling adventurous? Check out the nearby cliff-jumping spots (read more about this in our blog post!).

Aare River – By Interlaken Ost

The Aare River offers one of the coolest swimming experiences in Interlaken – literally! This glacier-fed river is perfect for a quick dip to beat the summer heat.
Where to swim: 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.

Burgseeli – Hidden Gem Near Lake Brienz

Burgseeli is a small, quiet lake located close to Lake Brienz. This spot is mostly visited by locals, making it a peaceful and less crowded option for swimming. The water here is usually much warmer than in the bigger lakes, thanks to its smaller size. Facilities include a bar, diving tower, inflatables, and a small pool, ideal for a relaxed summer day. During the summer, there are often activities and events happening at Burgseeli.
How to get there: Take Bus 102 (free with your guest card) to the Burgseeli area.