The best summer activities in Interlaken: Part 1 Adventures on and in the water
Interlaken, Switzerland’s outdoor paradise, is not only known for its breathtaking mountains and adventures in the air, but also for its spectacular water activities. In summer, there are countless water activities here, the crystal-clear waters of Lakes Thun and Brienz and the region’s wild rivers to experience up close. Whether you want to enjoy relaxed boat trips, paddle through rapids while rafting or plunge into wild gorges while canyoning – you’ll find the perfect summer adventure in Interlaken. Here are the best water activities you can experience in Interlaken!
Hire a boat from the Mountainsurf Water Sports Center: Relaxed exploration of Lake Thun near Interlaken
If you want to discover the beautiful nature of Lake Thun on your own, a motorboat rental is just the thing. Without a driving license, you can steer a comfortable motorboat from Mountainsurf and enjoy the freedom on the water. Three different motorboats are available for hire.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MOTORBOAT RENTAL
Explore the fascinating waterfalls of the Beatus Caves
Visit the charming harbor of Spiez
Enjoy sunbathing on the deck or jump into the lake to cool off
If you prefer something more active, you can also hire a SUP (stand-up paddle board), kayak or pedalo from Mountainsurf. These activities offer you a perfect mix of sport and enjoyment of nature – whether you want to paddle in calm waters or marvel at the fascinating Swiss mountain landscape from the lake. You can find all activities here and you can also book the boats conveniently online!
Jetboat: pure adrenaline on Lake Brienz – one of the best activities in Interlaken

For all those who love action, a jetboat tour on Lake Brienz is an unforgettable experience. This tour takes you at high speed and spectacular 360° turns across the deep blue lake. The trip starts in Bönigen and takes you to the picturesque village of Iseltwald, made famous by the Netflix series Crash Landing on You.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
An action-packed ride at high speed
Impressive 360° spins for the ultimate thrill
A stopover at the spectacular Giessbach waterfalls
Exciting stories about the region from your guide
This fast-paced water activity is perfect for adrenaline junkies who want to experience Lake Brienz from a new perspective. Great fun for the whole family. The jetboat tours can easily be booked here online.
Rafting: whitewater adventures in the Swiss Alps
Interlaken is one of the best whitewater destinations in Switzerland and offers the right rafting tour for every taste. Whether you want to plunge into the rapids of the Lütschine or enjoy a more leisurely ride on the Simme – you’ll find your perfect whitewater adventure here!
RAFTING LÜTSCHINE: THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE
Demanding class III-IV white water
One of the best rafting routes in Switzerland
Ends with a refreshing dip in Lake Brienz
RAFTING SIMME: IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS
Class II-III white water
Perfect for families and groups
Beautiful landscape and gentle rapids
FAMILY RAFTING: SAFE FUN FOR YOUNG AND OLD
A gentle rafting tour on the lower section of the Lütschine
Suitable for children and beginners
Ends with a relaxing cruise on Lake Brienz
No matter which rafting tour you choose – all are accompanied by experienced guides who will ensure that you have a safe and exciting experience. Here you can find out more about the various rafting tours in Interlaken.
CANYONING: The ultimate nature experience

Canyoning is one of the most exciting summer activities in Interlaken. You jump into deep pools of water, slide through rock formations and abseil spectacularly down wild gorges. Interlaken offers some of the best canyoning spots in Switzerland!
CANYONING INTERLAKEN: PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS
Adventures in the breathtaking Saxeten Gorge
A mixture of abseiling, sliding and jumping
Ideal for anyone who wants to try canyoning for the first time
CANYONING GRIMSEL: PERFECT FOR ADRENALINE LOVERS
Begins with spectacular abseiling from a rock at a height of 50m
Spectacular jumps and slides
Perfect for sporty adventurers
CANYONING CHLI SCHLIERE: THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
The most challenging canyoning tour in the region
High jumps in water pools and long slides
Only suitable for sporty and courageous participants
Canyoning is an incomparable nature experience where you can feel the power of the water up close. All tours are accompanied by professional guides, so safety and fun are guaranteed. If you would like to find out more about the tours or even book one, you can do so here here.
CONCLUSION: Summer activities on and in the water in Interlaken
Interlaken is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the water in summer. Whether you want to glide leisurely across Lake Thun in a motorboat, race across Lake Brienz in a jet boat, feel the power of the rivers while rafting or get your adrenaline pumping while canyoning – you’ll find unforgettable experiences here.
Now is the best time to plan your summer adventure in Interlaken! Book your boat rental, SUP session, rafting or canyoning tour and discover the breathtaking nature of the Swiss Alps from the water. If you want to find out more about Interlaken in summer, you can also visit Interlaken Tourismus here here. In the next blog, we’ll tell you about the various aerial activities such as paragliding, hang gliding, skydiving and more…