From Bollywood to bungee jumping: Why Interlaken is the perfect Swiss getaway
It offers a perfect mix of adrenaline-pumping activities like hang-gliding and serene cultural experiences such as chocolate making and exploring traditional Swiss life
Interlaken, Switzerland, continues to be a strong draw for Indian tourists, evolving from its romantic association with filmmaker Yash Chopra to cater to a new generation with diverse adventure and cultural experiences. Nestled between lakes Brienz and Thun and surrounded by the Bernese Alps, the town offers thrilling activities like hang-gliding, bungee jumping, and high-speed jet boating on Lake Brienz, alongside leisurely lake cruises. Visitors can ascend to the "Top of Europe" at Jungfraujoch for year-round snow and glacier views
Interlaken, Switzerland, continues to be a strong draw for Indian tourists, evolving from its romantic association with filmmaker Yash Chopra to cater to a new generation with diverse adventure and cultural experiences. Nestled between lakes Brienz and Thun and surrounded by the Bernese Alps, the town offers thrilling activities like hang-gliding, bungee jumping, and high-speed jet boating on Lake Brienz, alongside leisurely lake cruises. Visitors can ascend to the "Top of Europe" at Jungfraujoch for year-round snow and glacier views
Interlaken, Switzerland, continues to be a strong draw for Indian tourists, evolving from its romantic association with filmmaker Yash Chopra to cater to a new generation with diverse adventure and cultural experiences. Nestled between lakes Brienz and Thun and surrounded by the Bernese Alps, the town offers thrilling activities like hang-gliding, bungee jumping, and high-speed jet boating on Lake Brienz, alongside leisurely lake cruises. Visitors can ascend to the "Top of Europe" at Jungfraujoch for year-round snow and glacier views
Yash Chopra probably fell in love with Switzerland here, then made generations of Indian movie fans romanticise this photogenic country. The Indian love affair with Switzerland continues, nowhere is that bond stronger than Interlaken. Bollywood might have moved on from Yash Chopra’s (who has been immortalised with a statue at Interlaken) stars to make room for a new generation of young stars. Interlaken has also evolved with newer experiences that cater to younger Indian travellers.
Interlaken typifies Swiss charm. The town gets its name from its unique location; it’s sandwiched between two lakes - Brienz to the east and Thun to the west, and surrounded by towering peaks. Two days is a good time to explore Interlaken’s inherent charms and highs.
Adrenaline highs
Interlaken is a hub for hang-gliding enthusiasts and newbies. The 10–20-minute flight with a professional tandem pilot gives you stunning, 360-degree views of the lakes and the Bernese Alps including the famous Jungfrau. Want to level up on your adventure mode? Interlaken’s array of high-adrenaline options include everything from bungee jumping to snow trails.
Lake adventures
If you’re not content with adrenaline ‘highs’, you can descend upon one of the two lakes for a whole new set of thrills. You need to be kitted in splash coats and storm gear as you skim across Lake Brienz in a high-speed Jetboat that hits speeds of up to 60 kmph with 360-degree turns. The Bernese Oberland punctuated by imposing mountain peaks provide the perfect backdrop for the icy blue water of the lake in a fun ride that makes multiple stops including views of a stunning waterfall. Want to slow things down? Hop aboard one of the leisurely cruises from Interlaken West to Thun that makes stops in multiple charming towns along the way. This cruise also includes a three-course lunch on board option that showcases local ingredients and delicacies.
Scale a new high
Need to make snowballs in the peak of summer? No problem. Just head to the Jungraujoch, the top of Europe where icy air streams greet you and snow crunches under your feet. Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps is home to the continent’s highest railway station at an elevation of 3,454 metres and located within a UNESCO World Heritage site with year-round snow. Take in the views of Aletsch glacier, bordered by four thousand metre peaks. Time your visit for lunch at Restaurant Crystal as you savour the views and comforting Swiss dishes like roesti and raclette cheese.
Want more views? The 2,970-metre Schilthorn near offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and also transports you to the world of James Bond. The Schilthorn was the location for the 1969 Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (you can check out the interactive Bond world museum). You don’t have to travel too far to look down upon Lake Brienz, Lake Thun or enjoy views of the Alps. All you need to do is take the cable car and ascend Interlaken’s own mountain to reach the viewing platform (at an elevation of 1,322 metres) at Harder Kulm. Stay back for the sunset views from the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant.
A slice of rural life in Switzerland
The Ballenberg Open Air Museum began in 1978 to showcase rural life in Switzerland. It’s grown to become one of the country’s most immersive outdoor museums with over 100 residential and agricultural buildings from across Switzerland that are spread over a 66-hectare footprint. This is a great destination for families where local handicrafts and workshops add to the experience. From cheesemaking to basket weaving, you can experience Swiss traditions up close.
Make your own chocolate
Take a crash course in chocolate making and impress your friends and family back home. Funky Chocolate Club organises interactive chocolate workshops, that include fun facts about cocoa and chocolate. The milk chocolate story began in Switzerland in 1875, you can make your own customised bars of chocolate that you can take back home. Don an apron and chef’s hat as you embark on a fun journey with unlimited chocolate tastings. Don’t forget to receive your certified chocolatier certificate before you leave Interlaken.
Adventure capital, romantic destination, Interlaken is not just a versatile holiday spot but also one of Europe’s premier all-weather destinations, making it a perfect holiday spot any time of the year. You might experience your Yash Chopra moment here too.