Five heart-pounding ways to spend your Swiss adventure

The resort town of Interlaken is not just about idyllic lake cruises

INTERLAKEN - Bungy Jumper springt auf dem Stockhorn in die Tiefe. A Bungy Jumper jumping into the abyss on the Stockhorn. Copyright by Interlaken Tourismus Byline: swiss-image.ch/ Heinz Loosli

If the queues at the Mumbai Schengen visa application centre are any indication, Switzerland is once again the top European destination for many Indian travellers this summer. Most tourists flock to the Bernese Oberland region, with Jungfrau, Gstaad and Interlaken being the hot draws.

Interlaken has always attracted Indian travellers for its picturesque location between the Lakes Thun and Brienz, which has been immortalised in several Yash Chopra films, a fact the Swiss government acknowledged recently by unveiling a bronze statue of the director in the Kursaal in the heart of the city.

But there’s more to Interlaken beyond admiring its natural beauty (and er, posing with that giant cut-out of SRK and Kajol at nearby Mount Titlis). Here are just some of the many adventure activities in Interlaken that can get your adrenaline going.

Paragliding

There’s nothing like the thrill of jumping off a mountain into thin air. Add to this the stunning views of Interlaken surrounded by mountains and lakes, and you have the unparalleled experience of paragliding in Switzerland.

After a short drive up to Beatenberg, your tandem ‘pilot’ will set you up with your paragliding equipment while explaining what you need to do. Strap yourself in and together with your pilot make a short run to the edge of the mountain and jump (it sounds scarier than it is).

As you glide high above Interlaken, gently swept by the wind (and your pilot’s expert manoeuvring) you will get a breath-taking bird’s eye view of the region.

On a clear day, you can even spot the snow-clad peaks of Jungfrau, and her siblings Eiger and Mönch, which together form a formidable wall in the Swiss Alps.

From CHF 170. Book at skywings.ch

(Currency: 1 CHF is approximately INR 69)

Bungee jumping

If you’d rather jump headlong from a mountain towards a pristine lake, a bungee jump in the alpine surroundings of Lake Stocksee is perfect for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Take a ride up the Stockhorn Mountain in a gondola, get your feet strapped in, and free-fall from the gondola towards the lake. Once you complete the jump, you will be lowered into a boat for a ride back to the base. Don’t forget to smile for the camera and take back a memento from an experience of a lifetime.

From CHF 189. Book at alpinraft.ch

Jet boating

When in Switzerland, a boat trip on one of the lakes is a must. But if a tame cruise is not your style, sign up for the jet boat experience on Lake Brienz. Don a spray jacket and a lifejacket and take your place in the jet boat, which seats a dozen people. You will get a 45-minute scenic ride around the lake, with the captain pointing out sights of interest, including the stunning cascade of Glessbach waterfalls that drop down to the lake from 500 metres. The ride also includes some thrilling 360° turns with jets of water spraying around you, and soaking you, of course.

From CHF 79. Book at jetboat.ch

Canyoning

If you’re a water baby with an adventurous streak, try your hand at canyoning down the narrow gorges of Interlaken’s canyon, or on the more advanced slippery surfaces and the furious torrents of Chli Schliere, as you dive right into a roaring waterfall. You will be wearing a safety harness as you rappel down the canyon, and jump or slide down into the gorges. It’s guaranteed to give you a high like never before. Swimming ability is recommended but not essential.

From CHF 106. Book at outdoor-interlaken.ch

River rafting

For another action-packed outing on the water, go on a river rafting experience on one of the most scenic rivers in the Alps. The mighty River Lütschine flows down from the Eiger North Face, offering class III & IV rapids as it surges down the mountain all the way to Lake Brienz. Don your wetsuit (and lifejacket) and paddle down in a rubber dinghy, matching wits with the raging torrents of Lütschine. Some of the rapids are also suitable for children, so you can have some wholesome family fun as well.

From CHF 106. Book at outdoor-interlaken.ch

Factfile: Plan your travel

Fly: SWISS flies daily (and non-stop) from Mumbai to Zurich. There are regular train connections from Zurich to Interlaken, with a changeover at Bern.

Stay: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is an elegant, luxury hotel invoking old-world charm. The bright and spacious rooms are fitted with period furniture, and offer stunning views of Jungfrau or Harder Kulm.

Prachi Joshi is a Mumbai-based travel and food writer