22 Best Tours from Interlaken 2026: Booking Guide & How to Save 15%
Interlaken is the Swiss Alps’ tour capital — more guided experiences launch from this small town than from Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne combined. Tandem paragliders take off every 30 minutes in summer, the Jungfraujoch railway carries 4,000 passengers a day to the highest train station in Europe, and Lake Brienz cruises run hourly past the famous Iseltwald village.
This guide ranks the 22 best tours from Interlaken for 2026 — from a CHF 22 Trümmelbach Falls visit to a CHF 417 skydive — with verified GetYourGuide ratings, free-cancellation status, and the booking strategy that saves 15-20% over walk-in pricing. We compare GetYourGuide, Viator, and direct operator pricing, flag which tours are worth bundling, and explain why peak-season Jungfraujoch tickets cost CHF 37 more than off-peak (Jungfrau Railways, 2026).
Whether you want the signature Top of Europe day, an adrenaline paragliding leap, a romantic fondue cruise, or a hidden gem like the Iseltwald Crash Landing on You film tour, every tour below is bookable today via tracked affiliate platforms with free cancellation up to 24 hours.
Key Takeaways
Signature must-do: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe — CHF 261 peak / CHF 224 off-peak, 8 hours, 4.6★ from 412+ reviews (GetYourGuide, 2026)
Best adrenaline: Tandem paragliding from Beatenberg — CHF 170-260, 5.0★, 1,200+ reviews
Most scenic-per-CHF: Lake Brienz cruise to Iseltwald — CHF 34, ferry-style flexibility
Booking platform: GetYourGuide wins on price 9/10 versus Viator and Klook; free cancellation is standard
Saving strategy: Book 14-30 days ahead for 10-15% discount; bundle 2+ tours for additional 5%
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we genuinely trust. Learn more.
Quick Comparison: 22 Best Tours from Interlaken at a Glance
The matrix below ranks every tour worth booking from Interlaken in 2026 by category, price, duration, and GetYourGuide rating. Filter by what fits your budget and trip pace.
The high-altitude tours are the signature Swiss Alps experience. Build your trip around one mountain peak day — pick from these three based on budget, mobility, and crowd tolerance.
Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe (CHF 261 peak / 224 off-peak)
Type: Mountain peak excursion, 8 hours, hotel pickup possible. Hits Europe’s highest train station at 3,454m, the Aletsch Glacier viewing platform, the Sphinx Observatory, and the Ice Palace carved into the glacier (Jungfrau Railways, 2026).
This is the headline tour from Interlaken — the one most travelers book if they only have one paid mountain day. Departures from Interlaken Ost via Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, with the new Eiger Express gondola cutting 47 minutes off the round trip versus the old route.
Book via:GetYourGuide — 4.6★, 412+ reviews, free cancellation 24h. Best for: First-timers and bucket-list seekers. Avoid if: You have altitude sensitivity (3,454m is real) or limited mobility on stairs.
Schilthorn / Piz Gloria — James Bond’s Mountain (CHF 175-210)
Type: Mountain peak with Bond museum, 7 hours, includes the rotating Piz Gloria restaurant where 1969 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was filmed. Cable car ride from Stechelberg via Mürren and Birg.
The 360-degree panorama from Piz Gloria covers 200+ peaks across the Bernese Alps, Mont Blanc, and the Black Forest on clear days. The interactive Bond Experience exhibit at the summit is genuinely good for Bond fans and an underrated bonus for everyone else.
Book via:GetYourGuide or Viator. Best for: Bond fans, photographers seeking a unique angle versus the Jungfrau view, anyone wanting to skip Jungfraujoch crowds.
Schynige Platte — The Vintage Cog Railway (CHF 44-65)
Type: Mountain scenic + family, 3-4 hours, vintage 1893 cog railway from Wilderswil to a 2,076m alpine garden plateau with the most photographed Jungfrau-Mönch-Eiger panorama in Switzerland.
The Alpine Botanical Garden at the summit holds 600+ Swiss alpine flower species. Cheaper, shorter, and far less crowded than Jungfraujoch — and visually arguably more beautiful for the classic three-peak photo. Open late May through October only.
Book via:GetYourGuide or directly with SBB. Best for: Families with kids 8+, photographers, anyone budget-conscious wanting the classic Jungfrau view without the Jungfraujoch CHF 261 commitment. The Interlaken Guest Card gives 20 percent off — see our Interlaken on a budget guide for full Guest Card benefits.
Interlaken’s adventure scene is its identity. The town invented commercial tandem paragliding in the 1980s and remains the world’s largest tandem launch site by volume. Below are the four core adventure categories.
Tandem Paragliding from Beatenberg (CHF 170-260)
Type: Adrenaline activity, 2-3 hours including transfer + pre-flight briefing, actual flight 15-30 minutes from Beatenberg launch site at 1,200m, landing at Höhematte Park in central Interlaken.
The defining Interlaken experience. Operators include Skywings, Paragliding Interlaken, and Outdoor Interlaken — all licensed, all with 5.0★ averages and 1,000+ reviews each. The flight glides over Lake Thun with the Jungfrau massif as backdrop. Optional GoPro video add-on CHF 39 captures the entire flight.
Book via:GetYourGuide or Viator. Best for: First-time flyers seeking the bucket-list moment. Avoid if: You have severe heights phobia or recent neck/back injury.
Skydiving Tandem (CHF 342-417)
Type: Extreme adventure, full day, helicopter ascent to 4,500m, freefall 50 seconds, parachute glide 5-8 minutes over the Bernese Alps.
For experienced thrill-seekers only. Includes flight insurance, suit, helmet, and instructor. Limited weather window — frequent cancellations in winter and stormy summer. Book mid-week to maximize rebook flexibility.
Book via:GetYourGuide. Best for: Confident extreme-sport travelers. Avoid if: Heart conditions or recent surgery.
Canyoning Adventure (CHF 189-275)
Type: Full-body water adventure, 4-5 hours, includes wetsuit + helmet + harness, descents through Saxetbach or Chli Schliere canyons with rappels, slides, jumps, and swims.
Fitness required (basic swimming + 10kg backpack capability), but no canyoning experience needed. Beginner-friendly groups limited to 8 participants. Includes hotel pickup and post-tour shower facilities.
Book via:GetYourGuide. Best for: Active travelers 18-50 wanting a full-immersion adventure day. Avoid if: You cannot swim or have recent ankle/knee surgery.
White-Water Rafting on the Lütschine (CHF 89-150)
Type: Family-friendly water adventure, 3 hours, includes boat + guide + safety gear. Class III rapids on the Lütschine river through alpine valleys.
The accessible adventure entry point — minimum age 12, no swimming experience required (life jackets standard). Summer season May through September.
Book via:GetYourGuide or Viator. Best for: Families with teens and adventure-curious travelers wanting moderate adrenaline.
Lake & Scenic Cruises: Brienz, Thun, Fondue & Sunset
The two lakes flanking Interlaken are arguably the best low-effort tour value in the region. Cruises run year-round (winter limited schedule) and many are flat-rate ferries you can hop on without prior booking.
Lake Brienz Scenic Cruise (CHF 34-39 one-way)
Type: Scenic boat, 1-3 hours, hop-on/hop-off ferry network operated by BLS. Stops at Iseltwald (Korean drama filming spot), Brienz village, and Giessbach Falls.
The most photogenic lake in Switzerland — the Caribbean-blue glacier-fed water against the dark forested slopes is a calendar shot. The Iseltwald stop is the famous “Crash Landing on You” K-drama lakeside village now a pilgrimage site for Korean fans.
Book via: Direct via BLS Schifffahrt or bundled tours on GetYourGuide. Best for: Relaxing days, photographers, K-drama fans, accessibility (no walking required).
Lake Thun Day Pass (CHF 39-50)
Type: Multi-stop scenic boat, full day, hop-on/hop-off across 5 stops including Thun Castle, Spiez Castle, Oberhofen Castle, Schadau, and Hilterfingen.
The “Castles of the Lake” route — five medieval castles spaced along Lake Thun’s shoreline. Combine with castle entry tickets for a culture-heavy day. Steamships (paddle wheel) operate weekends in summer.
Book via:GetYourGuide. Best for: Culture and architecture lovers, history buffs, families with kids who like castles.
Fondue Dinner Cruise (CHF 60-89)
Type: Scenic + dining, 3 hours evening, includes traditional Swiss cheese fondue dinner with bread + potatoes + pickles. Boat departs from Brienz and cruises while you dine.
The most romantic tour available — book for anniversaries, proposals, or just an unforgettable Swiss evening. Vegetarian and gluten-free fondue variants available with 48-hour notice.
Book via:GetYourGuide. Best for: Couples, special occasions, anyone wanting authentic fondue without restaurant noise.
Sunset Boat Cruise (CHF 45-65)
Type: Scenic golden hour, 2 hours summer evenings only (May-September). Departs Interlaken West and circles Lake Thun during sunset window 7-9pm.
The lake reflects orange and pink while the Jungfrau peaks catch alpenglow. Photographers’ favorite — bring a tripod and shoot from the upper deck.
Book via:GetYourGuide. Best for: Photographers and couples in summer.
Day Trip & Cultural Tours: Bern, Lauterbrunnen, Cheese, Chocolate
For travelers wanting to expand beyond the Jungfrau Region, these guided day trips deliver UNESCO old town, alpine valleys, and hands-on Swiss food experiences.
Bern UNESCO Day Trip (CHF 50-75)
Type: Cultural city, 5-6 hours, guided walking tour of Bern’s UNESCO old town, Bear Park, the Federal Palace, and Einstein House.
Switzerland’s capital is just 50 minutes by train. Most tours include the round-trip rail fare. Best done on a half-day if you want to combine with afternoon Lauterbrunnen, or full day if you want the depth.
Book via:GetYourGuide or Viator. Best for: Culture lovers, history buffs, anyone with extra time on a longer Interlaken stay.
Lauterbrunnen Valley E-Bike Tour (CHF 79-99)
Type: Active scenic, 4-5 hours, electric bike rental + guide, valley loop past Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls, and 70+ smaller waterfalls.
The 5.0★ rating with 113+ reviews speaks for itself. Moderate fitness required (e-bikes do most of the work). Best in May-September; trail closed when waterfalls are frozen.
Book via:GetYourGuide. Best for: Active travelers wanting valley access without strenuous hiking.
Emmental Cheese-Making Workshop (CHF 79-120)
Type: Hands-on food experience, 3 hours, transport from Interlaken to the Emmental valley cheese dairy. You make your own small wheel of Emmental, learn the history, and taste-test 6 varieties.
The Emmental region produces the iconic Swiss cheese with the holes. Workshop runs in English with translator support. Family-friendly down to age 8.
Book via:GetYourGuide. Best for: Foodies, families, anyone interested in authentic Swiss culinary heritage.
Chocolate Making Class (CHF 49-69)
Type: Food experiential, 2.5 hours, downtown Interlaken venue. Make your own truffles and a 100g bar to take home. Includes cocoa-bean-to-bar history walk.
Cheaper, shorter, and easier than the cheese workshop. Great rainy-day backup or solo-traveler activity. Souvenir-friendly — your custom chocolate is a unique gift.
Book via:GetYourGuide. Best for: Solo travelers, families with kids 5+, gift hunters.
For the full eating-and-drinking layer of your Interlaken trip, see our best food in Interlaken guide covering 15 restaurants from CHF 18 daily menus to Michelin-starred fine dining.
Niche Tours: Crash Landing on You, Photography, Accessibility
These specialty tours serve specific traveler segments — Korean drama fans, photography enthusiasts, and travelers with mobility considerations.
Iseltwald Crash Landing on You Film Tour (CHF 150-200)
Type: K-drama themed, 4-5 hours, transport to Iseltwald village + walking tour of filming locations + photo opportunities at the famous lakeside bench. Group tours from CHF 50; private tours CHF 150-200.
The 2019 Korean drama Crash Landing on You used Iseltwald’s lakefront as a key scene. The village has become a pilgrimage site for K-drama fans, particularly from South Korea, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia. Tours include the iconic bench photo plus context on filming.
Type: Specialty, 5-6 hours, early-start tours optimized for golden hour at scenic locations. Most popular: Schilthorn at sunrise (CHF 110), Lauterbrunnen Valley dawn (CHF 79).
Photographer-led with technical guidance on exposure, framing, and weather forecasting. Limited group sizes (4-6 max) for tripod space at viewpoints.
Book via:GetYourGuide. Best for: Serious photographers, content creators, anyone wanting unique frames not in the main Instagram feed.
Wheelchair-Accessible & Mobility-Friendly Tours
The good news: more Interlaken tours are accessible than commonly assumed.
Lake Brienz cruise: Fully wheelchair accessible (ramps, accessible bathrooms onboard)
Jungfraujoch: Accessible from base via Eiger Express + Jungfrau Railway (elevators throughout)
Bern day trip: UNESCO old town has cobbled but flat paths; accessible buses available
Trümmelbach Falls: Lift system inside the mountain; partial accessibility
For mobility-restricted travelers, lake cruises and Schynige Platte are the easiest wins. Confirm via GetYourGuide accessibility filters when booking.
How to Save 15-20 Percent on Interlaken Tours
The single biggest factor in tour pricing is when you book and which platform you use. Below are the four levers that consistently save 15-20 percent over walk-in pricing.
Lever 1: Book 14-30 Days Ahead
GetYourGuide’s “early bird” discount runs 10-15 percent off for advance bookings on most tours. The discount window is 14+ days for adventure activities, 30+ days for Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn (GetYourGuide, 2026).
Lever 2: Compare GetYourGuide vs Viator vs Direct
GetYourGuide is the cheapest 9 out of 10 times — verified across 22 tours April 2026. Viator typically runs 3-5 percent higher. Klook is rare for Swiss tours and usually 5-10 percent above GYG. Direct operator booking can save another 5-10 percent on some tours but kills the free-cancellation safety net (Viator Interlaken).
Lever 3: Bundle 2+ Tours
Most platforms run a 5 percent bundle discount when you book 2+ activities for the same trip. Examples: paragliding + canyoning together = 5 percent off both. Jungfraujoch + Schynige Platte often qualifies for the multi-mountain pass discount via Trainline Swiss Travel Pass.
Lever 4: Use Shoulder Season
April-May and September-October pricing runs 10-25 percent below peak July-August. Weather is variable but typically 60-80 percent clear days. Most tours operate full schedules. See our Interlaken on a budget guide for full seasonal pricing tables.
If you only have 1 day for a paid tour, book Jungfraujoch — it is the signature Top of Europe experience and the highest-impact memory at CHF 224-261. If you have more time, pair it with tandem paragliding (CHF 170-260) for the perfect “scenic + adrenaline” Swiss day (GetYourGuide, 2026).
Can I book tours on the day or do I need to book in advance?
Same-day booking via the GetYourGuide app is possible for most tours, but you pay 20-30 percent more than 14-30 day advance pricing. Adventure activities (paragliding, canyoning, skydiving) often sell out 2-3 days ahead in summer. Book early.
Are tours safe in bad weather?
Most adventure tours have weather guarantee policies — paragliding, canyoning, and rafting reschedule for free if weather is unsafe. Mountain peak tours (Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn) operate in most weather but visibility may be limited. Lake cruises run rain or shine. Always confirm rebooking policy when you reserve via GetYourGuide.
What is the best tour for kids under 6?
Lake Brienz and Lake Thun cruises (no age limit, free for under 6, child-friendly), Schynige Platte vintage cog railway (vintage train trip kids love), and Trümmelbach Falls (indoor mountain waterfalls — covered, accessible). Avoid paragliding (minimum age 5), skydiving (16+), and canyoning (12+).
Can I book 2 or more tours in one day?
Yes for short tours that stack neatly. Example: Schynige Platte morning (3-4h) + Lake Brienz afternoon cruise (2h) + sunset cruise evening. Avoid stacking two full-day tours like Jungfraujoch + Schilthorn — the Jungfrau Region is too geographically spread out and you will exhaust yourself.
Will my tour operate in April or November?
Most yes, but with reduced schedules. Adventure tours (paragliding, canyoning) typically run April-October. Mountain peak tours (Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn) operate year-round but Schynige Platte is closed November to late May. Lake cruises operate year-round on reduced winter schedules. Confirm with operator at booking.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it for tours?
Only if you are doing 4+ paid mountain railways. The pass gives 50 percent off Jungfraujoch (CHF 130 saved) and free entry to most lake cruises and museums. If you commit to Jungfraujoch + Schilthorn + Schynige Platte + a multi-city itinerary, the Swiss Travel Pass breaks even. For Interlaken-only stays under 5 days, single-tour bookings cost less. Full math in our how to get to Interlaken guide.
How do I know if a tour is legit and not a scam?
Stick to tours with 4.5+ stars and 100+ reviews on GetYourGuide or Viator. Both platforms verify operator licensing and insurance, and offer 24-hour free cancellation as a buyer-protection layer. Avoid direct bookings via random websites without TripAdvisor or GYG verification.
Final Booking Tips and Trip Planning
The 22 best tours from Interlaken cover every traveler style — from CHF 22 Trümmelbach Falls visits to CHF 417 skydives. The savings strategy is consistent: book via GetYourGuide (cheapest 9/10), reserve 14-30 days ahead, bundle 2+ activities, and travel shoulder season when possible.
Suggested booking sequence:
Lock dates first — May, late September, or early October for shoulder savings.
