Lacking waves, Swiss ingenuity sharpens to dance on a board. The majestic mountains serve as a coastline, and the variety of turquoise shades becomes its own Caribbean sea. A handful of young people clad in neoprene prepare to jump into the freshwater. Some surf in the current of a waterfall. Others paddle surf in pairs with their paddles. The most daring follow the wake of a boat that has captivated singer Shakira. Some even do small jumps on the emerging Surf Foil, where balance and energy are key.
We find ourselves in Interlaken, in the heart—geographically and symbolically—of Switzerland. A central region between two lakes, hence the name. Thun and Brienz, the one that splashes us and surprises with its intense blue. It reflects the Bernese Oberland Alps. The steep slopes rise on both sides and create a sense of security, as if embracing the lake. With 14 kilometers in length and 2.8 in width, it is one of the five deepest lakes in Switzerland, reaching 260 meters. The more sunlight, the more penetrating the tone.
"It is due to the tiny sediment particles carried to the lake by the glacial waters of Lütschine and Aar," explains the Outdoor Switzerland guide, skillfully driving a motorboat. He executes daring 360-degree spins at high speed and cruises the emerald gem, sharing curiosities such as the town of Iseltwald becoming extremely popular due to a Netflix series, especially among Asians.
Laughter abounds amidst so much adrenaline. There is no risk of getting wet covered in raincoats, sunglasses, and life jackets that barely allow you to know who is who. Apart from the various water activities, there are land and air sports options. Because Interlaken is not understood without the colorful paragliding soaring through the sky.
As impossible as getting bored is leaving Interlaken without enjoying the bird's eye view landscape—or drone view. AlpinAir Paragliding GmbH is just one of the dozens of companies to hire this thrilling experience, attracting long lines of people on the hills and landing on the green meadow. A unique feeling of freedom experienced even by children and seniors for a price of around 200 euros, lasting 10 to 20 minutes. It includes transportation, insurance, and a trained pilot.
Additionally, extras can be added, such as photos and videos for around 40 euros or extending the flight time for 90. But undoubtedly, this is the perfect starting point for other high-flying experiences: a helicopter sightseeing tour, bungee jumping from a cable car or from the glacial gorge.
Once the panoramic view is forever etched in your memory, you can explore even closer. The beauty of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, a famous trio of peaks, is that you don't need to be a great mountaineer to capture their 3,967 meters, 4,107 meters, and 4,158 meters, respectively. Just take the historic cogwheel train to Schynige Platte. A nostalgic journey through the mountainous landscape aboard the original carriages.
The mountain station is nestled in the midst of an extraordinary hiking region. "It is one of the oldest mountain railways in Switzerland and began operating in 1893, a time when alpine tourism was starting to take off," explains Melissa Weber, a tourism worker. It was one of the great feats of Swiss engineering in mountain railways, using the Riggenbach rack system, allowing the train to ascend steep slopes. "Initially, the trains were steam-powered, but in 1914, the system was electrified, maintaining that belle époque feel."
The journey takes about 50 minutes and ascends over 1,400 meters in altitude. There you will find Bergrestaurant Schynige Platte, a charming hotel with a restaurant where you can rest or recharge. An opportunity to enjoy traditional Swiss dishes on the sunny terrace. Like their fondue, melted cheeses that have become a symbol of the country's culinary culture. Or raclette, another very social gastronomic experience to savor this variety made with smooth and creamy cow's milk, which intensifies when melted.
Continuing with gastronomic clues, we put on our apron and chef's hat to make our own milk chocolate. Because the interesting part is not just taking a delicious Swiss chocolate bar as a souvenir for family and friends, but making it. The Funky Chocolate Club offers daily workshops (some in Spanish, as they have Latin employees) to sweeten the getaway to Interlaken.
From the origin of the cocoa bean to production, not only do you learn curiosities about Swiss chocolate, but you can also decorate the work to your liking with a pastry bag drawing flowers, toppings like coconut or candy-coated chocolates. A 75-minute workshop where the result (better or worse, depending on the cook) is wrapped for a gift and picked up once cooled. "The more it sounds like breaking a piece, the purer and higher quality it is. It means it contains more cocoa beans," discovers one of the chocolatiers at the aromatic shop, where you feel like taking everything or sitting down to enjoy a hot cup.
The plans continue with a panoramic tour to Top of Interlaken. "If Interlaken had a king, he would reside at Harder Kulm. From its viewpoint at 1,322 meters above sea level, you can see both lakes and admire Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. In fact, the panoramic restaurant Harder Kulm resembles a castle," recommends local Julia Steiger.
The Harder Kulm viewpoint offers views of Lake Brienz, Interlaken, and the Swiss Alps.Shutterstock
To visit, however, you don't need to be a king: just take a seat in the cable car and ascend to Interlaken's own mountain. And if you have the budget, because in Switzerland, lunch doesn't come for less than 70 euros per person, Panoramarestaurant Harder Kulm is a fantastic option with views and a funicular ride back, operated by Jungfrau Railways, like the trains and gondolas that comfortably ascend the mountains in the area.
Switzerland is wonderfully connected by trains and buses, which faithfully adhere to the scheduled punctuality. SBB Mobile is one of the most useful apps on this journey, allowing you to check schedules, purchase tickets, and get real-time information about the status of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). Interlaken Ost station is the main one. The Swiss Travel Pass is a ticket that offers unlimited access to public transportation for a set period. It can be purchased for three, four, eight, or 15 consecutive days. It is ideal for those planning multiple trips or visiting different cities during their stay. Ticket inspectors constantly check tickets, and each passenger must be seated correctly in first or second class. Both options offer comfort, but obviously one provides a more spacious and quiet journey, while second class is more economical and accessible.
Switzerland is not part of the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA). Roaming regulations are not valid, so you have to look for Wi-Fi networks or activate special rates to use mobile data without surprises. It is advisable to plan accordingly.
For a stay in a place with a special charm, although not very practical being surrounded by water, Hotel Giessbach is spectacular, with breathtaking mountain views and next to the famous Giessbach waterfall, which is an additional attraction. It closes in winter due to lack of heating. During that season, Grindelwald and Schilthorn offer world-class skiing and snowboarding. And at Jungfraujoch, the visit to Top of Europe allows you to enter a glacier and feel the icy air on your on your face, the crunchy snow under your feet, and a view that leaves you almost breathless, especially if you love nature. You have to experience it.