10 Thrilling Family Adventures in Interlaken: Switzerland's Playground

There's something transformative about seeing the world from above—perspective shifts, problems shrink, and suddenly you're floating in silent awe as the landscape unfolds like a living topographic map. Paragliding in Interlaken isn't just for adrenaline junkies; it's a surprisingly accessible family activity that creates core memories.

When my 12-year-old nephew Kai first spotted the colorful canopies dotting the sky above Interlaken, his eyes widened with a mixture of fear and fascination. 'Can kids really do that, Aunt Nova?' By sunset that same day, he was landing from his tandem flight, beaming with the particular kind of pride that comes from conquering fear.

For families, I recommend Paragliding Interlaken for their impeccable safety record and child-specific equipment. Their pilots are particularly skilled with young flyers, maintaining communication throughout to ensure comfort. The standard flights launch from Beatenberg, offering spectacular views of both lakes and the town nestled between them. For the best photographic opportunities, opt for the early morning flights when the light is soft and the air currents are gentler.

Before takeoff, I kept my camera settings ready with my peak design camera clip attached to my harness—a game-changer for adventure photographers who need quick access while keeping hands free for safety.

After days filled with adventure, having a luxurious home base becomes essential—especially when traveling with children who need both stimulation and rest. My philosophy has always been that true luxury travel means having incredible experiences without sacrificing comfort.

During our week in Interlaken, we split our stay between the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel in town and three nights at Berghotel Faulhorn, a remote mountain lodge accessible only by hiking or helicopter. The contrast offered two completely different Swiss experiences that complemented each other perfectly.

At Victoria-Jungfrau, the kids were mesmerized by the indoor pool with its mountain views, while adults appreciated the world-class spa treatments. The family suites feature thoughtfully separated sleeping areas, allowing parents to enjoy Swiss wine and cheese on their private balcony after children are asleep.

For our mountain retreat, preparing properly was essential. I packed our gear in my waterproof duffel bag, which proved invaluable when an afternoon shower caught us during the ascent to Faulhorn. The kids still talk about waking up above the clouds, watching the sunrise illuminate the Bernese Alps from our panoramic windows—moments that simply can't be captured in photographs but become etched in family memory.

There's something profoundly humbling about walking on ice that formed centuries before any of us were born. The Jungfraujoch glacier experience—marketed as 'Top of Europe'—is admittedly commercial but absolutely worth it for families seeking a safe introduction to glacier exploration.

The cogwheel train journey itself becomes part of the adventure, climbing through tunnels carved into the Eiger. My niece pressed her face against the window when we emerged at the viewing stations, her breath fogging the glass as she spotted climbers on distant routes I'd photographed years earlier on assignment.

At the top, the Ice Palace offers an accessible glacier experience for all ages, with carved ice sculptures and walkways suitable even for toddlers. For families with older children (10+), I highly recommend booking the private glacier walk with certified mountain guides. These two-hour excursions venture beyond the tourist areas, where guides explain glacial formation and the sobering reality of climate change's impact.

Preparing for dramatic temperature shifts is essential. We layered with merino wool base layers under our outerwear, which regulated temperature beautifully from the warm valley to the below-freezing glacier environment. For capturing the otherworldly blue ice tones, I used my polarizing filter to cut glare while enhancing the surreal colors that no amount of post-processing could recreate.

Interlaken's pristine waterways offer the perfect introduction to aquatic adventures for families. The region's graduated difficulty levels mean there's something appropriate for every age group—from gentle float trips to heart-pounding descents.

For families with younger children (ages 6+), the Lütschine River offers Class II rapids with breathtaking scenery. My 8-year-old niece initially clung to her mother with white knuckles, but by the second rapid, she was squealing with delight and splashing everyone within reach. Outdoor Interlaken provides specialized family rafting trips with extra guides and modified routes that maximize fun while prioritizing safety.

Families with teenagers seeking more adrenaline should consider canyoning in Saxeten or Grimsel canyons. These guided adventures combine hiking, swimming, jumping, and rappelling down waterfalls. My teenage nephew, typically glued to his phone, was completely present during our half-day excursion—the ultimate testament to an activity's engagement factor.

For these water adventures, I recommend investing in quality water shoes like the water shoes for everyone in the family. The specialized grip prevents slipping on wet surfaces, while the closed-toe design protects against underwater hazards. After our canyoning adventure, I captured the kids' expressions using my waterproof action camera, preserving those moments of pure accomplishment that define transformative family travel.

Switzerland's vertical playground offers families a graduated introduction to climbing that builds confidence while creating unforgettable shared challenges. The Interlaken region features several climbing options specifically designed for families with varying experience levels.

For beginners, K44 indoor climbing center provides an excellent introduction with routes designed specifically for children and family climbing courses. This controlled environment allowed my sister's children to build basic skills before venturing onto natural rock. The center's climbing instructors are particularly adept at working with young children, making safety protocols feel like part of the adventure rather than restrictive rules.

Once families feel comfortable with basics, the Interlaken Adventure Park combines climbing elements with ziplines through forest canopy. The graduated difficulty levels mean family members of different abilities can challenge themselves appropriately while staying within visual contact of each other.

For families with older children and teens, the Mürren via ferrata delivers an experience that balances genuine exposure with complete safety. This protected climbing route features steel cables, ladders, and bridges across dramatic mountain faces. My 14-year-old nephew, who initially declared himself 'not a heights person,' discovered unexpected courage traversing 2,000-foot drops while securely harnessed.

For all climbing activities, proper hand protection is essential. I equipped everyone with climbing gloves which protected against rope friction while maintaining necessary dexterity. For capturing the vertical adventures, my smartphone gimbal proved invaluable for smooth video footage that truly conveyed the dramatic exposure and accomplishment.