This post was written by Sivan, our Student Travel Expert Contributor!
One of the most visually stunning cities in the world, Interlaken is an incredible place for a winter getaway. There is no shortage of experiences to have here, both above and below the mountain tops.
While certain activities are only available in the summer, when the first snow falls a slew of opportunities open up for adventure. Outdoor Interlaken is the hub for adrenaline-inducing activities in Interlaken. They offer all types of tours of the town, guides for snow sports, and all the gear you could possibly need for your excursions. I filled my weekend with non-stop exploration and unforgettable experiences.
Here are my top ten things to in Interlaken in the winter!
Go Paragliding in Interlaken
There is nothing in this world like running off the top of a mountain at full speed and flying over snow-capped trees, shimmering lakes, and a little Swiss town. There are so many paragliding outlets in the city, but Outdoor Interlaken takes care of finding you the best one.
After gathering the right gear and heading up to the top of a mountain, it was time to fly. With my guide behind me, I ran off the mountain and flew through the sky as I took in the sights of beautiful Interlaken.
The pilot brought along a GoPro to capture the flight, and the photos were available for purchase after I viewed them.
This was the most incredible experience and a must do when visiting Interlaken.
Swiss Food and Culture Tour
Switzerland is known for two great things: cheese and chocolate. The tour started at the Outdoor Interlaken shop where I met with my guide.
Together, we wandered around the city and learned about the history of Interlaken and why these two delicacies are so important to the region.
The first stop was a local cheese shop where I got to taste four different types of local cheeses (such a treat) and learn how they are made. Then we went to the Funky Chocolate Club where I got to try different types of chocolate and find out what each is used for.
The Funky Chocolate Club also offers its own chocolate-making classes where you can hand make your own chocolate bar to take home!
We continued through the town and learned about medieval Switzerland, traditional wood-carving, and all the bits that make Interlaken special. The last stop on the tour was at a local farm where I said hi to some happy cows and tasted their fresh milk and cheese.
This tour was the perfect introduction to Interlaken and gave a great overview of this quaint town. Plus, who doesn’t love cheese and chocolate?
The tour company also offers free walking tours and private customized tour of the area.
Go Sky Diving in Interlaken
If you’re going to skydive, you might as well do it in Switzerland. Fly up in a plane with your professional guide, and take the ultimate leap of faith into the winter sky. You will see stunning mountains and landscapes the whole way down.
Snow Sports Around Interlaken
The Swiss Alps are known for great skiing and snowboarding. Outdoor Interlaken offers packages for many different levels.
You can rent all the gear you need at the shop so you don’t have to worry about traveling with it. Guides will take you up and down the mountain or send you off on your own depending on which package you choose.
Snow Shoeing
If you want to get around the mountains but aren’t confident on skis or a snowboard, snow shoeing is a great alternative. The guides will give you all the gear and guidance you need to hike the snowy mountains and enjoy the outdoors.
Boat Cruise
The city of Interlaken is sandwiched between two stunning lakes: Luke Thun and Lake Brienz. A boat cruise is the best way to see all the sights on the waters. Be sure to catch Oberhofen, the fairy-tale castle on the lake.
Check out Lake Brienz with a mountain lake tour, and see beautiful cliffs, waterfalls, and magical villages. Starting in December, you can take a boat across Lake Brienz to the Christmas Markets.
You can get a Day-Pass through Outdoor Interlaken, which allows you to take as many journeys as you like on scheduled boats. The boats depart from different points in Interlaken, and you can create your own hop-on hop-off day tour.
Head Up to Jungfrau Mountain
Known for being the highest point in Europe, this is one of the most popular day trips from town. It takes a bit of time and money to reach the top, but it is definitely worth the ultimate view.
Play on the Vertical Rush
If you are feeling low on adrenaline and need a little pick-me-up, head out to the Outdoor Interlaken’s Adventure Park in the tree tops. Free fall from the Giant Swing, take a leap on the BASE Jump Simulator, race along the fastest and longest zip line in Seilpark, and test your balance on the Highline.
Visit Schilthorn Mountain
This is a must-do excursion from Interlaken. Take a short train ride to Lauterbrunnen, hop on a cable car to Grütschalp, and then take the train to Mürren.
From there, you can get a cable car to Birg and a connecting car to Schilthorn. The journey will give you the best views of the UNESCO World Heritage trio of the Elger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
Grab lunch at the world’s first revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, or check out the 007 James Bond exhibition dedicated to one of the movies that was filmed there.
Night Sledding With Fondue
There are still adventures to be had after the sun goes down. After gathering all the necessary gear from the Outdoor Interlaken shop, I hopped on a gondola and headed up to the top of a mountain.
With guides in front and back of the group, we sledded on a carved-out trail all the way down the mountain. Sledding down a steep mountain under the night sky was an experience like no other.
After we made it down the mountain, we were driven back to town and were seated at the restaurant in one of the oldest hotels in Interlaken. This restaurant is famous for its decadent cheese fondue. It was the perfect ending to a perfect night.
Shop my cold-weather looks for Switzerland!
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A big thank you to Outdoor Interlaken for hosting me during my time in Interlaken. All opinions and thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.
Top Ten Things to Do in Interlaken in the Winter is a post from: The Blonde Abroad
from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/2DkXRHl
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