Rainy day activities for Interlaken and the Jungfrau region
Most visitors head to Interlaken and the Jungfrau region to enjoy the wonderful scenery and this usually includes a mountain excursion to one of the magnificent surrounding peaks.
Unfortunately, sometimes the weather isn’t suitable to head to the Alps but don’t despair – there are still lots of fun things to do even if it’s not a great day to head to Jungfraujoch or the Schilthorn.
In this guide, you’ll find a list of some of the best rainy day activities for Interlaken and the Jungfrau region.
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How to get discounts for Interlaken activities
Many of the activities mentioned in this article are discounted for visitors who hold a Swiss Travel Pass or a Berner Oberland Pass. In some cases, discounts of up to 100% apply.
We have indicated below where discounts are available.
To learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass and the Berner Oberland Pass and to buy yours, read our guide to Switzerland rail passes.
Activities to enjoy during wet weather in Interlaken
Interlaken Funky Chocolate Club
Interlaken’s Funky Chocolate Club is definitely not to be missed by chocolate lovers.
This chocolate shop and cafe with a difference – supporting small-time local artisan makers, and largely Fairtrade and organic, too – also offers a range of workshops.
As well as the shop and cafe, which offers a wide range of delicious chocolate treats, visitors to the Funky Chocolate Club can also join a chocolate making workshop and make their own chocolate bar.
During the interactive workshops you’ll learn about the history of chocolate and the process of turning cocoa beans into Switzerland’s world famous treat.
Workshops last for 1 hour and are held throughout the day. Bookings are essential.
Open: The chocolate shop and cafe is open daily and there are up to numerous workshops daily. Each runs for an hour.
Admission fee: Shop admission is free. Workshops cost CHF 69 for adults and CHF 59 for children (3-13 years) which includes as much chocolate as you can eat.
Swiss Selfie Museum
This museum is part of the growing trend of selfie museums, or Instagram museums, around the world where people can take pictures in vibrant, imaginative settings.
The Swiss Selfie Museum features a number of themed rooms and interactive installations designed to be visually striking and highly Instagrammable.
There’s everything from optical illusions to creative props. Each room offers different backdrops for taking selfies and fun photos.
There are, for example, infinity rooms with mirrors and lighting effects which create endless reflections for perfect eye catching photos.
I loved the 3D murals with interactive 3D art pieces. These paintings provide a realistic backdrop for your photos making it look like you are actually sitting on a chairlift, petting a cow, blowing into an Alphorn or crossing a suspension bridge.
Allow at least one hour to visit the Swiss Selfie Museum which is just a 5-minute walk from Interlaken West station.
Open: Every day from 10am to 10pm
Admission fee: Yes
Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum
Set amid beautiful mountain landscape, the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum at Hofstetten am Brienz, offers a unique way of exploring Switzerland’s vast architectural heritage.
The museum is comprised of more than 100 traditional homes and farm buildings from right across the country that were dismantled and then rebuilt at Ballenberg to preserve them for future generations.
As a result, the museum offers an insight into the Swiss way of life over centuries, alongside 250 live farm animals.
Open: from early April to the end of October from 10am to 5pm daily.
Admission fee: Yes. > Click here to buy your tickets.
Free admission for Swiss Travel Pass holders, discounted admission for Berner Oberland Pass holders.
Trauffer World of Experience
Located just one hundred metres from Ballenberg Swiss Open Air Museum is Trauffer World of Experience.
The exhibition, or experience, is dedicated to the famous Trauffer wooden toys, particularly the iconic hand carved and painted Swiss cow figurines that have become a symbol of Swiss tradition and craftsmanship.
Visitors can get a glimpse into Swiss heritage by joining a guided tour of the Trauffer toy factory and see the entire process of crafting the famous wooden cow and other toys.
The tour provides insights into the handcrafting techniques and the high quality standards that goes into making each piece unique.
You can watch the artisans at work carving, painting and assembling these beloved toys. Visitors have also the opportunity to participate in hands on workshops and paint and carve your own wooden cow or other wooden toy to take home as a personalised souvenir.
Trauffer World of Experience also features an exhibition area that takes visitors through the history of the Trauffer family (the third generation now run the business) and a cafe.
Get directions to Trauffer World of Experience.
Open: Daily from 10am to 6pm
Admission fee: Yes. Combination tickets for Trauffer World of Experience and Ballenberg are available. Berner Oberland Pass holders receive discounted admission to both attractions.
Thun Castle
Dating back to the end of the 12th century, the whitewashed walls of Thun Castle rise above the town of the same name from its hillside location at the western end of Lake Thun.
This wonderfully preserved relic from the Middle Ages boasts one of only a handful of medieval Knights’ Halls that still survives to this day, alongside an impressive historical museum covering five floors.
Its round, corner towers provide unrivalled views of Lake Thun and the surrounding mountains.
Open: Thun Castle is open every day from February to October plus Christmas, and each Sunday for the rest of the year.
Admission fee: Yes. Free entry for Swiss Travel Pass holders, reduced entry to holders of Berner Oberland Pass.
Spiez Castle
Spiez Castle is situated right on the lakefront of Lake Thun beside an elegant yacht marina, midway between Interlaken and Thun.
Surrounded by attractive vineyards, the castle offers visitors another fine museum, along with enviable 360-degree panoramas from the main tower.
Expansive grounds and gardens promise to be colourful throughout the year, no matter what the weather might be doing, while the wine from the neighbouring vineyards can be sampled at the cafe.
Open: The castle’s ancient stone steps and stuccoed ceilings can be visited until April 30, 2023.
Admission fee: Yes. Free entry for Swiss Travel Pass holders, reduced entry to holders of Berner Oberland Pass.
St Beatus Caves
The immense caves of St Beatus – named after a semi-mythical 6th-century monk who followed a dragon into its underground lair – have artificially-lit walkways stretching for more than a kilometre beneath ground level.
The route takes in the phenomenal natural forms of stalactites and stalagmites that have been shaped over thousands of years, alongside underground waterfalls and streams that continue to shape these saintly caves to the present day.
Open: daily from April until end of October from 9 am to 5 pm. Open only on weekends during winter. Tours depart every 45 minutes.
Admission fee: Yes. Reduction for Berner Oberland Pass holders.
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
Aare Gorge
Formed by the Aare River eroding the rock of its bed over thousands of years, the Aare Gorge at Meiringen gouges 200 metres down and runs for close to 1.5 kilometres in length.
A specially-made path has led through the gorge for more than a hundred years, through 400 metres of tunnel and a kilometre of wooden-laid paths hanging from the gorge walls.
The full path takes around 40 minutes to complete and is easily accessed by rail from Aareschlucht East and West rail stations.
Open: 1 April to 1 November (approximately)
Admission fee: Yes. 30% discount for Berner Oberland Pass holders.
Grindelwald Glacier Canyon
A narrow, natural gully created by the now-lost Grindelwald Glacier, the canyon it left behind is today an exciting family-friendly walk, taking in low tunnels and exposed rock galleries as part of a sensory walkway.
Following the path of the Lütschine River, the walkway is divided into six separate themes of coincidence, formation, geology, water, glacier, and myth.
The piece de resistance of the whole path has to be the 170 square metre spider web netting that crosses the canyon and lets visitors walk or scramble their way seven metres above the gentle roar of the river.
Open: May to November
Admission fee: Yes. Discount applies to Berner Oberland Pass holders.
> Click here to pre-purchase your tickets to Grindelwald Glacier Canyon.
Trümmelbach Falls at Lauterbrunnen
Europe’s largest underground waterfalls, these subterranean wonders tumble their way through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, carrying up to 20,000 litres per second of meltwater from the glaciers of the mighty Jungfrau mountain.
What makes Trummelbach Falls all the more special is the fact that they can be discovered from inside, with a mix of tunnels, platforms, galleries, and even a lift providing access!
Open: Daily from April until November
Admission fee: Yes. Note: children under 4 not admitted.
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Bernatone Alphornbau
A living workshop, Bernatone Alphornbau is the place to head to watch master artisans create authentic alpine horns – the long horns used to call between high mountain peaks.
Made from the wood of spruce trees from Switzerland’s nearby Habkern area, this family-run firm does it all – from picking and sawing the best logs in the sawmill to polishing the finished products.
As well as learning the process of alphorn making, visitors have the chance to rent or even buy their very own horn – the perfect souvenir of any visit to Interlaken and the Jungfrau.
Open: Individuals are welcome to visit the workshop. More info here.
Alpine cheese dairy tour in Aeschi
Alpine horns aren’t the only traditional goods made in the region. In the town of Aeschi, visitors are able to explore the world of cheese at the Aeschi-Allmend mountain alpine dairy.
Following the dairy farmers through the entire cheese-making process from start to finish, you’ll even get to sample the result of their (and their cows’) labour.
Open: The tour takes place Monday to Saturday of June to mid-September
Admission fee: Yes. Visitors are asked to book by 20:30 the night before.
More info here.
The Kambly Experience at Trubschachen
Treat yourself to the taste of Switzerland’s most famous biscuits whilst also learning about the 100-year history of the Kambly company.
Watch as the master bakers create their delicious fare and then sample as many biscuits as you like in the Kambly cafe. There are over 100 different varieties to choose from!
Open: Daily excluding public holidays
Admission: Free
Berner Oberland Pass holders receive 10% off shop purchases.
Cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
Both lakes Thun and Brienz – the lakes which Interlaken sits between – provide a magnificent floating backdrop from which to enjoy the quintessential Swiss scenery of alpine pasture, historic towns, and snowy mountain-tops.
Jump aboard one of the elegant lake craft that wind their way for two hours to Thun via Spiez from the docks of Interlaken West, or to the town of Brienz along the entire length of Lake Brienz from Interlaken East.
Open: Half and full-day cruises operate from April to October. A winter cruise operates on Lake Thun.
Fares: One-hour cruises on Lake Brienz start from CHF 36 per adult. Full-day passes which cover both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are also available – click here for details.
Cruises are free for holders of Switzerland Travel Pass, Bernese Oberland Pass and Jungfrau Travel Passes.
Local museums
The circular, 360-degree painted scene known as Thun-Panorama, is the oldest example in the world, dating back more than 200 years to 1814.
It is the masterwork of artist Marquard Wocher and stretches 7.5 by 38 metres and can be viewed at Kunstmuseum Thun in Schadau Park.
Admission fee: Yes. Free entry for Swiss Travel Pass holders, reduced admission for BO Pass holders.
Open: 1 March to 30 November (closed Mondays)
If that has whet your appetite for history, the Interlaken Tourismuseum boasts three floors dedicated to the development of tourism in the Alps.
Alternatively, those who enjoy working with their hands won’t want to miss the Swiss Woodcarving Museum in Brienz, while the small Talmuseum in Lauterbrunnen provides the perfect basis for learning more about the traditions of the region.
Wellness centres
As an officially-certified Swiss wellness destination, Interlaken offers a large number of spas and wellness hotels.
Visitors can relax in a sauna with panoramic mountain views, dip into indulgent infinity pools, and enjoy a range of spa therapies, from manicures and pedicures to deep-muscle massages.
Jetboating
These high-powered speedboats make for a spectacular, adrenaline-fueled way of experiencing everything that the lakes around Interlaken have to offer.
Lasting approximately 45 minutes and running daily from mid-April until the middle of September, jet boat tours combine the lake’s magical vistas and the chance to catch sight of the Giessbach Waterfalls with full-throttle antics – including 360-degree spins and high-speed drifts.
Kayaking
Kayaking on Lake Brienz is a popular all-weather activity at any time of the year.
Out on the lake you’ll get unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and the water is so clear you can see the reflections of the picturesque landscapes.
There are a variety of routes available that can be adapted to your fitness level and the weather conditions. You can choose from a leisurely paddle near the short or more adventurous routes exploring the lake’s deeper waters.
Guided kayaking experiences begin at Bonigen, at the shore of Lake Brienz, just ten minutes by bus from Interlaken. During the winter, participants are equipped with a dry suit to protect them from the cold.
Life jackets are, of course, supplied.
River rafting
Interlaken is more than just tranquil lakes, as you’ll discover if you go river rafting.
The watershed of some of the Alp’s mightiest peaks, including the Jungfrau and Eiger, makes Interlaken and its surrounds one of the best places in Europe to experience river rafting.
Here, you can try everything from family-friendly rafting trips on the gentle flow of the Aare River to hard-core class IV rapids.
Seilpark Adventure and Rope Park
Further adrenaline-inducing fun can be had at the Seilpark adventure park.
The rope park consists of 160 separate challenges made up of wooden bridges, rope swings, and zip-lines, as visitors pass between the trees of this rope park’s forest location.
It’s spread between nine different courses that offer a variety of difficulties and heights – from ground level to summits of 20 metres.
Open: April to October (November and March on weekends only).
Admission fee: Yes. Berner Oberland Pass holders receive a 10% discount.
Fun Parks
If you are travelling with younger children, the following fun things to do with kids on rainy days in Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region are great options.
The Thun fun park, Funland, is a colourful indoor soft play centre for children up to 11 years of age.
Alongside plenty of padded giant blocks to climb over, there is a ball pit, tunnel slide, climbing ramp, and 11-metre three-lane slide that’s ideal for racing.
Adults will be pleased to know there’s WiFi and a bistro to help pass the time as your kids enjoy the freedom of the fun park without fear of injury.
Open: Daily (check website for opening hours)
Admission fee: Yes.
Even closer to Interlaken than Thun Funland is Funpark Speiz, a similar soft play centre.
Open: Daily (check website for opening hours)
Admission fee: Yes.
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Indoor pools
The region is well served by child-friendly indoor pools, such as those at Oberhofen, Unterseen, and Aeschi.
However, for the added bonus of its incredible views, there’s no better place to slip on your swimming costume than Beatenberg Panoramic Indoor Pool, whose wall of floor-to-ceiling windows include views of the Eiger and Jungfrau.
What’s more, the 25-metre pool hosts a children’s play afternoon each Wednesday.
Admission fee: Yes.
Opening hours change seasonally. Click here for further information.
Mysty Land
Mysty Land is the largest indoor and outdoor playground in the Bernese Oberland. It is open year-round and is suitable for children aged ten and under.
Activities include sandpits, go-kart tracks, bouncy castles, trampolines and slides.
Open: Year-round. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Admission fees: Yes.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do on rainy days in Interlaken and the surrounding area.
If fog, clouds or rain are stopping you from enjoying a trip to the mountains, these wet weather activities for Interlaken will still give you plenty of enjoyment.
Have fun!
For more helpful tips for planning your vacation, read our guide to Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region.
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