Canyoning Interlaken: Where the Canyon Chooses You
The path follows the canyon through the forest, and you can hear the water below you the whole way. Then you head down to the river, wade the first stretch through knee-deep water, the rock walls grow taller, and at some point you're standing at the first edge, looking down. Ten-metre rappel. From here, the canyon takes over.
Wetsuit, helmet, swim vest. Fifteen minutes ago you were in the car. Now you're standing in the river, wondering why you didn't do this last weekend.
That's canyoning in Interlaken. And the best part: you don't need to be brave. Just curious.
Why This Canyon Is Worth It
The gorge is hidden in the forest, ten minutes from Interlaken. No long drive, no full-day commitment. You're back by lunchtime with the afternoon free.
What makes canyoning in Interlaken special is the mix: a real canyon with rappels, slides and waterfalls, but set up so that people who have never been in a gorge before can join in. The jumps go up to 2 metres, every obstacle can be bypassed, and the canyoning guides are with you through every section.
But here's the thing nobody tells you beforehand: a 2-metre jump feels different when you're the one standing at the edge. The canyon doesn't push you. Your curiosity does.
What to Expect, Step by Step
The morning starts at the OUTDOOR Base in Wilderswil. Check-in, a quick briefing, then you get fitted with a neoprene wetsuit, water shoes, a helmet and a swim vest. Everything is provided. You just need swimwear underneath (best to wear it already), a towel and sunscreen.
A short shuttle ride takes you to the edge of the forest. A brief walk through the trees, then the safety briefing at the entry point.
And then you're in.
The first stretch is through the shallow river, water just above your knees. Then the walls grow taller, and you reach the first highlight: a 10-metre rappel down the rock face. The guides control the ropes, you control the pace. After that, it's slides, scrambles, swimming through clear pools and small jumps. The wetsuit keeps you warm enough that you can focus on the canyon instead of the water temperature.
About halfway through, you reach the rope swing over a 5-metre waterfall. You can watch others go first. You can skip it. Or you can grab the rope and choose the splash. Most people choose the splash.
The canyon section takes about 90 minutes. After that, the guides walk you back through the forest to the shuttle and the base. Total time: around 3 hours, everything included.
What You Don't Expect Afterwards
There's a moment after the last pool, when you're walking back through the forest, wet and buzzing, where something has shifted. You didn't climb Everest. You walked through a gorge, slid down rocks and jumped into cold water. And somehow, that's enough.
A few things that come with it: the free drink waiting at the base. The hot shower. The fact that the whole tour is photographed and you get the photos for free. This isn't a luxury programme. These are small touches from people who've been doing this for over twenty years and know what you need when you step out of the water.
One more thing: leave your camera at home. Personal cameras aren't allowed in the canyon for safety reasons. Sounds annoying at first, but it turns out to be better than you'd think. For three hours, you're just there. No screen between you and the water.
What's Included and What to Bring
Everything you need for the canyon is provided: neoprene wetsuit, water shoes, helmet, swim vest and all technical equipment. Transport to and from the canyon is included, plus a free drink and a free photo.
You just need swimwear (best to wear it already), a towel and sunscreen. Have a small snack before the tour. And pack light: a small bag with your essentials is all you need. The base has secure storage.
Practical details
- Duration: 3 hours (including transport and preparation)
- Season: April to October
- Minimum age: 12 years
- Maximum weight: 125 kg
- Meeting point: OUTDOOR Interlaken Base, Industriestrasse 17, 3812 Wilderswil
- Tour runs in almost all weather conditions
Canyon in the Morning, E-Bike in the Afternoon
Canyoning wraps up around lunchtime, and you'll be surprised how good you feel afterwards. If you want to make the most of the day, the Scenic E-Bike Tour Interlaken is the perfect follow-up.
Starting from the OUTDOOR Shop on the Höheweg, the 2.5-hour tour takes you along quiet trails past mountain lakes and through small villages, with stops at a local cheese farm and a brewery for tastings. A completely different pace: easy cycling, local food, alpine views.
Canyon in the morning, cheese and beer in the afternoon. That's a good day in Interlaken.
Three Hours, zero Regrets
Some places you visit. You take a photo, tick the box, move on. This one you feel. The moss under your fingers, the waterfall getting louder as you round the corner, and the grin that's still on your face in the shuttle back.
