Meeting point
OUTDOOR - Interlaken Base
OUTDOOR - Interlaken Base, 3812 Wilderswil
River Rafting Lütschine
4 hr
Powerful rapids
Ice-cold glacial river
Intense whitewater action
Season:
May September
Departure Times
08:1510:1512:1514:1516:15
Key info
Our guides speak German & English
Tour duration: 4 hours including transport and preparation
Class III-IV rapids
Finishes in the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone who chases the rush and steps straight into the unknown.
The water sweeps you along, waves crash over the boat. Here, only one thing matters: full concentration and teamwork.
The Lütschine offers class III-IV whitewater, fast currents, and strong waves. You actively paddle and experience a true Alpine rafting adventure. The tour starts in the valley leading to Grindelwald and ends at Lake Brienz. A safety kayak accompanies you along your journey for added security.
Rafting Photos
Our photographers capture the most exciting moments of your River Rafting Lütschine adventure with digital SLR cameras. You’ll receive 20–30 photos that make your experience unforgettable. Packages are available online when booking or directly on site with your guide: Learn more.
PHOTO
Photo Package
CHF
29.-
Itinerary
Meeting points Meeting Point
The tour starts at the OUTDOOR Base in Interlaken. The guides introduce themselves and give you a briefing on the tour's itinerary. You will receive all the necessary equipment and then go to the changing rooms to get ready.
Drive to the Starting Point
The scenic drive to the Lütschine entry point in Lütschental takes about 20 minutes.
Rafting
Before starting, the guides thoroughly explain paddling techniques and water safety rules, then you get on the water.
The Lütschine starts as it means to go on; with the first major rapid only meters from the start. You paddle while your guide navigates the boat safely through the water.
After about 1.5-2 hours you reach Lake Brienz, where you jump in for a short swim.
Return Trip
Once you have helped get the boats out of the water, you jump back in the shuttle and return to the Base.
End of the Tour
Back at the Base, you return the gear, shower, and change. Afterwards you can get a complimentary drink in the front desk area.
Now is the time to view your photos and order your photo package.
What our guests think
"My girlfriend and I are from Australia and had the best time white water rafting. The whole crew were super fun and p..."
Francis Verebely
"One of the highlights of my Switzerland trip. I joined the white-water rafting experience and was initially unsure wh..."
Zul M
"Amazing day rafting in a unique setting. The water was wonderfully cold on a hot day, truly recommended for adventure..."
Martin Meijer
"Amazing water rafting experience! The whole team at Outdoor Interlaken was super friendly, welcoming, and made the ad..."
Snehal Patel
"Would highly recommend the rafting, Jackie was really fun and helpful"
ethan mortimer
What's included
Equipment: Wetsuit, Water shoes, Helmet and Lifewest
Transport
Free drink after the tour
Free photo of the tour
What to bring
Swimwear
Sunscreen
Towel
Weather info
General weather info
Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.
Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.
For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog.
Activity-specific weather info
Meeting points
Meeting point
Activity location
Frequently asked questions
Articles
Water shoes are provided. Bring your own shoes for travel to and from the Base. They will be stored safely while you're on the river.
Full answer No. OUTDOOR provides wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, water shoes, and paddle. You only bring swimwear and a towel.
Full answer Wear swimwear as your base layer under the wetsuit. Avoid cotton and hard metal buckles. Everything else, including the wetsuit, is provided by OUTDOOR.
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Not recommended. Phones and cameras don't survive Class III-IV whitewater. A professional photographer covers the tour with a DSLR.
Full answer Throughout the 1.5 to 2 hour section on the water, with focus on the most dramatic rapids. The full slideshow runs at the Base afterwards.
Full answer A professional DSLR with fast autofocus captures faces and expressions at the moment of impact. GoPro footage shows wide-angle helmet views where faces are too small to read.
Full answer One photo is included in every booking. Additional packages with more images can be purchased at the Base directly after the tour.
Full answer Yes. Every Lütschine rafting tour includes a professional photographer with a DSLR. One photo is included in your booking at no extra cost.
Full answer Yes, a professional photographer joins every tour. One photo is included at no extra cost.
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At least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for the 08:15 and 10:15 departures, which fill first. Online booking with immediate confirmation.
Full answer Yes. An early departure leaves the afternoon free, for example for tandem paragliding.
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Yes, the tour runs in most weather conditions including light rain. Decisions are made on the day. OUTDOOR contacts you directly if cancellation is necessary.
Full answer Around 8-10°C in May and June, rising to 12-14°C in August. The wetsuit handles it. Hands and face are exposed and will feel the cold.
Full answer May and June offer the most intense conditions of the season, with snowmelt pushing water volume to its peak. The tour runs Class III-IV all season.
Full answer Yes, rafting can usually takes place in rain. You are already in the water. Wetsuit provides good protection. A crucial factor is water level. Rafting is only cancelled in case of high water, storm, or thunderstorm.
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The minimum age is 14 years. For younger kids or families, Family Rafting on the calmer Lütschine section is the right choice.
Full answer OUTDOOR offers two alternatives: Family Rafting on the calm Lütschine section (Class I-II) and River Rafting on the Simme (gentle rapids, suitable for non-swimmers).
Full answer A strong swimmer is confident in open water, can swim against a mild current, and stays calm when submerged. Pool swimming experience alone is not enough.
Full answer No previous rafting experience is required. What you do need are strong swimming skills, since the Lütschine runs Class III-IV rapids continuously.
Full answer You do not need any rafting experience. As long as you can listen, feel comfortable in the water, and are willing to help, you can start. Guides show all of the important things. The rest comes along the way.
Full answer For easy tours, swimming is not required, but helpful. You wear a life jacket. The guide provides close supervision. For more difficult whitewater tours, confident swimming is necessary.
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Float on your back with feet downstream, arms out for balance, and wait for the safety kayak. The guides cover this in the briefing before you enter the water.
Full answer Rafting is an adventure sport. Never completely risk-free. With clear rules and good preparation, very safe. In Switzerland, trained guides, modern equipment, and strict checks ensure safe river experience.
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At Lake Brienz on the edge of Interlaken, with a short swim in the turquoise glacial lake.
Full answer You need swimwear, motivation, and the desire for team action. Everything else provided on site. No prior knowledge required. Just willingness to participate.
Full answer In Switzerland you find a suitable river for every level. The Lütschine offers sporty whitewater (WW III–IV) for experienced paddlers. The Simme is ideal for beginners, families, and non-swimmers. Anyone seeking a very relaxed experience floats down the Aare, enjoys the landscape.
Full answer Rafting routes are classified worldwide into six whitewater levels (WW I to WW VI). Higher the number means, wilder the river. For guided tours, usually levels II to IV are relevant. Action, yet controllable.
Full answer All technical gear provided on site: wetsuit, shoes, life jacket, helmet, paddle. You bring only swimwear, towel, dry clothes for afterward. Valuables stay at the base.
Full answer Yes, capsizing is possible, especially in strong whitewater. However, on guided tours it is rare. Guides know the river, choose safe lines, and prepare participants well. If someone falls into the water, the safety plan takes effect.
Full answer You ride a river in an inflatable raft with a guide and team, navigating rapids. Experience nature, action, and teamwork, safely guided with full equipment.
Full answer Articles
Check-in. Equipment. Safety briefing. Then onto the water. You will paddle in a team through rapids. Listening to the guide. Feel the river up close. At the end, often a jump into the lake. Return to base. View tour photos.
Full answer