Interlaken

1. Hiking in Interlaken

Hiking is the most popular activity in the area. There are routes for people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy. Transport options are available for the more strenuous sections and refreshment stops for sustenance. The Rugen route starts a short distance from the town's hostel and takes 30-40 minutes to reach the top. The climb to Harder Kulm has no flat sections and takes 90 minutes each way. The viewing platform at the peak has a glass bottom for spectacular viewing. Lauterbrunnen loops through the valley with alternating flat and steep sections. The reward on the Grindelwald route is the natural infinity pool in the mountains.

2. Paragliding in Interlaken

For those happy to leave terra firma, there are opportunities for tandem Paragliding and Skydiving, all year round. The paragliding package includes a hotel or train station pick-up and drop-off, a safety and training talk, the services of a professional pilot and all the equipment necessary for the excursion. The launching point is at Beatenburg, 800m above the landing point at Interlaken. The glide takes 20 minutes for the standard option and 45 minutes for a longer trip. Photos and a video of the glide can be purchased afterwards. There are height and weight limits on passengers.

Höheweg 115, CH-3800 Interlaken, Phone: +41-3-38-23-82-33

3. Skydiving in Interlaken

The Skydiving package has several stages. There is a free pick-up during which time the adventurer is briefed on safety procedures. The scenic flight to the jumping point takes 15 minutes through the mountains. The tandem jump starts with a 45 second freefall at approximately 200 km per hour, followed by a 5-7 minute canopy ride across the lakes before landing. The standard jump is 4000 m but this can be upgraded to 4600 m. A range of video and stills services are offered. There is an option of having a second parachutist to video the entire jump. There are height, weight and age restrictions.

Hauptstrasse 26, 3800 Interlaken

4. Funky Chocolate Club

This small business, run by family and friends, offers a Swiss-made chocolate experience. Visitors learn how to become taste connoisseurs. They are taught to check for types of chocolate, quality and the percentage of cocoa used. In the 'make your own chocolate' workshop, the techniques of tempering, pouring and molding are demonstrated and practised. Aprons, chef's hats and all ingredients are provided. The workshop lasts more than an hour and a further hour is needed for the chocolate to cool. The shop sells a full range of organic chocolate made by professionals on the premises. A variety of dietary requirements are catered for.

Funky Chocolate Club, Jungfraustrasse 35, 3800 Interlaken, Phone: +41-7-86-06-35-48

5. St. Beatus Caves

Legend has it that these caves were discovered in the 6th century when St Beat hunted a mythical creature which took refuge in them. Access to the entrance is through the forest and past waterfalls. Fourteen kilometers of tunnels have been explored and more than a kilometer of trails has been laid out for visitors. The stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations are found at approximately 1000m underground. A museum which is situated in a house in the forest, tells the story of the caves. The restaurant offers hot meals and snacks and panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Thun from the balcony.

St. Beatus Caves, Beatushöhlen-Genossenschaft, CH-3800 Sundlauenen bei Interlaken, Phone: +41-03-38-41-16-43

6. Jungfraujoch Station

At 11332 feet above sea level, Jungfraujoch Station is the highest railway station in Europe and has the nickname 'The Top of Europe'. It is reached via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, through mountain passes and tunnels. At the destination, there is the Sphinx Observatory and research station, an ice palace, a snow park and several restaurants. There are a number of sculptures of wildlife in the ice palace, which is open all year round. The snow park is open from May to October for skiing, snowboarding, tubing and sledding. There is a 45 minute walk to an overnight hut and an option for a two-day guided hike across the glaciers.

7. The Oberhofen Castle

The Oberhofen Castle was built on the shore of Lake Thun by the Eshenbach family in the 13th century. It soon became the property of the Habsburg family. It changed hands several times until it was bought by an American in the early 20th century. He transferred it to the Bernisches Historisches Museum in 1940 and it was opened to the public in 1954. Several of the rooms are decorated to reflect different eras from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Access to the gardens, with its formal gardens, planted arches, statues and lakeside paths, is free.

8. White Water Rafting

The White Water Rafting excursion takes adventure seekers twenty kilometers away from Interlaken, to the Leutschine River. The half-day outing follows the river through the valley, over class three and four rapids, to the base camp at Lake Brienz. The boats take eight passengers only. Safety briefing, equipment hire and round trip transport from a hotel or the train station, are included in the package. At the base camp, the action is shown on big screens while coffee, beer and refreshments are served. Photographs and videos of the experience are available on departure. A change of clothing is advised.

9. The Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Garden

The trip to Schynige Platte starts with a train ride from Interlaken to Wilderswil and then a ride up the mountain in a cogwheel railway. The garden is above the treeline, at a height of 1967m. The 700 species, representing two-thirds of the alpine floral kingdom, provide interest in all seasons, including spring flowers, summer grasses and autumn foliage. The kilometer long trail rises only 40 m so provides easy walking. The entrance fee is included in the price of the train ticket and guided tours are available on request. The shop sells postcards, seeds, books and branded merchandise. The gardens are open from June to October.

The Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Garden , Phone: +41-3-38-28-73-76

10. Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa

The history of this five star luxury hotel dates back to the 19th century. The Victoria pension was joined to its neighbor, the Jungfrau hotel in 1899. The hotel has 216 rooms and several conference venues. In 1991, a spa was added which has grown to 5500 square meters and a top place in the luxury hotel market. The Sapori is an Italian pizzeria which is open for late lunches and dinner. The Victoria Bar is rated among the top 20 in Switzerland. Champagne, cocktails and cognac are served with snacks and finger food. Afternoon tea is a tradition observed on the weekends. The Spa Bistro serves healthy options such as organic juices, detox soups and chicken wraps.

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa, Hoeheweg 41, 3800 Interlaken