All activities / Canyoning / Interlaken
Canyoning in InterlakenCH
The launch point for Bernese Oberland adventure. Paragliding from Beatenberg, skydiving over the Alps, and access to Eiger north face.
Why here
Interlaken sits at the center of several distinct canyon systems — Saxetenbach, Chli Schliere, and Ängelbach — each offering different grades and atmospheres within 20 minutes of town. The snowmelt water runs crystal-clear and cold through narrow limestone gorges; the combination of technical abseils, natural water slides, and cliff jumps is handled by operators who treat safety standards as seriously as any Swiss engineering project. This is where many experienced adventure travelers say they did their first genuinely challenging canyon, not a tourist float.
Best months
Prime window is June through September when water levels are controlled and air temperatures make the cold water (10-14°C) manageable with a wetsuit. July and August are busiest — book ahead. May can run if snowmelt isn't excessive; operators cancel in high water conditions. Expect full-body wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses regardless of grade. Harder canyon lines require prior abseiling experience.
Getting there & around
Operators meet at their base in Interlaken and transport participants to the canyon entrance — no independent navigation required. Half-day trips (3-4 hours) are the standard format; full-day advanced programs available. Prices range CHF 110-180 per person depending on canyon and operator. Book directly with the operator; same-day availability is possible in shoulder season but rare in peak July-August.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (3)
Alpin Raft
OutfitterAlpin Raft focuses on whitewater and canyoning in the Bernese Oberland, with a reputation for smaller group sizes and technically experienced guides. Their canyon program covers multiple gorge systems at different difficulty levels. Suitable for travelers who want a more personal guiding experience than the larger operators provide.
Outdoor Interlaken
OutfitterOne of Interlaken's largest multi-activity operators, running canyoning, rafting, bungee, and paragliding since the 1990s. Their canyoning programs run in Saxetenbach and Chli Schliere gorges with a strong safety record and multilingual guides. Known for efficient logistics and consistent standards across a high volume of participants.
Swissraft
OutfitterSwissraft runs canyoning and rafting programs on the Lütschine and Saxetenbach river systems above Interlaken. Good option for groups combining both activities in a single day. Standard safety protocols; multilingual guides with local mountain knowledge.