Travel for Kids Interlaken, Switzerland



switzerland		\| bernese oberland

		Interlaken


		Interlaken, situated in between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is a jumping off point for exploring the Bernese Oberland with kids, and is less than two hours travel by train from Zurich.

		Tip: Hotels often provide a visitor's card for free transport during your stay for the Interlaken, for local buses and trains between Interlaken East and West train stations (Bahnhof). In addition, the card provides discounts for bike rentals, mini-golf, Bodelibad, JungfrauPark, paragliding, and more.



			Lake cruises – Choose a clear day to set out on a cruise around Lake Thun or Lake Brienz and you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. For cruises on Lake Thun, pick up the boat at Interlaken Westbahnhof, or at Neuhaus. Lake Brienz lake cruises leave from the Interlaken Ostbahnhof and Bonigen.

			Lake fun – Go out on the lakes in a pedal boat, kayak, row boat or paddle boards. Waterskiing, tube riding and boats with a private driver are also available for rent. Boat rentals are located at Neuhaus on Lake Thun, or Bonigen beach on Lake Brienze.

			Walks – It's great to just get out and walk with the kids. There are over 60 different hikes in the area. Here's just three different walks.

			Aare River walk – Start at Bahnhof West train station and walk across the Aare River. Just past the Central Hotel is a sign that says “Wanderweg” – go right, follow path through little island in the Aare, then cross over to the north side, and continue walking along the river on the wide promenade (look for swans and ducks in the water), as far as you like.

			Heimwehfluh walk – At the southwest edge of Interlaken are two forested hills. You can ride the Heimwehfluh funicular up, or it's also a short lovely walk through the forest to the top of hill - just follow the yellow Wanderweg signs up the hill for Heimwehfluh and Grosser Rugen. At the top is a mini-bob sled ride, model railway, children's playground, cafe, and views of lakes and mountains.

			Kleiner Rugen – Instead of hiking up the hill to Heimwehfluh and Grosse Rugen, take the trail that goes to the left, Kleiner Rugen. At the beginning of the trail is a nice picnic area with wooden tables in the shade. The trail is a loop trail that goes around hillside, takes 1 -2 hours.

			Go paragliding – Teens and older kids will want to take flight, in tandem with an instructor, gliding down from high up , with incredible views of the peaks and lakes, landing back down in Interlaken on the big grassy field (Hohematte) in the center of town. For kids 6 and up, helmets and jackets are provided.

			Bodelibad Interlaken – Everyone in the family can relax at this water park with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two children's pools, snack bar, and 18 holes of miniature golf. (Indoor pool is open year round.)

			Horse trekking – Go for a 1 1/2 hour ride in the forests behind Interlaken, pony rides for younger kids. No experience required, helmets provided, but wear closed toed shoes.

			JungfrauPark – If weather turns gray, JungfrauPark has an indoor and outdoor playground with slides, climbing structures, ball pit, bouncy house, water play area, for younger kids, plus bungee trampoline, go-karts, movie theaters with 360 degree panorama shows of the Swiss Alps, and laser shows. April to October.



			There's plenty of fun things to do with kids in and around Interlaken, but you'll need a fun place to stay. Here's Travel for Kids hand-picked list of Interlaken family hotels, all styles and price ranges, near to places you'll want to explore.

			Interlaken family hotels

travel for kids
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