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How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

We curate the best ways to experience

We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

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We curate the best ways to experience
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All the best options, in one place
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Interlaken river rafting at a glance

  • Routes: Choose between the Lütschine River (technical alpine rapids), Simme River (longer scenic whitewater), or a Raclette float from Bönigen to Interlaken for a relaxed, beginner-friendly ride.
  • Rapid levels: Expect Class II–IV rapids, ranging from gentle rolling waves to powerful, fast-moving whitewater that requires active paddling.
  • Seasonal flow: Water levels are influenced by Alpine snowmelt, making rapids faster and more intense in late spring and early summer.
  • Starting point: Most experiences begin in Interlaken, with select options offering day trips from Zurich or Lucerne that include coach transfers and rafting on the Lütschine.
  • Effort level: Raclette (easy), Simme (moderate), Lütschine (high / advanced).

Compare your river rafting options

RouteRapids classDifficulty levelTransfersInclusionsWhy pick this

Interlaken → Lütschine

Class III–IV

High

Local river transfers

• Professional rafting guide • Full safety briefing • Life jacket & technical gear • Safety kayak escort

Intense alpine rapids in a compact valley for a concentrated adrenaline experience.

Interlaken → Simme

Moderate

Moderate

Local river transfers

• Professional rafting guide • Full safety briefing • Life jacket & technical gear • Safety kayak escort

Balanced flow through scenic alpine stretches, offering challenge without extreme technicality.

Interlaken → Raclette Float

Class II–III

Easy

Local river transfers

• Professional rafting guide • Full safety briefing • Life jacket & technical gear • Safety kayak escort

Gentle river float with minimal rapids, ideal for relaxed, scenic enjoyment.

Zurich departure → Lütschine

Class III–IV

High

Round-trip AC coach from Zurich + Local river transfers

• Professional rafting guide • Full safety briefing • Life jacket & technical gear • Safety kayak escort

High-intensity rapids combined with convenient coach transfer from Switzerland’s most connected city.

Lucerne departure → Lütschine

Class III–IV

High

Round-trip AC coach from Lucerne + Local river transfers

• Professional rafting guide • Full safety briefing • Life jacket & technical gear • Safety kayak escort

Raft below the 1,800 m steep Eiger North Face with transfers from one of Switzerland's cultural hub.

What your rafting day looks like

Tourists wearing life jackets on a boat at Iguazú Falls, Brazilian side.
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Meet & transfer

Start in Interlaken, Zurich, or Lucerne. Meet your rafting guides, gear up with helmet and life jacket, and travel to the launch point through the scenic Bernese Oberland.

Safety briefing

Before entering the water, guides walk you through paddling techniques, river commands, and safety procedures so you feel confident navigating the rapids ahead.

The rafting experience

Paddle through glacier-fed alpine rivers, navigating Class II–IV rapids with your guide. Expect splashes, quick turns, and sweeping views of forests, peaks, and turquoise waters.

Post-raft moments

After the final stretch, step out near Lake Brienz or the valley base. Swap stories, check out action photos, and enjoy a few relaxed moments after the adrenaline.

Return to Interlaken

Change into dry clothes and hop on the shuttle back to central Interlaken, or board your coach for the return journey to Zurich or Lucerne.

Confused by the rafting terminology?

Understand every rapid, river, and piece of equipment in minutes with this quick rafting glossary so you know exactly what to expect before hitting the water.

River rafting group navigating rapids in Interlaken.
See the glossary

Things to know before you book your river rafting adventure

  • Booking window: Summer rafting spots fill quickly around Interlaken. Book at least 10 days in advance, especially for high-demand Lütschine River trips.
  • Eligibility: Minimum age to participate is 14 years, while the maximum weight limit is 125kgs.
  • Skill level: Options range from beginner-friendly floats to advanced whitewater. Higher-intensity routes require basic swimming ability and moderate physical fitness.
  • Guided experience: Trips are led by certified rafting guides fluent in English and German. 
  • Safety: Tours include helmets, life jackets, and technical gear. A safety kayak accompanies the group throughout the entire tour for added security.
  • Weather conditions: Rafting is weather and river-level dependent. Heavy rain or unsafe water conditions may lead to schedule changes.
  • Optional extras: Professional photographers capture moments during the ride; you can view and purchase your adventure photos after the rafting experience.

Your rafting terminology explained

TermWhat it means

Rapids

Sections of a river where water flows quickly over rocks, creating turbulence, waves, and small drops.

Lütschine / Simme / Raclette Rivers

Specific rivers near Interlaken offering different rafting experiences: Lütschine (intense rapids), Simme (moderate scenic), Raclette (calm float).

Safety kayak / Escort

A guide in a kayak who follows the rafting group to ensure safety and provide assistance if needed.

Life jacket / PFD

Personal Flotation Device worn for safety while on the river.

Technical gear

Helmets, paddles, wetsuits, and other equipment required for safe rafting.

Guide

Certified professional who steers the raft, gives instructions, and ensures safety.

River transfer

Transport to and from the river launch point, often included in the experience.

Eddy / Calm pool

A slower-moving area behind rocks where rafts can rest or re-group.

Drop / Waterfall

A vertical or steep section in the river creating sudden fast-moving water.

Compare water based activities in Interlaken

Interlaken river rafting adventure

Paddle through alpine rivers with varying rapids for an exhilarating ride.

  • Difficulty level: Easy–High (route-dependent: Raclette, Simme, Lütschine)
  • Inclusions: • Professional rafting guide • Full safety briefing • Life jacket & technical gear • Safety kayak escort • City transfers from Zurich or Lucerne (optional)
  • Why pick this: Offers the most hands-on river experience, with customizable intensity levels and rapid variety, ideal if you want active engagement rather than passive sightseeing.
  • Recommended experience: Interlaken: Lütschine River Whitewater Rafting

Interlaken canyoning tour

Climb, slide, and jump through alpine gorges carved by rivers.

  • Difficulty level: Moderate–High (Interlaken, Chli Schliere, or Grimsel routes)
  • Inclusions: • Expert guide • Full safety briefing • Water shoes • Harness & helmet • Refreshment and photos • Round-trip transfers from Interlaken
  • Why pick this: Combines vertical terrain and river elements, giving a more physically immersive alpine experience than rafting or jetboating.
  • Recommended experience: Interlaken Canyoning Tour

Lake Brienz jetboat ride

Speed across turquoise lake waters with twists, turns, and splashes.

  • Difficulty level: Easy–Moderate
  • Inclusions: • 50-minutes on Lake Brienz • Life jackets & splash jackets • English/German-speaking captain • Souvenir
  • Why pick this: Delivers high-speed thrills with minimal physical effort and panoramic lake views, ideal if you want scenic adrenaline without needing to paddle or climb.
  • Recommended experience: Lake Brienz Jetboat Tickets

Plan your Interlaken rafting adventure

Whitewater rafting on Shotover River, Queenstown, with participants paddling.
  • Peak season (June to September): This is the most popular time for river rafting around Interlaken. Warm summer weather, longer daylight hours, and steady alpine snowmelt create lively rapids and ideal river conditions. Expect vibrant energy on the rivers and high demand—book early.
  • Shoulder season (April–May & October): Early and late season rafting offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. Spring snowmelt can make rapids stronger and faster, while October brings cooler temperatures and calmer visitor numbers, though trips may be more weather-dependent.

Most rafting trips start at a river base in Interlaken or nearby Bönigen, where you meet your guides before transferring to the launch point on the river.

Address: Interlaken, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland | Find on Maps

Getting there

  • By tours: The easiest option is booking a rafting experience with transfers from Interlaken, Zurich, or Lucerne. Simply arrive at the meeting point and your guide will arrange transport to the river base and launch site.
  • By public transportation: Interlaken is well connected by train. From Interlaken Ost or Interlaken West, take a local bus or short taxi ride to the rafting base or meeting point indicated on your ticket.
  • By car: If driving, head toward Interlaken or Bönigen and follow directions to the rafting base provided in your booking confirmation. Paid parking is available in most central areas.
White sneakers on a fluffy rug, emphasizing comfort for travel tours.
  • Comfortable outdoor clothing
  • Secure closed shoes suitable for water (no sandals or flip-flops)
  • Swimwear to wear under rafting gear
  • Towel and dry clothes for after the ride
  • Hair tie for long hair

Note: Eat a light meal beforehand and stay hydrated.

Takeaway coffee being handed over at Café Kitsuné Palais Royal.
  • Changing areas: Rafting bases near Interlaken usually include basic changing facilities and storage areas for personal belongings before and after the activity.
  • Photo packages: Professional photographers often capture moments during the rafting session. Photos are available for purchase after the experience.
  • Food & drinks: Interlaken has numerous cafés, bakeries, and restaurants near the rafting bases where you can grab refreshments before or after your trip.
Children enjoying a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika with forested hills in the background.
  • Minimum age: 14 years (may vary slightly depending on the river route).
  • Weight limit: Maximum 125 kg.
  • Swimming ability: Participants should be comfortable in water and able to follow guide instructions.
  • Personal cameras: For safety reasons, loose items like phones or cameras are usually not allowed on the raft.
  • Weather policy: River conditions are assessed daily. Trips may be rescheduled if water levels or weather make rafting unsafe.

Frequently asked questions about Interlaken river rafting experience

No experience is required for most routes. Beginner-friendly options are available, while advanced rivers like the Lütschine are best suited for adventurous participants with good fitness.