Interlaken: Lütschine River Rafting Adventure & Lake Brienz Finish

Summary

Whitewater thrills from Eiger’s shadow to Lake Brienz with local guides

You’ll paddle wild rapids beneath the Eiger’s shadow with expert guides, feeling every splash and shout echo through the valley. After conquering Lütschine’s whitewater, you’ll drift onto Lake Brienz’s calm turquoise waters before warming up with a free drink back at base — a mix of adrenaline and laughter that sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — that sharp, clean mountain air you only get in Switzerland, with a hint of wet neoprene as we suited up at the Interlaken base. Our guide, Jonas, had this easy laugh and kept making jokes about Swiss chocolate being the real reason he could paddle so fast. There were eight of us in the boat, all strangers at first. I remember my hands shaking a bit as we listened to the safety talk — not from nerves exactly, just that tingly anticipation before jumping into something wild.

The drive up to the starting point was quick but felt longer because I kept sneaking glances at the Eiger’s north face through the van window. The river looked colder than I expected — dark and churning, with that low roar you can feel in your chest. Jonas showed us how to grip the paddle right (“not like you’re holding a baguette!” he said) and then suddenly we were off. The first rapid hit harder than I thought it would; icy spray slapped my face and someone behind me whooped so loud it echoed off the rocks. We paddled hard through class III and IV rapids, sometimes in sync, sometimes not (I definitely got yelled at once for daydreaming). It’s funny how fast you bond when you’re all getting tossed around together.

I lost track of time until suddenly everything went quiet — we’d made it out into Lake Brienz, sun breaking through clouds and water turning this unreal turquoise under our raft. My arms were jelly but I didn’t care; everyone just grinned at each other like idiots. Back at base they handed out hot showers (which felt like heaven) and a free drink while we looked through photos of ourselves mid-scream or mid-laugh. I still think about that cold spray on my skin and Jonas’s lopsided grin when he tried to teach us “prost” in Swiss German — pretty sure I butchered it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting adventure from Interlaken to Lake Brienz

• Meet guides at rafting base
• Receive initial briefing
• Change into rafting gear
• Drive to rafting start
• Get instructions and safety talk
• Raft 1.5–2 hours to Lake Brienz
• Drive back to base
• Enjoy a free drink
• View and order photos

Top questions

How long does the Lütschine river rafting trip take?

The rafting portion lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, plus time for changing and transfers.

Is pickup included for Lütschine river rafting from Interlaken?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the rafting base in Interlaken.

What should I bring for Lütschine river rafting?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and small day bag; all other equipment is provided.

Are there showers after rafting on Lütschine?

Yes, hot showers and changing rooms are available at the base after your trip.

Is lunch included on this whitewater rafting tour?

No lunch is included; however, you get a free drink after returning to base.

What is the minimum age for Lütschine river rafting?

The minimum age is 14 years old for participants.

Do I need previous experience for this rafting tour?

No prior experience is required but strong swimming ability and good fitness are necessary.

Where does the Lütschine rafting trip end?

The trip finishes on Lake Brienz before returning by van to Interlaken base.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary rafting equipment—wetsuit, helmet, life jacket—plus professional guides leading every step from Interlaken base to Lake Brienz. You’ll have access to changing rooms and hot showers after paddling, as well as a complimentary drink while reviewing your photos back at base before heading out again into town or wherever your legs will take you next.