Rafting in Interlaken: glacial river descent in the Swiss Alps

Drop into glacial rapids below three of the Alps' biggest peaks

Rafting in Interlaken is a 3.5-hour descent down the Lütschine river in the shadow of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, where you paddle through fast white water in a wetsuit, helmet and life jacket supplied for you. The activity starts with a safety briefing and equipment check in Bönigen, then moves straight to the river; transport to and from the site is included, as is a snack and drinks at the end. Children from age 15 can join; a high level of physical fitness is needed.

The Experience

What makes this rafting different is the setting: you're paddling down a glacial river with three of the Swiss Alps' most recognizable mountains rising above the valley. The Lütschine runs fast and powerful, so the descent demands real technique and effort, not a gentle float. You'll get a full safety briefing and equipment check before you push off, and the guide walks through what to expect on the water so you know how to read the current and where your paddle needs to go.

The whole outing takes 3.5 hours from start to finish. Transport from Bönigen gets you to the put-in, the descent itself covers the main rapids and scenery, and you're back at the meeting point with time to change out of your wetsuit. Everything you need is supplied: wetsuit, neoprene jacket and shoes, life jacket, helmet and paddle. At the end, there's a small snack and drinks to refuel after the physical work of paddling.

This is not a beginner's float—the river moves fast and the activity demands a high level of physical fitness. The cold water and the intensity of the descent mean it's not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers. If you're fit and want to feel the power of glacial water while surrounded by mountain peaks, this is the kind of day that stays with you.

What’s included

• Wetsuit, neoprene jacket and shoes, life jacket, helmet and paddle.
• transport from Bönigen to the river and back.
• safety briefing and equipment check.
• small snack and drinks at the end of the descent.

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Valrafting

Is this one for you?The guide delivers the safety briefing and instructions in multiple languages (English, German, Italian and Spanish), so you can follow the setup and technique in whichever language you're most comfortable with. This matters because the river moves fast and you need to understand the briefing clearly before you paddle.

Top questions

What's the Lütschine river like when you're actually on it?

The Lütschine is a glacial river that runs fast and powerful, so the descent demands real paddling technique and effort. You'll navigate white water sections while the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rise above the valley around you.

Do I need to bring my own wetsuit and gear?

No. The outfitter supplies a wetsuit, neoprene jacket and shoes, life jacket, helmet and paddle, so you only need to bring yourself and a swimsuit underneath.

How much time does the whole thing take?

The activity runs 3.5 hours total, including the safety briefing, equipment check, the river descent, and return transport to Bönigen.

Is there an age limit for rafting?

Children can join from age 15, provided they have a high level of physical fitness and are comfortable in cold water.

What happens after the descent?

You return to the meeting point, change out of your gear, and receive a small snack and drinks to recover after paddling.