Interlaken: Simme River Rafting Class II-III & Free Drink

Forty minutes from Interlaken, the Simme River waits with just enough current to matter

You meet your guide at the Interlaken base, drive 40 minutes to the Simme, receive safety training, and spend 1.5–2 hours rafting class II-III whitewater in a group of up to eight. The package includes all gear, a hot shower, and a free drink after you return. No experience needed, though swimming ability is recommended.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting trip on the Simme river

• Meet guide at Interlaken base
• Receive first briefing
• Drive 40 minutes to rafting site
• Change into rafting gear
• Get instructions and safety talk
• Raft for 1.5 to 2 hours
• Drive back to Interlaken
• Change out of rafting gear
• Enjoy a free drink
• View and order photos

The experience

"So we're actually going in the water, right?" That's the question that hangs in the air at the base in Interlaken before you leave, and the answer is yes, but not the way you might be imagining. The Simme is a class II-III river, which means it's got real whitewater, real technique, real moments where you're working with the guide and the other seven people in your boat to read the current and move through it together. It's not a theme park ride. It's also not something that requires you to have done this before. The guides handle the big decisions. You handle the paddle and the adrenaline.

The drive out takes about 40 minutes from Interlaken into the Simmental valley: the kind of place where the mountains feel close enough to touch and the river sounds get louder as you approach. Once you're there, you change into the wetsuit, helmet, life jacket and shoes (all provided), sit through a proper safety talk that actually sticks with you, and then you're in the boat. The 1.5 to 2 hours on the water moves fast. You hit sections where the current picks up, where the guide calls out commands and you're all paddling in sync, and then you hit calmer stretches where you can actually look around and notice the rock faces and the trees. It's not a sightseeing float. It's work that feels good.

After you come off the water, there's a changing room waiting at the base, hot showers, and a free drink while you wait for your photos to be printed: the kind of small thing that makes the end of the day feel less rushed. Groups stay under eight people per boat, which means the guide actually knows your name and can adjust the pace if someone's struggling. You bring a swimsuit, towel and a small day bag. Everything else is handled.

What’s included

• Professional guide.
• all necessary rafting equipment including wetsuit, helmet, life jacket and shoes.
• changing rooms and hot shower access at the base in Interlaken.
• a free drink after the trip.
• transportation to and from the rafting site.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 40 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Outdoor

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a real whitewater experience without needing prior rafting skills or spending a full day away from Interlaken: the 40-minute drive and 2-hour paddle fit into an afternoon, and the small group size means the guide adjusts to your pace.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and German.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between class II and class III rapids?

Class II rapids have small waves and require basic paddling. Class III have larger waves, stronger currents, and need active maneuvering. The Simme mixes both, so you'll experience variety without extreme difficulty.

How long is the whole experience, start to finish?

Plan for about 4 hours total: 40 minutes driving to the site, 30 minutes gearing up and safety briefing, 1.5–2 hours on the water, and 30 minutes to change and grab your free drink.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Swimming ability is recommended but not required. The guide and your life jacket keep you safe, but comfort in water helps you stay calm if you go in.

What's included in the price?

All rafting gear (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, shoes), professional guide, changing rooms, hot shower access, and a free drink after the trip.

Can children do this?

Yes, the minimum age is 10 years old. Families and school groups are common on the Simme.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a small day bag for personal items. Everything else (gear, changing facilities, shower) is provided.

How many people are in each boat?

Maximum of 8 people per boat, which keeps the group small enough for the guide to manage and for everyone to contribute to the paddling.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, the maximum weight is 275 lbs (125 kg) per person.