Canyoning in Interlaken: a first-timer's guide
See canyoning trips on GetYourGuide ↗Choose your canyon by nerve, not ego
The most common mistake is booking too hard a canyon. If you're new to this or nervous about heights, a gentle beginner gorge gives you all the fun — abseils, slides and pools — without the biggest drops. Save the Grimsel Gorge and the advanced Chli Schliere descents for when you know you love it. The listing's difficulty rating is your guide.
What the day feels like
You'll kit up in a wetsuit at the base, transfer to the gorge, and spend a couple of hours descending — abseiling waterfalls, jumping into pools (optional), sliding rock chutes and swimming. The first jump is the scary one; after that it's mostly grinning. The water's cold but you're moving constantly, and the scenery is unreal.
Practicalities
Bring a swimsuit, towel and dry clothes; the operator provides all the gear. Book in the short May-to-October season and expect possible weather cancellations for high water. Check the minimum age and fitness notes, and remember jumps are almost always optional — you can climb or abseil past anything you don't fancy.
Not sure which canyon, or whether it's for you?
Leave your email and roughly when you're travelling — we'll send a short rundown of how the Interlaken canyons compare, which suit first-timers versus thrill-seekers, how cold the water is, and what a half-day actually involves.