White Water Rafting · Interlaken
How to choose
White water rafting near Interlaken runs from May to September, with 4 options spanning 121 € to 154 € and 2.5h to 4.5h on the water. The entry point is the family trip to Lake Brienz at 121 €: no experience needed, 2.5h, open to everyone. Step up to the Lütschine River or Simme River routes for intermediate-level sessions between 153 € and 154 €, covering 3.5h to 4.5h of Class II-III rapids. All tours depart from the Wilderswil or Bönigen area, so logistics are tight. Your decision rule: pick by intensity, not price. If you want the longest time on whitewater, the Simme River at 4.5h is the clear choice.
4 offers available
Our picks
Family rafting trip to Lake Brienz near Interlaken
At 121 € with a 2.5h format and zero physical prerequisites, the Lake Brienz family trip is the lowest-barrier rafting experience in the lineup.
Rafting on the Simme River from Interlaken
The Simme River tour locks you in for 4.5h on the water at 154 €, the biggest time-on-river ratio available near Interlaken.
Intermediate Lütschine River Rafting near Interlaken
The Lütschine River at 154 € runs 3.5h to 4h and hits the intermediate level, giving you real rapids without committing to the full Simme distance.
Rafting Adventure on River Lütschine, near Interlaken
Valrafting's Lütschine Adventure runs in English only, which means tighter communication on the rapids for non-French or non-German speakers, at 153 € for 3.5h.
Frequently asked questions
Which river offers the most intense rafting near Interlaken?
The Simme River session runs 4.5h and targets intermediate paddlers, making it the longest and most demanding option in the lineup. The Lütschine River tours are close behind at 3.5h to 4h and carry a similar physical level.
Is there a rafting option for families with young kids?
Yes. The family rafting trip to Lake Brienz is rated “Everybody welcome” at 121 € and lasts 2.5h. It is the only tour in this selection with no physical prerequisite.
What is the scariest moment on a rafting trip here?
The first major rapid is usually the hardest mental reset. On the Lütschine and Simme, guides classify sections as Class II-III, so expect sudden drops and strong hydraulics with no warning.
Do I need to know how to swim to go rafting near Interlaken?
Basic swimming ability is strongly recommended for intermediate tours. The family Brienz route is more forgiving, but all participants wear a buoyancy aid regardless of level.
What languages do the guides speak?
Three of the four tours run in German, French and English. The Lütschine Adventure with Valrafting operates in English only, so check your preference before booking.
How far in advance should I book?
Book at least one week ahead in July and August, the peak season. Group slots on the Simme River tour fill fast given the 4.5h duration and limited daily departures.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.8 °C | 145.3 mm | Poor |
| February | 3.8 °C | 119.6 mm | Poor |
| March | 4.6 °C | 155.6 mm | Poor |
| April | 8.9 °C | 157.8 mm | Poor |
| May | 12.3 °C | 199.2 mm | Possible |
| June | 17 °C | 264.8 mm | Possible |
| July | 20.3 °C | 186.5 mm | Good |
| August | 19.8 °C | 193.2 mm | Possible |
| September | 17.2 °C | 173.5 mm | Possible |
| October | 12.1 °C | 126.2 mm | Possible |
| November | 6.3 °C | 139.6 mm | Possible |
| December | 0.4 °C | 123.1 mm | Poor |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear a swimsuit under a thin synthetic layer and bring a change of clothes for after. Operators provide wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid. For the 4.5h Simme River session, add water shoes with a heel strap since flat sandals will not hold on wet rocks.
Getting there
All Outdoor tours meet at Industriestrasse 17, 3812 Wilderswil, a 10-minute drive from Interlaken by car or a short trip on the BOB regional train. Valrafting meets at the car park in front of Hotel Seiler au Lac in Bönigen, directly accessible from Interlaken Ost station.
See also
White Water Rafting elsewhere
Other activities in Interlaken
Updated September 2026