Interlaken: Three Things That Actually Lived Up to the TikTok Hype
Look, we all know Interlaken is everywhere on travel TikTok. Every other reel is someone skydiving over the Swiss Alps with dramatic music playing. So when we finally went, the expectations were sky high. And you know what? Some stuff was mid. But three things absolutely delivered. Like genuinely changed the way I think about travel delivered. Here's what actually hit.
Skydiving Over the Alps
Yeah, this one lives up to every single video you've ever seen. You jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet and freefall over snow capped mountains, bright blue lakes, and green valleys. It's terrifying for about 3 seconds and then it becomes the most peaceful thing you've ever experienced. The views are genuinely indescribable. Your tandem instructor makes you feel safe the entire time and once you land, you feel invincible. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth every single penny? Absolutely yes.
Kayaking on Lake Brienz
Not everything has to be an adrenaline rush. Kayaking on Lake Brienz was honestly one of the prettiest things I've ever done. The water is this crazy turquoise color that looks photoshopped but it's real. The lake is perfectly calm so even if you've never kayaked before, you'll be totally fine. We went early in the morning and the mountains reflected off the water like glass. It was dead quiet except for our paddles. Pure therapy after weeks of going out every night.
Swiss Chocolate Making
Okay, I know this sounds touristy but hear me out. You walk into this workshop, they teach you how to melt and temper real Swiss chocolate, you pour it into molds, decorate it however you want, and then you eat everything you made. It's genuinely fun. Like weirdly therapeutic. Plus you leave with a box of chocolate you crafted yourself which makes it taste 10x better. It's also a great activity for a rainy day or when your legs are dead from hiking.
The Town Itself
Interlaken as a town is small and chill. The nightlife is more cozy bars than raging clubs, which is honestly a welcome change of pace. Grab a drink, sit outside, and stare at the mountains. The vibe is so different from Florence or Barcelona and that's exactly what makes it special. It's the perfect reset in the middle of a wild semester.