The  Alps, blue lakes, mountain-fresh air – Switzerland is an adventurer’s dream. The entire country is a playground for anyone seeking an adrenaline rush amidst breathtaking scenery. And, despite its relatively small size , there is no lack of options for a thrill seeker visiting Switzerland.

Skiing and snowboarding are of course no-brainers, but there is more to Switzerland than shredding the snowy slopes. And in this post I am going to share some of the best options to get your heart racing!

And if you’re looking to get around to all of the best places in this amazing country, check out the Swiss Travel Pass so that you can save some money.

Paragliding

01 Paragliding Switzerland 6 Mind-blowing Adventures You Should Have in Switzerland

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, head to the unassuming town of Interlaken. This popular destination is renowned for having some of the most breathtaking views in Switzerland thanks to its location within the Bernese Oberland. It is also where adventures are born.

Paragliding in Interlaken literally brings you to new heights anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes at a height of 4,000 feet in the air. There are two take-off points. The more popular Beatenberg, a 20-minute van ride from Interlaken, lets you soar over Lake Thun and take in the Swiss Alps trio of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. Flights can be taken during summer and winter. The Schynige Platte , just above Grindelwald, is another great option for stunning views.

If you want to check out all the options, you can find all the information you need in this post.

Skydiving

02 Skydiving Switzerland 6 Mind-blowing Adventures You Should Have in Switzerland

If you wish to soar even higher, then you can take a dive out of a plane or a helicopter and go skydiving. Most of these trips are also done in Interlaken. Each trip starts with a 15- to 20-minute scenic flight for views of Interlaken’s lakes and the mountains that surround the town.

There will be an orientation and some practical exercises before take-off. After your airborne vehicle glides through the Alps at a height of 14,000 to 15,000 feet, you take a leap into the air with a certified instructor. Plummeting at 200 to 220 km/h towards the landing site of Interlaken is a rush like no other.

Bungee Jumping

03 Bungee Switzerland 6 Mind-blowing Adventures You Should Have in Switzerland

Adrenaline junkies can take a plunge from some amazing structures with bungee jumping. The most popular jump in Switzerland is set on the Contra Dam, an arch-shaped dam on the Verzasca River in the Val Verzasca of Ticino. It is considered the highest jump in the world from solid ground, and is also the location of the James Bond: Goldeneye film. It is advisable to book your jumps ahead of time as it’s extremely popular and often sold out..

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Another popular spot is Stockhorn, an Alpine peak with yet more stunning mountain views. Bungee jumpers meet at Alpin Raft in Interlaken and are  then are transported to the jump-off point on the Stockhorn via gondola.

First Flyer

04 Zipline Switzerland 6 Mind-blowing Adventures You Should Have in Switzerland

A zip line ride is not really a new invention, but a zip line ride from First (a ski resort above Grindelwald) can be life-changing. The First Flyer hurtles you downhill at over 80 km/h (50mph) a distance of 800 meters (2500ft). The whole ride takes less than a minute, but it’s more than enough to get your heart pumping while hanging 30m (160 ft) above the alpine meadows.

The First Flyer can be reached via gondola from Grindelwald, a small village tucked away just outside Interlaken, the adrenaline center of Switzerland.

Mountain Carts

A mountain cart is like a cross between a tricycle, go-cart and a sled. The big difference is that the track you shoot down is exponentially more rewarding.

The carts are equipped with hydraulic brakes so it’s easy for you to control your speed. Not only that, but their low center of gravity helps keep the cart stable and safe, even for kids.

If you’re set to do the First Flyer mentioned above, you can continue your downhill adventure with the First Mountain Cart when you land in Schreckfeld. Another options to take (East of Zurich) are the mountains above Elm. Similarly, you arrive at the station via gondola, and then fly down hill  via a gravel path.

Ice Climbing

06 Ice Climbing Switzerland 6 Mind-blowing Adventures You Should Have in Switzerland

A country filled with mountains has more than its fair share of climbing adventures to offer. However, instead of doing it in summer, why not climb in winter? That’s right. Madness indeed. And it’s called ice climbing and it can far more thrilling than regular rock climbing!

Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert to give it s shot. Joining an ice climbing adventure in Interlaken and you will be rappelling down crystalline blue ice crevasses before you know it. But it’s not all as easy as it sounds. You’ll be making use of ice axes, crampons, and ropes as make your way down the ice wall. If you have a day off skiing, why not give this a shot?

Swiss Alpine Guides offers packages and pick-up services from Interlaken. For more advanced climbers, you can choose to climb the routes in Brunnital, which is considered as one of the best ice climbing locations in the Alps. You can also go through a 2-day climb on the Eiger North Face or a more grueling 3-day climb at the Matterhorn. But both of these are extremely serious!

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Hiking

Yes, hiking is also a popular activity in Switzerland. It might not be as adrenaline filled as some of these other activties, but it’s quite popular and the views can be incredible. For example, one of the best areas you should visit is Andermatt. This ski-resort region is popular in the winter, but in the summer it becomes a hiker’s paradise. Check out this guide to hiking in Andermatt for more information. Otherwise, explore the entirety of the Swiss Alps for even more hiking and trekking adventures.

Come To Switzerland For An Adrenaline Shot!

A trip to Switzerland will definitely take your breath away. Not only is it one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world, you will have more than enough thrills to get your heart pumping. And here are the best hostels in Zermatt for those of you looking for a place to stay!