Leap off cliffs at terrifying thrill attraction less than two hours from the UK

“DON’T think about it too much, that’s the trick,” says our guide Su as we hurtle up the mountain in our minivan.

We’re on our way to The Canyon Swing of Grindelwald, billed as “one of the most heart-pumping adventure activities in the Swiss Alps”.

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It will involve stepping off a 90m-high platform and dropping into a freefall before being swung through a narrow glacier gorge at 75mph.

We soon find ourselves at the start point, a small opening in the trees at the top of a cliff face.

I could be wrong, but I think I’m sweating through the soles of my feet.

This adrenaline-pumper is just one of many here at Interlaken, central Switzerland, dubbed the adventure capital of Europe.

The town is nestled between the strikingly turquoise Lake Brienz and the deep blue Lake Thun and is surrounded by mountains.

The best way to take in the beauty of the surroundings is to hop on the funicular ride up the town’s nearest mountain, Harder Kulm.

From the top, the panorama is almost overwhelming and the three peaks of the majestic Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau provide a striking backdrop to the attractive valley below.

And if you like fondue with a view, you’d be hard-pressed to beat the restaurant up here.

Interlaken is a mecca for thrill- seekers, daredevils and those wanting to blow away the cobwebs and try something new.

The diversity and proximity of the adventures on offer is staggering.

Plus, the town is well served by the famously good Swiss transport system, making it the perfect base for exploring the broader region.

Here, you can find yourself soaring through the air, manoeuvring through glacial waters and descending a cliff face all on the same day.

And be back in time for dinner.

Since arriving, I’ve tried a range of activities, many of them for the first time.

Take canyoning. This exhilarating activity involves navigating down a river in the scenic Grimsel mountain pass by sliding over waterfalls, leaping off ledges and zip-lining into a crystal-clear water pool.

It starts with a nerve-fraying descent down a 50m rock face.

The drop is of a size to set my heart racing, but also big enough to allow me to build up some confidence en route — and my unsteady shuffling at the start becomes a more convincing bounce by the time I reach the bottom.

High-pitched ‘whoop’

Then, it’s white water rafting on the Lutschine river, which surges down from the mountains before joining Lake Brienz.

The class III-IV rapids here are considered among the best in Switzerland and it’s clear why, with the wet and wild action kicking in right from the off.

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Next, it’s the train to Grindelwald to experience Grindelwald First (see jungfrau.ch) and one of the region’s must-do mountain adventures.

After a glorious 25-minute gondola ride 2,168m to the top of the mountain, it’s two zip-lines (First Flyer and First Glider), a mountain cart and a Trottibike scooter back down.

Never has a return journey been more fun.

You’d think all of these activities would have prepared me for the Canyon Swing, which I now find myself facing, but I still feel as if I’m having an out-of-body experience.

With the safety checks completed, I am called forward. “Let’s do this,” I say, my voice calmer than I feel.

I move on to the platform and see the river far below. I put my arms out either side of me. And then . . . 

I step over the edge.

The rush is incredible. I feel like I’ve left my stomach somewhere at the top. I just have time to think “Why am I still falling?” when the swing rope hits tension point and I fly through the canyon.

As the relief at having survived courses through me, my “whoop” comes out a little high-pitched, but I don’t care.

The adventure does not end there either. For water lovers there’s sunset kayaking on Lake Brienz (see hightide.ch/en) and stand-up paddle-boarding on Lake Thun (see mountainsurf.ch/en).

You can fill every minute with memorable experiences in Interlaken.

Then I’m left with just one last thing to do — packing for the return home.

“Don’t think about it too much,” I tell myself, “that’s the trick.”