Ultimate Guide to Boat Rides in Switzerland: Lake Brienz & Thun Cruises from Interlaken
Switzerland’s pristine lakes offer some of Europe’s most spectacular boat rides, with crystal-clear waters reflecting snow-capped Alpine peaks. The twin lakes of Brienz and Thun, nestled on either side of Interlaken, provide the perfect setting for unforgettable cruises through breathtaking Swiss landscapes. Whether you’re seeking the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz or the medieval castles along Lake Thun, this guide will help you discover the perfect boat ride in Switzerland for your Alpine adventure.
The stunning turquoise waters of Lake Brienz make it one of Switzerland’s most photogenic boat rides. You can hire a car in Zurich.
Lake Brienz Boat Tours: Exploring the Turquoise Jewel
Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) is famous for its extraordinary turquoise waters, created by glacial minerals suspended in the pristine Alpine water. A boat ride in Switzerland isn’t complete without experiencing this natural wonder. The lake stretches 14 kilometers long, offering multiple cruise options that showcase different aspects of this stunning region.
The magnificent Giessbach Falls can be viewed closely during Lake Brienz boat tours. You can also enjoy the best hikes in Switzerland.
Popular Lake Brienz Routes
Switzerland’s most popular boat ride on Lake Brienz runs between Interlaken Ost and Brienz town, with several stops. The complete round trip takes approximately 2.5 hours, though you can hop on and off at various points of interest:
- Interlaken Ost to Giessbach Falls – A 20-minute cruise to the spectacular 500-meter waterfall that cascades directly into the lake
- Giessbach to Iseltwald – Continue to this picturesque peninsula village with its charming fishing houses
- Iseltwald to Brienz – Complete your journey to the traditional woodcarving village at the eastern end of the lake
Experience Lake Brienz's Turquoise Waters
Book your Lake Brienz cruise directly with BLS Navigation and enjoy flexible hop-on, hop-off options to explore at your own pace.
Lake Brienz Cruise Options: From Historic Steamers to Modern Vessels
Lake Brienz offers various vessel types for your boat ride in Switzerland, each providing a unique experience on the water. From nostalgic paddle steamers to modern panoramic boats, you can choose the perfect cruise style for your preferences.
Historic Paddle Steamers
For a touch of nostalgia, the historic paddle steamer “Lötschberg” operates on Lake Brienz during the summer months. Built-in 1914, this renovated vessel offers a glimpse into the golden age of Swiss lake navigation while providing comfortable seating and dining options for a delightful boat cruise.
The rhythmic sound of the paddle wheels and the elegant Belle Époque interiors create a romantic atmosphere that enhances your boat ride in Switzerland.
The historic paddle steamer offers a nostalgic boat ride in Switzerland.
Sunset and Dinner Cruises
For a magical experience, sunset cruises on Lake Brienz transform your boat ride in Switzerland into an unforgettable evening. As the Alpine glow bathes the surrounding mountains in golden light, the turquoise waters take on a mesmerizing quality that photographers dream about.
Sunset cruises offer magical lighting conditions for photography enthusiasts
Many sunset cruises include dinner options, allowing you to enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine while taking in the breathtaking scenery. These specialty cruises typically operate from May through September and require advance booking.
| Cruise Type | Duration | Price (Adult) | Highlights | Best Season |
| Standard Round Trip on the boat cruise offers a unique perspective of the majestic Rigi mountain. | 2.5 hours | CHF 49 | Full lake circuit, all stops | Year-round |
| Sunset Cruise | 2 hours | CHF 69 | Evening light, dinner options | May-September |
| Paddle Steamer | 3 hours | CHF 59 | Historic vessel, traditional experience | Summer only |
Boat Trips on Lake Thun: Castle Views and Alpine Panoramas
While Lake Brienz dazzles with its turquoise waters, Lake Thun (Thunersee) offers a different but equally captivating boat ride in Switzerland. The deeper blue waters of Lake Thun are dotted with medieval castles and charming villages against a backdrop of the Bernese Alps.
Oberhofen Castle highlights any boat ride in Switzerland on Lake Thun.
Castles Along the Shoreline
this boat ride in Switzerland particularly special:
- Oberhofen Castle – A 13th-century castle with a distinctive lakeside tower that appears to float on the water is best viewed from the boat cruise.
- Spiez Castle – Perched on a small peninsula with vineyards and a Romanesque church
- Thun Castle is a must-see during your boat cruise along the lakeside. – A medieval castle with four distinctive corner towers overlooking the town of Thun
Most Lake Thun cruises make stops near these castles, allowing you to disembark and explore these historic treasures before continuing your boat ride in Switzerland.
The impressive Niederhorn mountain dominates views during Lake Thun cruises.
Discover Lake Thun's Historic Castles
Book your Lake Thun cruise and explore medieval castles, charming villages, and spectacular Alpine views. Book Lake Thun Cruise
Interlaken to Thun Cruise: The Complete Journey
One of the most popular boat rides in Switzerland is the complete journey from Interlaken West to Thun. This 2-hour cruise takes you the entire length of Lake Thun, providing comprehensive views of the surrounding landscapes and multiple opportunities to hop on and off along the way.
Villages En Route
During your boat ride in Switzerland from Interlaken to Thun, you’ll pass several charming villages worth exploring:
- Spiez – A picturesque bay often called the “Riviera of Lake Thun” with its castle and church
- Merligen is a charming stop during your leisurely boat cruise on Lake Geneva. – A small village offering access to the St. Beatus Caves
- Gunten – Known for its wellness hotels and beautiful promenades
- Oberhofen – Home to the famous lakeside castle and park
The picturesque bay of Spiez is often called the “Riviera of Lake Thun”
Logistics and Timetables
Modern panoramic boats offer excellent views as you approach the historic town of Thun
| Route | Duration | Adult Price | Frequency (Summer) | Frequency (Winter) |
| Interlaken West – Thun (Direct) | 2 hours | CHF 49 | Hourly | Every 2 hours |
| Interlaken West – Spiez | 50 minutes | CHF 35 | Hourly | Every 2 hours |
| Spiez – Thun | 1 hour | CHF 28 | Hourly | Every 2 hours |
Lake Brienz vs. Lake Thun: Choosing Your Ideal Boat Ride in Switzerland
Can’t decide which lake to explore? Here’s a comparison to help you choose the perfect boat ride in Switzerland based on your preferences:
Lake Brienz Highlights
- Stunning turquoise waters with exceptional clarity
- Dramatic Giessbach Falls cascading directly into the lake
- Historic paddle steamer experience (summer only)
- More rugged, dramatic mountain scenery
- Fewer stops but more pristine natural landscapes
- Excellent photography opportunities for water colors
Lake Thun Highlights
- Medieval castles and historic architecture along shores
- More villages and stopping points to explore
- Wider lake with more expansive mountain panoramas
- Better views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks
- More dining options on board and at stops
- Easier connections to other transportation
“If you’re seeking natural beauty and dramatic colors, choose Lake Brienz. If you prefer historic sites and more stopping options, Lake Thun is your best choice. But ideally, experience both for the complete boat ride in Switzerland experience.”
The distinctive character of each lake offers different boat ride experiences in Switzerland
Can't Decide? Experience Both Lakes!
Save with a combined ticket that allows you to explore both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun at a discounted price.
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