lake brienz boat trip timetable

BLS Boat Cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

A breath of “sea air”, a whiff of nostalgia – any cruise aboard one of the decorative steam or motor vessels on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz turns into a delightful experience.

The fleet of the BLS Navigation Company counts 12 vessels, two of which are paddle steamers. Whichever boat one chooses, the magnificent view remains as fascinating as ever: The legendary “big three” Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, numerous historic villages and castles, and the unique scenery of the Bernese Oberland are just a few among the many highlights of the cruises. Various themed and culinary cruises nicely round off the offer on the turquoise lakes.

• Area:  Length of Lake Brienz 14 km, length of Lake Thun 17.5 km
• Duration: e.g. Interlaken West–Thun 2 h 10 min
• One-hour cruise (round trip) on Lake Brienz
• Perfectly coordinated connections train/boat at all lake terminals (Thun, Interlaken West/Ost, Brienz); piers directly at the railway stations
• During peak season, a historic paddle steamer operates on each lake
• All main decks with wheelchair access (some boats with lift to upper deck)
• Bicycle transport possible depending on available space due to occupancy rate
• À-la-carte restaurants aboard all boats
• Themed buffets on special culinary cruises
• Lake Thun: year-round operation (peak season May to October with hourly departures, reduced timetable during off-peak season)
• Lake Brienz: seasonal operation (April to October)
• Hop-on / Hop-off at the attractions along the lakeshore possible

All connections here

Ticket This route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) / GA travelcard

There are two classes on most boats: main deck = 2nd class, upper deck = 1st class

Reservation

• Reservation required for groups of 10 or more people (prior selection of one menu for all persons required for groups of 20 or more people in case consumption is intended)
• For individual travellers, a table or seat reservation in the onboard restaurant can only be made with a binding commitment to consume (+41 (0)58 327 48 34))
• On special culinary cruises, a table reservation is strongly recommended for individual passengers as well
• Surcharge for bicycle day pass CHF 14

Documents and Downloads

Swiss travel system excellence e‑learning..

Welcome aboard! The Swiss Travel System Excellence E-Learning is the e-learning platform for future Swiss public transport experts. Heidi and Peter take trade specialists on a virtual learning journey through Swiss public transport. In the process, agents can broaden their knowledge in an entertaining way and acquire essential public transport know-how to support their clients professionally and competently.

Sign up for our Trade Newsletter

Our regular newsletter for the travel trade industry contains the latest sales and product updates regarding Swiss Travel System. Sign up and receive our newsletter four times a year.

Where to find us

Swiss Travel System AG Lagerstrasse 33 8004 Zürich Switzerland

More Information

Sign up for our newsletter

Plan a trip to Switzerland at myswitzerland.com

Navigate at sbb.ch

• To contents

Service links

• Search Open Search term Search

English is currently selected as the language.

Cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

The offer is available in the following categories.

Embark on a boat trip on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz and enjoy wonderful views of impressive mountains, historic castles and romantic lakeside towns.

Please note that this offer is currently unavailable. You will find more information here as soon as the offer is available again.

Combine the journey with excellent on-board dining. The boat trip combines wonderfully well with all sorts of excursions around the lakes.

Further content

More on the topic..

• Hotels Link opens in new window.
• Online timetable
• Opening hours and general information Link opens in new window.

Help & contact.

• RailAway offers
• Group travel
• Topic overview

Help & Contact

Do you have questions, need help or want to get in contact with us?  We’re here to help you.

Rail traffic information

Find the latest information on the current service situation, information, disruptions as well as planned construction work on the Swiss rail network and on strikes and on important disruptions and strikes abroad.

Newsletter & Social Media

Our newsletter regularly informs you of attractive offers from SBB via e-mail.

• Display the SBB Facebook page. Link opens in new window.
• Display the SBB X account. Link opens in new window.
• Display the SBB Youtube channel. Link opens in new window.
• Display the SBB Instagram account. Link opens in new window.
• SBB Social Media
• Jobs & careers Link opens in new window.
• Business customers Link opens in new window.
• Company Link opens in new window.
• SBB News Link opens in new window.
• SBB Community Link opens in new window.

Timeless SBB design.

Would you also like to get your hands on an official Swiss station clock by Mondaine? Whether you’d like it as a watch, wall clock, pocket watch or alarm clock, order the model you want online now. Link opens in new window. Take a look and order Link opens in new window.

• Cookie settings
• Legal information
• Data protection
• Accessibility

In collaboration with

Lake Brienz Cruise- Highlights of a Lake Brienz Boat Tour

Purchases made through links earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

An enjoyable and relaxing way to experience the spectacular scenery of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region is by taking a boat cruise on Lake Brienz (Brienzersee).

With vibrant turquoise water, a mountain framed shoreline, and several cute villages to visit on route, the Lake Brienz cruise is a tour to remember. 

About the Lake Brienz Cruise

The Lake Brienz boat tour starts in Interlaken Ost (Interlaken East) and ends in the village of Brienz at the east end of the lake. You can also do the tour in reverse, starting in Brienz and ending in Interlaken Ost. The one-way trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. You can book a roundtrip cruise or return to Interlaken or Brienz by train (what I did).

As the cruise travels along the 14 km long Lake Brienz, it makes regular stops at villages along the south shore and occasional stops on the north shore. The stops are just long enough to let people embark and disembark. 

There are a variety of Lake Brienz boat trips you can book including breakfast cruises, evening culinary cruises, and regular sightseeing cruises. The main difference between them is the vessel and whether there is a full or limited restaurant menu. The Lötschberg, a renovated Belle Epoque steamship, brings a touch of nostalgia as it travels across Lake Brienz twice a day and on Saturday evenings in the summer. 

My Lake Brienz Cruise- Interlaken to Brienz

I decided to do a Lake Brienz boat cruise as a day trip from Thun , a nearby town opposite Interlaken on the west end of Lake Thun.

In the morning I took the train to Interlaken Ost then boarded the first cruise of the day to Brienz. I hopped off at one stop along the way, disembarking at Giessbach to see the waterfall and have lunch at the historic hotel.

Here’s a look at the highlights of my Lake Brienz tour and some of the things you can see and do at stops along the way.

The first stop on a Lake Brienz boat tour is the village of Bönigen, on the southwest shore. 

Bönigen is nestled between two mountain chains and is home to some wooden houses that date back to the 16th century.

As the boat pulls up to the pier, you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and see a handful of lakefront hotels and a pretty waterfront promenade.

Ringgenberg

Ringgenberg, on the northern shore, is one of the occasional stops on Lake Brienz so not every boat will visit here.

The village is part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites that was created to protect the country’s cultural heritage. Neolithic graves have been discovered here and a castle was built in the Middle Ages.

From the water it’s easy to see Ringgenberg’s most notable landmark, Ringgenberg Church. The church was built in 1670 on the ruins of Ringgenberg Castle, located on a hill between the lake and the village.

Today Ringgenberg Church and the castle ruins are listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

Even though I didn’t get off the boat at Ringgenberg, it still was my favourite village on Lake Brienz solely for how photogenic it was. Its hilly backdrop partially concealed by a veil of low hanging clouds created a mystical mood that contrasted with, yet enhanced, the lake’s bright and sparkling turquoise water.

After Ringgenberg, the boat made its way across the lake to Iseltwald, a village on the south shore of Lake Brienz.

Like Bönigen, there are wooden chalets and small hotels on the waterfront, and like Ringgenberg, the village is named on the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.

What sets Iseltwald apart from other villages on Lake Brienz is that there’s a beautiful little castle on a forested peninsula. The castle was built for the Lords of Matten in the Middle Ages and today it houses the Rehabilitation Centre of Seeburg.

Since the former castle is not open to the public, it’s best viewed from the water during a Lake Brienz cruise. It’s a gorgeous sight to see the castle’s gleaming white walls reflected in the jewel toned water of Lake Brienz. 

The next destination on my Lake Brienz boat trip was Giessbach, on the south shore. 

It’s worthwhile to disembark here because there are several historic and natural attractions, including a massive waterfall and a grand hotel from the late 1800s.

From the landing stage on Lake Brienz, you can choose to hike up a set of switchbacks or take a funicular to the hotel. While I was on the Giessbach funicular, I saw a sign saying it was built in 1879 and is Europe’s oldest mountain cable railway. 

At the top of the funicular, about 100 meters above the lake, is the Grandhotel Giessbach. Built between 1873 and 1874, the hotel retains the elegance and sophistication of a bygone era. It was a lovely place to have lunch and I even got a table with a direct view of Giessbach Falls. 

While you can see the waterfall from the hotel, the best way to experience it is by going on a short hike. There’s a forested path that crosses over the falls in two places, making a loop around one section of the waterfall.

One of the bridges on the trail even goes behind Giessbach Falls. This was my favourite part of the walk because I could really feel the power of all that rushing water as it tumbled down the mountain towards Lake Brienz.

At 400 meters tall with 14 steps weaving through the forest, it’s not possible to view the entire waterfall at once, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. The power and grace of Giessbach Falls made it the highlight of my Lake Brienz tour.

The final stop on the Lake Brienz cruise is the village of Brienz, at the eastern end of the lake. 

Brienz is a great little village to wander around and admire traditional Swiss architecture. I recommend strolling down the Brunngasse because it has several wooden chalets from the 18th century. The balconies and window sills are decorated with flowers too, adding to the beauty of this cobblestone street.

During a visit to Brienz you can also learn about the village’s long standing wood carving tradition by visiting the Swiss Wood Carving Museum (in the Jobin factory). The museum has some incredible works on display and is Switzerland’s only museum 100% dedicated to the art of wood carving.

Even if you don’t check out the museum, you’ll still be able to see wood carvings on the streets and buildings in Brienz.

Before leaving Brienz, I took a walk along the shoreline and enjoyed an afternoon snack on the patio of a lakeside restaurant.

To return to Interlaken, you can either take another cruise on Lake Brienz or hop on a train if you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts About My Lake Brienz Boat Tour

I did several boat tours during my two weeks in Switzerland , but my favourite one was the Lake Brienz cruise.

The mirror-like water reflecting mountains and forests was so calming and the colour was just spectacular. I had seen many beautiful pictures of Lake Brienz before travelling to Switzerland for the first time and it was just as wonderful as I was expecting.

I loved passing by the charming, romantic looking villages around Lake Brienz and the Giessbach Falls were definitely worth getting off the boat to see. I’d love to come back one day and spend the night at the Grandhotel Giessbach and explore more of the area’s hiking trails.

There were a lot of things I could have chosen to do on my day trip from Thun but I’m really glad I decided to go on the Lake Brienz boat tour!

Tips for Going on a Lake Brienz Cruise

Location: Lake Brienz is located in the canton of Bern in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. 

• Cruises depart from Interlaken Ost and Brienz, but you can also get on board at any of the villages with scheduled stops. The main departure docks are located just outside of the Interlaken Ost rail station and the Brienz rail station. 

Cruise Schedule: The cruises on Lake Brienz operate from April to mid-October, 7 days a week with several departures a day. 

• Here is the timetable for Lake Brienz cruises and a map of the boat tour . I recommend downloading the timetable to help plan your lake cruise.

Tickets: Boat tickets are available at the BLS ticket desks at the docks and on the BLS website. Here are the fares .

• If you have a Swiss Travel Pass , you can ride the boat for free and get on and off as you wish. Here is a trusted, leading retailer where you can buy a Swiss Travel Pass .
• You can choose from first or second class tickets. The first class section is usually on the upper deck.

Day Pass: The BLS Navigation Day Pass allows unlimited trips on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun for one day (culinary cruises not included). You can hop on and off as you wish. I did cruises on both lakes and enjoyed each of them.

• Here are two places where you can buy the day pass and have it immediately delivered to your smartphone (no need to print): Get Your Guide or Tiqets .

Information was correct at the time of publishing but can change without notice. Please confirm directly with service providers.

Accommodations Near Lake Brienz

For your convenience, here is a list of hotels in Interlaken , Brienz , and Thun . Please consider booking your Switzerland accommodations through the included link. It costs nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

I was hosted by Switzerland Tourism in order to bring you this story.   As always, I speak only the truth and hosts have no editorial influence on articles.

More Switzerland Destinations and Travel Guides

• 7 Wonderful Things to Do in Schaffhausen
• 6 Memorable Things to Do in Zermatt- Switzerland’s Alpine Paradise
• Alta Verzasca Bike Route- Cycling in Switzerland’s Verzasca Valley
• Hiking Down Monte Bre- Switzerland’s Sunniest Mountain

Follow Us On Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | X | Pinterest

Join the Facebook Group

${doc.title}

${doc.teaser}

• Hostels & youth hostels
• Bed & breakfast
• Holiday apartments
• Group accommodation
• Package deals
• Guided tours

Jetboat Interlaken

The Ultimate Lake Brienz Boat Trip Guide 2024!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories SWITZERLAND

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

There are two big lakes in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz. Whichever you choose to visit, you will certainly not be disappointed by the spectacular views.

With high mountains all around you, crystal turquoise waters, and little villages dotted with traditional swiss houses around the lakeside – it will take your breath away with its beauty.

If you do decide to visit one of the lakes, each one provides an option of a boat ride and here, you can get some incredible views as you head into the valley.

I decided to visit Lake Brienz and caught the boat from the Brienz dock.

I bought a return ticket to Interlaken, which is the main town at the opposite end of the lake, and our boat headed off into the blue.

The Brienz Boat

There are plenty of boats which run around the lake as it is such a big area to sail!

All have their own names and unique character.

If you do decide to go on a sunny day, there are plenty of open seats to bask in the rays and catch the wind in your hair.

There are drinks served onboard but food options are limited, so it may be worth bringing a picnic or snacks with you!

Where do you stop on a Lake Brienz Boat Trip?

Lake Brienz is massive and there are plenty of places to stop off on your voyage until you reach your final destination.

One of my favourite places to stop off is the Grand Hotel Giessbach. When you first arrive at its dock, you will be greeted by waterfalls pouring into the lagoon.

The Hotel is situated on top of a hill and so you have two options in getting there;

1) Walk up the hill by the waterfall until you reach the top

2) Catch the Funicular!

It is a little pricey at 10 Swiss Francs return, but it’s Europe’s oldest mountain cable railway so you have to try it. It’s super cute!

At the hotel, you can enjoy a drink or meal in their ‘La Terrasse’.

You will have incredible views of the lake as you dine under their chic umbrellas and see the boats coming in.

As an alternative view on the other side of the outdoor seating, the hotel is situated next to a picturesque waterfall in the mountain.

If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb up the falls and see a panoramic view of Brienzersee!  

Click here to read my complete Grandhotel Geissbach guide

Lake Brienz Boat Ticket Prices & Times

Prices for an adult return boat ticket is around 26 Swiss Francs (£20). It may seem like a lot but the scenery is priceless and you won’t regret spending a single swiss cent!

As for times, these vary by season but boats run nearly every hour in the summer and two hours in winter and so it gives you plenty of time to explore a little port/town and climb back on board!

These are the main attraction for jumping aboard and they do not disappoint.

The water is so blue, even when there’s no sun in the sky. Mountains surround you on either side and the lake seems to go on for miles.

Hundreds of traditional Swiss houses are clustered all around and make for a postcard picture.

If you find yourself in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland, make sure you grab yourself a ticket to explore Lake Brienz by boat!

Read more on Switzerland!

A complete travel guide for Mürren

Heading up to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

A day trip to Saas-Fee

How to see the Matterhorn in Zermatt

Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg walking guide

A quick guide for Lucerne

The famous Kapellbrücke Bridge

A Sherlock Holmes guide for Meiringen

The best afternoon tea in Interlaken

A 007 guide for Schilthorn Piz Gloria!

Wednesday 13th of March 2024

what time of the year did you go? the routes on lake brienz don't seem to be available now.

Sophie Pearce

Hi Nikki, it could be that these run seasonally. So, I'd expect it to begin again around April time. Thanks, Sophie x

Saturday 22nd of April 2023

This was so helpful, thank you! Did you buy your boat ticket at the docks there? Also, did you have a Swiss Rail Pass that gave you a discount or a free ride?

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Hi Lanie, we bought our tickets on the day at the dock. We had Swiss Half Fare cards as we were driving and got just a few trains to the mountain areas :) Hope this helps and have a great time! Sophie x

Unfortunately, we could not find any results for your search term

• Aargau region
• Basel region
• Bern Region
• Fribourg region
• Geneva region
• Graubünden region
• Jura & Three-Lakes Region
• Lake Geneva region
• Lucerne Region - Lake Lucerne
• Region Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein
• Ticino region
• Valais region
• Zurich region
• Avalanche course
• Bungee jumping
• Carriage rides
• Chocolate factory
• Competition
• Cooking course
• Creative workshop
• Cross country skiing
• Eating with locals
• Escape Game
• Escape Room
• Exhibitions
• Food & Drink
• Ice climbing
• Indoor amusement park
• Lift tickets
• Llama and alpaca trekking
• Monster Scooter
• Mountain bike
• Mountain tour
• Natural attractions
• Night sledding
• Paragliding
• Photo course
• SBB Day Pass
• Scenic flight
• Scenic train
• Ski touring
• Snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Stand up paddle
• Summer tobogganing
• Swiss Rail Passes
• Trail running
• Train ticket
• Travel preparation
• Via ferrata
• Virtual Reality Games
• Wakeboarding
• private car tour
• snowboard rental
• virtual travel companion

Discover the Lake Brienz easily and reliably by boat with this route ticket. On the trip you can enjoy the great panorama of the turquoise lake.

Unfortunately, this offer is not bookable at the moment.

Similar activities

Schynige Platte Helicopter Skydive

Jump out of the helicopter from 4000 meters height during this skydive over Interlaken. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains and lakes of the Bernese Oberland, while you speed with 200 km/h into the depth.

Scenic helicopter flight 30 min Jungfrau region

Fly by helicopter to the world famous trio Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Marvel at Lake Thun and Lake Brienz from a bird's eye view and take home unforgettable impressions of the Jungfrau region.

Beatenberg paragliding tandem in summer from Interlaken

Fly with your tandem partner paragliding from Beatenberg through the air over the turquoise blue Lake Thun to Interlaken. Adrenaline, panorama and pure summer!

Niederhorn paragliding morning flight from Interlaken

Enjoy the morning sun on this paragliding flight from the Niederhorn near Interlaken and fly through the air with your tandem partner.

Lake Brienz various tickets from Interlaken

About this offer likely to sell out.

Mobile ticket accepted

Use your phone or print out the voucher

Immediate booking confirmation

No booking fees

Meeting point

Interlaken Ost landing stage, Lanzenen 1, 3800 Matten bei Interlaken

Swiss Half Fare Card

Free cancellation

Full refund in case of cancellation up to 24h before start

Ticket for the chosen route on Lake Brienz

• Discover the beautiful region around Lake Brienz
• Take the boat from Interlaken to Brienz, Ringgenberg or to the Giessbach Waterfalls
• Enjoy a ride on the modern ships or with the paddle steamer Lötschberg
• Ride over turquoise blue glacier water with unique panorama
• With the GA travelcard, Swiss Travel Pass and SBB Day Passes, you can travel for free

Description

The turquoise-blue Lake Brienz is surrounded by fascinating waterfalls and majestic mountains. Discover the region around the glittering lake easily and reliably with this route ticket

You can expect a ride on a passenger ship on Lake Brienz!

• Bönigen - Ringgenberg
• Interlaken East - Brienz
• Interlaken East - Giessbach Lake

Travelling with a wheelchair

• Access to the main deck (2nd class) is possible on all BLS scheduled ships.
• Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on all scheduled ships.
• On the MS Stadt Thun and MS Berner Oberland ships, the upper deck (1st class) is accessible by lift (no electric wheelchairs).

On the road with your dog

• Small dogs up to 30 cm in shoulder height are carried free of charge if they remain in a carrier for the entire journey.
• Dogs without a container and all dogs over 30 cm shoulder height require a valid dog ticket at half the 2nd class price, but no more than CHF 8.00 (dog day pass).
• The Dog Day Ticket and the SBB Dog GA are valid on all scheduled boat journeys.
• Dogs are allowed inside the ship as well as in the ship's restaurant.

Swiss Activities Tip

If you are in the region of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun for a longer time, then a visit to the St. Beatus Caves is worthwhile. Embark on an adventure in the mountain slopes of the region. The best way to discover the widely known dripstone caves is on a guided tour. However, it is also possible to discover certain parts of the caves on your own.

Important Information

• Please check in advance the timetables on the day of travel

Meeting Points

From CHF 2.50 Likely to sell out

Jump out of the helicopter from 4000 meters height during this skydive over Interlaken. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains and lakes of the Bernese Oberland, while you speed with 200 km/h into the depth. More details

Duration: 3 hours

English, German

booked 26 times

Fly by helicopter to the world famous trio Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Marvel at Lake Thun and Lake Brienz from a bird's eye view and take home unforgettable impressions of the Jungfrau region. More details

Duration: 1:30 hours

booked 21 times

Fly with your tandem partner paragliding from Beatenberg through the air over the turquoise blue Lake Thun to Interlaken. Adrenaline, panorama and pure summer! More details

German, English

booked 22 times

Enjoy the morning sun on this paragliding flight from the Niederhorn near Interlaken and fly through the air with your tandem partner. More details

Duration: 2:30 hours

German, English, French

Join our newsletter!

Sign up now for travel tips, ideas for inspiration and latest travel guides straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to receive promotional emails. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Top Destinations

• Grindelwald
• Lauterbrunnen
• Brienzwiler

Top Activities

Top attractions.

• Harder Kulm
• First Cliff Walk
• Jungfraujoch
• Museum of Transport
• Mount Titlis
• Lake Lucerne
• Schynige Plate
• Lake Geneva
• Eiger Glacier
• Glacier Gorge Grindelwald
• Grindelwald First
• Chillon Castle

${doc.title}

${doc.teaser}

• Hostels & youth hostels
• Bed & breakfast
• Holiday apartments
• Group accommodation
• Package deals
• Guided tours

BLS cruises on Lake Brienz

Here you can purchase tickets and vouchers for BLS Lake Cruise on lakes Thun and Brienz.

Single Tickets

Line tickets.

You can buy a route ticket directly via the timetable.

Full pricelist

Fares_Lake-Cruises_2024.pdf

Day Tickets

1-day tickets for lake thun and lake brienz, day class change.

• Railway line Interlaken West - Interlaken Ost : The railway line between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost is included in the price of the Day Tickets for Lakes Thun and Brienz.
• Children's 1-day ticket : Children aged 6 to 15 years can take advantage of a special one-day travel pass. The section between Interlaken West and Interlaken East is included in the price.
• Family day ticket : Two adults with at least one and a maximum of four children from 6 to 15.99 years benefit from the family day ticket.

Special cruises and events

Secure your tickets in advance.

Take advantage of pre-sales for our special cruises and events on Lakes Thun and Brienz.

Combined tickets – cruise and excursions around lakes Thun and Brienz

St. beatus caves.

Discover stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years and dive into this unique natural world beneath the earth.

Details & Ticket

Combine the boat trip with an excursion to the Niederhorn and enjoy the view of the famous triumvirate of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Grandhotel Giessbach

Combine the boat trip with a 3-course menu in the historic Grandhotel Giessbach. Enjoy the combination of nostalgia and romance.

Steam Chain Brienzer Rothorn

Enjoy an experience of a special kind. Steamboat trip on Lake Brienz followed by the ascent to the Brienzer Rothorn with Switzerland's oldest steam-driven cogwheel railway.

Tickets for dogs and bicycles

Tickets for groups, for groups of 10 or more.

The following specimen fares are applicable to group trips with 10 or more people in 2nd class. Holders of half-fare cards, SwissCards or SwissPasses profit from reduced fares. In order to benefit from the group rate, a reservation is mandatory.

Here  you will find the reservation form and all relevant information about travelling with a group.

Fares including group rates BLS Lake Cruise

Fares_Lake-Cruises_Group_2024.pdf

Seepass: Annual season ticket

Travel 1st class for 1 year on both lakes.

Unforgettable experiences await you on and around the lakes for a whole year with our Seepass products FLEX and ONE. Unlimited 1st class travel and special conditions with our partners. The 2024 Seepass sale has ended.

Frequently asked questions

Where can i buy tickets.

In spring, summer and autumn, all tickets and combination tickets are available on our boats and at the stations in Thun, Spiez, Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost as well as Brienz. During the winter months the stations remain closed. On Lake Brienz, navigation is suspended during the winter.

Day tickets & combi tickets Culinary cruises & special offers Route tickets

Does BLS Navigation offer multi-trip tickets?

Yes, you can purchase the multi-trip tickets at all our sales points. 

What are the payment options?

Cash (CHF and EUR); Reka, PostFinance and EC cards; as well as all major credit cards.

Are Half-Fare travelcards, GA travelcards, Junior travelcards, municipality day tickets and the Swiss Travel Pass valid?

The following season tickets are valid on scheduled cruises:

100% discount, no surcharge or free with

• GA travelcard
• Staff rate – general season ticket
• "Seepass" annual season ticket for Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
• Staff rate – day tickets
• 1-day travelpass for the Half-Fare travelcard
• Municipality day tickets
• Saver Day Pass SBB
• 1-day travelpass for children
• Dog day ticket/1-day travelpass for dogs
• Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex with date entered, and Swiss Transfer Ticket
• Eurail Pass and Eurail Youth Pass with date entered
• Interrail with date entered
• Junior travelcard: children up to the age of 15.99 accompanied by a parent
• Children’s Co-travelcard: children up to the age of 15.99 accompanied by the cardholder

50% discount with

• Half-Fare travelcard
• Swiss Half Fare Card
• Children (aged 6 to 15 years)

The listed season tickets are not valid on our special culinary cruises; however, you will receive a discount with the GA and Half-Fare travelcards.

Are Fairtiq and EasyRide valid?

Yes, Fairtiq and EasyRide tickets are valid on BLS Lake Cruise. 

Is there a general season ticket for cruises?

With the Seepass you can travel unlimited in 1st class on Lakes Thun and Brienz for 1 year. Take a look at our  Seepass offer .

Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid for boat cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz?

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass is valid for boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. In addition, the following passes/tickets are also valid: Jungfrau Travel Pass, Dong Shin VIP Pass (only valid during the summer season), Eurail (with date entered) and Interrail (with date entered).

Are discounts offered to children and seniors?

Children under the age of 6 travel for free, while children aged 6 - 15 years only have to pay half-price. The Junior travelcard and Children’s Co-travelcard (for children aged 6 - 15 years) are valid on all scheduled cruises.

No discounts are available to seniors.

Are special day tickets available?

With the BLS Navigation day ticket , you can travel as much as you want on any of our scheduled cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Is the GA or Half-Fare travelcard valid on a culinary special trip?

The GA or Half-Fare travelcard is not valid on our special culinary tours, as they are not part of our scheduled cruises. However, with the GA or Half-Fare Card you will receive a reduction on the price. The Seepass is also valid for a reduction, with the Seepass you pay the GA travelcard price.

Is a seat guaranteed if I have a ticket?

No, a ticket alone does not guarantee a seat on the boat. A seat respectively a table reservation is only possible in the on-board restaurant in connection with a consumption. You can make this reservation here .

Can dogs come aboard?

Dogs less than 30 cm tall at the shoulder can travel for free as long as they are in a suitable basket or bag. All other dogs require a valid dog ticket: 1/2 price, and no more than CHF 10.00 (dog day ticket). Alternatively, a dog pass for the lake can be purchased for CHF 80.00 for one year. 

The SBB 1-day travelpass as well as the GA for dogs are also valid aboard our scheduled cruises.

Dogs are allowed inside the boat as well as in our on-board restaurants.

Can I bring my bike aboard the boat with me?

Subject to space, we are happy to transport your bike. Cost per bike: 1/2 price, and no more than CHF 15.00 (bike day ticket) Please note: we cannot guarantee to transport your bike. The national SBB 1-day bike passes and annual passes are valid for BLS Navigation.

Check out our promotions

Special offers.

Treat yourself to a day out on Lakes Thun and Brienz and take advantage of our special offers and tips for making savings.

Navigate to myswitzerland.com

Destinations

Your swiss holiday time.

Holiday destinations

• Summer holiday destinations
• Winter sports & ski resorts
• Family destinations

Attractions

• Top attractions
• UNESCO World Heritage sites / biospheres
• Travel by train, bus or boat
• Top museums
• Swiss Parks
• Scenic nature

Experiences

Additional content about subnavigation experiences.

• Family excursions
• Food & Wine
• Group excursions
• Guided tours

Summer & Autumn

• Bicycle & Mountain bike
• Adventure & Sports Summer
• Zoo & animal experiences
• Ski and snowboard
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoe and winter hiking
• Tobogganing
• Winter excursions
• Christmas in Switzerland

Cities & culture

• Parks, Gardens and Squares
• Architecture

Experience Tour

• Car, motorcycle - Grand Tour
• Train, bus, boat – Grand Train Tour
• Mountain excursions

Accommodation

• Typically Swiss Hotels
• Wellness & Spa
• Family Hotels
• Bike Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Inspiring Meeting Hotels
• Swiss Historic Hotels
• Luxury hotels
• Winter sports hotels

Other types of accommodation

• On the farm
• Bed and Breakfast
• Mountains huts
• Group accommodation

Transport & Stay

• Travel to Switzerland
• Barrier-free travel
• Tickets public transport
• Service & support
• Money and shopping

About Switzerland

• General facts
• Custom and tradition
• History of Switzerland
• The Swiss Art and Culture Scene
• Health Travel
• Sustainability

Weather & Climate

• Climate in Switzerland
• Snow Report
• Water and pool temperatures
• City offers
• Touring offers
• Wellness offers
• Nature and outdoor offers
• Offers for families

Where are you from?

• België (Nederlands)
• Belgique (Français)
• Deutschland
• Netherlands
• Russia (Россия)
• Schweiz (Deutsch)
• Suisse (Français)
• Svizzera (Italiano)
• Switzerland (English)
• United Kingdom
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• China 中文简体
• China 中文繁体
• Gulf countries العربية
• Japan 日本
• Korea 한국어
• United Arab Emirates
• New Zealand
• International

Language, region and important links

• Slovenština

Service Navigation

• Help & Contact

Lake Brienz

The turquoise Lake Brienz and neighbouring Lake Thun are set amid the spectacular mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland. Passengers aboard the “Lötschberg” paddle steamer from the Belle Epoque (built in 1914) are inspired by its wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere.

Description

There has been a regular boat service on Lake Brienz since 1839. Today, the fleet numbers five boats, including the splendidly renovated steamer the "Lötschberg", built in 1914. Especially in summer, there are a number of special excursions in addition to the regular service: for example, the "Fondue boat", the "Breakfast boat", the "Alpine-style brunch", the Halal Cruise", the "Hooked on fish ...", Evening round trips on SS Lötschberg" or the "Swiss BBQ Cruise", particularly popular with visitors from abroad who wand to try all the Swiss culinary specialities. The regular boat service links all the little places around the lake on its route from the chic resort of Interlaken on the western side to the idyllic little town of Brienz in the east. From Brienz, the oldest steam rack railway in Switzerland, the Brienz-Rothorn Railway, takes you up to the Brienzer Rothorn (235 m). From here there is a lovely panoramic view of the lakes and mountain chain. The Brienzer Rothorn is also the starting point for some exciting hikes, not least over the summit to the Brünig Pass. Another destination for a boat trip on Lake Brienz is the Giessbach Falls. The roaring waterfall thunders in a number of different stages down 500 metres into the lake. Immediately beside it is the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach, which looks like a fairytale castle. The oldest funicular railway in Europe leads from the landing-stage in Giessbach straight up to the hotel and the mighty waterfall. Another popular excursion is to walk along the southern bank of Lake Brienz from Bönigen via Iseltwald to Giessbach.

Experiences & Activities

Sporty lütschine, botanical excursion, lake thun canoe trail, excursions in the bernese oberland.

Guided Tour - Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum

Swiss food and culture tour, the art of stoking, höhlenmuseum, hiking where the wood chips are flying..., interlaken, bern region carlton-europe vintage adults hotel 4 stars, brienz, bern region grandhotel giessbach 4 stars.

1 Night, Price per double room

from CHF 246

Interlaken, Bern Region Hotel Chalet Swiss 3 Stars

Interlaken, bern region victoria-jungfrau grand hotel & spa 5 stars.

from CHF 804

Spiez, Bern Region Belvédère Strandhotel 4 Stars

Spiez, bern region hotel eden spiez 4 stars.

from CHF 286

Brienz, Bern Region Jugendherberge Brienz

Interlaken, bern region the hey hotel 4 stars.

from CHF 294

Gunten, Bern Region Parkhotel Gunten 3 Stars

Spiez, bern region hotel seaside 3 stars, current offers, hotel eden spiez, spiez relaxing offer.

Price per person in double room valid: 17.05.2024 - 31.10.2024

Trauffer Erlebniswelt & Bretterhotel, Hofstetten bei Brienz An unforgettable family experience

Price per family room valid: 17.05.2024 - 31.10.2024

Interlaken Hiking holidays Via Jacobi Interlaken - Romont

Price per person in double room valid: 17.05.2024 - 31.12.2024

• Restaurants

Spiez, Bern Region Restaurant Krone

Spiez, bern region ristorante riviera by elio, interlaken, bern region scheidegg hotels: bellevue des alpes, brienz, bern region grandhotel giessbach: restaurant les cascades, iseltwald, bern region hotel châlet du lac, interlaken, bern region ristorante e pizzeria sapori, interlaken, bern region la terrasse brasserie, spiez, bern region hotel restaurant seegarten marina, spiez, bern region restaurant schwizer chäshüttli, interlaken, bern region tom-yum-kung.

• 19 May International Museum Day at Ballenberg Hofstetten bei Brienz, 19.05.2024
• From 24 May Streetfood Festival Interlaken Ost Interlaken, 24.05. - 26.05.2024
• From 25 May Oberland Wrestling Festival Brienz 2024 Brienz, 25.05. - 26.05.2024
• 25 May Usestuehle - d`Spiezer Gwärbschou Spiez, 25.05.2024

Advertisement

Travel information: lake brienz, destination.

Interlaken Tourismus Marktgasse 1 Postfach 3800  Interlaken +41 (0)33 826 53 00 [email protected] Website

Brienz Tourismus Hauptstrasse 143 3855  Brienz BE +41 (0)33 952 80 80 +41 (0)33 952 80 88 [email protected] Website

• Hotel booking
• Holiday rentals
• Group houses groups.swiss
• Swiss Hostels
• Bed and breakfast
• Railway timetable

Local Information

Winter sports.

• Swiss Ski School
• Swisstravelcenter Hiking Maps
• Swisstravelcenter Mountainbike Maps
• Swisstopo Hiking Maps

Discover Bern Region

${doc.title}

${doc.teaser}

• Hostels & youth hostels
• Bed & breakfast
• Holiday apartments
• Group accommodation
• Package deals
• Guided tours

BLS cruises on Lake Brienz