Cruises on Lake Brienz – leave your everyday cares behind for a while

Experience the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland by boat

A boat trip on the shimmering waters of Lake Brienz amid the mountains of the Bernese Oberland is an unforgettable experience. The boat trip gives you the opportunity to discover the small villages around Lake Brienz. Marvel at the impressive Giessbach waterfall and the other streams that flow into Lake Brienz. The ship’s galley offers an extensive selection of culinary delights for you to enjoy during your trip. Relax on deck, breathe in the fresh lake air and enjoy the surrounding landscapes.

Boat trip on Lake Brienz

Your excursion to Lake Brienz begins at the jetty in Brienz or Interlaken Ost. Check the departure times and the programmes on offer, then select the boat trip on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz that most appeals to you. The entire round trip across the lake goes from Brienz to the Giessbach Falls, then onto Oberried, Iseltwald, Niederried, Ringgenberg, Bönigen, Interlaken Ost and back again. The trip takes about an hour and a quarter. Enjoy a memorable boat trip on the lake. The nostalgia trip on the impressive steamboat, for example, departs from Interlaken Ost to Giessbach and back – with an exclusive stop at the idyllic jetty.

Unspoilt nature on turquoise waters

Let yourself be completely immersed in the beautiful natural landscapes during your trip. Mighty mountainsides, dense forests, crystal-clear streams and waterfalls are just some of the magnificent scenery that surrounds you. The refreshing lake breeze is both invigorating and relaxing at the same time. The waves ripple, merge and heighten as the ship approaches the shore. Enjoy the expansiveness of the lake and try to picture how deep the water is. It has flowed through the Alps and collected in the lake for thousands of years. Lake Brienz is an emerald set amid the Bernese Oberland Alps.

Magical Giessbach Falls

The boat makes its first stop beneath the Grandhotel Giessbach. The Grandhotel Giessbach has towered over Lake Brienz since 1873/1874. It is an attractive spot to spend a few hours and take the opportunity to admire the falls. Europe’s oldest funicular railway transports guests from the lake’s shore to the Grandhotel Giessbach and the imposing Giessbach Falls in comfort. Marvel at the falls and the breathtaking view across all of Lake Brienz while you relax on the Grandhotel’s terrace.

Picturesque village of Iseltwald

After your detour to see the Giessbach Falls, take the next boat heading towards Iseltwald. On your way there, you will pass a small island known as the “Schnäggeninseli” (Snail Island). Iseltwald is a charming little village on the shore of Lake Brienz. Why not spend a little time enjoying one of the quayside restaurants or exploring the beautiful lakeside paths? When you’re ready, take the next boat to Ringgenberg and Bönigen before returning to the jetty in Interlaken Ost.

Experience a nostalgic steamboat trip

The steamship “Lötschberg” chugs its way across Lake Brienz twice a day and also on every Saturday evening during the summer. This trip gives you the opportunity to see the old steam-driven gearbox in action. The cruise will transport you back in time to the days of the Belle Époque. The steamship “Lötschberg” is particularly suitable for family excursions, as it even has a separate play cabin called “Globi’s Captain’s Club”.

Culinary delights from the galley

Can combine your round trip on Lake Brienz with a delicious breakfast or lunch. The breakfast boat runs daily from April to October and offers you the opportunity to enjoy your morning coffee in a truly memorable location. The lunch menu consists of regional specialties. It is the perfect place to get together with your family.

Enjoyable evening cruises with a wonderful atmosphere

The sun sets slowly, turning the sky into a colourful work of art as you chug across Lake Brienz on the boat in the company of your closest friends or family. The culinary boat trips offer everything you could wish for: A convivial atmosphere, delicious food and spectacular sunsets. From summer to autumn, a variety of evening cruises are available to tempt you with their fine cuisine. Experience Mexican flair on the Fajita Boat or assemble your burger just as you like it on the Burger Boat as you glide across the peaceful lake. Find out about the various offers and book the experience of your choice.

Your highlights at a glance

  • Children travel free on Saturdays

  • All passengers travel free on their birthdays

  • The steamship "Lötschberg" runs from May to September and offers a play cabin for children

  • Discover the many picturesque villages and excursion destinations along the shores of Lake Brienz

  • Culinary boat trips offering burger feasts, fajita fun, barbecues and much more besides

  • Take the boat to the Giessbachbahn – the oldest funicular railway in Europe

To ensure that your trip is perfect in every way, please note

  • Ships operate a full schedule from April to October

  • Reduced schedule in spring and autumn

  • Full-day and half-day excursion options

  • Advance reservation is required for groups of 20 or more

  • Bicycles may be transported; limited space available

  • All the passageways on the main deck and all stops are barrier-free

  • The timetable cannot be guaranteed in the event of storms, fog, or if water levels are too high or low

Discover the range of possibilities centring on shipping on Lake Brienz:

BLS cruises on Lake Brienz

Interlaken

© CC-BY-SA | BLS AG, Schifffahrt, Interlaken Tourismus

Jetboat Interlaken

Bönigen bei Interlaken

© CC-BY-SA | Outdoor Switzerland (Stefan Schlumpf photography), Interlaken Tourismus

Pirate Bay Nautical Center

Brienz

© CC-BY-SA | Pirate Bay Nautical Center Brienz, Interlaken Tourismus

Culinary cruises

Thun

© CC-BY-SA | BLS AG, Interlaken Tourismus
18,20 km

Three Waterfalls Trail

Bönigen

© Melanie Studer, Interlaken Tourismus

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