lake thun boat trip

Cruise on Lake Thun

Located close to Interlaken and Bern, Lake Thun is one of the most impressive lakes in Switzerland to enjoy cruise boat excursions. Although the lake is smaller than other essential lakes in the country, it still offers countless cruises. 

Throughout the cruises on Lake Thun, you can see the marvelous scenery of the Alps mountain as you pass through small historic cities having Romanesque churches, castles, traditional city centers, museums, as well as delightful cafes and restaurants.

Amusing cruises on Lake Thun can be easily mixed with unforgettable excursions to various other sights and activities. In the meantime, you can see the surrounding green hills, in addition to the snow-covered Alps of the Bernese Oberland. Lake Thun opens up to the northwest and owns three castles on its shores.

Boat Trip on Lake Thun in the Berner Oberland

Located in the west of Interlaken, Lake Thun is a little broader than Lake Brienz which is on the east of Interlaken. You can make use of various boat trips on the lake, most of which are initiated from Thun and head across the lake to Interlaken in about two hours.

Boat trips are undoubtedly an exciting approach to enjoying the astonishing area and its beauties at low speeds. Most boats consist of two sections: first class and second class. Normally, the second class section is on the upper deck. Many of the boats come with a restaurant or bistro on board. 

During summertime, you can dive into the cruise on the restored steamboat Blümlisalp, which is a real delight. Among the many boat trips available in the area, you can either experience a full round trip or include a cruise as a section of an excursion going up into the mountains. 

It is possible to cruise on Lake Thun from early April to late December, though the main season is between the middle of May and late October. Daily cruises are available starting from early April into the middle of November; however, Sunday cruises are extended into December too. 

During summer, there are up to eight cruises available daily. However, you can find three cruises in spring and only one during late autumn. If you are bringing children with you, it is good to know that some cruises in summer provide supervised playrooms during lunchtime.

Lake Thun Cruise Tickets

A full Thun to Interlaken cruise fare is CHF 43 (CHF 73 return) in Second Class and CHF 71 (CHF 121 return) for First Class. However, many discount options are available.

Boat timetable/schedule

Boats usually depart at :40 from Thun and :10 from Interlaken West. The cruise time is the same in either direction. Boats depart from early morning to evening from Thun and from late morning to early evening from Interlaken West. You find the timetable here .

Dining on a Boat

Eating and drinking are easily possible on the boats as all of them offer a restaurant. Menus with a versatile set of foods and drinks are available to help you make a delicious order. This is going to be the most enjoyable situation to eat your lunch, snack, or dinner as the magnificent scenery is continuously changing. 

Special event cruises and dinner cruises are scheduled throughout the year, but you can find them more crowded during summer and weekends. Reservations are possible for these cruises. On the other hand, speaking of regular cruises, meals are served and charged in addition to the normal cruise fare. Transportation card discount fares are available on regular cruises. Although reservations for individuals are not possible on regular cruises, you can reserve tables. 

On the boats departing at 9:40 (8:40 in summer) from Thun, you can enjoy continental breakfasts, though on Sundays and vacation days only a large brunch is served. Most cruises that start moving around noon offer lunch. It is optional to take meals on regular boats.

You might also like the following article:

Places to Get Brunch in Thun and Surrounding Area

Stops and Destinations on Lake Thun

Thun and Interlaken are the most obvious stops on Lake Thun cruise excursions, as they offer historic churches, castles, and tourist facilities. However, there are many smaller towns on your way that are certainly worth the stop. 

Spiez has an adorable small castle, a Romanesque church, a satisfying town center, and a memorable pool center for sunny days. They say, Spiez has the most beautiful bay in Switzerland. It is highly pleasant to walk on the short lakeshore between Spiez and Faulensee. 

Oberhofen also has a fantastic castle offering exhibits from the Bern history museum, a large park, lakeside walks, and a museum of moving musical instruments. 

The Beatus Caves is a large network of dripstone caves.  that were once home to a gigantic, mythical dragon that was killed by St. Beatus. Nowadays, fortunately, no dragons live in the caves, which are open to visitors. 

A funicular runs from Beatenbucht to Beatenberg. From there, a cable car takes you to the Niederhorn , which offers spectacular views of Lake Thun and, of course, the peaks of the Bernese Alps.

You can enjoy taking a cruise boat on Lake Thun as it is one of the most impressive lakes in Switzerland and offers countless cruising experiences. During your cruises in the area, you can be fascinated by the marvelous magnificence of the Alps mountain as you pass through different towns with numerous tourist attractions. 

It is a great approach to taking a cruise boat and enjoying the amazing scenery around you as you order delicious meals from the restaurant on the boat. You can either take a special event cruise or a regular cruise. Thun, Interlaken, Spiez, Oberhofen, and Beatushöhlen are among the best destinations you can visit during your trip.

I'm an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for Switzerlandical. Let's go on this adventure together as we explore Switzerland. We'll conquer epic trails, soak in jaw-dropping vistas, or stroll down a cobbled street in one of the many beautiful cities. I'll do my best to curate an unforgettable travel experience that leaves you with memories you'll cherish forever.

Lake Thun Itinerary: How To Spend One Day (Detailed Guide)

With its turquoise alpine water, awe-inspiring mountains, and charming towns, we can’t deny that Lake Thun is a truly worth-seeing natural attraction in Switzerland. It’s also magical! I even call Lake Thun the fairytale lake of Switzerland because of the enchanting five castles that sit around it. 

This is why Lake Thun visitors have many options to explore and appreciate the beauty of the lake. And if you need help planning your trip to Lake Thun, I can help. In this post, you will find a detailed sample one-day Lake Thun itinerary for a super memorable trip you’ll cherish for life!

By the end of our discussion, you should have an idea about how to spend a day in Lake Thun… and how to travel around Lake Thun. You’ll also discover other tourist attractions in Lake Thun, which you can switch with the destinations in my prepared itinerary (for flexibility).

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Planning a trip to natural attractions like Lake Thun is undoubtedly exciting, but there are several things to keep in mind.

Unlike visiting a city, when heading to outdoor destinations like this, it’s essential to consider factors like the weather, season, and sometimes the availability of facilities and public transportation. 

Since you’re already here reading, You don’t have to worry about them anymore. Because I’ve taken these into account for this one-day Lake Thun itinerary. 

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Sounds great? Let’s get started!

How To Spend One Day In Lake Thun

Needless to say, there are literally a plethora of ways you can spend a day in Lake Thun because of the numerous attractions around the lake. 

Did you know that more than 10 villages and towns around Lake Thun are awaiting you to see them?

They are Aeschi, Gunten, Hilterfingen, Hünibach, Interlaken, Krattigen, Leissigen, Merligen, Oberhofen, Sigriswil, Spiez, Thun—towns that are beautifully perched on the idyllic foothills of the mountains (Niesen, Niederhorn, Stockhorn, and more) surrounding Lake Thun. 

Discover: Beautiful Places To Visit In Interlaken And Jungfrau Region

Four of them have charming castles.

• Thun Castle in Thun
• Schadau Castle, also in Thun
• Hunegg Castle in Hilterfingen
• Oberhofen Castle in Oberhofen; and
• Spiez Castle in Spiez.

You can go on a fancy cruise with sumptuous lunch to get from one town to another. You can also have a scenic hike or drive between them if you like!

During your stay, you can try some water activities. There are also once-in-a-lifetime activities like helicopter rides and tandem paragliding !

Although these activities are epic and can be really refreshing, I still think the best way to spend time in Lake Thun is to have Lake Thun’s unique experiences instead of the typical activities you can also have anywhere else in the Alps.

In short, the best way to spend a day in Lake Thun is to have one town to explore, one castle to see, and at least one natural attraction on your Lake Thun itinerary. What should you not miss? The best ones I can suggest are Thun, Oberhofen, and Mount Niesen. 

You can learn more about the different tourist attractions surrounding Lake Thun from my other post, 10 Beautiful Places to Visit around Lake Thun .

Transportation in Lake Thun

Now, you have an overview of the overall experience that you can have in Lake Thun. Let’s now discuss how visitors like us can travel around the lake and see different places in one day.

Situated within a well-developed country, you can expect convenient commuting on and around Lake Thun. Having your own car to go around the lake may not be necessary unless you want to try scenic drives along the northern side of the lake near Sigriswil. 

Buses and trains service both sides of Lake Thun, connecting the different towns and villages surrounding the lake. Of course, you can also utilize the boats that connect towns across the lake. 

Boat rides last relatively, depending on the distances between the towns/tourist attractions you plan to visit. A boat ride between two neighboring towns/villages takes about approximately 10 minutes (for example, Gunten to Spiez)

Note: The last time I checked, the boat ride information in Google Maps was not updated. Check the interactive timetable of the Lake Thun boat cruise in bls-schiff.ch (BLS cruise) for more accurate travel time approximations. I linked the timetable in the resources section of this post.  

The longest cruise in Lake Thun lasts for 2+ hours, across its 17-kilometer length, from Interlaken to Thun (and vice versa)—the towns on the two tips of Lake Thun.

Of course, the travel time is shorter using trains and buses. The railway is located on the southern shore of Lake Thun, while buses (bus #21) ply on the lake’s northern shores. 

That being said, a Swiss Travel Pass would be more worth it if you have it during a week-long or longer Switzerland trip and you want to spend a day in Lake Thun.

Lake Thun One Day Itinerary

Located in central Switzerland, Lake Thun visitors can have several jump-off locations for their trip to the lake. The most common are:

• Spiez (visitors from Gstaad, Montreux, Visp, Kandersteg, Brig, or Zermatt)
• Interlaken (travelers from Lucerne and the rest of Bernese Oberland)
• Thun (tourists from Bern, Basel, and Zurich)

Regardless of where you are from, I suggest starting the trip at the northern part of Lake Thun. And that’s for a few reasons.

• It is the portion where Thun is. This city has a great shopping district. And there, you can find stores where you can buy necessities you may have forgotten to pack for a day in Lake Thun. (For example, an extra layer of clothing if the weather becomes suddenly cold)
• The tourist attractions at the northern portion of the lake are close to each other. This means you can spend the early part of your day visiting more places without sharing the space with many other tourists. (More travelers are visiting the places of interest during midday).
• Thun is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. And the views from this city can show you why. The stunning panorama of the Bernese Alps and Lake Thun from the city is the “appetizer” for all the beautiful experiences you’ll have later in the day. 

So yes, this itinerary starts at Thun. And from that city, we’ll unfold the beauty of Lake Thun, going south closer and closer to the even more spectacular mountains of the Bernese Alps. 

Not convinced why you should visit Thun and start your Lake Thun journey in Thun? 

Well, you have to discover these:

• 15 Best Things to do in Thun (with a map)
• 5 Picturesque Places in Thun Old Town Worth Seeing

Looking for different ways to travel in Switzerland? Check my itineraries below.

4 Days Switzerland Itinerary: Visit Lucerne and Bern

6 Days In Switzerland Itinerary: Bern, Interlaken, and Thun

Let’s now get into details on how you can spend a day in Lake Thun!

Morning in Lake Thun

For the morning of your trip to Lake Thun, I suggest the following activities:

• Thun Old Town Walking Tour
• Visiting Oberhofen Castle

Having these activities, you can discover why Lake Thun is unique compared to other natural attractions in Switzerland. At the same time, they will also let you see the beauty of Lake Thun beyond its natural appearance.

But before you start exploring Lake Thun on the morning of your Switzerland journey, you might like to consider the place of your origin in Switzerland. 

Although Lake Thun can be done as a day trip from other cities in Switzerland (for example, Bern, Basel, and Zurich), it is recommended that you have accommodation in Thun and stay in Thun the night before the day you plan to tour the lake.

For obvious reasons, it can give you more time to enjoy the city and less tendency to rush seeing things.

Besides, if you’re like me, who wants to photograph the beautiful scenes in Thun, I’m sure you won’t miss catching the first hour after the sunrise. Of course, you will probably only do that if you are already in Thun and the viewpoints are only steps away from your hotel, correct?

The serene and calm appearance of Lake Thun and River Aare, reflecting the beautiful buildings along the town’s quays, will inspire you to pull your cameras out of your pockets and shoot!

If you also need to stay in Thun before your Lake Thun trip, here’s the link to find the best hotel deals in Thun .

Destination no. 1 Thun Old Town Walking Tour

Of the towns around Lake Thun, for me, it’s Thun that has the most charming appearance. I recommend exploring Thun (specifically Thun Old Town) because, aside from the reasons I mentioned earlier, it’s free and packed with little wanderlust-satisfying scenes.

Thun has a long history, dating as early as the Romans and beyond. Although there’s no longer a trace of the Romans in Thun, it still has timeless landmarks to give you a glimpse of life in Thun and its surrounding area. 

One of Thun’s landmarks is Thun Castle. It’s a castle from the 12th century, constructed on a hill with breathtaking overlooking views that goes beyond Thun Old Town to Lake Thun and until the Bernese Alps. 

Don’t miss Obere Hauptgasse or the Upper Main Street of Thun Old Town. It’s a unique street architecture that has a raised pavement. The quaint houses and the flower-embellished railings of the elevated pavements make the camera shutter-presser scenes.

Of course, in exploring Thun Old Town, you must also see its two wooden covered bridges: Obere Schleuse Brücke and Untere Schleuse Brücke. They are the quaintest bridges in Thun. Sometimes flowers decorate them, which makes them so lovely to look at over the turquoise Aare River.

Wandering in Thun Old Town, exploring its streets, visiting the picturesque spots, and seeing its landmarks may take approximately two hours or shorter, depending on how quick you check things out. During that duration, you can already visit the highlights of the city, which are:

• Obere Schleuse Brücke
• Kirchtreppe
• Stadtkirche Thun
• Thun Castle
• Obere Hauptgasse
• Untere Schleuse Brücke
• Rathausplatz

Need help exploring Thun Old Town? I have prepared a DIY Thun Walking Tour for you. Check it out here: Thun Walking Tour: Do It Yourself (With Route And Map) . 

I suggest you begin exploring Thun Old Town by 7:30 or 8:00 am because we need to get to the Oberhofen Castle (next attraction) as early as possible, but not earlier than 9:00 am (the castle’s opening hours). 

Exploring Thun Old Town is an all-year activity, so you don’t need to worry about finding alternatives for this. 

But if the weather isn’t cooperating during your stay in Thun, you can spend more time inside Thun Castle instead. There are hundreds of exhibits inside this castle to give you an insight into the history of Thun and its surrounding regions. 

Note: Thun Castle is open only from April to October (10:00 in the morning onwards until 5:00 in the afternoon)

Entering the castle museum requires a small fee, though. But it should be an excellent experience, especially if you like discovering medieval artifacts and want to see breathtaking views from the castle’s tower. 

You can learn more about Thun Castle from my post, Thun Castle: View Points, What To Expect & How To Visit .

Destination no. 2 Oberhofen Castle

Among the castles in Lake Thun, I find Oberhofen Castle the most picturesque. This castle literally sits on the shores of Lake Thun. It’s truly a fairytale destination—the reason why I included it in this Lake Thun itinerary. 

You’ll realize that Oberhofen Castle is a fairytale destination when you see its water tower dipping on the surface of Lake Thun. It looks ultimately eye-catching when it is sunny when you can clearly see the Bernese Alps behind it. 

Like Thun Castle, Oberhofen Castle has a long history. It dates back to the 13th century and has been owned by different families throughout its timeline. 

Appreciating Oberhofen Castle’s appearance from the lake and sending your imagination to the historical and magical realm of the Swiss Alps are only the start of the memorable experience in Oberhofen Castle. A visit to Oberhofen Castle has three parts: the park, museum, and restaurant. 

Park : absolutely stunning Lake Thun scenery from a beautifully gardened park.

It also has an interesting playground for kids and relaxing spots (surrounded by rare trees) for adults. If you travel with your special someone, you can both have the most memorable stroll of your life there!

Museum : it’s a gem for architecture enthusiasts visiting Lake Thun or Bernese Oberland. 

You’ll be exploring lavish rooms where aristocrats spend their days during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The unmissable part is definitely the Oriental Smoking Room, commissioned by a Prussian ambassador in Istanbul in the mid-19th century. 

Restaurant : it must be one of the most scenic restaurants around Lake Thun. 

Restaurant Schloss Oberhofen has a giant window where you can dine with the views of the lake. You can also try alfresco seating, which gives visitors a nostalgic dining experience.

There is a lot more you should know about Oberhofen Castle. I suggest reading my article, Why You Should Visit Oberhofen Castle & How To Visit it . In that post, you’ll find the little details inside Oberhofen Castle, which I bet you also wouldn’t want to miss!

How long will your visit to Oberhofen Castle be?

Overall, visiting Oberhofen Castle would take about two to three hours. And that includes wandering in the castle park and seeing the castle museum only. 

The time you might spend in Oberhofen Castle may vary depending on the season you’ll be visiting Oberhofen Castle. The castle park is open all year round, but their castle museum is open only from mid-May to October. Your trip to Oberhofen Castle will definitely be shorter during the winter months. 

Please check the official website of Oberhofen Castle for the latest announcements and schedule to be sure. Their website is linked in the resources section of this post.

By the time you finish exploring the castle, it must be lunchtime already. You have three options:

• Dine in Restaurant Schloss Oberhofen
• Try the restaurants in Oberhofen (2 to 5) minute walk from the castle
• Eat after the boat ride when you arrive at the next destination: Spiez. (Preferable)

While selecting the restaurants where you’ll have your lunch, please don’t forget to consider the boat departure times to the next destination (Spiez) and also the time you will need to buy boat tickets (better if you can buy online).

We want to maximize our time having new experiences and seeing new places. We don’t want to have idle moments like waiting for the next boat to come and depart. 

If you want to check for the boat schedule (in bls-schiff.ch), please use the following places for departure and arrival:

• Departure (point A) — Oberhofen am Thunersee
• Arrival (point B) — Spiez Schiffstation

You can also get to Spiez from Oberhofen by bus and train. However, it would take you much longer and would cost more (unless you already have a Swiss Travel Pass ). 

Afternoon in Lake Thun

After your lunch, you are ready for the second part of your journey in Lake Thun. For the afternoon part of this Lake Thun trip, I suggest:

• Sightseeing in Spiez and Spiez Castle
• Going to the summit of Mount Niesen
• Relaxing in Niederhorn (winter alternative)
• Exploring Saint Beatus Caves (weatherproof alternative)

By going to Spiez and Mount Niesen, you can see the other side of Lake Thun and get a chance to witness a rare spectacle that only happens in Lake Thun.

And if you miss seeing that spectacle, you can still behold the overlooking panorama of Lake Thun—the most breathtaking views in Bernese Oberland, outside of the Jungfrau Region. 

As the funicular to the summit of Mount Niesen only operates during non-winter months (typically from the last week of April to the first week of December), you may instead go to Niederhorn after seeing Spiez if you plan to conduct your Lake Thun trip in winter. 

Niederhorn is another fantastic vantage point of Lake Thun, opposite Mount Niesen. Visitors also see stunning views of the Jungfrau massif from Niederhorn. 

On the other hand, Saint Beatus Caves is the place to be if the weather gets ugly during your visit to Lake Thun.

As its name suggests, it’s an underground wonderland with a twist: it involves a local legend of a fire-breathing dragon killed by a hermit, whom we now call Saint Beatus. 

Okay! I hope I have introduced the afternoon destinations in Lake Thun briefly well. 

Let’s go back to where we stopped a while ago: Oberhofen Castle. 

From Oberhofen Castle, you can quickly get to Spiez by a 20-minute boat ride (the last time I checked, there was a 12:00 pm departure time from Oberhofen). The boat stops at Gunten first before it arrives at Spiez. 

Destination no. 3 Spiez

Aside from Thun, Spiez is another town worth seeing around Lake Thun.

This town, perched on the southern shores of Lake Thun, has 180-degree views of the lake and the Emmental Alps. The pyramid mountain of Switzerland, or Mount Niesen, dominates the skyline of Spiez with its triangular appearance.

I recommend visiting Spiez because it often gives its visitors a slight twist to their Lake Thun journey. Somehow Spiez has this Mediterranean vibe, often surprising people as they thought they were in the Swiss Alps. 

The Mediterranean flair should hit you by the time you disembark from the boat. Like, you can notice the palm trees and the boats parked inside Spiez harbor.

After a short stroll in the harbor, it’s time to go to Spiez Castle—the main landmark of the town.

Getting to the castle from the dock takes only approximately 3 to 5 minutes. It’s also pretty straightforward as you can already find the way to the castle along Seestrasse (the only road to the town center).

Spiez Castle, like the aforementioned castles, has a long history. It’s more than 1000 years old by now!

However, unlike Thun and Oberhofen Castle, you can clearly see from Spiez Castle how its architecture evolved over time. You can notice that with the castle’s tower keep and the remaining parts of the castle.

The castle grounds of Spiez Castle consist of a beautiful park, a chapel (Schlosskirche Spiez), and the main castle. If you want to know what’s inside Spiez Castle, please kindly check their official website linked at the resources section of this post.

But, assuming you have been inside Oberhofen Castle’s museum, Spiez Castle’s museum would be a redundant experience already.

Don’t worry if you won’t come inside Spiez castle and climb to the tower, which is a stunning vantage point of Schlosskirche Spiez and Lake Thun. I think you can already enjoy Spiez castle by wandering in its splendid garden, beautifully lawned and decorated with flowering plants.

At the same time, you can already have an overlooking view of Lake Thun and Spiez’s harbor from the park. If you want, you can go behind the Schlosskirche Spiez for an unobstructed view of the Lake. 

Actually, there’s a beautiful house in front of Schlosskirche Spiez. It’s a beautiful architectural gem, and I marvel at its gorgeous facade. I think there are murals inside its terrace.

Spiez Castle’s park has several benches, and it’s a nice place to hang out for a while—savor the moment you are in the castle! However, I suggest spending not too long in Spiez Castle. I think less than an hour is enough, especially if it’s the breathtaking scenery of the Bernese Oberland and Lake Thun you like to see.

Appreciating the architecture of Spiez Castle, strolling in the castle’s beautiful park, a short meditation in the chapel, and a few photos may be enough, and it’s time to go to the next destination (Mount Niesen).

Destination no. 4 Mount Niesen

Lake Thun has awe-inspiring mountains surrounding it. You will start to really appreciate them as you reach the lake’s southern half, where the peaks reach above 2000 meters.

Among these 2000-meter-high mountains, it’s Mount Niesen that can definitely catch your attention. Some people call it the “Swiss Pyramid,” and indeed, it will get your attention, especially when you reach Spiez, where this triangular mountain dominates the view of the horizon.

Did you know? Mount Niesen, with its nearly perfect triangle form, has inspired artists like Paul Klee, who is famous for his Modern artworks about cubism and expressionism. 

Anyway, I included Mount Niesen in this one-day Lake Thun itinerary for several beautiful reasons. 

Mount Niesen is worth visiting because its summit is one of the best vantage points of Lake Thun and of the Bernese Oberland. From the top, you can literally see not only the entirety of Lake Thun but also Lake Brienz—the lake with a milky turquoise blue water on the other side of Interlaken.

Learn more about Lake Brienz, 7 Things To Do In Lake Brienz (And Visiting Information)

Also, the sense of adventure will already fill you up even if you haven’t reached the top of Mount Niesen. To get to the summit of Mount Niesen, you have to ride a funicular.

The metal sound created by the climbing funicular, the steep railway inclination, and the scenic views you’ll see as you move to the summit is truly breathtaking.

Overall, it is a 30-minute ride to the top, passing through forests and tunnels—all to make you admire the ingenuity of Swiss engineers. 

I intentionally put Mount Niesen in the afternoon part of this one-day Lake Thun itinerary because it’s the time that you can witness the spectacle Mount Niesen creates.

Between 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm, Mount Niesen casts a perfectly triangular shadow over Lake Thun. It is a rare natural phenomenon that only occurs, and you can only clearly see it from the summit of Mount Niesen. The perfect triangular shadow appears from the beginning of October . 

How to get to Mount Niesen?

Going to Mount Niesen from Spiez is simple, yet it can be time-consuming if you aren’t aware of Spiez’s public transportation departure times. It only involves two train/funicular rides from Spiez (Spiez train station to Mülenen and Mülenen to Niesen). 

However, since you’re from Spiez castle, you still have to do a 20-minute scenic hike or take the 11-minute bus ride (no. 61) to get to Spiez train station. The bus station is located in the harbor (near Seestrasse junction), and the buses depart from it every hour.

You can check Rome2Rio or SBB.ch for updated departure times.

Although the funicular to Niesen starts in Mülenen, you will still need to walk from Mülenen train station to the funicular valley station as they are located separately. They are close to each other, so there are no worries about another long hike.

Once you reach the Niesen funicular valley station, you are now only 30 minutes away from the summit. The funicular ride lasts for half an hour, which is the same as the departure interval.

Just be aware of the departure times of the trains heading to Mülenen from Spiez, especially if you are aiming to see Mount Niesen’s shadow over Lake Thun. Although the train ride to Mülenen lasts only 5 minutes, the internal between train departure times are 30 minutes.

Missing a train means 30 minutes wasted. We don’t like that!

Lastly, the last funicular departure time from Mount Niesen is 5:45 pm. 

Alternative Destination: Niederhorn (winter)

If you plan to visit Lake Thun during winter, Niederhorn is the place to go if you also want to see panoramic views of Lake Thun, similar to what you can see from Mount Niesen.

Niederhorn is not only accessible during winter, but it also offers a wide range of winter outdoor activities, from skiing to snowshoeing, sledding, paragliding, and more. 

So, where is Niderhorn?

Niederhorn is one of the peaks in the Emmental Alps (north of Lake Thun), almost 2000 meters tall. It is one of the mountains you can find on the other side of Lake Thun if you are currently in Spiez. 

Aside from being a stunning vantage point of Lake Thun, you would also like to come here because it is also a beautiful viewing point of the Jungfrau Region. 

Niederhorn’s slopes decline facing south, toward the Jungfrau massif. It’s like a giant natural theater for the three Bernese Oberland superstar peaks: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. 

By the way, check out Harder Kulm if you want to see better and closer views of the Jungfrau Region’s Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. It’s easier to reach compared to Niederhorn. Learn more about Visiting Harder Kulm (Here’s What You Can Expect To See) here.

The opposite side of Niderhorn has natural scenery to also convince you to come to this mountain. If you’re a landscape photographer, you’ll probably take numerous photos of the spectacular valley, ridge, and cliffs formed by this mountain and Rothorn.

Awe-inspiring landscape, indeed!

There are a few ways you can get to Niederhorn from Spiez.

But since you will be coming from Spiez Castle, which is very close to the town’s harbor, I recommend going for a boat ride. 

Unlike Niesen, there’s no specific time that you need to catch in Niederhorn. You can go to Niederhorn anytime you want and not miss anything. 

From Spiez Schiffstation, you have to get a boat ride to Beatenbucht. It is usually a 25-minute boat ride, dropping by a couple of towns in between. 

Alternatively, you can also hop in a boat that has a stop in Gunten (See). Disembark there, and walk to Gunten Dorf (a 5-minute walk). In Gunten Dorf, you can find buses #21 (heading to Interlaken), which would also bring you to Beatenbucht. This route takes a little longer, about 30 minutes of travel time. 

Once you reach Beatenbucht, ride the funicular up to Beatenberg-Niederhorn cable car valley station. Continue to Niderhorn summit by riding the cable car. Overall, the journey to Niederhorn from Beatenbucht would take not more than 45 minutes. 

I linked the official website of Niederhorn in the resources section of this post. On their website, you can find different programs and activities to make your visit worth it. 

Also, kindly check the updated timetables and availability of the facilities before heading to the mountain. 

Alternative Destination: Saint Beatus Caves (all weather)

Bad weather is the worst thing that could happen when traveling in the great outdoors, especially in the mountains, where fog and rain clouds are a total bummer.

Like, if there is no cloud clearing, the gorgeous alpine scenery you are supposed to see is replaced by an upsetting white wall of clouds.

This is why before you go to the mountains (Niederhorn or Niesen), you should not forget to check the summit view through the live webcam broadcast, which you can find on the mountain’s official websites you want to visit.

These live broadcasts will save your day; they will give you hints if going to the summit is worth it or not. 

If, unfortunately, you come to Lake Thun with the weather not cooperating, you don’t need to worry. Saint Beatus Caves got your back! 

Saint Beatus Caves is a network of caves above the shores of Lake Thun in the Niederhorn Massif, near Interlaken. It is a popular tourist attraction which showcases a kilometer of underground beauty that includes numerous impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique rock formations.

For me, Saint Beatus Caves is another twist in a journey in Lake Thun.

Like, who would expect that there are more to see in Lake Thun other than blue water, charming towns, magical castles, and awe-inspiring mountains?

Most importantly, visiting Saint Beatus Caves is both entertaining and educational.

Along the pathways inside the cave, you’ll see the rock formations made even more spectacular by the light installations inside the cave. Information screens are placed beside them to quench the curiosity about the rocks that they can spark in you. 

You also get to discover a part of Bernese Oberland’s heritage when you visit Saint Beatus Caves. Right at the beginning of your tour inside the cave, the legend of Saint Beatus is narrated by informational screens and boards. 

In a brief summary, the legend says that Saint Beatus, a hermit, killed a fire-breathing dragon that lived inside the cave. 

If you are a fan of Lord of the Rings, I’m sure you’ll love the waterfalls that cascade into several streams outside Saint Beatus Caves. The waterfalls spout out under the quaint medieval-looking pathway, which should remind you of Rivendell—the home of the elves. 

It sounds interesting, right?

So, how can you get to Saint Beatus Caves from Spiez?

There are a few ways to get to Saint Beatus Caves from Spiez. The quickest and most scenic route is by boat. 

Saint Beatus Caves has its own ferry terminal (Beatushöhlen Sundlauenen), and you can find boat rides in Spiez that have a stop on it. The boat ride is approximately 50 minutes long. After arriving at Beatushöhlen Sundlauenen, you still have to hike for 20 minutes to reach the entrance to the cave. 

Saint Beatus Caves also has a restaurant, and if you want, you can have your dinner at it. The restaurant also has an epic overlooking view of Lake Thun—have your tummies and eyes satisfied!

Disclaimer: Saint Beatus Caves’ restaurant is also a tourist favorite. If you really want to eat there, it’s better to book a table ahead of time. The restaurant gets full quickly, especially during the peak season. 

One Day Lake Thun Sample Itinerary (With Time Stamps)

So, that’s it! That’s how you can spend a day in Lake Thun, regardless of season or weather. If you are wondering how you can execute this itinerary, here’s the sequence with timestamps:

• 6:00 am — Breakfast
• 7:00 am — Thun Old Town Walking Tour (snack time after the tour)
• 9:30 am — Bus to Oberhofen Castle
• 10:00 am — Oberhofen Castle
• 12:00 pm — Boat to Spiez (last time I checked, 12:05 pm was the departure time of the boat)
• 12:30 pm — Lunch at Spiez castle restaurant & explore the castle park. 
• 1:45 pm — Head to Spiez train station (last time I checked, 1:49 pm was the bus departure time from the harbor)
• 2:00 pm — Depart Spiez (last time I checked, 2:12 pm is the train departure time)
• 2:30 pm — arrival at Mülenen and walk to Niesen funicular valley station
• 3:00 pm — Funicular ride to the summit
• 3:30 pm — Enjoy and relax at Niesen’s summit
• 5:45 pm — Descent from Niesen
• 6:15 pm — Head back to the hotel

In this one-day Lake Thun itinerary, you may skip Spiez Castle (since you already have Oberhofen Castle before that) if the schedule looks hectic to you. 

I suggest booking the tickets (boat, trains, and funicular) online and ahead of time so you may save time buying tickets at the stations’ counters. A Swiss Travel Pass and other regional day passes (see resources section) are really helpful in saving time and being on time.

Note that the time stamps above are only estimates. Please double-check the schedules and timetables of the public transportation involved for your Lake Thun trip. Also, please expect adjustments you may apply considering the following factors:

• preventive maintenance of the facilities
• local events

That would be all! I hope you enjoy your journey in Lake Thun. 🙂

Is One Day Enough In Lake Thun?

As you may have discovered throughout this Lake Thun itinerary, it’s impossible to visit every tourist attraction around Lake Thun in one day. So, do you still need another day in Lake Thun?

One day should be enough to visit Lake Thun and see its highlights: a charming town, a fairytale castle, and a breathtaking mountain-top destination. However, you might want to give more time if it’s a relaxing, laid-back Lake Thun trip you like to have. 

Although it may look enticing to spend more than one day in Lake Thun, I don’t recommend it much, especially if it’s your first time in Switzerland. This beautiful country has more to offer where you should spend more time, like the heaven-on-earth Lauterbrunnen valley in the Jungfrau region, the iconic Matterhorn in Zermatt, and more. 

Also, instead of focusing only on Lake Thun, why not try going to Lake Brienz or Lake Oeschinen in Kandersteg after seeing Lake Thun?

However, suppose you really want to spend more time in Lake Thun, and you are a history lover like me. In that case, you should also include Thun Panorama in your longer-than-one-day Lake Thun itinerary. 

Learn more about Thun Panorama from my post, Thun Panorama: Why You Must See It & How To Visit .

Also check: 

• My list of worth visiting places in Lake Thun
• Map of tourist attractions in Thun
• Best Way To Spend One Day In Thun (Day Trip Itinerary)

Is Lake Thun Worth Visiting?

As you may have read previously, Lake Thun isn’t the only beautiful place in Switzerland. Let’s say you are still planning your Switzerland trip. And if you ask me whether Lake Thun is worth visiting or not, my answer would be…

Considering the natural beauty of Lake Thun and the fairytale experiences you can have from it, there’s no doubt that Lake Thun is worth visiting! However, Lake Thun also has other alternatives to consider, like Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz, and Lake Geneva, to give you similar lake experiences.

If you are looking for more places to visit in Switzerland, I recommend Bern and Lucerne. Spark your wanderlust to visit them from my posts:

• 10 Free Things To Do & Must-See Landmarks In Lucerne
• 10 Beautiful Things To Explain Why Lucerne is Beautiful
• 10 Things You Can Experience/Discover In Lucerne
• 10 Beautiful Landmarks in Bern
• 10 Charming Fountains in Bern (with walking route)
• 7 Views You’ll Love in Bern

Sources & References: Lake Thun Itinerary

Here are the links that can help you plan further and prepare your Lake Thun trip. 

• Spiez Castle (Official Website)
• Mount Niesen (Official Website)
• Niederhorn (Official Website)
• Saint Beatus Caves (Official Website)
• Lake Thun Cruise Timetable (Official Website)
• SBB.ch (bus schedules, train timetables, regional passes , and more)
• List of activities and tours in Bernese Oberland
• Best hotel deals in Bernese Oberland

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Discover the Lake Thun region by boat

A boat trip on lake thun is a fabulous way to discover the many excursion destinations around the lake., the region around lake thun in the bernese oberland offers numerous interesting excursion options that you can easily reach by boat. below you will find our favourites. with some of them you can benefit from discounted combined tickets. take inspiration from us., the thun and interlaken west ports are located right next to the railway stations. if you travel by train, you can plan your boat trip independently of your departure and arrival points..

Boat trip experiences

Culinary delights.

How about a good breakfast on board to start your trip on Lake Thun? The peaceful morning atmosphere on the lake is a very special experience. Or enjoy a trip on the lounge ship OaSee, where you will be treated to a culinary buffet of starters, grills and pizzas.

Lake Thun breakfast ship

Lounge cruise "OaSee"

Further culinary offers

Combined tickets (boat trip + excursion)

Kombi angebote.

If you would like to visit one of the following excursion destinations, we recommend that you purchase a combined ticket. This includes the boat trip with admission or the mountain railway to the respective activity. 

Niederhorn (with boat, bus and mountain railway to the Niederhorn)

St. Beatus Caves  (boat trip and admission to the caves)

Nature experiences

A boat trip on Lake Thun is a fabulous way to experience the beauty of the landscape. Combine the trip with a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, a detour to one of the lidos or a visit to St. Beatus Caves, for example. If you decide to hike along the panoramic circular trail, the boat is a good choice for the way back.

Faulensee−Spiez beach path

Panorama rundweg thunersee, stage 1, thun–sigriswil.

This hike takes you through medieval Thun, past idyllic Hünibach to Aeschlen. There, a little thrill awaits you at dizzying heights: the spectacular 340-metre panorama bridge, which leads 180 metres above the Gummischlucht gorge to Sigriswil. Now you can either continue on the panoramic hike in the direction of Merligen or take the path in the direction of the Gunten boat landing and round off your excursion with a leisurely boat trip in the direction of Thun or Interlaken.

Winter Text Element

The crunch of snow underfoot, the glittering snowy landscape in the soft sunlight, an enchanting serenity enveloping us and filling us with peace and tranquility – You experience all of this on a beautiful winter hike on the Niederhorn. The winter hiking trail from Niederhorn to Howald to Waldegg not only offers spectacular views but also allows you to immerse yourself in the peaceful and untouched nature. 

Buy a combined ticket for the journey to the Niederhorn (route: Thun–Beatenbucht–Niederhorn return)

Castle experiences

Five magnificent castles with well-tended parks lie on the shores of Lake Thun. From their towers you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the Alpine chain and the glittering lake. Various exhibitions take you on a voyage of discovery into the past, and the castle restaurants spoil you with gastronomic delights.

Please note the opening hours.

Thun Castle

Culture, history, legend

At Thun Castle you will travel through 800 years of history and gain a unique insight into the history and culture of the Thun region. Take a virtual tour of medieval Thun and meet historical personalities along the way. Visit the mighty donjon with the most well-preserved hall from the High Middle Ages. With the imposing tower, the Zähringers created a visible sign of their power in the 12th century.

Hünegg Castle

The fairytale castle on lake thun.

Hünegg Castle is not a conventional museum. Instead, it is a unique reflection of the way of life in times gone by. The complete and extensive furnishings have not been changed since 1900. The tour of the Museum of Historicism and Art Nouveau creates the impression that time has stood still. You almost expect to meet noble gentlemen in the salon.

At weekends, rarities and antiques are sold in the attic – though of course, no objects from the castle's collection.

Hünegg Castle

Oberhofen Castle

Magic from 8 centuries

Visit the romantic castle complex with its picturesque lakeside tower, oriental smoking salon and spacious park with a playground right by Lake Thun. Immerse yourself in the 800-year history of this monumental building. Since 1954, the castle has housed a museum dedicated to the history of its former inhabitants. It also gives a voice to those without whom the life of the Count de Pourtalès and his family would have been unthinkable – the servants.

Schadau Castle

Hotel and restaurant

Schadau Castle was built as a private summer residence from 1846 to 1854. It is a listed building of national importance and is now owned by the city of Thun. Enjoy the historic ambience with an overnight stay in the castle hotel, a fine meal in the castle restaurant or a walk through the beautifully situated Schadau Park.

Spiez Castle

Experience 1,300 years of history

The permanent exhibition presents the former castle inhabitants of the von Strättligen, von Bubenberg and von Erlach families in an interactive way. Stations to try out, 3D viewers and the knights' path bring past times back to life – a special experience for children and families.

Combine the castle tour with a walk through the well-tended castle garden and enjoy the dreamlike location with a glass of wine from the Spiez vineyards in the castle café.

Availability Today (Thursday) open

Timetable boat trip, opening text element.

On Lake Thun the ships sail all year round.

• Timetable & tickets
• Timetable & Offers Lake Thun Boat Trip

Route tickets

First class.

• CHF 119.00 Adults
• CHF 59.50 Half-Fare travelcard
• CHF 24.00 Children, 6–15.99 years
• CHF 179.00 Globi family day ticket 2 adults / 4 children
• CHF 89.50 Globi family day ticket with Half-Fare Card 2 adults / 4 children

Second class

• CHF 79.00 Adults
• CHF 39.50 Half-Fare travelcard
• CHF 15.00 Children, 6–15.99 years
• CHF 119.00 Globi family day ticket 2 adults / 4 children
• CHF 59.50 Globi family day ticket with Half-Fare Card 2 adults / 4 children

Preiszusatzinformation Text Element

Saver day passes for train, bus and ship.

Travel around Switzerland all day long on public transport from CHF 29.00.

Early birds are rewarded – those who book the earliest pay the least. Travel around Switzerland all day long on public transport from CHF 29.00 – by train, bus or boat.

• Infos about the Saver Day Pass
• Check availability

Weitere Content

Vouchers & savings tips.

Here you will find BLS Schifffahrt vouchers and interesting savings tips.

Weitere Collection

• Price lists, vouchers, savings tips

How to get there

Travel comfortably by train to Thun, Spiez or Interlaken West. 

The Thun and Interlaken West ports are located right next to the railway stations. From Spiez train station it is a 15-minute walk to the landing stage.

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Location Departs from Thun wharf

• BLS navigation service
• +41 58 327 48 11
• BLS Navigation www.bls-schiff.ch

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Cruise on Lake Thun

Experience lake thun from the boat.

• Thun  

Take note, so that your trip will be perfect

Consult the timetable before your trip

Don’t forget sunglasses, sun cream and binoculars

For groups from 20 people a reservation is necessary

BLS Schifffahrt AG

Lachenweg 19

Phone: +41 58 327 48 11

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.bls-schiff.ch

General information

Operating all year round

• Suitable for any weather
• For classes
• for families
• for individual guests
• Pets allowed
• Suitable for the elderly
• Suitable for pushchair
• Baby changing room
• Handicapped accessible WC
• Barrier-free access
• People with impaired mobility
• Wheelchair user
• People with hearing impairments
• Deaf people
• People with visual impairments
• Blind people
• People with cognitive impairments

please see: www.bls.ch/en/freizeit-und-ferien/schiff/billette-und-abos

More like this

Sailing school lake thun, boat rental sailing school lake thun, lakeside path «strandweg», fun train scheduled rides, bathing area «schiffländte einigen», ludotrail: playing through spiez.

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BLS cruises on lake Thun

Your benefit with the berner oberland pass.

• Free travel
• on Lake Thun and free travel to every boat stop

Experience and relaxation on Lake Thun

The deep blue Lake Thun lies between the cities of Thun and Interlaken, nestled in an imposing mountain scenery.

Enjoy a delicious meal and a glass of wine on a scheduled boat of the BLS Lake Thun Navigation Compa ny, and at the same time admire the sight of historic castles and the unique panorama of the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

A boat trip is particularly suitable for discovering the diversity of the region around Lake Thun. At the eastern end of the lake lies the town of Interlaken, starting point for popular excursions to the Jungfrau region and the eastern Bernese Oberland.

Save with the Berner Oberland Pass

• Free travel on all scheduled courses on Lake Thun incl. steamboat "Blümlisalp

With the Berner Oberland Pass, you also benefit from the Bonus Partner special price:

• Reduced 1st class upgrade for one day at the price of CHF 12.– instead of CHF 17.–

With the Berner Oberland Pass you can travel free of charge by train and bus to every stop on Lake Thun .

Highlights on and around Lake Thun

• Visits to the castles around Lake Thun: Thun Castle , Spiez Castle ,  Oberhofen Castle or  Hünegg Castle
• Hike to the  Niederhorn
• Visit  St. Beatus Caves Sundlauenen
• Evening cruises on Lake Thun

Information

• BLS Schifffahrt
• Schedule Lake Thun and Brienz 2024

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Schiffstation Thun Seestrasse 9 3600 Thun

Public transportation

Impressions: bls cruises on lake thun.

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Pleasure Boat Cruises on Lake Thun in Switzerland

Cruise boats on the Thunersee call at stops such as Thun, Oberhofen, Spiez, and Interlaken West while passing Alpine landscapes of central Switzerland near Bern.

Lake Thun near Interlaken and Bern is one of the best lakes for enjoying cruise boat excursions in Switzerland. The Thunersee is smaller than other major lakes but still offers plenty of cruises with magnificent views of the Alps while passing small historic cities with Romanesque churches, museums, castles, old town centers, and very pleasant outdoor cafés and restaurants. Pleasure cruises on Lake Thun easily combine with excursions to other sights and activities.

Cruising on Lake Thun in the Berner Oberland

Cruising on the Thunersee is possible from early April to end December with the main season from mid-May to late October. Daily scheduled cruises are available from early April to mid-November with Sunday cruises continuing well into December.

Cruising the full length of Lake Thun from Thun to Interlaken West takes just over two hours. In summer, up to eight return cruises are available daily, with three during the spring, and only one during late autumn.

The historic belle époque paddle steamer Blümlisalp (1906) cruise twice daily between Thun and Interlaken West from mid-May to mid-September. On some mid-summer cruises, parents may leave children in a supervised playroom during the lunchtime cruise.

The full Thun to Interlaken West cruise fare is CHF43 (CHF73 return) in Second Class and CHF71 (CHF121 return) for First Class. However, many savings options are available – see Savings Tips for more details.

Cruise Routes and Times on the Thunersee

Almost all cruises on Lake Thun are from Thun to Interlaken West and back. A few cruises turn around at Spiez, Merligen, or Beatenbucht while event cruises commonly depart from Thun and Interlaken West and ending at the original port of departure.

With very few exceptions, the cruise route and times for Thunersee excursion boats are as follows:

Boats mostly depart at :40 from Thun and :10 from Interlaken West. The cruise time is the same in either direction. Boats depart from early morning to evening from Thun and from late morning to early evening from Interlaken West.

Stops and Destinations on Lake Thun

Thun, with its historic old town, church, and castle, and Interlaken with its tourist facilities are the obvious main stops on Lake Thun cruise excursions. However, it is worth stopping en route at many smaller towns too.

Spiez is a major destination with a lovely small castle, a Romanesque church, a pleasant town center, and a fantastic pool center for sunny summer days. Strolling along the lakeshore from Spiez to Faulensee is probably the most pleasant short walk in the region.

Oberhofen has a picturesque castle with exhibits from the Bern history museum, a large park, lakeside walks, and a museum of moving musical instruments. From Beatenbuch, take a funicular to Beatenberg and from there a cable car to the Niederhorn (1950 m) – returning to Beatenberg (1130 m) by monster scooter (trottinet) is possible from the Vorsass station (1580 m).

The Beatushöhlen is a large cave complex and the home of the mythical dragon that St Beatus killed here. Dragons and images of the saint can be seen frequently in the region.

Special Event and Dinner Cruises on the Thunersee

Special event cruises are scheduled throughout the year but particularly plentiful during the summer and over weekends. For special event cruises, discounts are often not available for transportation cardholders. Reservations are possible and even recommended for event and dinner cruises.

Meals are served on most regular scheduled cruises and are charged in addition to the regular cruise fare. Transportation card discount fares are available on these cruises. Reservations for individuals are not possible on regular cruises but table reservations may be made, and during the high season advisable, on any cruise that serves meals.

Continental breakfasts are served on boats departing at 9:40 (and 8:40 in summer) from Thun, except on Sundays and vacation days when a larger brunch is served. Lunch is available on most cruise boats operating around noon. Taking meals is optional on these regular cruises.

Lake Thun is also a popular day-trip destination from Bern. Frequent trains from Bern take only around 20 minutes to Thun or 50 minutes to Interlaken.

More on the Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Region:

• Pleasure Boat Cruises on the Thuner- and Brienzersee
• Book Tours and Activities in the Region with Get Your Guide
• Pleasure Boat Cruises on Lake Thun
• Pleasure Boat Cruises on Lake Brienz
• Tips on Saving on Fares when Cruising on Lakes Thun and Brienz
• Visit Schloss Spiez Castle
• Visit Schloss Oberhofen Castle
• Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen
• Visit the Reichenbach Waterfalls near Meiringen
• The Ballenberg Open-Air Museum of Swiss Rural Architecture
• Hike through the Aareschlucht Gorge
• Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe — Mountain Railway Excursion

About the author:

Henk Bekker

Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing online. He is particularly interested in history, art, and culture. He has lived most of his adult life in Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. In addition to European-Traveler.com , he also owns a travel website on the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland and maintains statistical websites on car sales and classic car auction prices . Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Development Finance from the University of London.

Home » Switzerland » Pleasure Boat Cruises on Lake Thun in Switzerland

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Winter cruises on Lake Thun

Scenic lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland

With around 1,500 lakes in total, Switzerland is home to some sizable bodies of clear, sparkling water. Over 100 of these have a surface area exceeding 30 hectares. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French) is the largest of these, and is known all over the world. 

Many major European rivers also flow through Switzerland, so for a landlocked country there is a lot of water. Exploring these lakes and rivers can be a highlight of any Swiss vacation, but it goes way beyond that.

In Switzerland, taking journeys by boat is often a practical matter of getting from A to B. In addition to leisure trips operated by the likes of Lake Geneva cruise lines, there are public transport boats connecting destinations so a daily commute may involve travelling across the lakes or down the rivers. 

For the Swiss, in many instances the easiest way to get from one place to another is in fact by boat, so this is simply a way of life. Boat trips are therefore an essential part of the national transport system. 

As a visitor, you may be able to choose between taking a train and hopping onto a boat when planning how to get from one village, town or city to another.

A typical example is the trip between Bern and Interlaken, which can involve a cruise across Lake Thun. Though this is more time-consuming, it’s a great way to see more of the country while getting from one destination to another. 

This guide will take you through all you need to know about lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland – including scenic cruises typically taken by tourists as well as Swiss Travel Pass boat rides holders can take for free. 

From the famous shores of Lake Geneva to the River Rhine, these are the best boat trips in Switzerland. Which ones will you take? 

Top photo © Swiss Travel System

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

Handy tip: Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass can travel free on most lake cruises in Switzerland.  Simply present your valid Swiss Travel Pass at the ticket counter before boarding.  If you don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass, we have included links below to purchase tickets for individual cruises.

What's in this Article

Quick Summary of Swiss boat trips covered in this guide

Lake geneva cruises.

For many visitors, there’s no Switzerland cruise that is as highly anticipated as a Lake Geneva cruise.  As one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman as it is known in French), is located in western Switzerland.

Covering an area of 580km², the crescent-shaped lake is partly in Switzerland and partly in France and lies just north of the Alps.

Stretching from the westernmost point at Geneva to Montreux on the eastern shores, Lake Geneva is also at the feet of some other attractive Swiss cities and towns including Nyon, Lausanne and Vevey.

Above the latter two towns, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed terraced Lavaux Vineyards cover 800 hectares and make the ideal backdrop to the crystal clear waters of Lake Geneva.

The most popular routes among Lake Geneva boat tours include the cruise from Geneva to Lausanne, from Geneva to Evian-les-Bains on the French shore, and from Lausanne to Evian. Cruises to or from Geneva, Montreux or Vevey are also available. 

If you are planning to take one of the above Lake Geneva boat tours, Swiss Pass holders can travel for free whilst those without a Swiss Pass can buy a ticket at the boat pier.

Another option is to take the Yvoire boat from Geneva to visit this small, medieval French destination on the shores of the lake. Boats on this route also stop at Nyon, and you can find out more about this and other routes via the CGN website . 

There is also the option to book a dinner cruise on Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

Vessels operating on Lake Geneva include a fleet of Belle Epoque paddle steamers and modern motor boats.

Below you will find some of the most popular Lake Geneva boat cruises.

One hour sightseeing Lake Geneva cruise

This one hour boat ride on Lake Geneva is taken by many holidaymakers so they can see the city from the water. During this cruise you can see landmarks like the famous Jet d’Eau fountain, Mont Blanc and of course the mighty Swiss Alps. 

> Click here to book this Lake Geneva cruise in Switzerland  

Two hour Montreux cruise to Chillon Castle

If you’re staying in the Montreux area, this is a great choice amongst the options of Lake Geneva boat cruises. It takes in the majestic Chillon Castle, as well as the lake which was immortalised in Deep Purple’s song Smoke on the Water . The cruise takes place aboard a historic paddle steamer and there are fabulous views of the Swiss and French Alps. 

> Click here to book this Lake Montreux cruise

Three hour Riviera cruise from Lausanne

Departing from Lausanne, this three hour boat trip takes in the Lavaux vineyards,  Montreux, Chillon Castle and Vevey. 

> Click here to book this Swiss Riviera cruise

Two hour Lake Geneva cruise from Vevey

If the idea of spending two hours aboard a paddle steamer appeals, this trip departing from Vevey is recommended. You’ll travel on Lake Geneva to Montreux, seeing Chillon Castle and the French and Swiss Alps en route. 

> Click here to book this Vevey to Montreux cruise

Self-guided boat trip from Lausanne to Evian

This one day ticket allows you to take a boat trip whenever you please from Lausanne to the charming town of Evian-les-Bains. The journey takes 35 minutes each way and you can explore Evian’s historic Old Town and lakeside promenade after arrival. 

> Click here to book this Lausanne to Evian trip

Lake Lucerne cruises

At 38 kilometres long, Lake Lucerne may not be Switzerland’s longest lake but it is one of the most uniquely shaped. The lake has four distinct ‘arms’ and several sharp bends which makes a superb scene when viewed from one of the surrounding mountains such as Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus .

Officially called Vierwaldstattersee in German (which translates to ‘four forest sites’), the lake is shared between the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne.

When planning a lake cruise, Lucerne is the most popular starting point and there are numerous options to choose from.

You can take a cruise on Lake Lucerne that includes a three course gourmet lunch, hop aboard a luxury yacht for a scenic tour or take a journey across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau as part of a Mount Rigi day trip.

Other options include the Lucerne to Fluelen boat ride across Lake Lucerne, which is part of the Gotthard Panorama Express route. Find out more about this iconic journey via the Gotthard Pass in Switzerland in our dedicated guide here .  

From 2022, five paddle steamers will be in use every summer between late May and mid September. Travel on these Lake Lucerne steamers is also included with the Swiss Travel Pass (food and beverages are additional). 

As well as the paddle steamers and a fleet of modern motor boats, Lucerne is also home to MS Diamant , Switzerland’s first climate-neutral boat in regular service. The vessel is also the first Swiss hybrid boat in operation.

Popular Lake Lucerne cruises include:

Two hour Lake Lucerne cruise with lunch

This Lake Lucerne panoramic sightseeing cruise includes a gourmet lunch, so you’ll enjoy three delicious courses made from fresh local produce while admiring the mountainous Swiss landscape. Key Lucerne landmarks can also be viewed from the water.  

> Click here to book this lake cruise in Lucerne with lunch

One hour yacht cruise in Lucerne

Taking a trip aboard a panoramic yacht can help to make your stay in Lucerne truly memorable. The yacht will take you towards Meggenhorn Castle and includes views of upmarket homes, local landmarks and rolling green hills. This Lake Lucerne cruise is perfect for those who have limited time but don’t want to miss the experience of cruising on the tranquil waters.

> Click here to book this Lucerne yacht cruise

Self-guided Mount Rigi trip with lake cruise

The Lake Lucerne cruise price is included in this self-guided Mount Rig i day trip . You will also travel by train and cogwheel railway to reach the mountain summit. This trip to the Queen of the Mountains is not to be missed while in Switzerland. 

> Click here to book this Mount Rigi day trip ticket

Lake Thun & Lake Brienz cruises

Located either side of the holiday resort town of Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offer totally different experiences for those who’d like to cruise in the Bernese Oberland.

With a choice of both paddle steamers and modern motor boats, there is a cruise to suit everyone.

The larger of the two lakes, Lake Thun stretches 17.5 kilometres (10.8 miles) from Interlaken to Thun.   

Lake Thun boat tours call at Oberhofen and Spiez where you can disembark to see the impressive castles, or you hop off at St. Beatus Caves to explore the network of caverns, stalactites and stalagmites, before rejoining a later service.   

If you are short on time and don’t wish to disembark enroute, the cruise from Interlaken to Thun – or vice versa – takes just over two and a half hours.  The boat pier is located by the Interlaken West train station.

The return journey can be taken by boat (subject to the timetable) or train.

Boat trips on Lake Brienz stop at the pretty village of Iseltwald and at Giessbach Falls before continuing on to Brienz, well known for its wood carving. If you choose to disembark at Giessbach Falls, you can take a funicular to the Giessbach Hotel for lunch or a snack and view the magnificent waterfalls.

You can reach Brienz from Interlaken by boat in 75 minutes. The boat pier is located beside Interlaken Ost train station and, just like the boat trips on Lake Thun, the return journey can be made by boat or train.

Lake Brienz boat trips operate from April to October only.

Why not make your day out extra special by including a ride on the Brienzer Rothorn steam train when you reach Brienz?

Interlaken Lake Thun cruise day pass 

This Interlaken cruise pass allows you to travel all day on Lake Thun, plus Lake Brienz if you travel between early April and mid-October. As you travel over the water you can see pretty Swiss villages with traditional chalets and snow-capped mountain peaks.  

> Click here to book this Lake Thun boat day pass

Lake Brienz cruise day pass

Between early April and mid-October, a day pass is also available for Lake Brienz. Regular services connect Interlaken and Brienz with stops at Iseltwald and Giessbach Falls, making this one of the most popular boat tours Interlaken has to offer.

The cruise day pass is essentially a self-guided ‘tour’ giving you the flexibility to hop on and off as you wish. 

> Click here to book this Lake Brienz boat day pass

Lake Zurich cruises

Imagine commuting to work in Switzerland’s largest city across a tranquil lake with the spectacular Swiss Alps as a backdrop!  Many folks in Zurich do just that and you can experience this serene way to travel too!

The city of Zurich sits at one end of the 40-kilometre (25-mile) long banana-shaped Lake Zurich, and there are numerous different cruises available depending on how much time you have available.

The Lake Zurich Navigation Company operates 17 different ships – including two paddle steamers – with round trip cruises ranging from 90 minutes to 4.5 hours in duration. 

One of the most popular boat trips is from Zurich city to the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg which takes just 27 minutes. 

The boat trip from Zurich to Rapperswil is another I personally recommend. Rapperswil, known as the City of Roses, is well worth visiting and is a relaxing two hour boat ride from Zurich. 

Make it a full day’s excursion by cruising both ways or travel by train one way (40 minutes) and boat the other.  Both modes of transport are free with your Swiss Travel Pass .

The Zurich boat pier is located at Bürkliplatz. 

3.5 hour Zurich sightseeing tour with cruise 

This Zurich lake cruise price covers a boat trip across Lake Zurich as well as guided tours of the city on foot and by bus. As you glide across the water, your guide will tell you all about the history and famous sights of Switzerland’s biggest city. 

> Click here to book this Lake Zurich cruise

Lake Lugano cruise

Fringed with palm trees and framed by surrounding Alps, there’s a real Mediterranean vibe around Lake Lugano.

The lake is shared between Switzerland and Italy and cruises and boat trips on the lake offer the chance to visit both countries. 

Popular cruise destinations include the villages of Morcote, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland, the fishing village of Gandria and Cassarate where passengers can disembark and take the funicular to Monte Bre.

Lunch and dinner cruises are also available.

Cruises on Lake Lugano operate from April to October.  The boat pier can be found at Lugano Centro.

4.5 hour Monte Bré trip via Lake Lugano

This four-and-a-half hour trip includes a scenic boat ride from Lugano to Cassarate, a small harbour town. A picturesque return journey on the funicular railway to Monte Bré is also included, as is a visit to the Museum Wilhelm Schmid. You can then walk or take a bus back to Lugano. 

> Click here to book this Monte Bré day trip with cruise

3 Lakes cruises – Neuchâtel, Biel and Murten

The Three Lakes area encompasses Lakes Neuchâtel, Murten and Biel/Bienne in the Jura region in Switzerland’s west. This area has a gentle landscape awash with Swiss farmland and rolling vineyards, and also connects with the Aare River. 

Cruises operate on all three lakes and passengers can choose from cruises on just one lake, two or three as the lakes are connected by canals.  Lake Biel Navigation Company operates the boat trips on Lake Biel, whilst Lacs de Neuchâtel et Morat offer cruises on Lake Neuchâtel and Murten.

On Lake Biel/Bienne, the village of Ligerz and St. Peter’s Island are popular places to disembark and stroll around.  The medieval town of Murten (on Lake Murten) and the well-known wellness town of Yverdon-les-Bains (Lake Neuchatel) are other much-visited cruise destinations.

You can take a Three Lakes cruise from Biel to Erlach to Murten lasting for a little over three hours. It’s free with the Swiss Travel Pass – as is the epic 8-hour cruise that operates on special occasions.

Lunch and dinner cruises, as well as theme cruises are available.

In total, there are 28 landing stages on the three lakes which can be found in the cantons of Neuchatel, Fribourg , Vaud and Bern.

A fleet of seven vessels operate on the Three Lakes, including the only lake and river steamer in Switzerland.  Cruises are from Spring to Autumn (Fall).

Planning a trip to Switzerland? At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers. Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide. 🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭

Lake Constance cruises

Bordering three countries – Switzerland, Austria and Germany – Lake Constance, or Bodensee as it’s known in German, is fed by the Rhine River. It’s also the third largest freshwater lake in Central Europe.

From the Swiss shores of Lake Constance it’s possible to cruise to the German side in around one hour. Routes include Romanshorn to Friedrichshafen and Rorschach to Lindau .

Travel on these routes is not fully covered with the Swiss Travel Pass but a 50% discount applies to pass holders.

Rhine River cruises

If you would prefer to experience a Switzerland river cruise there is the possibility to take a boat trip on the Rhine. The Rhine River originates in the Swiss Alps so it’s only natural that a cruise on this majestic waterway is popular with visitors.

Options include a cruise between Schaffhausen and Kreuzlingen which takes around four hours, or from Basel to Rheinfelden.  Further details can be found below.

Rhine River cruise from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen

This route takes you from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen with numerous stops along the way.  Two towns worth disembarking at are Diessenhofen, which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland organisation, and Stein am Rhein, a pretty medieval town with an attractive Old Town.

Find out more about this cruise here . 

Rhine River cruise from Basel to Rheinfelden

Despite being located in a landlocked country, Basel has something of a maritime air due to the fact that it’s at the mouth of the mighty River Rhine. Local company Basler Personenschifffahrt operates boat trips from Basel to Rheinfelden between March and October. 

These boat trips last for about four hours and you can see various Basel landmarks. You should even be able to make out parts of Germany and France as you glide across the water, and you’ll also pass a couple of major locks, namely Birsfelden and Augst. 

Cruises and boat trips in Switzerland: Useful things to know

If you’re interested in taking trips around Switzerland by boat or cruising the lakes or the Rhine, there are some useful facts worth knowing to help you plan your trip. 

Swiss Travel Pass

The first thing to consider when planning any trip to Switzerland is the purchase of a Swiss Travel Pass . As mentioned above in various sections, the pass covers boat trips on the major lakes in the country.

A Swiss Travel Pass also gives the holder free public transport in all Swiss destinations, plus some cogwheel, funicular and scenic railway routes. Entry to hundreds of museums is also included. 

Alternatively you could buy a Swiss Half Fare Card to receive 50% off the price of boat trips. 

Learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card in this article . 

1st and 2nd class travel in Switzerland

Swiss public transport such as trains and some boats includes first and second class travel options. You can select either option when buying individual tickets or passes. On boats, the first class section is usually found on the upper deck. 

First class carriages are generally more spacious and private, and may give you better views over the landscape. This option is ideal for the trip-of-a-lifetime or honeymooners, as well as those who don’t mind paying more for a bit of extra space.

Swiss boat piers

As they form such an important part of the Swiss public transport network, boat piers in Switzerland are often located right next to the train station. This allows for seamless travel via several modes of transport – and makes it easier for visitors to find them. 

Restaurants on Swiss boats

A number of Swiss ferries and boats have on-board eateries, making it convenient to dine while you travel. 

Swiss boat timetables 

You can find timetables for each Swiss boat operator via their websites or on the Swiss Federal Railways website sbb.ch or the SBB app. Do bear in mind when planning your trip that some services may be seasonal: this particularly applies to funicular and cogwheel railways, cable cars and boats. 

Swiss lake names – See, Lac or Lago

Switzerland has four official languages – German, French, Italian and Romansch – and therefore you’ll notice the word for lake differs depending on which language-speaking region you are in.

In German-speaking Switzerland, the word for lake is see so Lake Zurich is called Zürichsee whilst Lake Thun is Thunersee, and so on.

In Geneva and the Three Lakes Region where French is the local language, Lake Geneva is referred to as Lac L é man and Lake Neuchâtel as Lac Neuchâtel .

Lake Lugano, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, is called Lago Lugano .

Lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland: Final thoughts

Whether you opt to take a boat trip to help make your Swiss journeys more seamless or more scenic, there are so many possibilities to enjoy a Switzerland cruise. 

The abundance of lakes and rivers here makes the journey all part of the experience – not least when you have soaring peaks, rolling hills, undulating vineyards, lush meadows, Alpine chalets and crystal clear waters as the picturesque backdrop. 

Switzerland Travel Essentials

Private Transfers

Rail Packages

Self-Drive Packages

Accommodation

Sightseeing.

Jungfrau Travel Pass

Berner Oberland Pass

Group Tours

Private Tours

Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

Episode 43: Decadent must-have Swiss chocolate experiences

Episode 44: Breathtaking boat trips to enjoy in Switzerland

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Are you planning a boat trip and would like to get an overview of the fares for a cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz? Whether a trip as an individual, group or school – below you will find all relevant price information you need.

Fares for cruises on Lake Thun & Lake Brienz

Fares_Lake-Cruises_2024.pdf

Ticket overview

Frequently asked questions

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.

Are group discounts available?

For groups of 10 people or more, we offer a discounted group rate (30% reduction on the single-person rate). To claim the discount, the group ticket must be purchased and paid for by one person and a reservation is required.