For travelers from Interlaken, a wonderful way to discover the beauty of the region is to take a boat trip. In doing so, they are spoilt for choice between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, whose landscapes take visitors’ breath away.
This article deals with the scheduled boats across the picturesque Lake Brienz and is intended to give you an impression of the incredible nature, the different landing places, as well as an overview of providers and offers. The combination of turquoise crystal clear waters and lush green mountains draws travelers from all over the world to Lake Brienz.
Why a cruise on Lake Brienz is an absolute highlight
A cruise on Lake Brienz in Lucerne is an unparalleled experience that cannot be missed when visiting this beautiful Swiss city. As one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, Lake Brienz offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
During the cruise will be the best way to admire the beauty of nature. The picturesque landscape with snow-capped peaks on the horizon and bright turquoise water, on which you sail along, takes the breath away from every visitor. The peaceful atmosphere of the place invites you to enjoy the beauty of untouched nature and relax.
You can choose from various ships with which you can take a cruise. One of the most famous shipping companies is BLS shipping, which includes the famous ship “Lötschberg”, which can accommodate 800 passengers.
During the cruise there is a possibility to visit and explore different towns and villages around Lake Brienz. For this, passengers always have about an hour. In addition to the old town of Lucerne, the Giessbach Falls, as well as the village of Brienz are also worth a visit.
Culinary delights are also not neglected during the trip. There are restaurants and bars that provide the travelers with delicacies and provide enough entertainment during the travel times.
In summer, additional evening cruises are offered. The setting sun highlights the picturesque landscape and makes the experience even more atmospheric and romantic.
Where can I get on the boat?
There are several landing stages around Lake Brienz from which you can board the ship. The main cruise ship pier is in the beautiful city of Lucerne, from where various ships depart. However, there are many other piers, including those in Brienz and Interlaken. The latter pier is located near the Interlaken Ost train station.
However, the exact departure times and landing places vary depending on the shipping company and the time of year. Therefore, it is advisable to find out in advance about the current schedules and departure points.
Where do you stop on your Lake Brienz cruise?
The cruise offers passengers the opportunity to visit towns and villages located around Lake Brienz and explore them for themselves. In doing so, passengers always have about an hour before the cruise continues.
Bönigen
Also in the south, near Interlaken is the picturesque village of Bönigen, which should not be overlooked next to the larger town. The small settlement is known for its breathtaking views of the lake and the idyllic surrounding landscape.
There are many interesting sights in Bönigen, including the lido. Here you can ideally relax, or jump into the water to cool off on hot summer days.
For nature lovers, this place offers wonderful hiking trails through forests, over meadows and gentle hills. Different viewpoints are worth every effort and take visitors’ breath away. Bönigen is a beautiful place that should not be missed on a cruise across Lake Brienz.
Iseltwald
The village of Iseltwald is located on the eastern shore of Lake Brienz and is known for its traditional wooden chalets. The village is surrounded by forests and mountains and offers a quiet and relaxing alpine atmosphere. Interesting sights include Seeburg Castle dating back to the 14th century, as well as the wooden church of St. Peter and Paul, which illustrates the traditional architecture of the region.
Like Bönigen, Iseltwald is an excellent destination for hikers and nature lovers, the surrounding landscape offers countless hiking trails that entice with spectacular views.
In addition, the place is a paradise for all water sports enthusiasts, besides the possibility to swim, you can also enjoy wonderful sailing, surfing and boating. The clear water makes Iseltwald an ideal place for water sports activities.
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Grand Hotel Giessbach and Giessbach Falls
As the name suggests, the next stop is in Giessbach, also on the eastern shore of Lake Brienz. It was built in the 19th century and is known for its breathtaking location and view.
Nearby are the famous Giessbach Falls, a must-see on a Lake Brienz cruise. Here, the water masses plunge into the lake from a height of 500 meters and offer visitors a spectacular natural spectacle. A hike from the Grand Hotel Giessbach allows travelers to experience the Giessbach Falls up close.
More detailed information and recommendations can be found in our detailed guide to the village of Giessbach, which also includes details about Hotel Giessbach and the surrounding area.
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Giessbach Falls: A must-see at Lake Brienz
Brienz and Brienzer Rothorn
The ship’s next stop is in Brienz, a charming village in the northeast of Lake Brienz. Brienz is known for its traditional woodcarving and idyllic surroundings, the turquoise water together with the surrounding lush mountains paint a fairytale picture.
The cruise across Lake Brienz is very often combined with a trip to the Brienzer Rothorn. Many visitors first enjoy the picturesque beauty of the lake from the ship, and then decide to climb the Rothorn in Brienz.
The Brienzer Rothorn rises as an imposing mountain behind Brienz. The most popular way to reach the Brienzer Rothorn is by historic steam train. From Brienz, it takes visitors to the top of the Rothorn, where you can enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Brienz.
For more information, check out our detailed guide to Brienz and the Brienzer Rothorn. The guide contains detailed information about the sights, activities and tips for your visit to this fascinating region on Lake Brienz.
Cruise tickets
Prices for a cruise on Lake Brienz can vary depending on the provider, season and type of cruise. One can choose from various types of tickets and classes,. The following table serves as a rough overview of the prices of the different tickets.
| Single trip (adult) | between 2 piers | 15-25 € |
| Round trip (adult) | entire circumnavigation of the lake | 30-40 € |
| Day ticket (adult) | unlimited rides for 1 day | 40-50 € |
| Premium class | different offers | variable |
Tickets for a Lake Brienz cruise can be purchased directly from the shipping companies or at the piers. The best known provider is BLS shipping, which offers various ticket options. Tickets can be purchased on site, but also online to ensure you get the date and seat you want.
In addition to one-way tickets, there is also the option to purchase day tickets or round trip tickets. The latter are especially recommended for cruises of longer duration. Day tickets are unlimited in the number of trips and thus allow spontaneous changes of plans. In addition, there is the possibility to purchase different combination tickets, which combine tickets for the cruise and tickets for different attractions, such as the trip to the Brienzer Rothorn.
The tickets are divided into different classes with different services. For example, some ships offer exclusive lounges or better seats for higher prices
The Brienzer Schifffahrt operates from the end of April to the beginning of October. However, the exact operating hours and schedules may vary, so it is advisable to obtain information from the shipping companies in advance.
Final thoughts
A boat trip across Lake Brienz takes every visitor’s breath away and should not be missed during a visit to this region. Different operators provide different offers and services. Many sights, among others Bönigen, Iseltwald or also the Giessbach Falls, can be visited and marveled at and make the cruise an unforgettable experience.
