Attraction Ticket: Day Pass for Lake Thun&Brienz Boat Cruise

Travelers dreaming of pristine waters, mountain vistas, and charming lakeside villages will find this Day Pass for Lake Thun & Brienz a tempting way to explore the Bernese Oberland. With unlimited access to scheduled boat cruises on both lakes, this ticket promises a full day of picturesque scenery and relaxed exploration—without the hassle of multiple tickets or complicated planning.

From the crystalline turquoise waters of Lake Brienz to the scenic villages along Lake Thun, this experience offers flexibility and a chance to soak in Switzerland’s natural beauty at your own pace. However, it’s worth noting that the timetable can be tight, which might make it challenging to see both lakes thoroughly in one day. This experience suits travelers who love scenic cruising, spontaneous stops, and are comfortable managing their own schedule to maximize the views.

What we love about this experience includes the stunning vistas, the freedom to hop on and off, and the option to upgrade to first class for the best seat in the house. A possible drawback is the limited timetable, which might not align perfectly with your plans—especially if you want to squeeze in both lakes without rushing. This tour appeals most to those who value scenic flexibility and are keen to explore lakeside villages at leisure.

Good To Know

• Flexible itinerary allows you to cruise or stop at lakeside villages as you wish.
• Unlimited scheduled boat rides give you access to both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz on the same day.
• Upgrade to first class for panoramic views from the upper deck.
• Includes transfer in Interlaken via public bus or train for easy access.
• Timing can be tight; planning ahead helps make the most of the day.
• Ideal for lovers of scenic landscapes and spontaneous exploration.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Lake Thun & Brienz Boat Cruise

This self-guided experience is all about enjoying the stunning scenery of the Bernese Oberland at your own pace. The ticket grants you unlimited travel on scheduled boats on both lakes, with the flexibility to hop on and off as you please. Starting from Interlaken, a charming town with easy rail and bus connections, you’ll access the lakes via the designated stations—Interlaken West for Lake Thun and Interlaken Ost for Lake Brienz.

The day is split into two main cruise segments—each approximately two hours long—covering some of the most iconic views in Switzerland. From the boat, you’ll experience the crystal-clear waters and the surrounding mountain peaks, creating excellent photo opportunities that will make your friends envious.

Starting Point and Transfer Logistics

Your journey begins at BLS Schifffahrt AG’s Schiffstation in Interlaken. The boat departs from Interlaken West station for Lake Thun and from Interlaken Ost station for Lake Brienz. These are very accessible, making the experience seamless even if you’re arriving by train. One reviewer appreciated the smooth transfer, noting that the ease of access is a big plus.

Lake Thun Cruise

The first cruise takes you across Lake Thun, famed for its picturesque castles and villages. During the approximately two-hour journey, you’ll pass charming stops like Spiez and Thun itself, with opportunities to explore at your leisure. The landscape features rolling hills, vineyards, and historic towns, all framed by Bernese Alps.

Lake Brienz Cruise

Next, the cruise on Lake Brienz immerses you in the turquoise waters that almost glow under the sunlight. The route offers views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls, such as the famous Giessbach Falls. The roughly two-hour cruise allows you to enjoy the clean waters and perhaps even find a quieter spot to relax.

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Highlights of the Experience

Spectacular Scenery

The main draw of this tour is the breathtaking scenery. Reviewers consistently mention the crystalline waters of Lake Brienz and the mountain vistas visible from the boats. Sabrina from the United States highlighted the “lovely time” and the “beautiful scenery” on the lakes.

Freedom to Stop Off

Unlike guided tours with strict schedules, this pass offers the freedom to disembark in lakeside villages such as Interlaken, Thun, or Giessbach, then reboard at your convenience. Domenica from Australia appreciated this flexibility, calling it the “perfect way to see spectacular scenery” at her own pace.

Upgrade to First Class

If you want the best vantage points, the first-class upgrade is worth considering. From the upper deck, you get panoramic views that make every photo pop. Sabrina loved sitting at the front of the boat in first class, describing it as “simply beautiful.”

Transfer Convenience

The inclusion of public bus or train transfer in Interlaken simplifies logistics. This means you can start your day with minimal fuss and focus on enjoying the lakes.

Challenges & Considerations

Timetable Constraints

Several reviews point to the timing issues. Christine from France noted that the timetable makes it difficult to visit both lakes fully in one day, especially with summer schedules. Some travelers found that the cruise times are restrictive, and attempting to hop between lakes can feel rushed.

Hop-On, Hop-Off Limitations

One reviewer from Mexico mentioned that the hop-on, hop-off option isn’t as flexible as expected, implying that buying tickets directly at the ticket office might be more straightforward. It appears that the scheduled boats are the main option, and spontaneous stops may require some planning.

Cost vs. Value

At $145 per person, the price reflects unlimited cruise access on both lakes plus transfer. While the scenery alone makes this worth it, some travelers felt that if they only managed to see one lake, the experience might be less compelling for the price. The value is highest for those eager to cruise both lakes and explore lakeside villages.

What’s Included and How It Works

Your ticket includes day passes for both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz cruises, plus public transportation in Interlaken. You can check the schedule in advance—timing is key to maximizing the experience. The cruises are scheduled, so arriving early helps ensure you catch your preferred departure times.

The meeting point is at the BLS Schifffahrt AG station. From there, the boats depart regularly, and the self-guided nature of the trip allows you to tailor your day, whether you want a full cruise or quick stops.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for lakeside scenery lovers who enjoy a relaxed pace and spontaneous exploration. It’s perfect for travelers who value flexibility and are happy to manage their own schedule, especially if they want to visit multiple lakes or lakeside villages.

It suits photographers seeking stunning landscape shots, families wanting a leisure day on the water, and adventurers ready to hop off and explore charming spots along the lakes.

However, if your schedule is tight or you prefer guided tours with assured timings, you might find the timetable constrains your plans. Also, those wanting to visit only one lake might find the full value of the pass less compelling.

Final Thoughts

The Day Pass for Lake Thun & Brienz offers a scenic, flexible way to experience some of Switzerland’s most picturesque lakes. You’ll love the stunning views, the freedom to explore lakeside villages at your own pace, and the option to upgrade for the best vantage points.

While timetable restrictions and the cost may be considerations, the overall value for a day of cruising, sightseeing, and relaxing on Swiss waters is strong. It’s especially worthwhile for those eager to see both lakes in one trip, or for travelers who enjoy spontaneous sightseeing without strict schedules.

In the end, this experience captures the essence of Swiss lakes—serene, scenic, and beautifully accessible—and provides a memorable way to spend a day in the Bernese Oberland.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users? Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for all travelers to enjoy the scenery.

Can I cancel this experience? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is included in the ticket? The ticket includes day passes for scheduled cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, plus transfer in Interlaken via public bus or train.

How long is each cruise? Each cruise on the lakes lasts approximately two hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the views and relax.

Where do the boats depart from? The boats depart from Interlaken West station for Lake Thun and Interlaken Ost station for Lake Brienz.

Is it possible to do just one lake? Yes, but the pass offers unlimited access to both, so if you’re only interested in one, buying a single-lake ticket at the ticket office might be more economical.

Do I need to plan my own schedule? Yes, since it’s a self-guided experience, checking the timetable in advance helps ensure you make the most of your day.

Can I upgrade to first class? Absolutely; the first class upgrade provides better views from the upper deck, especially at the front of the boat.

Are meals or snacks included? No, meals are not included, but you can bring snacks or buy them in lakeside villages.

Is this experience suitable for families? Yes, it’s family-friendly, offering a leisurely way to enjoy the lakes and scenery together.

This detailed review should help you decide if the Lake Thun & Brienz Day Pass fits your Swiss adventure plans. Whether you’re after spectacular vistas or charming lakeside strolls, this experience offers a flexible, scenic day on Switzerland’s stunning waters.

You can check if your dates are available here: