Boat Cruise in Interlaken Unlimited Day Pass

The best part of this Interlaken day pass is that the lakes become your route, not just scenery behind the town. You can board scheduled boats at several points on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, ride as far as you like, then get off to explore a stop before catching another boat.

I like the freedom to shape the day around the weather and the mountain views from the water, and I like that the pass includes a train ride between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. One caution: a full circuit of both lakes may not fit comfortably into one day, especially when autumn and winter schedules are reduced.

What to know before you board

• Two lakes, one flexible pass: The selected day pass covers unlimited scheduled boat journeys for that day.
• Several places to start: Main departure points include Thun, Interlaken West, Interlaken Ost, and Brienz, with boarding possible at stops along the route.
• Train transfer included: The pass includes the train ride between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost.
• Timetables matter: Sailings vary with the season, and schedules can change with weather or traffic. Check the timetable before you plan your route.
• Bring a windbreaker: The open deck is a fine place to take in the views, but it can feel breezy.
• Plan for a possible ticket scan hiccup: Have your mobile voucher ready, and tell staff you have a one-day pass if the QR code does not scan.

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A boat pass that turns the lakes into your itinerary

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Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Bernese Oberland mountains rising beyond both. A boat pass lets you take in that setting at a slower pace than a quick photo stop: you can ride for the views, use the boat to reach a lakeside stop, or combine a cruise with time ashore.

The key word is scheduled. This is not a private boat or a guided excursion with a fixed group itinerary. BLS AG operates the course ships, and you choose which departures and stops fit your day. That makes the pass useful for independent planning, but it also puts the timetable in charge.

You can start in Thun, Interlaken West, Interlaken Ost, or Brienz, depending on the pass option you choose. You can also board or get off at stops along the route. The pass is valid for one specified date, so you will want to settle on a realistic plan before buying rather than treating it as a ticket you can save for another day.

Lake Thun and Lake Brienz from the water

The appeal of Lake Thun is the change of view as the boat moves along the shore, with the surrounding mountains and lakeside scenery opening up from the water. Lake Brienz offers a quieter-feeling stretch of lake and another perspective on the same broader region. The boat itself gives you a comfortable seat for scenery that you might otherwise only see in passing from shore.

You can make the ride the main event, or treat it as transport between places where you want to spend time on land. The pass specifically allows you to stop along the route, then continue on a later scheduled boat. That flexibility is its strongest feature: you do not have to commit to a single out-and-back ride.

A meal or a drink can make a long sailing feel like part of the outing, but catering is not included in the pass. Food and drinks may be available to buy on board, though availability and choice are not specified. If you prefer a shore-side break, the pass also leaves room for a walk along the lake before you continue.

What a day on the pass can look like

The advertised route can begin at Lake Thun and return to Interlaken West, or be done in the opposite direction. It also mentions Lake Brienz, with the broader pass covering scheduled boat journeys on both lakes. Treat that as flexibility across the day, not a promise that every route will fit into a single outing.

Before leaving, look at the current timetable and decide which lake matters most to you. Then check whether your chosen departure connects sensibly with the next boat you want to catch. The supplied schedule information is limited, and the return entry of 01:15 does not by itself establish the full duration of the outing. Use the official timetable for actual departure and arrival times.

If you want to see both lakes, make a rough priority list. Choose a must-do sailing first, then add the second lake only if the day’s departures leave enough time. One practical issue is that a boat pass does not make the lakes closer together, and a full day of connections can leave little time to linger ashore. A shorter plan with one lake and an enjoyable stop may feel more rewarding than racing to tick off both.

The included train ride between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost helps bridge the two Interlaken departure areas. It is a useful detail if you are planning around a boat leaving from one station area and returning to the other. Do not assume the train removes the need to check timings, though: the boat schedule still sets the pace.

Choose your lake before choosing your pace

If you have limited time, think about whether the day is mainly about a long scenic ride or about making several stops. An out-and-back sailing is simple to plan and gives you a generous stretch of views without juggling too many connections. A hop-on, hop-off approach can be more varied, but depends on the frequency of boats and how long you want to spend ashore.

The two-lake option sounds especially appealing, but it is not automatically the best choice for every day. Sailings are reduced in autumn and winter, and one full day may not be enough to cover both lakes at a relaxed pace. In those months, choose a main lake, check every connection, and keep some breathing room in your plan.

Weather and traffic can affect the schedule, so avoid building the day around a very tight final connection. If a delay would cause a problem, leave time for a change of plan. The pass gives you freedom to choose among scheduled journeys, not control over the sailing timetable.

The ticket, the boat, and a little preparation

The mobile voucher is the ticket format described for this pass. Keep it ready when boarding and let the staff know you have a one-day pass. QR-code scanning has not always been straightforward, although staff may recognize the voucher even when a scanner does not cooperate. A calm, clear explanation can save time at the gate.

Bring a windbreaker if you plan to spend time on the outside deck. Even on a pleasant day, the open-air ride can feel cooler than time on shore. The boat is the point of the outing, so a layer you can put on or take off is more useful than dressing only for the weather at the dock.

Food and drinks are not included. You may be able to buy them on board, but if you want a specific meal or need to keep costs predictable, plan accordingly. The pass price covers transport by scheduled boat, not catering or personal expenses.

The activity is listed as wheelchair-accessible. On scheduled BLS course ships, wheelchair users can access the main deck, which is second class, and wheelchair-accessible toilets are available. On MS Stadt Thun and MS Berner Oberland, a lift provides access to the upper first-class deck, but it does not accommodate electric wheelchairs. If a particular ship or deck is important to your plans, check the current operating details before you go.

The minimum age is six. Children aged 16 and over pay the adult rate. If you are using a Swiss Half Fare Card ticket, bring both a valid card and identification for boarding.

Is the day pass worth the price?

The listed starting prices are not consistent: one price is shown from $55.39, while the package information gives a starting price of US$50.35 for the Lake Thun and Lake Brienz day pass. Check the price shown at checkout for your travel date and option.

The value comes from how much you use it. If you plan several scheduled boat journeys, or want the option to get off and continue later, the pass can be more convenient than arranging each ride separately. If you only want one short crossing, unlimited access may not offer much extra value. Compare the pass price with the specific route you expect to take before deciding.

You are also paying for time on the lake, not just a transfer. The ride itself is the attraction: the views are the reason to choose the boat over simply moving between towns. If you enjoy a slower day and can work with the schedule, that makes the pass easier to justify. If you want a packed list of stops on both lakes, the timetable may limit what you can reasonably do.

Who will enjoy this most?

This pass suits independent visitors who like to set their own pace, want to see the Bernese Oberland from the water, and are happy to plan around scheduled departures. It is especially useful if you expect to make more than one boat journey or want the option to pause along the way.

It is less suitable for anyone who needs a tightly timed, guided day with a guaranteed sequence of stops. There is no guide named or described, and the trip is self-guided. If your day is short, or you are visiting in a season with fewer sailings, choose one lake as your priority rather than counting on a comprehensive circuit.

I would book it for an unhurried day with a flexible plan, especially if the boat ride itself is part of what you want from Interlaken. Before you commit, check the latest timetable, confirm which lake option you are buying, and make sure the price matches your intended route. If the schedule leaves room to stop and enjoy the shore, the pass offers a lovely way to see the region without turning every view into a quick stop.

FAQ

Does the day pass cover both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz?

The two-lake option is described as allowing unlimited scheduled boat journeys on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz for one day. Check that you select the two-lake option when booking.

Where can I board?

Main departure points include Thun, Interlaken West, Interlaken Ost, and Brienz, depending on your selection. You can also board at stops along the route.

Can I get off along the way and continue later?

Yes. You can board or stop at various points along the route and continue on another scheduled boat.

Is the train between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost included?

Yes. The pass includes a train ride between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost.

Is food included?

No. Catering is not included. Food and drinks may be available to purchase on board.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker for time on the outside deck. If you are using a Swiss Half Fare Card ticket, bring your valid card and identification.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?

The activity is listed as wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchair users can access the main deck on scheduled BLS course ships, and accessible toilets are available. The upper deck lift on MS Stadt Thun and MS Berner Oberland does not accommodate electric wheelchairs.