Lake Brienz and Lake Thun: two boat trips in one go

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The summer temperatures of the last few weeks suggest that the days when we long for a fresh breeze to cool off are not far away. This pleasantly cool breeze awaits you, for example, on a boat trip on one of the two largest lakes in the Bernese Oberland – Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. But why only one boat trip when you could combine both lakes in one day? That’s exactly what we asked ourselves last year on a wonderful summer’s day and without further ado put together a “Two Lakes Tour” that was both refreshing and delicious.

Breakfast bliss on a boat trip on Lake Brienz

Our tour starts at the eastern end of the turquoise Lake Brienz – in Brienz. During the summer timetable from the end of May to mid-September, a regular scheduled boat departs here at 10:40 a.m. in the direction of Interlaken Ost, on which you can comfortably “zmörgälä”. In this respect, this excursion tip is not only for days when the thermometer will crack the 25 degree mark, but can also be carried out without any problems in rainy weather. Lake Brienz is fascinating in any weather!

A so-called “Captain’s Breakfast” is served, consisting of a crispy croissant, Ruchbrot, butter, jam/honey, ham and cheese as well as a glass of orange juice and a hot drink of your choice for a total of CHF 19 (excluding the ticket price for the boat trip from Brienz to Interlaken Ost, which costs CHF 32 in 2nd class (without Half-Fare travelcard)). The perfect meal for the almost 70-minute drive to Interlaken Ost.

Whether with or without coffee and croissants – the phenomenal mountain scenery to the left and right of Lake Brienz never ceases to amaze me. On the 10:40 a.m. course, hardly anyone disputes the most promising places on the sun deck. Since you are moving in the opposite direction of most shipping tourists, it is very quiet on board after the first landing stage (Giessbach See).

Interlaken – Excursion ideas for “between cruises”

After this extremely relaxed start to the summer day, we dock in Interlaken shortly before noon. Now you could take the next boat directly towards Thun, or you could plan a deliberate stop “between the lakes” and then sail towards the sunset with the scheduled boat departing at 6:10 p.m. But what do you do with four hours in Interlaken? We tested it for you and used the time for a detour to the Schynige Platte including a panoramic hike. This works out exactly in terms of time – but requires appropriate time management. Alternatively, the nearby Harder Kulm is a good option. And if you prefer to spend a few chill hours at the lake, I recommend a detour to the Bönigen lido.

Sunset cruise on Lake Thun

Shortly before 6:00 p.m. we are at the landing stage in Interlaken West. This is where the ships for Spiez and Thun dock and depart. We are in for a balmy summer evening – perfect for a sunset drive towards Thun. On our trip last summer, there was a selection of à la carte dishes. You can take a look at the current menu on the website of Schiffcatering Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. As a supplement to the à la carte offer, an additional culinary offer will be launched from Monday to Saturday with the “Hot Stone”. So if you know in advance that you don’t just want to enjoy the panorama on the sunset cruise, but also want to eat, we recommend making a table reservation in advance.

The boat trip from Interlaken West to Thun takes a good two hours – the scheduled arrival time in Thun is at 8:15 pm. In June, this is just a bit too early to experience the sunset on the ship. Therefore, my recommendation: plan this excursion in August, when the days are a bit shorter and the lighting mood is correspondingly more impressive. Experience has shown that the most colourful sunsets occur in September and October. In June and July, the focus is on the “cooling effect” after a hot summer’s day!

Practical tips for a trip with BLS Boat Trips on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

• The breakfast boat runs daily on Lake Brienz until 23 October.
• The breakfast boat is a normal scheduled boat connection, which can be used without the obligation to consume or without a special ticket. GA travelcard, half-fare travelcard, junior travelcard and children’s co-travelcard are valid.
• The sunset cruise on Lake Thun from Interlaken West to Thun is also a regular scheduled cruise that operates daily from 26 May to 23 October.
• The “Hot Stone” offer is offered on the 6:10 p.m. course (sunset cruise) from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays there is only the à la carte offer.
• You can find more summer excursion tips for Lake Thun and Lake Brienz here: beautiful evening cruises