The most beautiful boat trips in Switzerland: 14 tips for special boat trips on Swiss lakes and rivers

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Switzerland has no less than 1,500 lakes and a network of rivers with a length of 61,000 kilometres. So it’s hardly surprising that we’ve made one or two boat trips in Switzerland in recent years.

And I can anticipate one thing: the boat trips on this list are as diverse as the Swiss waters. From a breakfast cruise on the Rhine to a raclette chat on Lake Hallwil.

Here is the list of the 14 most beautiful boat trips in Switzerland for me:

Breakfast cruise on Lake Brienz: the boat trip with the “Captain’s Breakfast”

As we all know, the most important meal of the day is breakfast. This is also taken to heart on the boat trip from Brienz to Interlaken. In summer, the “Captain’s Breakfast” is served here on the regular scheduled ship, which leaves the port at 10:40 a.m.

With a travel time of 70 minutes, you not only have time to enjoy croissants, Ruchbrot, butter, honey, ham and cheese, but also the breathtaking mountain scenery around Lake Brienz.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: The mountain scenery and the radiant turquoise blue of Lake Brienz will amaze you – whether it’s sunny or rainy, whether it’s having breakfast or on another trip.

What you need to know: Breakfast costs 19 CHF, excluding the ticket price for the boat trip (2nd class regular, without Half-Fare travelcard: 32 CHF). The breakfast boat on Lake Brienz runs daily from Interlaken Ost from April to the end of October, and daily from Brienz from 26 May to 18 September. Timetable and detailed information can be found on the BLS website.

The most beautiful urban cruise with brunch in Switzerland – a trip on the “Rhystärn”

Would you like to enjoy the Basel skyline and its architectural highlights? This works particularly well on the modern and light-flooded ship “Rhystärn”. In summer, the “RHYBrunch” takes place on the passenger ship between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The ship docks every hour at the Basler Schifflände and lets passengers on and off. In addition to the ambience, the brunch scores with the focus on local products and the delicacies served on etagères!

What makes this Swiss shipping special: For me, the trip on the “Rhystärn” is THE urban shipping trip in Switzerland. Not only can you discover the city from a different (very cozy) perspective, but you can also combine the whole thing with a delicious brunch!

What you need to know: The “RHYBrunch” is available from April to the beginning of November. Brunch including round trip costs CHF 59 for adults and CHF 27 for children aged 6 and over. All current information can be found here.

The boat trip with the most extensive brunch – three hours on Lake Zug

You can also enjoy brunch on Lake Zug. And how! In the middle of the magnificent mountain scenery of Central Switzerland, a brunch in three acts is served on this course cruise.

On the drive along the Rigis to Arth, there is act 1: various breads, cereals, a cheese and meat platter and a fruit basket. Act 2 follows on the way back: hot dishes such as hash browns or scrambled eggs. Finally, in the third act, there is the dessert buffet.

Nothing stands in the way of a three-hour feast on Lake Zug.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: Enjoyment is very important. So you can not only enjoy the mountain scenery, but also a really varied buffet.

What you need to know: It is worth making a reservation, as the ship is rather small. The cost is CHF 93.10 for adults for brunch including round trip and CHF 46.90 for children aged 6 and over. GA travelcard and Half-Fare travelcard are valid and will be deducted from the price of the tour. For example, brunch with GA still costs 53.50 CHF. All details can be found on the page of Lake Zug shipping.

Brunch at MobiCat – a look into the future of shipping included

As we all know, all good things come in threes – and of course, the rule also applies to brunch cruises. The third brunch trip takes us to Lake Biel. This is where the MobiCat, a 100% solar-powered vessel, sails.

The ship departs every Sunday for the Lake Biel round trip including brunch. The fine buffet is a little smaller than on Lake Zug or the “Rhystärn”. On the other hand, the view and especially the technology of the MobiCat are fascinating. During the whole trip you can take a look at the technical data. Without the murmur of the diesel engine, you literally have the feeling of gliding across Lake Biel.

And don’t worry: thanks to the large storage tank, the MobiCat glides over Lake Biel even on cloudy days.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: Even though MobiCat has been around since 2001, you still have the feeling of getting a glimpse into the future of shipping. The combination of technology, fine buffet and dreamlike scenery around Lake Biel deserves a place on the list of the most beautiful Swiss boat trips.

What you need to know: The summer brunch at MobiCat takes place between June and the beginning of October. The departure point is the port of Biel. Adults pay 74 CHF for brunch including round trip, children from 6 years 36 CHF. All details and registration on the website of Lake Biel Shipping.

Boat trips on Lake Lugano – perfect to combine with a hike

Boat trips can be easily combined with extensive day trips. For example, at Lago di Lugano. Because here there are two circuits around Lake Lugano. But the boat trip alone was a bit too “comfortable” for me.

That’s why my tip: from Lugano up to Monte San Salvatore (on foot or by train) and from there to Morcote.

In Morcote, you can still jump on the circuit. At this point, another tip: Instead of going directly back to Lugano, take the boat trip to Porto Ceresio – so the most beautiful view of the pretty Morcote is included.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: On Lake Lugano there are a variety of possibilities to combine a hike with a boat tour.

What you need to know: The scheduled boat trips on Lake Lugano are free of charge with the GA travelcard, a trip from Morcote to Lugano (direct) costs 23 CHF, or with Half-Fare travelcard 11.50 CHF. You can find more information on the Società navigazione del lago di Lugano website.

The most beautiful boat trip that combines river and lake: a varied trip on the Untersee

Boat trips on the river and boat trips on the lake – this can also be combined. The Swiss Shipping Company Untersee und Rhein (URh) offers a scheduled boat that sails from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen / Konstanz.

On this trip, you have a wide variety of options: stay seated and enjoy the postcard scenery, hop from village to village or try out the “Ship & Fish” offer.

We also did the latter: The offer combines the day trip by boat with a good fish dish in a restaurant of choice.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: The combination of beautiful views of the shores of Lake Constance, the possibility of stopovers at various villages and the “Ship & Fish” offer – hardly any other boat trip can offer this.

What you need to know: The ships on the Rhine and Untersee sail from April to October, but only daily from June. A day ticket without discount costs 49.50 CHF. The “Ship & Fish” offer is available at a flat rate of CHF 69 (CHF 35 with GA travelcard) and can be redeemed daily, depending on the opening hours of the restaurant partners. Important: the restaurants must be reserved! Everything else can be found on the website of the Swiss Shipping Company Untersee und Rhein (URh).

Perfect for autumn days: a boat trip on Lake Walen

Only daylight saving time is shipping time? Far from it! Autumn days on the ship also have their charm – for example on Lake Walen. The region around Lake Walen is one of my favourite destinations for a quick autumn excursion from Zurich.

Also because there are a variety of autumn hiking opportunities here, which can also be combined with a relaxing boat trip. One of them: the themed hiking trail “das Linthwerk“. This leads from Näfels-Mollis to Weesen and brings you closer to the history of the almost 200-year-old Linth Canal.

In Weesen, the boat is waiting for you, with which you can either comfortably sail to the car-free wine village of Quinten or once along the lake to Walenstadt.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: The title says it all. A beautiful autumn day can be enjoyed particularly well on a boat trip on Lake Walen – also because of the magnificent fjord-like panorama.

What you need to know: Ships sail on Lake Walen all year round. This applies to the Murg-Au-Quinten-Murg route. The Weesen to Walenstadt route is operated from April to the end of October. Unfortunately, the GA travelcard and Half-Fare travelcard are invalid here. Day tickets are available for 29 CHF, the route Weesen to Walenstadt costs 18.40 CHF for adults. Click here for the timetable of the Walensee ship company.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a boat trip on Lake Greifensee

When you hear shipping and Zurich, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Lake Zurich. But in just 15 minutes by bus from Zurich, another lake can be navigated: the Greifensee. While Lake Zurich is almost “built-up” all around, Greifensee offers a view almost exclusively into the countryside.

Here the MS Stadt Uster sails around the Greifensee. In addition to the view of the “green”, there are some local wines to discover on the trip. The Greifensee Shipping Cooperative also regularly organises culinary trips and adventure trips.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: On Lake Greifensee, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city of Zurich and experience a boat trip in what feels like another world.

What you need to know: The MS Stadt Uster runs every Wednesday to Sunday from mid-April to mid-October. Mooring takes place (depending on the course) in Fällanden, Greifensee, Uster, Mönchaltorf and Mauer. The round trip costs 26 CHF without GA and Half-Fare travelcard – but both are valid. Tickets can only be purchased and paid for on the ship. All further details can be found on the website of the Greifensee shipping cooperative.

Boat trips on Lake Maggiore: Early morning to the Brissago Islands

The boat trip to the Brissago Islands has long since ceased to be an insider tip. On the contrary, the island’s popularity can be quite daunting. But cleverly planned, there is nothing to fear.

It is worth setting off early in the morning towards the Brissago Islands. From Ascona, two ships sail to the Brissago Islands. One trip leads directly to the islands, the other via Porto Ronco. If you buy your ticket at the ticket booth at the port of Ascona, there is no need to queue on the island.

On the island, the approximately two-hour tour of the botanical garden awaits you. If you still haven’t had enough, you can extend the excursion and, like us, then take the boat to Locarno, for example.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: The tours on Lake Maggiore can be optimally combined with excursions, for example with the visit to the Brissago Islands described above. This is a great way to go on fantastic day trips.

What you need to know: GA and Half-Fare travelcards are valid on scheduled cruises on Lake Maggiore. In addition to single journeys, a day ticket can also be purchased for CHF 37 or CHF 18.50 (with Half-Fare travelcard). Admission to the Brissago Islands costs CHF 7 for adults and free for children under the age of 16. The islands are open daily between April and October. You can find the details on the Ascona and Locarno website.

The insider tip for an after-work drink: The Short Lake Cruise on Lake Zurich

There are many addresses for an after-work drink in Zurich: Café des Amis, El Lokal, Kleine Freiheit, and so on. The alternative that few people have on their radar: the Short Lake Cruise on Lake Zurich. The small lake tour leads from Bürkliplatz to the height of Thalwil / Erlenbach and back from there. In addition, there is a menu with popular dishes at fair prices.

It is especially worthwhile when the evenings get shorter again. The last trip departs at 7:00 p.m. and greets you with a wonderful evening atmosphere including sunset.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: You can expect a real alternative to the “classic” after-work beer, which is also very decelerating.

What you need to know: The season on Lake Zurich lasts from the beginning of April to the end of October. The ZVV zone tickets are valid for boat trips. GA travelcard and Half-Fare travelcard are valid.

Cool off with atmospheric views: by boat across Lake Constance in the evening

It’s not only on Lake Zurich that you can enjoy the end of the day and the sunset on a boat trip. The whole thing can also be done (maybe even better) on Lake Constance. In July and August, the MS St. Gallen sails on a “Fyrobigfahrt” from Romanshorn, including a drink of your choice. In addition, various delicious appetizers are offered for an extra charge.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: It is the ideal boat trip for hot summer days. The trip promises not only cooling, but also atmospheric views over Lake Constance.

Good to know: Regular evening trips between Rorschach and Romanshorn are also a great way to end the day.

The boat trip with the most beautiful sunsets on Lake Thun

Fantastic panoramas, delicious dishes, cooling off and, from August, magnificent sunsets – all this is available on the evening boat trip from Interlaken to Spiez and Thun.

My tip, or rather my tips: Plan the boat trip from August. Then you can really enjoy the sunset on the ship. And if you want to try an à la carte dish or something from the “hot stone” during the colourful evening atmosphere, you should reserve a table in advance.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: On the one hand, the combination of culinary delights, panorama and sunset, on the other hand, because the evening trip can be perfectly combined with a day trip or even the breakfast cruise (see above) on Lake Brienz.

What you need to know: The sunset cruise on Lake Thun is a regular course trip. It runs from 26 May to 23 October. The “hot stone” is available from Monday to Saturday on the course, which departs from Interlaken at 6:10 p.m. You can find the details on the BLS website.

The atypical boat trip with culinary variety on Lake Hallwil

In a list that contains the words “most beautiful” and “Switzerland”, words such as “fondue” or “raclette” should not be missing. This also applies to the list of the most beautiful boat trips in Switzerland.

And if you’re counting on Lake Zurich or Lake Lucerne, you’re wrong. Because my tip for a raclette party on a ship leads to Lake Hallwil.

The local shipping company offers various culinary themed cruises: from the pasta boat to the sushi ship to the fondue and raclette fun. What sounds great in itself is rounded off by a truly dreamlike panorama.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: It is an atypical boat trip on an atypical lake. Also atypical, because the range of themed rides is really diverse and the trips take place all year round.

What you need to know: You can find out when which theme trip takes place in this overview from the shipping company Hallwilersee AG. The evening cruises start at 19:00. and last about three hours. The cost for our raclette party was 37 CHF, for children it is 18.50 CHF (excl. drinks). Tables must be reserved by 11:00 a.m. the day before. This can also be done online.

The romantic boat trip on Lake Lucerne

This list would hardly be complete without a boat trip on one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, Lake Lucerne.

Here, too, there are various “special ships” or themed cruises, such as the Fajita ship or a sunset cruise. But the jewel is probably the candlelight steamer. 

The steamship, built in 1901, provides a harmonious ambience for a romantic candlelight dinner. The boat starts with an aperitif before the ship departs. On the trip, a delicious 3-course meal with local products will be served. In the meantime, the ship sails comfortably for three hours from Lucerne via Vitznau to Beckenried and back to Lucerne.

What makes this Swiss shipping special: The combination of culinary delights, the beautifully restored steamboat and the views of Lake Lucerne – this is where you really get into a romantic atmosphere.

What you need to know: The candlelight steamer sails from July to November. Departure is at 20:00. The door opens 30 minutes earlier. The offer, including an evening cruise with steamboat, aperitif and 3-course menu, costs CHF 159 per person. The trip must be reserved, which is possible until 15:00 on the day of departure. More information and the current menu can be found on the website of the Lake Lucerne Shipping Company.