Lake Brienz is a beautiful large lake, east of Interlaken. Enjoying a boat cruise is a wonderful way to see the mountains and cute villages without much work. It's a great choice for those who prefer not to hike or hikers that need a rest day.

Suggested Excursions

You can use the boat as part of day trip, visiting waterfalls and villages along the lake.

We suggest ride the boat from Interlaken to the Giessbach Falls. From the boat dock, you ride a funicular train up to a viewpoint over the falls and can optionally hike father along the roaring water. Learn more.

The boat also accesses the charming villages Iseltwald and Brienz, both worth a short stop for a stroll around the village and pictures at the lakeside.

Timetable

Boats run on Lake Brienz from mid April to mid October. In summer (mid May to mid Sept), there are six boats a day, three of which are the steamboats. In spring and fall, the schedule is limited to 4x per day. No boats in winter.

The full length of the lake takes about 1h15 mins, with 5-7 stops along the way.

See current timetable.

Steamboats!

If you have some flexibility in your schedule, we highly recommend taking the vintage Steamboats instead of the standard motor-powered boats. The steamboats are so charming and you can see the innerworkings of the engine, entertaining for all ages.

Check the schedule when steamboats are scheduled. In summer 2024, the steamboat leaves Interlaken Ost at 11:07, 14:07 and 19:07 (Sats only).

Cost

Boat rides on this lake are free with Swiss Travel Pass, Jungfrau Travel Pass, Bernese Oberland Regional Pass, Eurail, Interail, GA and Saver Day Pass. Discount with Swiss Half Fare Card.

Here are some sample fares from 2024 (adult full fare):

• Interlaken - Giessbach round trip: CHF 56/2nd class, CHF 192/1st class

• Interlaken - Giessbach - Brienz one way: CHF 28/2nd class, CHF 46/1st class (return by train CHF 8.60)

• Day pass for the boat: CHF 79/2nd class, CHF 119/1st class

You can buy tickets on the SBB mobile app, at machines or ticket office at the boat dock, or on board the boat.

• Book day pass for Lake Brienz & Lake Thun

1st vs 2nd class

Boat are one place I often like to upgrade to 1st class. In most cases, a 1st class ticket allows you to sit on the upper deck, with better views and nicer seating.

Themed cruises

The boat company also offers special lake cruises that include meals, like a Sunday brunch or dinner cruise, sometimes with entertainment. See current offers.

With children

The steamboats have a playroom for children, with toys and craft area with coloring page. This can be helpful if kids get board or unruly above deck. See example.