Dampfschiff Lötschberg auf dem Brienzersee bei Giessbach
Special offers

Explore'n'Rail Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

Experience Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes at an affordable price

Cast off and leave the daily grind behind: Enjoy a relaxing day on the two turquoise-blue lakes in the Bernese Oberland. With the day pass for Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, or optionally just for Lake Brienz, you can enjoy flexible boat trips on numerous routes.

During the journey, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of charming lakeside towns, the impressive Alpine backdrop, and historic castles. The boat trip can be perfectly combined with other highlights, such as an excursion to the Brienz Rothorn, the Niederhorn, or the St. Beatus Caves.

If you travel by train, you can plan your boat trip independently of your departure and arrival points.

10% discount on the day pass

Take advantage of a 10% discount on the day pass for Lake Thun and Lake Brienz or just for Lake Brienz when you purchase your outward and return journey by public transport at the same time.

Tageskarte Thuner- und Brienzersee Day pass Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

Tageskarte Brienzersee Day pass Lake Brienz

Highlights

  • Boat trips on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with views of the Bernese Alps

  • Flexible day pass for both lakes or, alternatively, just for Lake Brienz

  • Charming lakeside towns, castles, and nature experiences along both lakes

  • Convenient travel by train, with boat stations located near the train stations

Savings offer

You can benefit from the discount when you travel there and back by public transport using any ticket or travelcard, e.g. a standard public transport ticket, a Day Pass, a supersaver ticket, a Regional Travelcard, a Half Fare Travelcard or a GA Travelcard.

RailAway hit: 01.–30.04.2026

  • 50% discount on the day pass for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun or for Lake Brienz only

RailAway offer: 01.–31.05.2026

  • 10% discount on the day pass for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun or for Lake Brienz only

RailAway hit: 01.–30.06.2026

  • 10% discount on the day pass for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun or for Lake Brienz only
  • up to 50% discount on your journey to selected boat stations: Thun, Spiez Schiffstation, Beatenbucht (See), Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen, Interlaken West, Interlaken Ost, Iseltwald (See), Bönigen or Brienz and back*

RailAway offer: 01.07.–31.08.2026

  • 10% discount on the day pass for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun or for Lake Brienz only

RailAway hit: 01.–30.09.2026

  • 10% discount on the day pass for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun or for Lake Brienz only
  • up to 50% discount on your journey to selected boat stations: Thun, Spiez Schiffstation, Beatenbucht (See), Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen, Interlaken West, Interlaken Ost, Iseltwald (See), Bönigen or Brienz and back*

RailAway offer: 01.–31.10.2026

  • 10% discount on the day pass for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun or for Lake Brienz only

RailAway hit: 01.–30.11.2026

  • 30% discount on the day pass for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun or for Lake Brienz only

RailAway offer: 01.12.2026–31.03.2027

  • 10% discount on the day pass for Lake Brienz and Lake Thun or for Lake Brienz only**

  
*Please note: The number of discounted tickets for public transport is limited each month. Once the 50% discount has been used up, the discount is reduced to 30%. Once the tickets with 30% have been used up, the price reduction is cancelled. The discounted public transport tickets are only available when booking online.

**The Lake Brienz day pass is valid from 3 April until 6 December 2026.

Places to see around Lake Thun

A boat trip on Lake Thun combines relaxation, a refreshing lake breeze, and breathtaking views of the Bernese Alps. During the trip, you’ll pass charming lakeside towns, vineyards, castles, and mountain panoramas. A particularly convenient feature: the boat terminals in Thun and Interlaken West are located right next to the train stations, making it easy to combine your train journey with a boat trip.

Discover nature and lakeside paths

Around Lake Thun, there are plenty of opportunities for walks, hikes, and swimming breaks. The lakeside path between Spiez and Faulensee is particularly popular, featuring beautiful stretches of shoreline, playgrounds, and views of the lake. Individual sections of the Panorama Loop Trail can also be easily combined with a return trip by boat.

Spiez–Faulensee lakeside path

Places to visit on Lake Thun

Lake Thun is the perfect destination for a variety of day trips. Popular destinations include the St. Beatus Caves, the Niederhorn, and the castles around the lake. Those interested in culture and history will find several castle complexes on Lake Thun, featuring parks, exhibitions, and stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Discover the St. Beatus caves

Discover the Niederhorn

Castles around the Lake

Several impressive castles are situated directly on Lake Thun and can easily be combined with a boat tour. Thun Castle, Oberhofen Castle, Hünegg Castle, Schadau Castle, and Spiez Castle offer insights into history, architecture, and regional culture. Depending on your route, it’s worth stopping for a stroll through the grounds, a visit to a museum, or a culinary break by the lake.

The castles of Lake Thun

Experience Lake Brienz

Lake Brienz captivates visitors with its turquoise waters and the stunning backdrop of the Bernese Oberland. On a boat cruise, you can experience the region from a particularly relaxing vantage point – passing steep mountain slopes, small villages, and idyllic lakeside scenery. The Interlaken Ost and Brienz boat docks are located near the train station and are easily accessible on foot.

Giessbach Falls and nature experiences

A special highlight on Lake Brienz is the Giessbach Falls. From the Giessbach See boat station, a path leads up to the waterfall and the historic Grandhotel Giessbach. The lakeside paths around Lake Brienz also invite you to take short hikes, for example from Iseltwald to the Giessbach Falls or from Niederried toward Interlaken.

Discover the Giessbach Falls

Brienz, Iseltwald and Bönigen

There are several towns around Lake Brienz that are perfect for a stopover. Brienz is known for its woodcarving tradition, its long lakeside promenade, and its characteristic wooden houses. Iseltwald is picturesquely situated on a peninsula on the left bank of the lake and offers peaceful spots right on the water. Bönigen is also worth a visit, with its historic village center and traditional houses typical of the Bernese Oberland.

Ballenberg Swiss Culture Park

At the Ballenberg Swiss Culture Park, you can experience Swiss culture and history up close. Over 100 original residential and farm buildings from various regions of Switzerland offer a glimpse into life in times gone by. Discover historic houses, stables, barns, and workshops; meet farm animals; and enjoy idyllic spots and cozy barbecue areas along the way.

Ballenberg Swiss Culture Park

Timetable Today (Wednesday) open

Boats on Lake Thun operate year-round.

Boats on Lake Brienz operate from 3 April to 6 December 2026.

How to get there

Getting to Lake Thun

Travel comfortably by train to Thun, Spiez, or Interlaken West. The Thun and Interlaken West boat terminals are located right next to the train stations. From the Spiez train station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the boat landing.

Getting to Lake Brienz

Travel comfortably by train to Brienz or Interlaken Ost. The boat stations are located right next to the train stations and are just a few minutes’ walk away.

No reviews 0 of 5 stars

Rate
Additional ratings

Location

Timetable
Similar offers
Special offers
Aarefahrt Solothurn Biel
Explore'n'Rail Aare trip Solothurn-Biel
Discover
Special offers
Drei Seen Fahrt Murten
Explore'n'Rail Three Lakes Cruise
benefit
Special offers
Schifffahrt Bielersee
Explore'n'Rail Two-Lakes Cruise
Benefit
Special offers
Kunstmuseum Basel
Art’n’Rail Art Museum Basel
discover
Offers nearby
Hiking & nature
Wandern auf dem Niederhorn
Hiking on the Niederhorn
Experience
Food & drink
Familie Niederhorn Kulinarik
Culinary delights on the Niederhorn
Savour
Leisure activities
Trotti-Bike am Niederhorn
Scooter biking on the Niederhorn
Experience
Special offers
Pärchen in den St. Beatushöhlen
Nature'n'Rail St. Beatus Caves
Visit
Newsletter
Download PDF
0 of 0 Media files