lake lucerne cruise free with swiss pass

Lake Lucerne Cruises

Whether on a historical steamboat, an innovative yacht or a modern catamaran: thanks to the diverse fleet of the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV), guests always glide over the water in style. And in the case of Swiss Travel Pass holders: even without a surcharge.

Idyllic coves and dramatic fjord-like rocky slopes, deep blue, crystal clear water, and a backdrop of snow-covered mountain peaks – it is no coincidence that Lake Lucerne, situated in the historically rich Swiss heartland, is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland.

In order to help guests enjoy the lake up close, the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV) offers a wide range of boat cruises on a regular basis – year-round. From a nostalgic paddle steamer to a luxurious motor vessel with underwater view, lake water foot bath and glass-domed gallery: There is something for every taste.

• Area:   114 km²
• Duration: from 1 to 5.5 hours
• Availability: Cruises on 365 days a year
• Examples for boat cruises (round trips): Panorama-Yacht Saphir, short Catamaran Cruise, big cruise Luzern–Flüelen–Luzern
• Onboard restaurants or bistrots with snacks on all scheduled boats (sole exception: only snack vending machines on the motor vessel Bürgenstock).
• Furthermore, bookable theme and evening cruises with special culinary offers are available (surcharge).
• Year-round operation
• Various cruises (round trips) from/to Lucerne between 1 h and 5 h 30 min in duration
• Boats headed for Vitznau (Rigi) cast off from pier 1; boats headed for Alpnachstad (Pilatus) cast off from pier 2; the Bürgenstock -shuttle cast s off from pier 3, and the Panorama-Yacht Saphir casts off from pier 7 (Schweizerhofquai)

Timetable SGV

• Scheduled boats are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and GA travel card
• Discount for holders of a Swiss Travel Pass on the one-hour cruise on the Panorama-Yacht Saphir
• Ticket counter and information desk at pier 1, opposite Lucerne main station

Reservation

• Groups (10 or more people): reservation at the restaurant and prior menu selection is required (no surcharge)

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Lakes & Mountains 2024

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Lake Lucerne Cruises - Central Switzerland

Leisurely cruises in beautiful surroundings.

Available: all year round (fewer services in winter).

Example travel costs

Tell Pass : FREE 

Swiss Travel Pass : FREE

Half Fare Card : 50% discount on the published fare

With plenty of scheduled boat services on Lake Lucerne, you can enjoy an outing on a motor-powered saloon vessel or on an elegant, restored paddle-wheel steamboat. Excellent dining facilities are available, as well as themed events and round trip excursions (half or full day trips). All tickets for these trips can be purchased locally from either the tourist office in resort, the local train station or directly at the boat station.

Get your holiday quotation today

Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at [email protected]

Classic cruises

Relax on a round trip on the lake and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Central Switzerland. See the historic sites along the bay of Lucerne or sail all the way to Flüelen and experience some of the most breathtaking panoramas anywhere in the Alps. The regular schedule of modern motor boats and five lake steamers can take you to the Museum Of Transport , Mount Rigi , Mount Pilatus , Stanserhorn , the Glass Factory , Klewenalp & Beckenried  and Seelisberg . 

Recently, the flagship Stadt Luzern steamer came back into service. Queen Elizabeth II travelled on this ship in 1980 and the 1st class Queen's Lounge has been named in her honour. 

Culinary cruises

Enjoy brunch on one of the lovely ships during the springtime or a spectacular summer lunch on the open deck. During autumn, exquisite wines are served to match the seasonal cuisine, while in the winter there are cosy late afternoon cruises with coffee and cake.

For a special treat, try the new Wine & Dine cruise. This 3½ hour round cruise from Lucerne takes place on Saturday evenings during the summer, aboard a restored steam boat. Enjoy the reception and apéritifs at 6.30pm, followed by a delicious multi course dinner and carefully selected accompanying wines. 

All culinary cruises should be pre-booked. 

Panorama Yacht 'Saphir'

Tour the magnificent bay of Lake Lucerne in the elegant ambience of an exclusive yacht. Sit back and relax on the custom-designed deck furniture, while the ship gently glides over the water. There is also an upper roof deck and a professional audio guide, providing interesting information about the passing points of interest and scenic highlights. Cruise lasts 1 hour and operate daily mid April-mid October.

MS Bürgenstock

This sleek new catamaran operates an hourly non-stop service between Lucerne and Kehrsiten, for Bürgenstock . On arrival, a restored funicular is waiting to whisk you up to the beautiful headland with its fantastic views.

The catamaran can comfortably carry up to 300 passengers in 1st and 2nd class, with inside and outdoor seating. Enjoy the views as you glide smoothly across the lake. 

Submarine dive

A unique experience, taking you to the very depths of Lake Lucerne!  Subspirit is a new company offering dives down to 100m in the lake. Glide gently down and see the wildlife that live in the crystal clear water; at the bottom you may even spot a wreck! The specialist crew will point out things of interest along the way, as well as explain the technical instruments and data on the submarine's dashboard. This one hour experience costs around 500 Sfrs per person.

The main boat station is located just opposite Lucerne train station, with several piers. All tickets can be purchased locally.

In the other resorts, the boat stations are easy to spot on the lakeshore with their large blue signs.

Please check before travel for maintenance closures. 

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on  0800 619 1200  or email us at  [email protected]

More excursions in the region

There are numerous wonderful days out to enjoy in this beautiful area. From incomparable mountain vistas to leisurely cruises on a nostalgic paddle steamer, walks through stunning scenery and a whole host of fabulous journeys on mountain railways, cable cars and funiculars.

Your choice of resorts

The heart of Switzerland is blessed with  beautiful lakes and mountains views.  You can choose to stay in charming Lucerne, from which it is all easily accessible, or opt for a more peaceful village beside the lake or up in the mountains.

Lake cruise video

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Lake Lucerne Pass

Description, 365 days free of travel on lake lucerne.

Your ticket to unlimited freedom on Lake Lucerne for a whole year! Discover our various subscription options.

The Lake Lucerne Pass not only gives you unlimited use of all all timetabled scheduled boats , but also includes a 1-hour round trip on the Panorama Yacht Saphir .

Lake Lucerne Pass – Ideal for individuals

Lake Lucerne - Pass DuoPlus – Ideal for families or multi-person households

Lake Lucerne - Pass Transferable – Ideal for companies or organisations

Lake Lucerne - Pass – Dog & Bike

Lake Lucerne Pass 1st class upgrade – Ideal SBB-GA holders 2nd class

- Please select the date from which your Lake Lucerne Pass should be valid.

- The Lake Lucerne Pass will be sent to you by post within 2-3 working days.

Contact Infos

Frequently asked questions.

The SGV annual pass (Lake Lucerne Pass) is valid on all scheduled scheduled boats and on the one-hour round trip on the Panoramic-Yacht Saphir. Examples: - All scheduled trips from Lucerne to Flüelen - All scheduled trips from Lucerne to Alpnachstad - All course trips from Lucerne to Küssnacht - All course journeys from Lucerne to Kehrsiten Bürgenstock (incl. Bürgenstock Shuttle) - All course journeys from Lucerne to Meggenhorn - 1-hour round trip on the Panoramic-Yacht Saphir - Culinary cruises, which operate as scheduled cruises: Lunch boat / Lunch steamer / Sunset cruise / Breakfast boat / Brunch steamer / Burger boat

The Lake Lucerne Pass has a production time of a few days. As soon as you have purchased it, you can travel freely with your receipt - regardless of whether you bought the Lake Lucerne Pass at a station, on the boat or via the webshop. After a few days, the annual pass will be sent to your home in credit card format.

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A guide to the Great Lake Cruise on Lake Lucerne

If you are anything like me, you love the water: lakes, rivers, oceans, pools, a puddle in the middle of a street. You get the idea.

Being around water soothes me, grounds me, and relaxes me. For my sanity, I need to be close to the water. No water, no Rex. I believe that Lake Lucerne is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. In fact, the lake is one of the chief reasons why I have moved here from Hawai'i.

How boat navigation on Lake Lucerne has changed over time

In the 1800s, boats on Lake Lucerne were mainly used for trade. Yet today, the ferries, steamboats, and passenger ships are both a tourist attraction and a way for local Swiss to commute.

Over time, the ports along Lake Lucerne have attracted hotels, restaurants, cafés, and shops. This added convenience is attracting ever more people to the water - and thus on board the boats.

In Switzerland, riding a boat is an exquisite way of exploring another canton. And especially for getting to a point across a lake, boats are often faster than trains and buses.

The Lake Lucerne Navigation Company operates most of the ships you see on Lake Lucerne. I can highly recommend trying their various experiences. Whether it is simply getting from Lucerne to Bürgenstock or taking your date on a sunset cruise, there are lots of memorable ways to be on the water.

Additionally, the company offers many varieties of boats to ride, from old paddle steamer boats to a state-of-the-art superyacht. All 19 boats, including five historic ones, offer something exceptional and unique.

The Great Lake Cruise on Lake Lucerne

On a lonely Saturday morning, I decide to do the Great Lake Cruise , a roundtrip journey from Lucerne to Flüelen and back. Lucky me: boat rides are included in my SBB GA pass (as well as in the Swiss Travel Pass). I pack my cameras and jump on the 09:12 AM “Gotthard” boat to Flüelen.

The Great Lake Cruise operates all year and requires roughly 5.5 hours. It starts in Lucerne in the morning and runs hourly from 9:12 AM until 1:12 PM. Of course, if your feet are getting antsy during the long ride, feel free to jump off along the way.

The towering Swiss Alps, views of rolling hills, old cottage homes, historic churches, and cafés with lakeside terraces invite you along the way.

I end up planting my feet for the entire ride, enjoying the ever-new vantage point from behind the window and from the deck.

The snow-capped Mount Pilatus looked his best:

Bürgenstock with its wooded slopes reminds me of an island in Southeast Asia.

As we get closer to Flüelen, the stark cliffs of Uri make for quite a contrast to the turquoise lake.

Before I know it, I have stayed for the entirety of the Great Lake Cruise! If the roundtrip seems excessively long, I still recommend taking the boat at least one way on a leisurely day. In this scenario, you could start either in Lucerne or Flüelen and ride the train back.

And some expert advice: embark on the Great Lake Cruise in the early morning. That’s because the lake will be mostly calm and void of most private boats.

More information about Lake Lucerne

Size: 114 km² Depth: 214 m

The most scenic parts of Lake Lucerne:

• Bay of Lucerne
• Bay of Gersau
• Kreuztrichter (the cross-shaped center part of the lake)
• Bay of Weggis
• Bay of Stans
• Bay of Horw
• Lake Alpnach
• Lake Küssnacht

Rex traded his surf shorts for scarves, poke for prosciutto, year long summers for four seasons, the ocean for lakes, and poi for cheese. If you haven't guessed, he is from Hawaii.

Rex is an IT administrator by trade but is finding himself behind a camera more and more and immersing himself in social media and marketing.

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Lake Lucerne cruises.

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A cruise on Lake Lucerne – the perfect summer experience for explorers and those who enjoy the finer things in life.

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Scenic lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland

With around 1,500 lakes in total, Switzerland is home to some sizable bodies of clear, sparkling water. Over 100 of these have a surface area exceeding 30 hectares. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French) is the largest of these, and is known all over the world. 

Many major European rivers also flow through Switzerland, so for a landlocked country there is a lot of water. Exploring these lakes and rivers can be a highlight of any Swiss vacation, but it goes way beyond that.

In Switzerland, taking journeys by boat is often a practical matter of getting from A to B. In addition to leisure trips operated by the likes of Lake Geneva cruise lines, there are public transport boats connecting destinations so a daily commute may involve travelling across the lakes or down the rivers. 

For the Swiss, in many instances the easiest way to get from one place to another is in fact by boat, so this is simply a way of life. Boat trips are therefore an essential part of the national transport system. 

As a visitor, you may be able to choose between taking a train and hopping onto a boat when planning how to get from one village, town or city to another.

A typical example is the trip between Bern and Interlaken, which can involve a cruise across Lake Thun. Though this is more time-consuming, it’s a great way to see more of the country while getting from one destination to another. 

This guide will take you through all you need to know about lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland – including scenic cruises typically taken by tourists as well as Swiss Travel Pass boat rides holders can take for free. 

From the famous shores of Lake Geneva to the River Rhine, these are the best boat trips in Switzerland. Which ones will you take? 

Top photo © Travel Switzerland

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

Handy tip: Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass can travel free on most lake cruises in Switzerland.  Simply present your valid Swiss Travel Pass at the ticket counter before boarding.  If you don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass, we have included links below to purchase tickets for individual cruises.

What's in this Article

Quick Summary of Swiss boat trips covered in this guide

Lake geneva cruises.

For many visitors, there’s no Switzerland cruise that is as highly anticipated as a Lake Geneva cruise.  As one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman as it is known in French), is located in western Switzerland.

Covering an area of 580km², the crescent-shaped lake is partly in Switzerland and partly in France and lies just north of the Alps.

Stretching from the westernmost point at Geneva to Montreux on the eastern shores, Lake Geneva is also at the feet of some other attractive Swiss cities and towns including Nyon, Lausanne and Vevey.

Above the latter two towns, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed terraced Lavaux Vineyards cover 800 hectares and make the ideal backdrop to the crystal clear waters of Lake Geneva.

The most popular routes among Lake Geneva boat tours include the cruise from Geneva to Lausanne, from Geneva to Evian-les-Bains on the French shore, and from Lausanne to Evian. Cruises to or from Geneva, Montreux or Vevey are also available. 

If you are planning to take one of the above Lake Geneva boat tours, Swiss Pass holders can travel for free whilst those without a Swiss Pass can buy a ticket at the boat pier.

Another option is to take the Yvoire boat from Geneva to visit this small, medieval French destination on the shores of the lake. Boats on this route also stop at Nyon, and you can find out more about this and other routes via the CGN website . 

There is also the option to book a dinner cruise on Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

Vessels operating on Lake Geneva include a fleet of Belle Epoque paddle steamers and modern motor boats.

Below you will find some of the most popular Lake Geneva boat cruises.

One hour sightseeing Lake Geneva cruise

This one hour boat ride on Lake Geneva is taken by many holidaymakers so they can see the city from the water. During this cruise you can see landmarks like the famous Jet d’Eau fountain, Mont Blanc and of course the mighty Swiss Alps. 

> Click here to book this Lake Geneva cruise in Switzerland  

Two hour Montreux cruise to Chillon Castle

If you’re staying in the Montreux area, this is a great choice amongst the options of Lake Geneva boat cruises. It takes in the majestic Chillon Castle, as well as the lake which was immortalised in Deep Purple’s song Smoke on the Water . The cruise takes place aboard a historic paddle steamer and there are fabulous views of the Swiss and French Alps. 

> Click here to book this Lake Montreux cruise

Three hour Riviera cruise from Lausanne

Departing from Lausanne, this three hour boat trip takes in the Lavaux vineyards,  Montreux, Chillon Castle and Vevey. 

> Click here to book this Swiss Riviera cruise

Two hour Lake Geneva cruise from Vevey

If the idea of spending two hours aboard a paddle steamer appeals, this trip departing from Vevey is recommended. You’ll travel on Lake Geneva to Montreux, seeing Chillon Castle and the French and Swiss Alps en route. 

> Click here to book this Vevey to Montreux cruise

Self-guided boat trip from Lausanne to Evian

This one day ticket allows you to take a boat trip whenever you please from Lausanne to the charming town of Evian-les-Bains. The journey takes 35 minutes each way and you can explore Evian’s historic Old Town and lakeside promenade after arrival. 

> Click here to book this Lausanne to Evian trip

Lake Lucerne cruises

At 38 kilometres long, Lake Lucerne may not be Switzerland’s longest lake but it is one of the most uniquely shaped. The lake has four distinct ‘arms’ and several sharp bends which makes a superb scene when viewed from one of the surrounding mountains such as Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus .

Officially called Vierwaldstattersee in German (which translates to ‘four forest sites’), the lake is shared between the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne.

When planning a lake cruise, Lucerne is the most popular starting point and there are numerous options to choose from.

You can take a cruise on Lake Lucerne that includes a three course gourmet lunch, hop aboard a luxury yacht for a scenic tour or take a journey across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau as part of a Mount Rigi day trip.

Other options include the Lucerne to Fluelen boat ride across Lake Lucerne, which is part of the Gotthard Panorama Express route. Find out more about this iconic journey via the Gotthard Pass in Switzerland in our dedicated guide here .  

From 2022, five paddle steamers will be in use every summer between late May and mid September. Travel on these Lake Lucerne steamers is also included with the Swiss Travel Pass (food and beverages are additional). 

As well as the paddle steamers and a fleet of modern motor boats, Lucerne is also home to MS Diamant , Switzerland’s first climate-neutral boat in regular service. The vessel is also the first Swiss hybrid boat in operation.

Popular Lake Lucerne cruises include:

Two hour Lake Lucerne cruise with lunch

This Lake Lucerne panoramic sightseeing cruise includes a gourmet lunch, so you’ll enjoy three delicious courses made from fresh local produce while admiring the mountainous Swiss landscape. Key Lucerne landmarks can also be viewed from the water.  

> Click here to book this lake cruise in Lucerne with lunch

One hour yacht cruise in Lucerne

Taking a trip aboard a panoramic yacht can help to make your stay in Lucerne truly memorable. The yacht will take you towards Meggenhorn Castle and includes views of upmarket homes, local landmarks and rolling green hills. This Lake Lucerne cruise is perfect for those who have limited time but don’t want to miss the experience of cruising on the tranquil waters.

> Click here to book this Lucerne yacht cruise

Self-guided Mount Rigi trip with lake cruise

The Lake Lucerne cruise price is included in this self-guided Mount Rig i day trip . You will also travel by train and cogwheel railway to reach the mountain summit. This trip to the Queen of the Mountains is not to be missed while in Switzerland. 

> Click here to book this Mount Rigi day trip ticket

Lake Thun & Lake Brienz cruises

Located either side of the holiday resort town of Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offer totally different experiences for those who’d like to cruise in the Bernese Oberland.

With a choice of both paddle steamers and modern motor boats, there is a cruise to suit everyone.

The larger of the two lakes, Lake Thun stretches 17.5 kilometres (10.8 miles) from Interlaken to Thun.   

Lake Thun boat tours call at Oberhofen and Spiez where you can disembark to see the impressive castles, or you hop off at St. Beatus Caves to explore the network of caverns, stalactites and stalagmites, before rejoining a later service.   

If you are short on time and don’t wish to disembark enroute, the cruise from Interlaken to Thun – or vice versa – takes just over two and a half hours.  The boat pier is located by the Interlaken West train station.

The return journey can be taken by boat (subject to the timetable) or train.

Boat trips on Lake Brienz stop at the pretty village of Iseltwald and at Giessbach Falls before continuing on to Brienz, well known for its wood carving. If you choose to disembark at Giessbach Falls, you can take a funicular to the Giessbach Hotel for lunch or a snack and view the magnificent waterfalls.

You can reach Brienz from Interlaken by boat in 75 minutes. The boat pier is located beside Interlaken Ost train station and, just like the boat trips on Lake Thun, the return journey can be made by boat or train.

Lake Brienz boat trips operate from April to October only.

Why not make your day out extra special by including a ride on the Brienzer Rothorn steam train when you reach Brienz?

Interlaken Lake Thun cruise day pass 

This Interlaken cruise pass allows you to travel all day on Lake Thun, plus Lake Brienz if you travel between early April and mid-October. As you travel over the water you can see pretty Swiss villages with traditional chalets and snow-capped mountain peaks.  

> Click here to book this Lake Thun boat day pass

Lake Brienz cruise day pass

Between early April and mid-October, a day pass is also available for Lake Brienz. Regular services connect Interlaken and Brienz with stops at Iseltwald and Giessbach Falls, making this one of the most popular boat tours Interlaken has to offer.

The cruise day pass is essentially a self-guided ‘tour’ giving you the flexibility to hop on and off as you wish. 

> Click here to book this Lake Brienz boat day pass

Lake Zurich cruises

Imagine commuting to work in Switzerland’s largest city across a tranquil lake with the spectacular Swiss Alps as a backdrop!  Many folks in Zurich do just that and you can experience this serene way to travel too!

The city of Zurich sits at one end of the 40-kilometre (25-mile) long banana-shaped Lake Zurich, and there are numerous different cruises available depending on how much time you have available.

The Lake Zurich Navigation Company operates 17 different ships – including two paddle steamers – with round trip cruises ranging from 90 minutes to 4.5 hours in duration. 

One of the most popular boat trips is from Zurich city to the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg which takes just 27 minutes. 

The boat trip from Zurich to Rapperswil is another I personally recommend. Rapperswil, known as the City of Roses, is well worth visiting and is a relaxing two hour boat ride from Zurich. 

Make it a full day’s excursion by cruising both ways or travel by train one way (40 minutes) and boat the other.  Both modes of transport are free with your Swiss Travel Pass .

The Zurich boat pier is located at Bürkliplatz. 

3.5 hour Zurich sightseeing tour with cruise 

This Zurich lake cruise price covers a boat trip across Lake Zurich as well as guided tours of the city on foot and by bus. As you glide across the water, your guide will tell you all about the history and famous sights of Switzerland’s biggest city. 

> Click here to book this Lake Zurich cruise

Lake Lugano cruise

Fringed with palm trees and framed by surrounding Alps, there’s a real Mediterranean vibe around Lake Lugano.

The lake is shared between Switzerland and Italy and cruises and boat trips on the lake offer the chance to visit both countries. 

Popular cruise destinations include the villages of Morcote, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland, the fishing village of Gandria and Cassarate where passengers can disembark and take the funicular to Monte Bre.

Lunch and dinner cruises are also available.

Cruises on Lake Lugano operate from April to October.  The boat pier can be found at Lugano Centro.

4.5 hour Monte Bré trip via Lake Lugano

This four-and-a-half hour trip includes a scenic boat ride from Lugano to Cassarate, a small harbour town. A picturesque return journey on the funicular railway to Monte Bré is also included, as is a visit to the Museum Wilhelm Schmid. You can then walk or take a bus back to Lugano. 

> Click here to book this Monte Bré day trip with cruise

3 Lakes cruises – Neuchâtel, Biel and Murten

The Three Lakes area encompasses Lakes Neuchâtel, Murten and Biel/Bienne in the Jura region in Switzerland’s west. This area has a gentle landscape awash with Swiss farmland and rolling vineyards, and also connects with the Aare River. 

Cruises operate on all three lakes and passengers can choose from cruises on just one lake, two or three as the lakes are connected by canals.  Lake Biel Navigation Company operates the boat trips on Lake Biel, whilst Lacs de Neuchâtel et Morat offer cruises on Lake Neuchâtel and Murten.

On Lake Biel/Bienne, the village of Ligerz and St. Peter’s Island are popular places to disembark and stroll around.  The medieval town of Murten (on Lake Murten) and the well-known wellness town of Yverdon-les-Bains (Lake Neuchatel) are other much-visited cruise destinations.

You can take a Three Lakes cruise from Biel to Erlach to Murten lasting for a little over three hours. It’s free with the Swiss Travel Pass – as is the epic 8-hour cruise that operates on special occasions.

Lunch and dinner cruises, as well as theme cruises are available.

In total, there are 28 landing stages on the three lakes which can be found in the cantons of Neuchatel, Fribourg , Vaud and Bern.

A fleet of seven vessels operate on the Three Lakes, including the only lake and river steamer in Switzerland.  Cruises are from Spring to Autumn (Fall).

Planning a trip to Switzerland? At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers. Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide. 🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭

Lake Constance cruises

Bordering three countries – Switzerland, Austria and Germany – Lake Constance, or Bodensee as it’s known in German, is fed by the Rhine River. It’s also the third largest freshwater lake in Central Europe.

From the Swiss shores of Lake Constance it’s possible to cruise to the German side in around one hour. Routes include Romanshorn to Friedrichshafen and Rorschach to Lindau .

Travel on these routes is not fully covered with the Swiss Travel Pass but a 50% discount applies to pass holders.

Rhine River cruises

If you would prefer to experience a Switzerland river cruise there is the possibility to take a boat trip on the Rhine. The Rhine River originates in the Swiss Alps so it’s only natural that a cruise on this majestic waterway is popular with visitors.

Options include a cruise between Schaffhausen and Kreuzlingen which takes around four hours, or from Basel to Rheinfelden.  Further details can be found below.

Rhine River cruise from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen

This route takes you from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen with numerous stops along the way.  Two towns worth disembarking at are Diessenhofen, which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland organisation, and Stein am Rhein, a pretty medieval town with an attractive Old Town.

Find out more about this cruise here . 

Rhine River cruise from Basel to Rheinfelden

Despite being located in a landlocked country, Basel has something of a maritime air due to the fact that it’s at the mouth of the mighty River Rhine. Local company Basler Personenschifffahrt operates boat trips from Basel to Rheinfelden between March and October. 

These boat trips last for about four hours and you can see various Basel landmarks. You should even be able to make out parts of Germany and France as you glide across the water, and you’ll also pass a couple of major locks, namely Birsfelden and Augst. 

Cruises and boat trips in Switzerland: Useful things to know

If you’re interested in taking trips around Switzerland by boat or cruising the lakes or the Rhine, there are some useful facts worth knowing to help you plan your trip. 

Swiss Travel Pass

The first thing to consider when planning any trip to Switzerland is the purchase of a Swiss Travel Pass . As mentioned above in various sections, the pass covers boat trips on the major lakes in the country.

A Swiss Travel Pass also gives the holder free public transport in all Swiss destinations, plus some cogwheel, funicular and scenic railway routes. Entry to hundreds of museums is also included. 

Alternatively you could buy a Swiss Half Fare Card to receive 50% off the price of boat trips. 

Learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card in this article . 

1st and 2nd class travel in Switzerland

Swiss public transport such as trains and some boats includes first and second class travel options. You can select either option when buying individual tickets or passes. On boats, the first class section is usually found on the upper deck. 

First class carriages are generally more spacious and private, and may give you better views over the landscape. This option is ideal for the trip-of-a-lifetime or honeymooners, as well as those who don’t mind paying more for a bit of extra space.

Swiss boat piers

As they form such an important part of the Swiss public transport network, boat piers in Switzerland are often located right next to the train station. This allows for seamless travel via several modes of transport – and makes it easier for visitors to find them. 

Restaurants on Swiss boats

A number of Swiss ferries and boats have on-board eateries, making it convenient to dine while you travel. 

Swiss boat timetables 

You can find timetables for each Swiss boat operator via their websites or on the Swiss Federal Railways website sbb.ch or the SBB app. Do bear in mind when planning your trip that some services may be seasonal: this particularly applies to funicular and cogwheel railways, cable cars and boats. 

Swiss lake names – See, Lac or Lago

Switzerland has four official languages – German, French, Italian and Romansch – and therefore you’ll notice the word for lake differs depending on which language-speaking region you are in.

In German-speaking Switzerland, the word for lake is see so Lake Zurich is called Zürichsee whilst Lake Thun is Thunersee, and so on.

In Geneva and the Three Lakes Region where French is the local language, Lake Geneva is referred to as Lac L é man and Lake Neuchâtel as Lac Neuchâtel .

Lake Lugano, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, is called Lago Lugano .

Lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland: Final thoughts

Whether you opt to take a boat trip to help make your Swiss journeys more seamless or more scenic, there are so many possibilities to enjoy a Switzerland cruise. 

The abundance of lakes and rivers here makes the journey all part of the experience – not least when you have soaring peaks, rolling hills, undulating vineyards, lush meadows, Alpine chalets and crystal clear waters as the picturesque backdrop. 

Switzerland Travel Essentials

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Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

Episode 43: Decadent must-have Swiss chocolate experiences

Episode 44: Breathtaking boat trips to enjoy in Switzerland

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Lake Lucerne Dinner Cruise

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1. What websites should we look at other than airbnb? Any local ones to search?

2. What's the best area in/around Lucerne for us to consider? Esp. with kids. Would love a lake-view if possible.

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Best Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Cruises (From Interlaken)

Interlaken is world-famous for its position between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It’s probably the best town in Switzerland for boat cruises because there’s a total of 22 destinations you can reach from there. 

Short boat rides, long return trips, culinary cruises, and even steamboat cruises are all available. From the best time for a cruise to my favorite rides on either lake, here’s everything you need to know about cruises on Interlaken’s lakes! 

Table of Contents

Lake Thun Cruise

Lake Thun is the bigger of the two lakes in Interlaken and offers more options for cruises than Lake Brienz. Also, the shores of Lake Thun offers more things to do, including both historic attractions and natural landmarks. 

Cruises on Lake Thun are available year-round . Departure is from the Interlaken West pier, located convenienetly behind the train station. Lake Thun is the bigger of the two lakes in Interlaken, so offers more options for cruises . Below is all the information you need to plan a Lake Thun cruise, from cruise suggestions to all applicable discounts. 

Cruise Recommendations

Let’s kick the guide off with an overview of my favorite Lake Thun cruises from Interlaken: 

• Interlaken to Thun: The full two-hour cruise is the best for first-timers in Interlaken. It’s wonderfully scenic and allows you to discover all the best sights along the shore of Lake Thun. When you arrive in Thun, be sure to visit the town’s magnificent castle, stroll around the old town, and even upriver for stunning views. 
• Interlaken to Spiez: the cruise from Interlaken to Spiez takes about an hour. Spiez is a lovely town with a castle and a stunning marina. Grab lunch at the marina restaurant, and enjoy panoramic views along with a delicious Swiss specialty. You can also travel up to Niesen on the mountain trains. 
• Interlaken to Beatushöhlen Sundlauenen: This short cruise is ideal for travelers who want to have the experience of a lake cruise, but don’t really enjoy being on a boat. When you reach the docks, head to St. Beatus Caves to explore one of the best natural landmarks near Interlaken. Combo tickets for the boat ride and cave entrance are available. 
• Oberhofen : if you have time, I also recommend stopping at Oberhofen on the way back just because it is so stunning. There is a picturesque castle right next to the dock and an amazing cafe right there were you can just soak up the views (the shot below is from my visit there last September).

Tickets, Prices, & Reservations

The cost of Lake Thun cruises depends on the type and distance of the cruise. A short ferry ride from Interlaken to St. Beatus Caves will set you back 19 CHF, but it’s more than 50 CHF if you want to go all the way to Thun. Those are the costs of one-way tickets, and round-trip tickets are double the price. 

For the longer cruises, it’s best to ride the boat in one direction and then take the train back. It’s faster and cheaper, and you still get to experience gliding over a lake. A full list of fares for cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is available here .

One important thing to note is that these are the prices just for regular boat transfers. Themed cruises or events with dinner service are inevitably more expensive and often imply a round-trip. 

To reserve your spot on one of the boats operating on Lake Thun, go here . BLS Lake Cruise operates all cruises on Lake Thun, and the online ticket shop is easy and intuitive to use. Select your departure point, where you want to go, when you want to go, and whether you want a one-way or a return ticket. If you’re eligible for any discounts, you can apply them during checkout. 

Many discounts are available for cruises on Lake Thun. If you buy the Seepass for 159 CHF , you can enjoy unlimited cruises on either lake for an entire year. This is a really good deal if you’re staying in Switzerland for a while and you plan to go on multiple boat rides. But if you’re in the area for just a couple of days and want to do one quick boat tour, it’s not for you. 

Alternatively, there’s a day ticket that allows you to board multiple cruises on either lake. The full price is 79 CHF, and a 50% discount is available with various travel passes. It’s probably the best deal for cruising on both lakes on the same day. 

Travelers with one of the following passes can enjoy a cruise on Lake Thun for free: 

• GA Travelcard
• Saver Day Pass SBB
• Swiss Travel Pass
• Eurail/Interrail Pass
• Junior travelcard
• Berner Oberland Pass (includes the steamboat)

A 50% discount is granted to travelers with: 

• Half-fare travelcard
• Swiss Half Fare Card

Also, be on the lookout for any special promotions. Often you can get bundled tickets that include an entrance ticket to a special attraction plus the boat ride there. 

Discounts are available only for the standard transfers from one town to another. Culinary cruises are not eligible for discounts in most cases, except for rare special promotions. Additionally, you can only access the class area that your travel pass is valid for. If you’ve got a second-class Swiss Travel Pass, you can only ride the boats in second-class. But you can pay for a first-class upgrade if you like. 

The timetable for cruises on Lake Thun in 2024 is available here . Cruises on Lake Thun are operated daily, with reduced frequency on Sundays. Fewer cruises are available in the winter, but you’ll have a plethora of options if you’re trying to arrange a cruise between March and October. 

One important thing to note is that the timetable is subject to change as a result of extreme weather conditions. Heavy rain or snow can cancel a cruise, so be sure to check the weather forecast before booking any tickets. 

Also, I must mention that at the moment of writing this, the majority of cruises on Lake Thun are suspended due to a record-breaking low in the river water levels. Only the boats between Hünibach and Neuhaus are in operation for the next couple of months, which is why you should always check the current conditions for Lake Thun cruises . 

How to Reach the Docks

The boats on Lake Thun stop at a total of 15 piers, which means that you can board a boat in no less than 15 different towns along the lake shore. Interlaken West and Thun are generally the most popular places for cruise departures, so I’ll focus on how to reach the docks in those two towns. 

In Interlaken, you want to head to the Interlaken West station. The pier is on the river behind the train station, and you will have the experience of navigating a narrow river canal before reaching the lake. 

In Thun, the docks are also in a canal behind the main train station. The pier is very easy to spot, especially because there’s often a pretty big ship docked. Just head right when you exit the train station, and you’re at the pier in a couple of minutes. 

If you want to book a cruise from a town different from the one you’re staying in, you can travel by train or bus. The trains are faster but the bus is significantly cheaper. The railway follows the southern shore of Lake Thun, so if you want to go to one of the towns on the northern shore, the bus might just be your only option. 

Best Time to Do

The best time for cruises on Lake Thun is from April to October. Ideally, you can do a cruise on a hot summer’s day and enjoy sitting on the deck, enjoying the pretty views while the sun warms you up. But summer cruises on Lake Thun are very popular and often entail large crowds. 

It’s why I prefer riding the boats in the off-season. Winter cruises are available, but keep in mind that they’re dependent on the weather conditions. I’ve already mentioned that nearly all the cruises are suspended on both lakes at the moment, so if you’ve got a specific cruise in mind, it’s best to wait for warm weather. 

Lake Brienz Cruise

This section will be just a little bit shorter because most of what I’ve said about cruises on Lake Thun also applies to cruises on Lake Brienz. The cruises are operated by the same company, so all the same rules, discounts, and special conditions apply here as well. 

Although it’s smaller and offers fewer cruise destinations, Lake Brienz is the more popular of the two lakes for boat rides. That’s mostly because of its stunning turquoise color, which the lake largely owes to glacial runoff. And even though there are fewer cruises on Lake Brienz, they’re just as rewarding – if not more – than those on Lake Thun. 

First thing’s first – here’s an overview of my favorite cruises on Lake Brienz from Interlaken: 

• Interlaken to Brienz: Board a boat in Interlaken and in an hour and 15 minutes you will reach the town of Brienz. My favorite thing to do in town is hang out with llamas at the Llama Ranch, and you can also tour the town, visit a museum, or just enjoy lunch with a fabulous view of the turquoise lake.  
• Interlaken to Iseltwald: Iseltwald is a gorgeous little town on the southern shore of Lake Brienz, about 40 minutes from Interlaken. Visit the town to enjoy spectacular views, see an old castle, and spot where scenes from Netflix’s Crash Landing on You were filmed. 
• Interlaken to Giessbach: It’s one hour from Interlaken to Giessbach by boat, and it’s probably my favorite cruise on Lake Brienz. When you get off the boat, ride the funicular up to Grandhotel Giessbach, and then follow the trail to the Giessbach waterfall . It’s one of the most famous natural landmarks along the shore of Lake Brienz. 

Tickets for Lake Brienz cruises are cheaper than tickets for Lake Thun cruises. The lake is smaller with fewer piers, and all the boat rides are shorter, so it makes sense that the tickets are not as expensive. A detailed overview of fares for boat rides on Lake Brienz is available here . 

One thing to note is that the same-day pass that I mentioned earlier is valid on Lake Brienz. For 79 CHF (or 39 CHF if you’ve got one of the eligible travel passes) you can enjoy unlimited rides on either lake for one day. 

I recommend buying tickets a couple of days in advance in the summer season because Lake Brienz is immensely popular. It’s also smart to book a table in the boat restaurant if you want a guaranteed seat, but not always necessary. 

The same discounts that apply to Lake Thun cruises apply to Lake Brienz cruises. Enjoy a free ride if you have one of the following passes: 

• Berner Oberland Pass 

And you can get tickets with a 50% discount with one of these passes: 

Other deals for Lake Brienz cruises include: 

• Combo-ticket for steamboat and Brienzer-Rothorn cogwheel railway
• Return cruise from Interlaken to Giessbach including funicular tickets and three-course lunch at Grandhotel Giessbach

BLS Lake Cruise operates daily boat rides on Lake Brienz daily from April to November. A full timetable is available here . It’s important to note that cruise availability is seasonal, and by far most rides are available in the summer months.  

The docks in Interlaken are located just behind the Interlaken West Station. And it’s the same in Brienz, with the pier being just steps away from the town’s train station. You can travel to Brienz from Interlaken by train, but buses are the only option for travel along the southern lake shore. 

Cruises on Lake Brienz are usually suspended in the winter. This season there are no cruises from November to April, so the best time for a cruise on Lake Brienz is anywhere from April to October. 

I will say that June to August is a special time to experience this lake. Especially if you book a culinary cruise in the old steamboat! However, summer is by far the most popular season for Lake Brienz cruises, so expect crowds. 

If you want to experience a more intimate cruise on Lake Brienz, I recommend planning a trip in May or September-October. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Lake thun or lake brienz: which is more beautiful.

Lake Brienz is more beautiful than Lake Thun because of its gorgeous turquoise color. However, the towns on the shore of Lake Thun offer more interesting attractions and landmarks than those on the shore of Lake Brienz. 

Is Lake Thun Cruise worth it?

Lake Thun cruises are absolutely worth it. Especially a cruise to Thun town, where you can tour a gorgeous castle and walk around a river island. 

Is the Lake Brienz cruise worth it?

Lake Brienz cruises are worth it because it’s one of the prettiest lakes in Switzerland. The lake is special because of its turquoise color, and the views experienced on a Lake Brienz cruise will remain etched in your memory forever. 

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