Interlaken: Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Boat Cruises Day Pass

The best thing about this pass is simple: you get a full day on two very different Swiss lakes. Lake Thun connects Thun and Interlaken, while Lake Brienz carries you from Interlaken to Brienz, giving you a slow, scenic way to see the Bernese Oberland.

I like the freedom to hop off at lakeside villages, and I like that the pass includes the public bus or train transfer across Interlaken. The main drawback is the $140 price, which only makes strong sense if you plan a long day with several boat rides.

Key points

• Two lakes, one day pass: Use scheduled boats on both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
• Start at either Interlaken station: Lake Thun boats leave from Interlaken West, while Lake Brienz boats use Interlaken Ost.
• Lake Brienz has striking turquoise water: Its clear color is one of the most memorable sights on the route.
• Hop-on, hop-off freedom: Stop at lakeside villages instead of staying aboard all day.
• First class means upper-deck seating: The upgrade is especially appealing if wide-open views matter to you.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund and reserve now while paying later.

Two Swiss lakes, two different moods

This day pass gives you access to every scheduled boat on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz for one day. You can make a full cruise on each lake, or treat the boats as scenic transportation and get off along the way.

Lake Thun is the western lake, linking Thun with Interlaken. Lake Brienz lies to the east, linking Interlaken with Brienz. Interlaken is the practical center of the day, and the pass includes public bus or train travel through town so you can connect the two boat networks.

That flexibility matters. You are not locked into one departure or one fixed route. If the weather changes, you can shorten your time on the water. If a village catches your eye, you can get off and take a later scheduled boat.

The experience is self-guided. There is no guide named in the available information, and you are responsible for checking the day’s departure times and planning your connections. That is a small price for freedom, but it means you should look at the schedule before setting out.

Starting at Interlaken West on Lake Thun

For the Lake Thun section, go to Interlaken West station. The boat departs from there, making this the natural starting point if you are staying near the western side of Interlaken or arriving by train.

The route carries you between Interlaken and Thun. From the deck, you can take in the lake’s broad setting and the surrounding Bernese Oberland scenery without dealing with road traffic or changing trains along the shore.

I like this part of the pass for its unhurried pace. You can sit back and let the shoreline move past, then step off at a lakeside village if you want a closer look at the local area. The supplied information does not identify specific villages or promise particular attractions at each stop, so think of these breaks as flexible opportunities rather than a fixed sightseeing program.

You can also stay aboard for a complete cruise. That may be the better choice if your main goal is scenery and quiet time on the water. Getting off repeatedly gives you more variety, but it also makes the schedule more important.

Crossing Interlaken between the two lakes

Lake Thun and Lake Brienz do not form one continuous boat route. You transfer through Interlaken, using the included public bus or train connection.

This is useful, but it is not a boat-to-boat cruise with no effort at all. You need to leave one station and make your way to the other. Lake Thun uses Interlaken West, while Lake Brienz uses Interlaken Ost, so pay attention to the station names.

The transfer is part of what makes this pass practical. You do not need to arrange a separate local ticket for that connection. Still, leave yourself enough time between boats, particularly if you plan to stop along Lake Thun before continuing east.

A simple plan is to use one half of the day for each lake. You might start at Interlaken West, cruise on Lake Thun, return toward Interlaken, transfer to Interlaken Ost, and then take a Lake Brienz boat. The exact order depends on the published schedule and the starting times available on your date.

Lake Brienz and its bright turquoise water

The Lake Brienz route runs between Interlaken and Brienz. Its most distinctive feature is the crystalline turquoise water, which gives this part of the day a different visual character from Lake Thun.

The route is a good fit for anyone who wants the boat itself to be part of the attraction. You are not simply using a ferry to reach a destination. You are buying time on the water, with the option to stay aboard for the full crossing or break the journey at lakeside stops.

The pass lets you get off and explore local areas at your own pace. Since no detailed stop-by-stop program is provided, you should check the route and departure board before deciding how long to spend ashore. The flexibility is real, but the timetable determines how easily you can continue.

If you have limited time, a complete Lake Brienz cruise may be the wiser choice than trying to visit several stops. If you have a full day and enjoy a slower rhythm, use the boat as your main transportation and add one or two breaks.

Why first class may be worth the upgrade

First class gives you access to the upper deck, including the best views from above. The strongest praise for this experience centers on the first-class seating, especially sitting near the front of the boat on the top level.

That position can make a difference. You get a wider view ahead and fewer visual obstructions than you might find lower down. For photography, open-air scenery, or simply a more special day on the lakes, the upgrade has a clear appeal.

The tradeoff is cost. The base activity price is listed at $140 per person, while the additional first-class charge is not specified. Ask for the exact upgrade price when booking or at the boat before deciding.

I would consider first class if the boat ride is the main reason you are buying this pass. If you mainly need transportation between points, standard class may give you better value. The pass already costs enough that you should not upgrade automatically unless the upper-deck view matters to you.

Making the $140 price work

At $140 per person, this is not a casual local ferry ticket. The value comes from using it as a full-day lake experience rather than taking one short ride.

The pass includes:

• Lake Thun cruise access for one day
• Lake Brienz cruise access for one day
• Public bus or train transfer through Interlaken
• Unlimited use of scheduled lake boats during the valid day
• Hop-on, hop-off flexibility along the routes

The more of those features you use, the better the price looks. A full cruise on Lake Thun, a transfer across Interlaken, and a full cruise on Lake Brienz make a stronger case than one brief ride followed by an afternoon elsewhere.

You should also compare the pass with your plans for the day. If you already have other expensive activities booked, this may feel like a costly addition. If you want a relaxed day with the lakes as your main focus, it can replace several separate transport decisions and give you a clear plan.

The rating is 4.1 from 14 reviews, which suggests a generally positive but not flawless response. The clearest strengths are the scenery, the peaceful time on the water, and the freedom to shape the day yourself. The price and the need to coordinate schedules are the main points to weigh.

A practical day plan

Start by checking the day’s boat times before leaving your accommodation. The pass is valid for one day, but the available departure times determine how much you can fit in.

For a simple route, begin at Interlaken West and take the Lake Thun boat. Enjoy a complete cruise toward Thun or return according to the schedule. If a lakeside village appeals to you, get off there and use a later scheduled boat, keeping an eye on the final departures.

Next, return to Interlaken and transfer to Interlaken Ost by the included public bus or train. From Ost, board a Lake Brienz boat and continue toward Brienz or back toward Interlaken.

This plan gives you both lakes without turning the day into a race. You can reverse the order if Lake Brienz fits your morning better. The important point is to build in transfer time and avoid assuming that the next boat will leave immediately after you arrive.

If your priority is scenery, spend less time trying to collect stops and more time aboard. If you prefer local exploration, use the boats as a hop-on, hop-off network, but keep the schedule close at hand.

What the self-guided format means

You will not have a tour guide explaining every view or organizing your stops. Instead, you receive access to the boat network and make your own choices.

That is ideal if you enjoy setting your own pace. You can sit quietly on deck, change your plan during the day, and avoid being tied to a group. It is less suitable if you want detailed commentary, a guide’s historical context, or someone else to handle every connection.

The self-guided format also makes this a good choice for mixed groups. One person can spend more time on the boat, while another can get off to explore. The pass leaves room for those preferences, as long as you stay aware of departure times.

Bring your passport or ID card. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is important if access needs shape your planning. Since the exact access arrangements on individual boats or at each stop are not detailed, confirm any specific requirements before departure.

The scenery is the main event

The most praised part of this experience is the scenery, and that is where you should set your expectations. This is not a museum visit, a guided history walk, or a tightly scheduled excursion with a long list of attractions.

The reward is the changing view from the water: the broad surface of Lake Thun, the vivid color of Lake Brienz, and the mountain setting around the Bernese Oberland. The boats give you a slower angle on the area than you get from a train or bus.

I especially like that you can choose how much of the day to devote to the water. A full cruise lets you settle into the ride. A stop at a lakeside village adds a little local texture. The option to combine both is more useful than a fixed sightseeing route.

Weather will naturally affect the experience, but no weather guarantee is provided. Check the forecast and dress for time outdoors, especially if you plan to use the upper deck. Since the ticket is valid for one day only, a poor-weather day may reduce the value of the purchase.

Who should book this day pass

This pass suits you if you want an easy, scenic day and like having control over the schedule. It is particularly appealing if you are already staying in Interlaken and want to use the town as a base for both lakes.

It is also a good match for photographers, couples, families, and anyone who finds pleasure in the journey itself. The upper deck can make the day feel more special, and the ability to stop along the shore prevents the experience from becoming one long ride.

You may want to skip it if you dislike checking timetables, prefer a guided experience, or only want a quick boat trip. The $140 cost is hard to justify for a short ride. You should also think twice if your schedule leaves little time for both lakes.

The flexible cancellation terms help reduce booking risk. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Those options are useful when weather or other plans are uncertain, but they do not change the one-day validity once you use the pass.

Should you book it?

Book this pass if you can give the lakes most of a day and plan to use both routes. The combination of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Interlaken transfers, and hop-on, hop-off access offers a lot of freedom for a self-guided outing.

My practical advice is to check the boat schedule first, then decide if the day contains enough sailing to support the $140 price. Choose first class if sitting on the upper deck, near the front, is important to you. Otherwise, standard class may be the sensible choice.

If your ideal Swiss day includes turquoise water, broad mountain views, and no rush to reach the next attraction, this is a strong fit. If you want a guide, a fixed program, or a low-cost transport ticket, look elsewhere.

FAQ

Where does the Lake Thun boat depart?

The Lake Thun boat departs from Interlaken West station.

Where can I catch the Lake Brienz boat?

You can catch the Lake Brienz boat at Interlaken Ost station.

Is the ticket valid on both lakes?

Yes. The pass is valid for scheduled boat travel on both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz for one day.

Can I get off along the route?

Yes. You can stop at lakeside villages and continue later on another scheduled boat.

Is transportation between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost included?

Yes. The pass includes the transfer in Interlaken by public bus or train.

Is first class available?

Yes. You can upgrade to first class for upper-deck seating and the best views from the boat.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.