Interlaken Brienz, Thun

Interlaken Brienz, Thun: The Best Lakes of Switzerland Guide

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Short Answer: Interlaken sits between the emerald Lake Brienz and deep Lake Thun in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. The best time to visit is late spring to early fall (Apr–Oct) when boat cruises operate. Must-see activities include a boat trip on Lake Brienz (past Giessbach Falls) and Lake Thun, and a funicular ride up Harder Kulm for panoramic views. The Swiss Travel Pass covers both lake cruises and regional trains.

At a glance | Interlaken Brienz, Thun — The Best Lakes of Switzerland Guide

Quick summary: Lake Brienz and Lake Thun frame Interlaken with turquoise Alpine waters, historic castles, waterfalls and scenic cruises. This guide helps you plan the perfect lake-focused trip — from boat routes and viewpoints to swimming spots, food and seasonal festivals.
  • Best season: Summer (June–August) is the busiest for cruises and swimming; spring and autumn offer mild weather, fewer crowds and excellent photography. Peak month: August.
  • Top sights: Scenic cruises on Lake Brienz & Lake Thun, Giessbach Falls, Harder Kulm viewpoint, Thun Castle and Oberhofen Castle.
  • Stay: Base yourself in Interlaken (Ost or West) for easy access to both lakes by train and boat.
  • Transport: Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, PostBus routes and BLS boats on both lakes. Boat timetables are seasonal; trains run frequently year-round.
  • Safety: Switzerland is extremely safe. Lakes are clean and suitable for swimming, though water stays cold due to Alpine meltwater.
Food & culture
Try Swiss Alpine classics like rösti, cheese fondue and fresh local lake fish. Summer brings cultural events such as the Interlaken Street Artists Festival (July). German (Bernese dialect) is the main language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Lake experiences not to miss
Boat from Interlaken Ost to Giessbach Falls, sunset walks along Thun’s lakeside promenade, paddleboarding on Lake Brienz and castle hopping between Thun and Oberhofen.

This guide is written by an experienced travel writer with local knowledge of the Bernese Oberland. All facts are drawn from authoritative sources: official Interlaken tourism, Switzerland Tourism and Jungfrau Region sites, SBB and BLS transport info, and up-to-date travel resources. We cite current schedules and data to ensure accuracy. The content relies on official timetables and firsthand accounts to help you trust the itinerary and tips.

Interlaken, Lake Brienz & Thun — The Best Lakes of Switzerland Guide

Interlaken is a resort town between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun in central Switzerland. It’s famous for its turquoise Lake Brienz (embellished by cruises and Giessbach Falls) and deep-blue Lake Thun (lined with castles and villages). The ideal season is late spring through early autumn when boat services run (Lake Brienz: Apr–Oct, Lake Thun: year-round). Travelers typically stay 2–4 days to cruise the lakes, hike Harder Kulm for panoramic views, and explore towns like Thun and Spiez. Switzerland’s punctual trains (with the Swiss Travel Pass) and scenic boats make getting around easy.

  • Interlaken is nestled on the Aare River between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. Boat cruises on these lakes showcase the region’s dramatic scenery. In summer you can “glide across the [Lake Brienz’s] waters on the boat and recharge your energy in the sunshine”.
  • Keywords: interlaken lake brienz; boat cruise; Harder Kulm.

Discover Interlaken (between Lake Brienz & Thun)

Interlaken itself is the gateway to both lakes. The town lies on the Aare River between turquoise Lake Brienz (east) and deep Lake Thun (west). Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain (1322 m funicular ride), offers “overwhelming views of Interlaken and the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau”, with the Two Lakes Bridge letting you see Lake Brienz’s left and Lake Thun’s right. Staying in Interlaken (Ost or West) is convenient for trains, boat jetties, and the Jungfrau region. Local transport is excellent – we recommend the Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited rides on regional trains and lakeside boats.

  • Interlaken sits in the Bernese Oberland between lakes. It’s a short train ride (~30 min) from Bern/Zurich.
  • Boat jetties at Interlaken Ost/West connect to villages on each lake. The lakes meet at Interlaken via the Aare.
  • Harder Kulm funicular (10 min from Interlaken) – panorama restaurant and “Two Lakes Bridge” for photos.

Lake Brienz: Turquoise Jewel with Cruises

Lake Brienz is an emerald-blue lake rimmed by the Alps and quaint villages. Boat tours let you explore spots like Giessbach Falls and Iseltwald. Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) is renowned for its intense turquoise color (thanks to glacial melt). The BLS ships (e.g. motor ship Brienz, paddle Lötschberg) run April–October. A full round-trip cruise (Brienz→Giessbach→Oberried→Iseltwald→Ringgenberg→Bönigen→Interlaken) takes about 2½ hours. Onboard catering is available; the ship’s galley offers “an extensive selection of culinary delights”.

  • Highlights: Cruise past Giessbach Falls (hotel & waterfall, a favorite stop), the islet Schnäggeninseli, and the village Iseltwald.
  • Steamship: The historic paddle Lötschberg runs twice daily (daily + Sat evening) in summer.
  • Boat vs. Train: A one-way boat trip (Brienz→Interlaken) is ~1h15, round-trip ~2h30. Regional bus returns are available as an option.
  • Passes: Swiss Travel Pass and the Bernese Oberland Pass cover Lake Brienz boats.

Lake Thun: Castles and Panoramas

Lake Thun (Thunersee) lies west of Interlaken. Its deep-blue waters host the historic towns Thun and Spiez. A classic cruise from Interlaken West to Thun takes about 2h10, stopping at Oberhofen and Beatenbucht before reaching Thun city. Along the shores are fairytale castles (Thun Castle, Oberhofen Castle) and Alpine scenery. The paddle steamer Blümlisalp operates in summer (and some winter holidays). Swiss Travel Pass holders enjoy the Lake Thun trip; in Thun the pass also grants free entry to Thun Castle or the art museum.

  • In winter, daily cruises connect Thun–Interlaken, offering snowy-view cruises and even fondue/chocolate fondue dinners.
  • Villages: Spiez (with its lakeside castle) and Oberhofen are charming stops off Interlaken. Spiez has vineyards and a castle garden.
  • Mountains: Lake Thun is encircled by peaks like Niesen (Bundt cake mountain) and Niederhorn – accessible via cable car for hikes.

Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Boat cruises are a highlight. On Lake Brienz, ferries run daily Apr–Oct. On Lake Thun, services are nearly year-round. Both lakes can be explored by rental paddleboat, kayak, or Stand-Up Paddleboard in summer. If the weather’s calm, even swimming is possible at official beaches (water stays cold year-round). Special cruises include breakfast or brunch boats and themed trips (e.g. sunset or buffet cruises on Lake Thun).

  • Booking: Tickets sold at tourist offices, BLS jetties or onboard. Check the BLS Schifffahrt timetable (season changes after Oct).
  • Swiss Travel Pass: Covers one-way or return boat rides on both lakes.
  • Local tip: Sunrise on Lake Brienz and sunset over Thun yield gorgeous light – great for photographers.

Hiking & Panoramas

Interlaken’s lakeside location offers many hikes. The Harder Kulm funicular (10 min ride) brings you to 1322 m, where the Zwei-Seen-Steg viewing bridge overlooks the “shades of blue” of Brienz (left) and Thun (right). For high-altitude hiking, take the Brienz Rothorn steam train (summer) or visit Schynige Platte (via Wilderswil). Trails along the Aare River connect Interlaken to nearby waterfalls (Giessbach) or to Iseltwald. On Lake Thun, the Niederhorn and Niesen offer panoramic walks above the lake.

  • Harder Kulm: Climb the 750 m via footpath or funicular. The Panorama Restaurant up there feels like a fairy-tale turret.
  • Giessbach Waterfall: Hike (or take funicular) up to Giessbach Falls from the boat landing; the view from the Grandhotel Giessbach is spectacular.
  • Brienzer Rothorn: Take the cogwheel train (Brünig Pass via Brienz) for Alpine trails and views back to the lake.

Seasonality & Timing

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Busiest time. Long daylight, warm weather, water sports (windsurf, wakeboard). Festivals (July street arts). All boat/cable car services running.
  • Spring (Apr–Jun) & Fall (Sep–Oct): Pleasant temperatures, wildflowers (spring) or autumn colors (fall). Good hiking weather with fewer crowds. Boats on Brienz start in April. Peak occupancy is August.
  • Winter (Nov–Mar): Cold and snowy. Lake Brienz boats stop in mid-Oct; Lake Thun still offers limited service. Region becomes a winter sports hub. The lakes freeze only partially (you can often ice-skate on parts if cold). Some special cruises (fondue, hot pot) run on Lake Thun, but main attractions shift to skiing.

Transport & Tips

Getting There: Interlaken is well-served by SBB trains (Interlaken Ost/West stations). Direct trains from Zurich (~2h) or Geneva (~3h). Buses link Interlaken to villages not on the train line.

Travel Passes: Use a Swiss Travel Pass or the Bernese Oberland Pass. Both include all public transport here: regional trains, Postbuses, and all boats on Lakes Brienz & Thun. These passes also cover mountain railways at a discount (e.g. Harder Kulm funicular).

Apps & Planning: The SBB Mobile app has train/boat schedules and platform info. SwissMaps or SwitzerlandMobility apps list hikes and bus routes. Check weather (MeteoSwiss) and dress in layers; mountain weather can change suddenly. Book peak excursions (like Mt. Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch) well in advance.

Itinerary ideas (table below): Plan 2–4 days in Interlaken. A sample 3-day itinerary (see [myswisstravelpass]) is: Day 1 – Spiez/Thun by train + Lake Thun cruise; Day 2 – Grindelwald/First or Lauterbrunnen waterfalls; Day 3 – Schilthorn cable car + Lake Brienz cruise. Adjust based on interests and weather.

Day/TimePlan A (Classic)Plan B (Relaxed)
Day 1 MorningTrain to Spiez, hike vineyards, visit Spiez CastleBoat to Giessbach Falls + funicular
AfternoonCruise Lake Thun to Oberhofen, short castle visit
Day 2 MorningCable car to Harder Kulm for sunriseBrienz village and lakeside hike
AfternoonTake Brienz–Interlaken boat (Giessbach stop)
Day 3 MorningMt. Schilthorn via Lauterbrunnen (Bond film site)Hike to Giessbach or Aare Gorge
AfternoonLake Thun cruise Interlaken→Thun, visit Thun Castle

Local Tips: Secure window seats on boat (evening trips on Lake Brienz are atmospheric). Try “café de la promenade” in Brienz, or lakeside fish restaurants in Spiez/Thun. Packing: bring rain gear and sturdy shoes for hikes.

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Frequently Asked Questions | Interlaken, Lake Brienz & Lake Thun

Clear answers about Interlaken and Switzerland’s most scenic lakes — cruises, seasons, transport passes, safety and local experiences.

Where is Interlaken located?
Interlaken is a resort town in central Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz on the Bödeli plain. It serves as a gateway to the Jungfrau region and the surrounding Swiss Alps.
What is Lake Brienz famous for?
Lake Brienz is known for its striking turquoise colour caused by glacial minerals and its dramatic Alpine scenery. Boat cruises reveal steep forested cliffs, traditional villages and highlights such as Giessbach Falls.
How long is a cruise on Lake Brienz?
A full round-trip cruise on Lake Brienz (Interlaken → Giessbach → Iseltwald → Ringgenberg → Bönigen → Interlaken) takes about 2½ hours. A one-way journey typically lasts around 1 hour 15 minutes.
What sights can I see on a Lake Brienz cruise?
Popular stops include the historic Grandhotel Giessbach with its waterfalls and funicular, the postcard-perfect village of Iseltwald, and views of the Aare River outlet framed by Alpine forests and cliffs.
When do boats operate on Lakes Brienz and Thun?
Lake Brienz boats usually operate daily from April to October. Lake Thun ferries run almost year-round, with reduced schedules in winter and peak frequency during summer months.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover lake cruises?
Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass (and GA Travelcard) includes free travel on BLS boat cruises on both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, making it excellent value for visitors planning multiple lake journeys.
What are the top attractions around Interlaken?
Key highlights include the Harder Kulm funicular viewpoint overlooking both lakes, scenic boat cruises on Lakes Brienz and Thun, and nearby towns such as Thun (with its hilltop castle) and Spiez (known for vineyards and lakeside walks).
How many days should I spend in Interlaken and the lake region?
One to two days cover Interlaken town sights, a lake cruise and Harder Kulm. For hiking, castles, or mountain excursions such as Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn, plan three to four days.
Is food available on lake cruises?
Yes. Boats on both lakes offer onboard dining areas. Some routes include breakfast or lunch options, and Lake Thun is famous for themed cruises such as fondue or evening dinner cruises on selected dates.
Are there castles along Lake Thun?
Absolutely. Thun Castle dominates the town’s old centre, while Oberhofen Castle sits directly on the lake’s northern shore. Both date back to medieval times and are popular stops on Lake Thun cruises.
Can I hike around Interlaken and the lakes?
Yes. There are numerous hiking options, from easy lakeside walks near Giessbach and Ringgenberg to panoramic routes around Harder Kulm, Niederhorn and the Swiss Path. Trails suit all fitness levels.
What is the weather like around the lakes?
Weather can change quickly in the Alps. Summers are generally warm and sunny, spring and autumn are cooler with fewer crowds, and winters are cold with snow at higher elevations. Always check local forecasts before hiking or boating.
When is the peak tourist season?
August is typically the busiest month. July and August see the highest visitor numbers, while May–June and September–October offer milder weather and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Which apps are useful for visiting Interlaken and the lakes?
The SBB Mobile app is essential for train and boat schedules. SwitzerlandMobility helps with hiking routes, while Interlaken.ch and Jungfrau.ch provide excursion updates and local event information.
Where can I buy lake cruise tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at Interlaken tourist offices, boat jetties, or directly onboard (credit cards accepted). During peak season, ticket counters operate regularly from April to mid-October.
What local food should I try?
Try Swiss Alpine specialities such as Rösti, cheese fondue and fresh lake fish like trout. Lakeside villages often serve regional cheese, wine and seasonal dishes.
Is Interlaken safe for tourists?
Yes. Switzerland has very low crime rates, and Interlaken is considered safe and family-friendly. Normal travel precautions are sufficient.
Can you swim in Lake Brienz or Lake Thun?
Yes. Both lakes are very clean and popular for swimming in summer. Be aware that the water is glacier-fed and remains cold even on warm days.
Are dogs allowed on lake boats?
Small dogs are generally allowed on BLS boats, usually free of charge. Pets should be leashed or kept in a carrier; always check current rules before travelling.
What currency is used in Interlaken?
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for small cafés and mountain restaurants.
Aestethik — Author Box (Interlaken Brienz, Thun: The Best Lakes of Switzerland Guide)

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