Imagine gliding smoothly across two of Switzerland’s most captivating lakes—Lake Thun and Lake Brienz—with the freedom to hop on and off at charming villages and scenic spots at your own pace. That’s exactly what this self-guided lake cruise day pass offers. It’s a flexible, no-hassle way to soak up the stunning scenery of the Bernese Oberland while avoiding the fuss of full guided tours.
What we love about this experience is its value for money—especially with unlimited travel on scheduled boats across both lakes, giving you the chance to craft your perfect day. We also appreciate how accessible it is, with departure points from Thun, Spiez, Interlaken, and Brienz, making it easy to fit into your Swiss itinerary.
However, be aware that this is a self-guided experience, so if you’re looking for a guided commentary or specific tour highlights, you might find this a bit sparse on structured information. Still, if you’re after authentic lakeside vistas and a relaxed way to explore at your own pace, this pass is ideal. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy flexibility, scenic beauty, and authentic village visits without the pressure of a fixed schedule.
Key Points

- Unlimited Lake Travel: You can hop on and off any scheduled boat on both lakes for the entire day.
- Flexible Itinerary: No fixed schedule—design your own day with as many stops as you like.
- Breathtaking Views: Expect stunning vistas of blue and teal waters, framed by mountains and quaint villages.
- Cost-Effective: Offers excellent value, especially when compared to guided tours or private boat rentals.
- Easy to Access: Depart from several convenient locations—Thun, Spiez, Interlaken, and Brienz.
- Good for All: Suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations, as most participants can participate.
Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Lake Cruise Pass

If you’re dreaming of a flexible way to enjoy Switzerland’s lakes without the constraints of a guided tour, this Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Day Pass is a splendid choice. It lets you relax and take in the picturesque scenery at your own pace, making it perfect for spontaneous adventures and photo stops.
We love how the unlimited hop-on, hop-off feature allows you to explore multiple lakeside villages—think picturesque Brienz with its traditional woodcarving shops or the historic town of Thun packed with charming streets. Plus, the stunning scenery of the lakes, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, makes each sail feel like a postcard.
One thing to consider is that this pass is self-guided, so it’s less about guided commentary or pre-arranged tours. If you prefer learning about the local sights from a knowledgeable guide, this might not perfectly suit you. But for those who crave independence and scenic flexibility, it’s hard to beat.
This experience appeals most to travelers who enjoy relaxed sightseeing, spontaneous stops, and authentic lakeside villages. Whether you’re a couple seeking romantic views or a family wanting to explore at your own pace, this pass offers a fantastic way to spend a day on the water.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bern.
Explore the Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Lake Thun – The Gateway to Lakeside Charm
The journey begins on Lake Thun, a shimmering stretch of water renowned for its clear blue and teal hues. The day pass lets you board any scheduled boat between Interlaken West and Thun—and you can do this multiple times during the day.
According to reviews, the experience is relaxing and scenic. One traveler raved: “The view, the villages we passed, the service on the boat is excellent… very relaxing.” Another commented on how magnificent the lake’s colors are, emphasizing the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. The flexibility to stop at multiple villages along the way means you can tailor your day—perhaps spend more time exploring Thun’s medieval old town or simply savor the views from the boat.
Stop 2: Lake Brienz – An Emerald Gem
Next, you can switch over to Lake Brienz, which is equally stunning. The boat journey between Interlaken Ost and Brienz offers spectacular sights, with gorgeous stretches of blue-green water flanked by lush hills and quaint villages. Reviews praise the “gorgeous stretch of blue and teal,” highlighting how breathtaking the scenery is—ideal for photography or just soaking in the peace of being on the water.
This lake is known for its vivid colors and peaceful ambiance. You can hop off at Brienz, a town famous for its tradition of woodcarving, or continue exploring the area by boat. The unlimited stops mean that you can spend as long as you want at each location, making for a relaxed and personalized experience.
Duration and Timing
Each lake segment typically takes around 2 hours, but with the unlimited hop-on, hop-off feature, you can easily extend your time. The entire experience can last between 2 to 4 hours depending on how many villages and scenic stops you choose to visit.
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How the Experience Works: Practical Details

The Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Day Pass costs about $144.11 per person, which might seem a bit steep at first glance. But when you consider the cost of individual tickets and the value of unlimited travel, it becomes quite a good deal—especially for those who plan to explore multiple stops.
The tickets are valid for all scheduled boats on both lakes during the day, allowing you to customize your itinerary. This flexibility is a major selling point and allows you to avoid the rush and rigidity of guided tours. Plus, the first and second class options mean you can choose a more comfortable ride with better views on the upper decks, which most reviews highly recommend.
Accessibility and Convenience
Departure points from Thun, Spiez, Interlaken, and Brienz make it straightforward to incorporate this cruise into your larger Swiss travel plans. The boat terminals are near public transportation, making it easy to get there without extra hassle.
Weather and cancellation policies
Since the cruise experience is weather-dependent, poor weather can lead to cancellations. However, the policy offers full refunds or rescheduling if canceled due to weather, which adds a layer of security for travelers.
Authentic Experiences and Real Reviews
One reviewer summed it up: “We bought these day passes during a short visit to Interlaken and were so pleased we did.” They appreciated the upper deck seats for being less crowded and more spacious, making for a comfortable ride. Another user praised the service and scenery, emphasizing that the trip was “very relaxing” and “highly recommended.”
The feedback consistently highlights stunning landscapes, excellent service, and good value. The ability to visit multiple villages and enjoy relaxing scenery without the pressure of a guided schedule makes this a popular choice among travelers seeking a leisurely exploration of Switzerland’s lakes.
Summary: Who This Experience Is Perfect For
This lake cruise day pass offers excellent value for travelers who want a flexible, scenic day on two of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes. It’s ideal for those who enjoy independent exploration, spontaneous stops, and stunning natural beauty. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to customize their day.
While it’s not a guided tour, the spectacular views and authentic villages more than compensate for that. If you’re looking for a scenic, cost-effective way to experience the Bernese Oberland lakes, this pass deserves serious consideration.
For travelers who prioritize flexibility, scenic beauty, and authentic village visits, this cruise pass offers a memorable Swiss lakeside experience that’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the pass multiple times during the day?
Yes, the ticket allows unlimited travel on scheduled boats on both lakes for the entire day of validity.
Where can I depart from?
Departure points include Thun, Spiez, Interlaken, and Brienz, making it easy to incorporate into your Swiss travel plans.
Is the ticket valid for both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz?
Absolutely. It covers all scheduled boats on both lakes, so you can switch between them easily.
How long does each segment of the cruise last?
Most segments are about 2 hours, but you can extend your time by hopping off and exploring.
Can I sit on the upper decks?
Yes, first class tickets allow you to sit on the upper decks, which are less crowded and offer better views.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the experience is weather-dependent, the company offers full refunds or rescheduling if canceled due to poor weather.
Is this experience accessible for most travelers?
Most participants can participate, and the boat terminals are near public transportation, ensuring easy access.
Is there a time limit on the ticket?
The ticket is valid for one day, giving you the flexibility to plan your own schedule within that period.
Does the experience include guided commentary?
No, this is a self-guided experience, so you won’t get narration or guided commentary onboard.
To sum it up, this Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Day Pass offers an authentic, flexible way to enjoy Switzerland’s breathtaking lakes. Whether you’re after serene mornings on the water, picturesque villages, or simply want to relax and soak in the views, it’s a practical choice for a memorable day in the Bernese Oberland.
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