Interlaken: Kayak Tour of the Turquoise Lake Brienz

Imagine paddling across calm, shimmering waters surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forested hillsides—sounds ideal, doesn’t it? This three-hour guided kayak tour on Lake Brienz offers exactly that, starting from the charming town of Bönigen in the Canton of Bern. For around $140 per person, both beginners and seasoned paddlers can enjoy an immersive experience that blends natural beauty, history, and expert guidance.

What we particularly love about this trip is how approachable it is—the guides are praised for their helpfulness and friendly attitude, making even first-timers feel comfortable on the water. Another highlight is the picturesque scenery; from the medieval Ringgenberg Castle to the cliffs that seem to scrape the sky, every moment is worth savoring.

That said, one consideration to keep in mind is the seasonal nature of the tour—it’s run from May to October, and in cooler late-season months, wetsuits are provided, which suggests the water can get chilly. If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic outdoor activity that offers both gentle adventure and memorable photos, this tour suits travelers of all skill levels eager to see Switzerland’s stunning lakes from a different perspective.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Beautiful Scenery: Experience crystal-clear waters, towering cliffs, and historic landmarks like Ringgenberg Castle.
All Skill Levels: Suitable for beginners, with instructions and supportive guides ensuring comfort.
Small Groups: Limited to six participants, fostering a personalized experience.
Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their helpfulness, knowledge, and friendly attitude.
Photo Memories: A package of professional photos captures your time on the lake.
Seasonal Operation: Runs May through October, with wetsuits provided in colder weather.

While in Interlaken, here are other experiences we've covered

Exploring Lake Brienz by Kayak: A Deep Dive

Lake Brienz is renowned for its striking turquoise hue, caused by glacial meltwater mixing with minerals in the lake. Paddling here offers not just a workout but a chance to see Switzerland’s natural beauty from a peaceful vantage point, far from crowded tourist spots. The kayak tour from Bönigen is designed for explorers of all skill levels, meaning no prior experience is needed—just a willingness to enjoy the scenery and have fun.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: The tour begins at Hightide Kayak School located opposite the bus stop in Bönigen. This spot is easy to reach via public transport or a short walk along the lakeside trail from Interlaken Ost. The friendly staff will equip you with top-quality gear, including wetsuits if needed, and give clear instructions, even if you’re a complete novice.

First Phase – Across the River Lütschine: The journey across the Lütschine River sets the tone, offering a gentle paddle and a chance to get comfortable with your kayak. This stretch is usually calm, allowing you to acclimate while soaking in views of lush forested hills and distant mountains.

Main section – Lake Brienz: The highlight is paddling along the north shore of Lake Brienz, where you’ll admire towering cliffs and perhaps catch sight of the 12th-century Ringgenberg Castle, which overlooks the lake. Multiple reviews mention how impressive the views are and how the castle adds a touch of medieval charm. One participant gushed, “The view of the lake and mountains was a sight to see,” while another loved swimming in the lake, describing it as “chilly but worth it.”

Hidden Beaches and Scenic Stops: The guides often lead small groups to secluded beaches and quiet coves, perfect for a quick swim or just relaxing amidst nature. Several reviewers remarked on the tranquility and beauty of these spots, which seem almost private despite the popularity of the area.

Sunset Option: For those seeking a more romantic or serene experience, an evening tour is available. This follows the same route but during sunset, letting you enjoy the changing colors reflecting on the lake’s surface—an experience many reviews call “breathtaking.”

Tour Duration and Timing: The total activity lasts around three hours, with about two hours on the water. The flexibility of starting times allows you to choose a session that fits your schedule, whether morning, midday, or evening.

The Experience: What It Feels Like

Guides like Mika and Ben receive high praise for their friendly demeanor, local knowledge, and attentiveness. Many reviews mention that the guides go out of their way to ensure everyone is comfortable, whether by providing wetsuits in colder weather or helping beginners with paddling techniques.

Participants often comment on how peaceful and calming the experience is, with some describing it as “almost unreal,” especially given the stunning backdrop. Several reviews note the professional photos taken during the tour, which means you can focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about snapping photos yourself.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Equipment and Comfort

The kayak gear is described as top quality, with neoprene wetsuits and jackets provided when necessary. This thoughtful preparation is appreciated by travelers, especially those concerned about chilly water. The small group size, capped at six, ensures personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere, making it easier for everyone to feel secure or learn new skills.

While you're exploring Interlaken, here are other experiences we've looked into

Accessibility and Logistics

Getting to Bönigen from Interlaken is straightforward: a 10-minute bus ride or a 35-minute scenic walk along the lakeshore. Parking is available for those opting to drive, with paid spots on Parkstrasse. The meeting point’s location right by the lakeside makes for a scenic start.

Participants generally find the cost of $140 very reasonable considering the personalized service, quality equipment, and professional guide support. Plus, the photo package is a lovely bonus, allowing you to relive your trip with high-quality images.

Authentic Reviews and Real Experiences

Reviews consistently praise the helpfulness of guides. One mentions, “Ben and Chris were amazing guides, mixing history and fun,” highlighting the personal touch guides bring. Many reviewers also emphasize the stunning scenery; comments like “the view is spectacular,” and “the cliffs and mountains are breathtaking,” reinforce just how scenic this paddle truly is.

Several travelers appreciated the value for money—they felt the price was justified for the professional instruction, small group intimacy, and beautiful environment. For instance, one review states, “The guide took lots of photos for us and shared them right away. Totally worth it!”

Notably, even those with little paddling experience found the guides patient and encouraging. A first-timer wrote, “It was my first time kayaking, and the guides helped me learn and enjoy the trip,” which shows how well the experience is tailored for novices.

Possible Downsides

While the experience is highly praised, some reviews mention that the water can be cold in late autumn, but wetsuits are provided. If you’re sensitive to chilly water, this might be a consideration. Also, the tour is weather-dependent—bad weather or strong winds could impact the experience. Fortunately, full refunds are available if cancellation occurs within the specified window.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This kayaking adventure suits travelers who appreciate natural beauty and want a gentle, active experience on one of Switzerland’s most captivating lakes. It’s ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxing way to see the scenic area without strenuous hiking or boat rides.

It’s also perfect for small groups or couples seeking a more intimate, personalized trip, as the limited group size ensures a quieter, more tailored outing. If you’re interested in photography or sharing your trip with friends, the included professional photos are a big plus.

The Sum Up

In the end, the Interlaken Kayak Tour of Lake Brienz offers a genuine chance to connect with Switzerland’s stunning landscape from the comfort of a kayak. The enthusiastic guides, peaceful surroundings, and beautiful landmarks make it a worthwhile choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the lakeside in a relaxed and authentic way.

Whether you’re a first-timer eager to try kayaking or a nature lover looking for a serene escape, this trip provides value, natural beauty, and friendly service that you’ll remember long after the trip ends. It’s a perfect blend of gentle adventure and scenic exploration, suitable for most travelers seeking a unique outdoor experience.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the tour is designed for all skill levels, with guides providing instructions and support to help newcomers feel comfortable on the water.
How long does the tour last? The full experience lasts about three hours, with roughly two hours spent paddling on the lake.
What should I bring? Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, change of clothes, and sports shoes. A swimsuit and waterproof gear are recommended if you plan to swim.
Are wetsuits provided in colder months? Yes, wetsuits and jackets are provided when the water gets colder in October and November.
How do I get to the meeting point? You can take a 10-minute bus from Interlaken Ost or enjoy a scenic 35-minute walk along the lakeshore. Parking is available nearby for those driving.
What if the weather is bad? Tours are weather-dependent; if conditions aren’t safe, your booking can be canceled for a full refund if you cancel up to three days in advance.
Can I take photos during the tour? Yes, professional guides will take photos for you, which are shared shortly after the tour ends.
Is the group size small? Yes, groups are limited to six participants for a more personalized experience.
What if I want an evening sunset paddle? The evening tour follows the same route but during sunset, offering a peaceful and beautiful way to end your day.

This kayaking tour on Lake Brienz stands out as a fantastic way to experience Switzerland’s natural splendor in a relaxed, friendly setting. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or memorable photos, it’s a trip worth considering during your visit to Interlaken.