Lake Thun & Lake Brienz in November
A traveler named Jenn Chuah is planning a boat ride on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz from Interlaken on November 26. They need advice on the route, trip duration, and costs without a rail pass. Jenn wants to visit nearby attractions like Isetwald and Sigriswil Panorama Bridge.
- Only boat services on Lake Thun are operating in November, with limited schedules, so check ahead.
- If using the Swiss Travel Pass, you can hop on and off the boat easily.
- Consider taking a train back to Interlaken after the boat trip since the train ride is just half an hour.
- Driving around the lake can be a good alternative if boat services are limited.
AI-generated summary-
Hi,
I plan to take the boat ride at Lake Thun and Lake Brienz on 26 November. I would also like to visit Isetwald, Sigriswil Panorama Bride, at least 1 castle, Thun & Brienz town.
I will start the journey at Interlaken.
1) How do I make the trip above? What is the route to take?
2) How long does it take to cover the entire itinerary above?
3) If I do not have any rail pass, how much will it cost for the entire trip above?
Thanks.
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Hi Jenn Chuah,
In November, only boat services on Lake Thun will be running: https://www.myswissalps.com/boatlakethun/gettingthere. The boat services on Lake Brienz do not operate in winter (from November until March): https://www.myswissalps.com/boatlakebrienz/gettingthere.
Additionally, the boat services on Lake Thun is limited during the winter season. From Interlaken, there’s only one service per day, with the only boat leaving at 14.00 and arriving in Thun about 16.20. The cruise calls at several stations including Spiez. You can find more information here: http://www.myswissalps.com/boatlakethun
If you have a railpass such as the Swiss Travel Pass, you can hop on and off as you wish: https://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass. A standard point-to-point ticket from Interlaken to Thun cost about CHF22.50: https://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/switzerland.
Hope this information helps in your trip planning.
Regards,
Anna
Thanks, Anna for the info.
I will be driving from Basel to Interlaken.
In view of only 1 boat ride available, how best should I do this coz eventually I have to get back to Interlaken to collect my car?
Is it there is only 1 boat per day during winter or just on Nov 26 happens to only have 1 boat on that day?
Thank you.
Hi Jenn Chuah,
In winter the boat service on Lake Thun is limited. There is only one boat trip per day from Interlaken West to Thun. Perhaps you can take the boat from Interlaken to Thun and then take a train back to Interlaken to pick up your car. The train journey between Thun and Interlaken only takes half an hour. Alternatively, you can do the trip in reverse – boat from Thun to Interlaken West then take a train back to Thun. The boat from Thun leaves in the morning so might be more practical for your itinerary.
Regards,
Anna
Many thanks, Anna for the advice.
I am sorry to say that the simple fact is that you are trying to do a ‘mid summer’ activity in early winter. There is a very good reason why lake boats have very limited services on the major lakes in Switzerland in autumn and winter; that is because it is not generally an attractive time of year to be out in the middle of an Alpine lake. If it is cloudy and wet the ride will be unattractive. If the weather is clear it is likely to be cold – also unattractive since you can’t sit outside on the boats – the main attraction of a lake boat ride in the Alps.
If you are using a car – just drive round the lake and look at the views from the parking places along the lake shore – it will also be easier to go to Sigriswil
Thanks for the info, 1960man.
Hi Jenn Chuah,
At http://www.myswissalps.com/weather/winter you can read about the winter weather in Switzerland. This might help you to choose the best activities during November.
Ildiko
MySwissAlps.com recommends reading this: Driving in the Swiss Alps
Thanks, Ildiko.
Should I also omit the boat rides at Lake Geneva and Lake Lucern in my itinerary from mid november to mid december since the weather is not favourable to do so?
Thank you.
My recommendation is that try to stay flexible. If the weather is nice and sunny, you can still enjoy a boat ride in November.
For a Swiss holiday it is always true, that flexibility is important. Like in case of rainor bad weather you do not want to visit a mountain top, but maybe you would opt for a city visit or try Swiss gastronomy, visit a cheese or chocolate factory etc.
I hope this answers your question 🙂
Ildiko
Thanks, Ildiko.
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