Lake Thun & Lake Brienz in November

  • Jenn_Chuah
    Participant
    107 posts
    19 September 2022 at 14:20:44 #828377

    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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    Anna
    Moderator
    6274 posts
    19 September 2022 at 15:46:08 #947062

    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

    Jenn_Chuah
    Participant
    107 posts
    20 September 2022 at 5:18:32 #947063

    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.

    Anna
    Moderator
    6274 posts
    20 September 2022 at 13:18:39 #947064

    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

    Jenn_Chuah
    Participant
    107 posts
    20 September 2022 at 16:21:32 #947065

    Many thanks, Anna for the advice.

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    20 September 2022 at 22:46:59 #947066

    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

    Jenn_Chuah
    Participant
    107 posts
    20 September 2022 at 22:55:16 #947067

    Thanks for the info, 1960man.

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    21 September 2022 at 7:47:17 #947068

    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

    Jenn_Chuah
    Participant
    107 posts
    21 September 2022 at 9:09:54 #947069

    Thanks, Ildiko.

    Jenn_Chuah
    Participant
    107 posts
    21 September 2022 at 9:49:48 #947070

    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.

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    21 September 2022 at 13:34:35 #947071

    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

    Jenn_Chuah
    Participant
    107 posts
    21 September 2022 at 14:05:35 #947072

    Thanks, Ildiko.

  • The thread ‘Lake Thun & Lake Brienz in November’ is closed to new replies.

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