Interlaken sits between two lakes, Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, and the lake shipping company BLS runs boats on both, from Interlaken West for Thun and Interlaken Ost for Brienz. Lake Thun cruises call at lakeside stops such as Neuhaus, Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen, Beatenbucht, Merligen and Spiez, with castles, vineyards and mountain views along the way. Lake Brienz is smaller, deeper and more intensely turquoise, with the Giessbach waterfall and the village of Brienz on its shores. A one-day boat pass lets you hop between stops on a single ticket, and the ships range from paddle steamers to modern motor vessels with a restaurant on board. A cruise is the slowest and calmest way to see the region and works well on a day when the high mountains are in cloud, since the lake and the hills around it still look good.
The seasons are the main issue in November. BLS publishes a Lake Thun timetable with an autumn period to 14 November 2026 and a winter period from 15 November to 12 December 2026, which is the end of the published timetable, so sailings continue but with fewer boats and fewer stops.
The Lake Brienz summer timetable ended on 11 October 2026, and I found no published November timetable for it, so do not plan a Brienz cruise without checking. The winter ship on Lake Thun and the restaurant ship at Interlaken Ost have their own dates, so check the BLS site for the day you travel.
A cruise at this time of year is a quiet, atmospheric experience. The lake is calm, the air is crisp and the first snow often lies on the hills above. Dress warmly, because the upper deck is cold, and look at the interior seating options, since the ships have heated saloons. If you want a meal, check which sailings have a restaurant or a snack bar. A one-day pass is good value if you plan several stops, and passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass often include the boats.
Timetables can change in storms, fog or extreme water levels, so confirm with the operator before you travel. A good plan is a short Thun cruise from Interlaken West with a stop at Beatushöhlen or Spiez, then a walk along the shore, returning by boat or train. In spring and summer the options widen to Brienz, Giessbach and Iseltwald, and these are worth saving for a later trip. The ticket page covers Interlaken sightseeing cruises, including a one-day boat pass.
What to expect
The experience
A cruise on a lake steamer or motor ship, hopping between lakeside stops on a one-day boat pass, with heated saloons and a restaurant on some sailings.
Best time
A calm, clear day when the hills are dusted with snow, or a cloudy day when the mountains are hidden.
How long
One hour for a short hop, a half day with a stop, or a full day on a boat pass.
Tips
In November only Lake Thun has a published timetable, and its winter timetable starts on 15 November. Dress warmly for the upper deck and confirm sailings with BLS.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A calm, scenic day when the high mountains are in cloud.
- Families
- Children enjoy the paddle steamers and the saloon windows; check which sailings have food.
- Couples
- A slow late-autumn cruise to Spiez with a lakeside lunch.
- Pair with
- Beatushöhlen, Spiez, Harder Kulm and a walk on the Höhematte.
- Time needed
- Two hours to a full day.
Good questions
Do the lake boats run in November?+
On Lake Thun, yes: an autumn timetable runs to 14 November 2026 and a winter timetable runs from 15 November to 12 December. Lake Brienz's summer timetable ended on 11 October, and no November timetable was found.
Where do the boats leave from?+
Lake Thun boats leave from Interlaken West and Lake Brienz boats from Interlaken Ost. Both are close to the train stations.
What is a one-day boat pass?+
It is a ticket that lets you ride the lake ships as often as you like for a day, within the timetable. It suits a trip with several stops.
Is there food on board?+
Some sailings have a restaurant or snack service, and the winter ships have heated saloons. Check the BLS timetable for the sailing you plan.
Can timetables change?+
Yes. Storms, fog and extreme water levels can alter sailings, so confirm with BLS before you travel.
