Kayaking in Interlaken

Explore the magnificent scenery around Lake Brienz while kayaking in Interlaken. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and picturesque villages, the lake is an important feature of Interlaken’s popular tourism region.

Kayaking on Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland, you will be enchanted by the majestic environment where each season brings its own excellence.

Here's all you need to know about kayaking, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Interlaken.

What are the best kayaking tours and trips in Interlaken?

You have several options for the best kayaking tours in Interlaken. While most of the tours are conducted in English, you can arrange one in French or German if required.

The summer kayaking tours are conducted daily at 9:15 AM and 1:15 PM and run from May until October.

Family-friendly kayaking tour on Lake Brienz

Take your whole family on this half-day kayak tour on Lake Brienz in Interlaken, and young and old can enjoy hours of fun and adventure.

The lake is one of the most beautiful in the country with its clear turquoise water, surrounding mountains and secluded beaches.

On this tour, you can discover the allure of the lake, its dramatic rock faces, tucked-away little beaches and historic castles. Admire especially the Ringgenberg Castle, dating back to the 12th century and proclaimed a Swiss national heritage site.

You will marvel at the distinctive turquoise waters, created by sediment particles feeding into the lake from the Lütschine and Aare River.

Against this magnificent backdrop, children aged 5 to 15 and parents alike will have a wonderful time during the family-friendly outing on the lake.

You will have the benefit of only the best quality equipment, including wet suits and paddle jackets that will keep you warm and comfortable in all kinds of weather.

The focus of the family kayak tour is playing games splashing around in the water and all kinds of fun activities.

You will be out on the water for some 2 hours paddling your own kayak and honing your skills. If you want to be adventurous, you can also try to do the “Eskimo roll.”

For the tour’s activities, some swimming ability is required. You should also remember to bring along your bathing suit and a quick drying T-shirt that you can wear underneath your wet suit.

Summer kayaking tour on Lake Brienz, Interlaken

Explore Lake Brienz and its beautiful surrounding Swiss landscapes on a summer kayaking tour in Interlaken.

Sweep out onto the lake in your kayak with your experienced guide and marvel at the lovely scenery that the balmy summer environment brings.

For these kayaking tours, you have a choice of half-day tours and evening tours around sunset. Half-day tours are held regularly through summer and are suitable for people of all abilities.

Your kayaking tour begins in Bönigen on Lake Brienz and you will paddle across the Lütschine River, going towards the lake’s north shore. You will explore the rugged cliffs and hidden beaches around the lake and admire the 12th-century Ringgenberg Castle.

All along, your guide will instruct you on how to hone your paddling skills. He will also capture your kayaking excursion with plenty of photographs as a memento of your trip.

The evening kayaking tours are launched at around sunset, when the lake’s surface is fairly calm and the sunset reflects on the water. They follow the same route and you will enjoy the same scenes as during the half-day tour.

The evening tours bring with it a calming atmosphere, which is ideal for photographs and a soothing end to your day.

Your kayaking session will last for 3 hours, 2 hours of which will be out on the water of Lake Brienz.

Winter kayaking on Lake Brienz

On this guided kayaking tour from Interlaken, you can make the most of the breathtaking views of Lake Brienz in winter.

Paddling out on the lake with your accomplished guide, you can hone your kayaking skills and take in the top sights, including centuries-old Ringgenberg Castle.

At the meeting point, you will be geared up and briefed on the kayaking trip ahead and on safety measures. You will be provided with top quality dry suits and boots to keep you dry.

Previous kayaking experience is not required, but you should be competent in handling a kayak by yourself. Once set up, you will grab your kayak and go to the kayak launching point at Lake Brienz.

With your experienced guide leading the way, your group will paddle out onto Lake Brienz and for the next 2 hours, you will enjoy the tranquil and magical setting.

Gliding in silence across the water and surrounded by snow-covered mountains, you can admire the views of the Alps and historic Ringgenberg Castle.

At the end of your paddling trip, you will return to the starting point and debrief with fellow kayakers while having tea to warm up.

How much do kayaking tours and trips in Interlaken cost?

The family-friendly kayaking tour of Brienze costs about US$80 per adult.

The summer kayaking tour of Lake Brienz costs about US$85 per person.

The winter kayaking tours of Lake Brienz cost from about US$130 to US$150 per person.

What is included?

Included in your tour package is an expert kayaking coach who will provide professional instructions in small tour groups of 6 maximum. You are provided with best quality kayaks, drysuits, wetsuits, jackets, neoprene gloves and booties.

Also included are a photograph package of your activity on the lake. You will also receive a day ticket to the public swimming pool and access to the aqua park on the lake and beach and lawn area.

Where does it start?

The starting point for the kayaking trips in Interlaken is the Strandbad Bönigen. You can take Bus 103 from Interlaken Ost to Bönigen See in the direction of Iseltwald throughout the day (5-10 minutes).

It’s a 3-minute walk from the bus stop to Strandbad. You can also walk from Interlaken Ost to the kayak base in Bönigen (30 minutes).

How long does it last?

The typical duration of the kayaking tours in Interlaken is 3 hours.

When is the best time for kayaking in Interlaken?

The best time for kayaking in Interlaken is during the winter months because of less people on the lake and the special, tranquil atmosphere of winter. But still keep an eye out for the elements.

The early morning is the best time to see the lake in all its splendor, when the waters are still and reflect the majestic surrounding mountains.

Is it safe?

Kayaking on Lake Brienz in Interlaken is safe if you follow safety measures. Choose an appropriate paddling location, have a float plan in case you capsize and watch out for boats.

Kayaking is not recommended in wind speeds over 15 knots, which will cause wavy surface conditions.

Are children allowed?

Children aged 5 and above can go on family kayaking tours in Interlaken. However, the required minimum ages are 12 and 15 for summer and winter kayaking tours respectively.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Kayaking trips in Interlaken depend on weather conditions and should it be canceled due to bad weather, you can choose a different date or request a full refund.

Which other water activities can be done in Interlaken?

• Canyoning
• Boat tours
• Rafting
• Jet boat
• Stand up paddleboarding

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your place on a kayak tour in Interlaken in advance.
• These tours are not recommended for people with back problems or serious medical conditions.
• Wear sunscreen while out on the lake and stay well hydrated.
• Wear suitable clothing such as wet suit