
Lake Thun Cruises Thun Pier
Cruise the stunning Lake Thun, surrounded by majestic Swiss Alps and charming villages. A truly picturesque journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best views of Alps

Lake Thun Cruises Thun Pier
Best Time
Best views of Alps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cruise the stunning Lake Thun, surrounded by majestic Swiss Alps and charming villages. A truly picturesque journey.
"An amazingly beautiful view from the lake! Priceless!"

🎟️ Save on Tickets
Consider a Half-Fare card or Jungfrau Pass for potential savings on boat fares.
🚢 Skip First Class?
Second Class often offers faster service at the bar and ample seating.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 259 reviews
Website
bls-schiff.chHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Paddle Steamer Blümlisalp
Lake Thun
Step back in time on this beautifully preserved paddle steamer with visible working piston engines.

Panoramic Lake & Alpine Views
Lake Thun
Marvel at crystal-clear waters, majestic Swiss Alps, and charming lakeside towns from the deck.

Thun-Interlaken Route
Lake Thun
A popular route offering incredible scenery, perfect for a scenic journey between towns.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ticket Costs & Value
Choosing Your Seat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Save on Tickets
Consider a Half-Fare card or Jungfrau Pass for potential savings on boat fares.
🚢 Skip First Class?
Second Class often offers faster service at the bar and ample seating.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Bring a jacket and umbrella, as it can get cold and wet on the lake.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Sit outside on the deck for the best unobstructed views of the Alps.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Save on Tickets
Consider a Half-Fare card or Jungfrau Pass for potential savings on boat fares.
🚢 Skip First Class?
Second Class often offers faster service at the bar and ample seating.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Bring a jacket and umbrella, as it can get cold and wet on the lake.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Sit outside on the deck for the best unobstructed views of the Alps.
⏰ Arrive Early for Seats
Get to the pier early, especially for good outdoor deck seating.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Thun cruises are widely praised for their absolutely stunning lake and mountain views, with many calling it a priceless experience. The historic paddle steamer Blümlisalp is a unique highlight. However, some find the ticket prices steep without a Half-Fare card, and service in First Class can be disappointingly slow.
"Great ticket office, beautiful lake, skip first class. Schiffstation Thun-Bahnhof is the main ticket office in Thun for boats on Lake Thun, including the historic steamer Blümlisalp. The agent who helped us was very friendly, spoke excellent English, and made buying tickets easy. 5 stars for the ticket office!
If you don’t have a half-fare card, the tickets can be expensive. That said, the boat ride is absolutely worth it. The lake is stunning—clear water, mountain views, and charming towns along the way. Locals seem to use the boats too, even just for a few stops. Five stars for the lake!
We waited for the Blümlisalp, which is a beautiful historic paddle steamer. It has working piston engines you can see in motion, which is impressive. But honestly, most of the boats are very nice, so you don’t need to time your trip around the steamer unless that’s a must-see for you.
We tried first class and wouldn’t do it again. It sounds nicer than it is. The upper deck has table service, but we waited nearly 30 minutes just to place an order—and our whole ride was only 50 minutes. Most of the best tables in first class were reserved, so available seating was limited. The staff seemed overwhelmed and not very happy. (3 stars for the service) In contrast, second class passengers can go straight to the bar and order, which is faster and easier.
If you’re going on a nice day, sit outside and enjoy the view. If it’s raining, bring a jacket and umbrella—it can get cold quickly on the lake."
Chris
"A must adventure on the Thunersee. We went from Thun to Interlaken & the views were incredible!. We paid $51 Swiss Franks each, but I was told the trip is included in a 5 day Jungfrau pass."
David Heftman
"An amazingly beautiful view from the lake! Priceless! But, if you don't have a first class ticket or if you don't want to eat at the restaurant, you have to sit outside and undercover seating is limited. Can be rather cold or in rainy weather not ideal. Great experience nevertheless! But try go on a sunny day!"
Sonja Van Zyl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Schiffstation Thun-Bahnhof is conveniently located right at the Thun train station, making it very easy to access. You can walk directly from the station to the ticket office and piers.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, Thun is a well-connected town. It's generally recommended to use public transport, especially if arriving by train, as parking can be challenging in popular Swiss towns.
Yes, the Lake Thun cruises connect Thun to various charming towns around the lake, including Interlaken. It's a fantastic way to travel between destinations.
Information on specific accessibility for all boats isn't detailed, but generally, Swiss public transport is quite accommodating. It's advisable to check with the cruise company directly for detailed accessibility information.
The cruise from Thun to Interlaken is highly recommended for its incredible views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Thun. It's a scenic and enjoyable journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be expensive, especially without a Half-Fare card. Prices can vary, but one reviewer mentioned paying around 51 Swiss Francs per person for a trip to Interlaken.
Yes, a 5-day Jungfrau Pass is mentioned as potentially including the boat trip, which could offer significant savings if you plan to explore the region extensively.
The main ticket office in Thun is at Schiffstation Thun-Bahnhof, where agents are friendly and speak excellent English. You can also likely purchase tickets at other piers or potentially online.
You can book in advance, but it's also possible to purchase tickets upon arrival. Getting into the queue early is recommended for securing good seating.
First Class offers table service but can have long wait times and limited seating due to reservations. Second Class allows passengers to order directly at the bar, which is often faster and easier.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The stunning panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and the clear blue waters of Lake Thun are the main attractions. Don't miss the chance to see charming lakeside towns.
If you're interested in maritime history, the Blümlisalp is impressive with its working piston engines. However, most boats are very nice, so it's not essential unless it's a priority for you.
Sitting outside on the deck offers the best views, especially on a sunny day. Be aware that undercover seating can be limited.
Cruises can vary in length. One reviewer mentioned a short 50-minute ride, while others suggest a two-hour plus cruise around the lake. Check the schedule for specific routes and durations.
If it's raining, bring a jacket and umbrella. While there's undercover seating, it can be limited, and the experience might be less enjoyable than on a clear day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on board, and you can also order food and drinks from the bar. The restaurant prices are considered reasonable by some.
Service in First Class can be slow, with one reviewer waiting 30 minutes just to order. Second Class passengers can order directly at the bar, which is generally faster.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally not common practice to bring your own food on public transport cruises. Purchasing from the onboard facilities is the norm.
You can sit at tables in First Class for service or head to the bar in Second Class to order. The experience is geared towards enjoying the scenery while dining.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews. It's best to inquire with the onboard staff or check their menu if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The outdoor deck offers unobstructed views of the Alps and the lake. Try to capture the reflections on the water and the charming villages along the shore.
Even on a cloudy day, the dramatic mountain landscapes can be very photogenic. However, sunny days provide the best light and clarity for capturing the vibrant blues of the lake and sky.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant mountain peaks or villages.
No specific restrictions are mentioned. You should be able to freely take photos and videos of the scenery and the boats.
Try to capture the steamer from different angles, highlighting its unique paddle wheels and classic design. Photos from the deck of another boat or from shore can offer great perspectives.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit