Autumn Kayak Tour Lake Brienz
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Discover Lake Brienz in Autumn
As summer fades, Lake Brienz takes on a completely different character. The forests along the shoreline turn shades of red, orange and gold, reflected in the turquoise water, while fewer boats and visitors bring a sense of stillness to the lake. It’s a time to slow down, breathe it all in and experience Lake Brienz at a gentler pace.
Starting from the Hightide base in Bönigen, Interlaken, our expertly guided tour takes you out onto the lake and along its northern shoreline. Paddle beneath colourful wooded hillsides, past dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches, with views towards historic Ringgenberg Castle and the surrounding mountains.
Autumn light, changing colours and peaceful open water make every tour feel a little different. On calm days, the reflections can transform the lake into a mirror, with the autumn landscape continuing across the surface beneath your kayak.
Whether autumn is already glowing in full colour or the first signs of the season are just appearing, this is a chance to leave the busy pace behind and experience a quieter side of Interlaken from the water.
Tour Details
Who’s it for
Perfect if you want to experience Lake Brienz in its quieter autumn season, with changing colours, peaceful water and plenty of time to explore the northern shoreline, including the sunny cliffs and Ringgenberg Castle. Suitable for beginners and enjoyable for experienced paddlers looking for a relaxed guided outing. Non-swimmers are welcome.
If you're looking for a shorter option, our 1.5 hour Kayak Experience is a great way to sample Lake Brienz. Read Which tour is right for me? for more details.
Effort level
Gentle and unhurried. This is about scenery, calm water time, and exploring the shoreline. We paddle steadily, take plenty of breaks, and pause at beautiful spots for photos and short rests. Time on the water is around two hours.
Meeting point
Am Quai 1, Bönigen – right next to the lake and bus stop Bönigen See.
Meeting time
Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled tour time. The tours are set to start 5 minutes after the bus arrives outside.
What’s included
- Kayak
- Carbon Fibre Paddle
- Bouyancy aid
- Wetsuit and jacket during cold days, drysuits if necessary
- Photos and videos sent for free after the tour
- Experienced Guides
What to bring
- Swimwear or tight fitting sportswear to be worn under a wetsuit.
- Thermal underwear / light sportswear in case drysuits are needed on colder days.
- A towel and cozy clothes for afterwards — capsizing is rare, but warm layers ensure a comfortable finish to your paddle.
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Water bottle
What not to bring
- Phones and expensive cameras can - and do - easily slip into the lake. If they do, you won’t be able to recover them from the bottom of Lake Brienz, which reaches depths of up to 260 metres (850ft). It's best to leave valuables safely in the lockers and enjoy the free photos and videos taken by your guide.
Tour duration
Total time: approx. 3 hours
Time on the water: approx. 2 hours
Languages
Tours are guided in English and German.
Age & weight limits
Minimum age: 12 years. Max weight: 120 kg (265 lbs)
Tour highlights / route
We paddle along the shoreline of Lake Brienz, past the River Lütschine and the mouth of the Aare, along sunbaked cliffs and with views of Ringgenberg Castle and surrounding peaks.
Weather policy
Tours run in most weather conditions including rain and snow. In case the tour can't take place, you’ll receive a full refund or reschedule. More details here.
Paddle and Fly Package
The ultimate Kayaking and Paragliding Package. Experience the thrill of gliding through the skies and the serenity of gliding along the tranquil waters, surrounded by spectacular Swiss scenery.
Stories from the lake
Visit Bönigen Lake Brienz
Which Tour is right for me
10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Lake Brienz
Why Lake Brienz Looks So Turquoise
Double Kayaks vs Singles: What Works Best on a Guided Tour
Will Bad Weather Ruin My Kayak Tour?
Kayak Paddle Technique
Connect with Nature
Kayaking Lake Brienz in Autumn
More ways to explore Lake Brienz
1.5 Hour Kayak Experience
Using stable, playful sit-on-top kayaks, we stay close to our base in Bönigen and spend an hour having fun on the water along the local shoreline.
Paddle and Fly Package
Our Paddle and Fly package offers a unique experience of Interlaken and Lake Brienz from two breathtaking perspectives. You’ll soar high above on a paragliding flight, taking in panoramic views of the stunning lakes and alpine peaks.
Tour Photos
Directions to Bönigen
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour is approximately 2 hours of kayaking on the water, not including the preparation beforehand and packing up at the end. Please allow a total of about 3 hours from arrival to departure.
No. The kayaks are very stable and easy to paddle. On a guided tour you’ll get clear instructions before and as you go on the water, and your guide is there to help you the whole time.
Depending on the daily conditions, we will equip you with either a neoprene wetsuit and paddle jacket or a specialized drysuit. What you wear underneath is key:
- Milder, sunny days: Swimwear or tight-fitting activewear (to wear under the wetsuit).
- Cool to cold days: Full-length thermal base layers like merino wool, fleece, or polyester (to wear under the drysuit). Please avoid cotton.
While we stay in the kayaks and rarely get wet on our autumn tours, our gear will keep the cold and wind out. Just in case you do take an unexpected dip, make sure to bring a towel and a full change of warm, dry clothes for after the tour.
Wetsuits don’t keep you dry, but they do keep you warm once you get wet. Dry suits keep you dry – no water gets on your skin. We use them only in winter or in very cold temperatures.
Want to know more about our drysuits? Read Is Winter Kayaking Cold?.
Our tours are perfectly suited for beginners and non-swimmers; no prior experience is required. The minimum age for our 1.5-hour Kayak Experience is 5 years, while our 3-hour Summer and Winter Kayak Tours are open to participants aged 12 and up.
There’s really no bad time for a kayak tour, it just depends on what you enjoy.
- Mornings are often quieter and more atmospheric.
- Afternoons are usually warmer and sunnier.
- Evenings tend to be calmer and more peaceful.
But it all depends on the weather, which can change throughout the day. We recommend choosing a tour time that best fits your schedule and your energy level.
Yes, we have plenty of lockers available, and they are included in the tour and rental price. The lockers are large enough for backpacks and shoes. If you have bigger suitcases or other luggage, we can store those safely for you as well.
Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled tour start time. Our start times are coordinated 5 minutes after the arrival of the public bus outside, so there is no need to come earlier.
Meet at Hightide Kayak School
Am Quai 1, 3806 Bönigen
Opposite the bus stop Bönigen See.
10 minutes on bus line 103 from Interlaken Ost. Timetable
Directions: How to Find Us
Yes, there is public parking on Parkstrasse in Bönigen with a few minutes’ walk to the base. The public parking areas are payable.
Please write us an email to info@hightide.ch explaining your medical condition and which tour /course and date you would like to book.
Kayaking is fun in any weather. You will be surprised how nice it is to kayak in rain. Nature is all the more dramatic and the drops of water on the lake make the experience even more unique. The expectations are often lower and, in the end, all the more positive. Trust us, it’s still going to be great. During thunderstorms or very strong winds we may have to cancel or delay tours for safety reasons.
More information on this topic can be found here: Will Bad Weather Ruin My Kayak Tour?
You can book your kayak tour directly online on our website. After booking, you will receive instant confirmation with all the details you need, including where to go, what time to arrive, and what to bring.
We do have a limited number of double sea kayaks, and there are a few cases where they can make sense. Speak to your guide, they will decide on the day what is safest and most enjoyable for your group.
However, here's why we generally recommend single kayaks:
1) Easier to paddle
Two people in one boat means more weight. More weight means more effort to get moving and to keep speed. A single responds quickly and rewards light, steady strokes.
2) Better handling and control
Double kayaks are longer. Longer boats track straight but are harder to turn. Singles turn easily, slip into small spaces, and feel nimble in light wind or current.
3) A more enjoyable experience
With your own paddle rhythm and your own boat, you get a stronger sense of flow. You can pause for a photo, glide quietly, or practice a skill without worrying about syncing strokes.
We have made a post about this. It's definitely worth a read!
There's no need to worry if you get tired. You can always let your guide know if you need to slow down or take a little break.
Meet The Team
Jolien Gekiere
