Hightide Kayak School Kayak and SUP Rentals on Lake Brienz

Kayak & Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Rentals in Interlaken

Am Quai 1 3806 Bönigen

Availability

9 am – closing
Mid-April – October
Weather dependent
No reservations – drop in

Duration

1hr
3hrs
7hrs

Price

from CHF 30

Age

3 years+

Included

Top Quality Material
Buoyancy Aid
Directions and instructions

Discover the magic of Lake Brienz

Explore Lake Brienz with top-quality kayak and SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) rental equipment from Hightide Kayak School in Interlaken, Switzerland. Choose from our selection of sit-on-top kayaks and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), perfect for all skill levels. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Lake Brienz as you paddle solo, with a partner, or as a group. Our rentals offer stability, ease of use, and fun, making them ideal for family outings or adventurous exploration. Experience the best of Lake Brienz with Hightide Kayak School!

Reservations for rental equipment aren’t required- simply drop by, and we’ll take care of everything upon your arrival.


Season Dates

Rentals are available from May – October and may be extended depending on the weather. For safety reasons, rentals are unavailable during the winter months when the lake water becomes too cold without specialized gear. However, our guided winter tours offer a unique way to experience the beauty of the lake from November to April.


The rental price includes the boat, a paddle and a buoyancy aid.
Wetsuits and additional buoyancy aids can be rented for 10 CHF each, and water shoes for 5 CHF.

Rent from the Pros, Not Just a Kiosk

As a dedicated Kayak School, we do more than just hand you a paddle. Our team consists of trained paddle sports coaches who know Lake Brienz inside out.

Professional Briefing: Every rental includes a briefing on land. We check your gear and show you where to go, and what to watch out for.

Safety First: We monitor wind and weather constantly. If conditions are likely to change, we brief you on how to handle it and how to get back.

The Right Gear: We fit you with equipment that matches your size and ability, ensuring you are comfortable and stable on the water.

💡 Not sure about going out on your own? If it’s your first time or you prefer a stress-free experience, join one of our Guided Tours. Our expert guides will show you exactly how to paddle and control your kayak, leading the way to hidden gems while sharing local history and nature along the route.

We believe a great paddle starts with great gear. As a professional Kayak School, we hold our equipment to a higher standard. We outfit you with the same high-quality, well-maintained kit we use for our tours and courses, ensuring you are safe and comfortable on the water.

Safety First

  • Buoyancy Aids: CE-certified flotation vests included for all swimmers.
  • Kids' Life Jackets: High-safety vests with collars for children (included).
  • Watertight Barrels: Keep your personal items bone dry (included).

The Hardware

  • Sit-on-Top Kayaks: Stable, self-bailing models that are easy to steer.
  • SUPs: High-quality all-round boards designed for maximum stability.
  • P&H Sea Kayaks: Premium touring boats for experienced paddlers. Self-rescue training required.
  • Epic V7 Surf Skis: High-performance skis for fitness and speed. Self-rescue training required.
  • Paddles: Ergonomic, lightweight paddles matched to your height.

Clothing (Optional)

  • Splash Pants: Protective trousers to keep paddle drips and splashes off your legs- ideal if you didn't bring swimwear.
  • Wetsuits: Available to rent for chilly days (Long-john or full-length).
  • Spray Jackets: Wind and splash protection layers available.
  • Water Shoes: Lightweight shoes (barefoot is usually fine).

We keep it simple so you can maximize your time on the lake.

  1. Drop In: No booking required. We have a large fleet of kayaks and SUPs, so there is no need to book ahead, we always have space for you.
  2. Gear Up: We have plenty of equipment and changing rooms on-site. Lockers are free, and all the gear is ready and waiting for you at our kayak school base.
  3. Go Paddle: Once you are changed, we'll give you a briefing and you'll be gliding over the turquoise water in minutes.

Unlike the busy boat traffic on other lakes, our zone in Bönigen offers calm, turquoise waters perfect for taking in the surroundings. Launch directly into the sheltered Bönigen bay and choose your adventure: stay local to snap some photos, follow the southern shoreline towards Iseltwald, or cross the lake to explore swimming spots, sunny cliffs and the Ringenberg Castle on the north side.

Recommended Routes

1 Hour (The Bay Loop): Stay in the calm water zone of Bönigen. Perfect for beginners, families, and snapping those Instagram bangers with the mountains in the background.

3 Hours (The Classic): Cross the lake to the Ringgenberg Cliffs. Paddle beneath the dramatic castle walls and find small hidden beaches. Note: This is our most popular choice!

7 Hours (The Expedition): Follow the coast to the famous fishing village of Iseltwald (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours each way). Stop for lunch, explore the village, and paddle back. For athletic paddlers only: Continue to the majestic Giessbach Falls.

💡 Ask an Instructor Not sure which route is best for today's wind? Just ask! Our team is always around to help. We will point out the smoothest water and the best views for the current conditions before you launch.

All rentals and tours operate from our new location at Am Quai 1, Bönigen, right opposite the bus stop on line 103 and directly on the shore of Lake Brienz. Detailed information on how to find us is available here.

We are no longer located at the Lido, Strandbad Bönigen.

Kayak and SUP Fleet

Hightide Kayak School Rentals 20

Single Sit-on-Top Kayak

  • Swimmers Only
  • Minimum Age 3
  • Storage space with bungy straps (wet)
  • 1hr - CHF 30
  • 3hrs - CHF 45
  • 7hrs - CHF 75

Sit-on-top kayaks are popular for various water activities and an easy way to explore Lake Brienz by kayak. They are generally wider than enclosed sea kayaks and have a flat bottom, making them more stable and easier for beginners to use. The open design allows for easy entry and exit, making sit-on-top kayaks particularly user-friendly. In the event of a capsize, sit-on-top kayaks are easier to re-enter from the water since there is no cockpit to flood, and they won’t fill up with water as easily as enclosed sea kayaks.

Hightide Kayak School Kayak Rentals On Lake Brienz 46

Double Sit-on-Top Kayak

  • Swimmers Only
  • Minimum Age 3
  • Storage space with bungy straps (wet)
  • 1hr - CHF 45
  • 3hrs - CHF 65
  • 7hrs - CHF 95

Sit-on-top kayaks are popular for various water activities and an easy way to explore Lake Brienz by kayak. They are generally wider than enclosed sea kayaks and have a flat bottom, making them more stable and easier for beginners to use. The open design allows for easy entry and exit, making sit-on-top kayaks particularly user-friendly. In the event of a capsize, sit-on-top kayaks are easier to re-enter from the water since there is no cockpit to flood, and they won’t fill up with water as easily as enclosed sea kayaks.

Hightide Kayak School SUP Rentals On Lake Brienz 45

Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP)

  • Swimmers Only
  • Minimum Age 3
  • 1hr - CHF 30
  • 3hrs - CHF 45
  • 7hrs - CHF 75

SUPs are highly versatile and can be used for various activities, including recreational paddling, yoga, fishing, racing, and even surfing small waves. Paddling on a SUP engages your entire body, including your core, legs, arms, and back, providing a great full-body workout. Balancing on the board helps improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

They allow paddlers to enjoy a different view of the surroundings, standing at a higher vantage point than in kayaks. However, this elevated position can make paddling against the wind more challenging, and beginners should be mindful of wind conditions to avoid being unintentionally pushed offshore.

Hightide Kayak School Sea Kayak Rentals On Lake Brienz

Sea Kayaks

  • Swimmers Only
  • Self-rescue training required
  • 3hrs - CHF 50
  • 7hrs - CHF 80

Sea kayaks have a longer, narrower, and more streamlined design with a closed cockpit, allowing for greater speed, efficiency, and control in various water conditions. Sea kayaks are designed for experienced paddlers who are comfortable with the enclosed cockpit and are trained in self-rescue techniques. While they are typically faster than sit-on-tops and require less effort to maintain speed, they are less stable and more difficult to enter and exit, especially in the event of a capsize.

Single Sit-on-Top

up to 1hr

CHF 30

up to 3hrs

CHF 45

up to 7hrs

CHF 75

Double Sit on Top

up to 1hr

CHF 45

up to 3hrs

CHF 65

up to 7hrs

CHF 95

SUP

up to 1hr

CHF 30

up to 3hrs

CHF 45

up to 7hrs

CHF 75

XXL SUP

up to 1hr

CHF 80

up to 3hrs

-

up to 7hrs

-

Single Sea Kayak

up to 1hr

-

up to 3hrs

CHF 50

up to 7hrs

CHF 80

Double Sea Kayak

up to 1hr

-

up to 3hrs

CHF 70

up to 7hrs

CHF 100

Surf Ski Epic V7

up to 1hr

CHF 30

up to 3hrs

CHF 50

up to 7hrs

CHF 80

Photos

Directions to Bönigen

Am Quai 1, 3806, Bönigen, Bern, CH

TimetableOpens in new tab
- Bus 103 from Interlaken Ost to Bönigen See, direction Iseltwald. (9 mins)
- The bus departs from Interlaken Ost at :05 & :35 minutes after the hour
- Do NOT get on the express to Iseltwald EXP103 which also departs at :35!

- Walk from the railway station “Interlaken Ost” to the ships
- Turn right, follow the lakeside path
- Walk past the campsite and cross the Lütschine river
- Pass Jetboat and BLS ship dock. You will find us around the corner by the Hotel Oberländerhof.

- From direction Bern to Interlaken: Take the A8 and exit 26 to Interlaken Ost.
- At the roundabout, turn left and follow Untere Bönigenstrasse onto Interlakenstrasse and then turn left at the roundabout onto Hauptstrasse.
- Hightide is located in the Hotel Oberländerhof, right before you reach the lake. Please park on the parking lot on Parkstrasse. The hotel parking is reserved for hotel guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

The rental price includes the boat, paddle and a buoyancy aid. Wetsuits and splash jackets can be rented for CHF 10 each.

We do not do reservations for rental equipment. We have enough equipment on site so you can just come by.

To rent a kayak or SUP, you must be able to swim. 

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.

Children aged 3 to 8, who are unable to swim, may accompany an adult on the water water under the condition that the adult, as the responsible party, is fully capable of effecting their rescue and safely returning them to the watercraft, should they fall overboard. They must wear a correctly sized childs life jacket.

No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on our rental equipment.

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

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