Summer Kayak Tour Lake Brienz
Times
Duration
Price
Info
Included
Discover Lake Brienz by Kayak
Picture this: gliding in a kayak across the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, surrounded by a breathtaking mountain panorama. It’s not just a tour; it’s an adventure into a fairytale!
Starting from the Hightide base in Bönigen, Interlaken, our expertly guided tours offer a unique perspective of the area’s natural wonders.
Paddle along the north shore of Lake Brienz and discover the sunbaked cliffs, the historic 12th-century Ringgenberg castle, and the secluded beaches dotting the shoreline. As you cross the lake, immerse yourself in the surreal surroundings and soak in the spectacular views.
Our evening tours start when the lake calms down and the sun starts to dip behind Interlaken. There’s always a special calming atmosphere in the evening, perfect for a relaxing way to end the day. The evening tour follows the same itinerary as our half day tours.
So, why wait? Explore nature’s showroom with us and we’ll send you home with some unforgettable memories. Book your kayaking adventure now and let the fun begin!
You can join us on a Summer Tour from May until October and on a Winter Tour from November until April.
Tour Details
Who’s it for
Perfect if you want a scenic kayak tour with enough time on the water to explore around Lake Brienz, including the sunny cliffs and Ringgenberg Castle on the northern shoreline. Suitable for beginners and enjoyable for experienced paddlers who want an easy guided outing. Non-swimmers are welcome.
If you're looking for a shorter option, our 1.5 hour Kayak Experience is a great way sample Lake Brienz.
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
- Photos and videos sent for free after the tour
- Experienced Guides
What to bring
- Quick-dry swimwear or athletic wear. Wear a swimsuit or moisture-wicking shorts/top (e.g., synthetic fabrics like polyester, not cotton). You’ll likely get splashed or dip in the lake.
- Towel
- Sport sandals, flip-flops, Crocs or water shoes (optional)
- 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
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.
Kayak and SUP Rentals
Explore Lake Brienz with top-quality kayak and SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) rental equipment. Choose from our selection of sit-on-top kayaks and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), perfect for all skill levels.
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.
The main differences are duration, distance, and equipment.
- The 1.5-hour Experience: A "taster" session. You spend about 60 minutes on the water using Sit-On-Top kayaks. These are incredibly stable and easy to use, making them perfect for those who want a quick, fun introduction to the lake.
- The 3-hour Summer Tour: A half-day adventure. You spend roughly 2 hours on the water using professional Sea Kayaks. These boats are faster, allowing us to travel further to see Ringgenberg Castle and hidden cliffs. It’s the best choice for those seeking a more traditional journey and a deeper dive into paddling skills.
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.
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.
- Swimsuit and towel
- T-shirt short or long (no cotton, if possible)
- Shorts
- Sport sandals / water shoes / flipflops or Crocs
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Water bottle
- Clothing: Swimwear or light synthetic sports clothes (shorts/T-shirt) are ideal. Avoid cotton, as it stays cold when wet.
- Footwear: Footwear is optional. You are welcome to go barefoot or bring your own sport sandals/water shoes if you prefer.
- What we provide: High-quality splash jackets and, if the weather is cooler, wetsuits (included in the tour).
- Don't forget: You'll be on the water for about 2 hours—bring a hat, sunscreen, a strap for your glasses, and a towel/dry clothes for afterward.
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.
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.
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
