Why Bönigen is a Must-See on Lake Brienz

Getting to Bönigen from Interlaken Ost is incredibly easy. Depending on your mood, we recommend these three scenic options:

• The Active Way (30–40 Minutes): Enjoy a flat, peaceful walk from Interlaken Ost along the Aare River and the lakefront path. Here, you’ll get your first glimpse of the famously turquoise water as it flows out of Lake Brienz. The stunning views make this stroll well worthwhile. Alternatively, renting a bike allows you to explore the same local shoreline toward Bönigen and beyond.
• The Novel Way (10 Minutes): For a truly nostalgic Swiss experience, board the historic DS Lötschberg paddle steamer at Interlaken Ost. This beautifully restored Belle Époque icon offers a grand cruise to the Bönigen pier, letting you soak in the alpine scenery from its majestic wooden decks. [See the BLS Ship Schedule].
• The Simple Way (9 Minutes): The Bus 103 departs from Interlaken Ost every 30 minutes. It is a quick 9-minute ride that drops you off right outside our front door.

Whichever way you come, Bönigen is not a big detour. That is part of its charm. It is easy to add into a day, but it feels a world away from rushing around.

We are biased, of course, but we really do believe Lake Brienz makes the most sense from water level.

From the shore, it is beautiful. From a kayak or paddleboard, it becomes something else - quieter, bigger, and more immersive. You notice the colour differently. You notice the cliffs, the hidden corners, the reflections, and the way the whole lake seems to shift with the light.

There are a few ways to experience the water in Bönigen, depending on the kind of day you want:

• Hightide Kayak School: Join our thousands of happy paddlers who have explored the lake with us. View our Tours and Rentals below.
• Jetboat Interlaken: For those looking for a faster pace, local Jetboat offer an adrenaline-fueled way to see the sights.
• Go for a Swim: There are several public, non-commercial areas along the lakefront where you can enjoy a quick, refreshing dip in the clear water.

One of the best things about Bönigen is that it works both as a destination in its own right and as a starting point for exploring further along Lake Brienz to some of the most beautiful spots in Switzerland.

You can keep things simple and stay local. Or you can use Bönigen as the beginning of a bigger day.

Iseltwald: The Pearl of the Lake

• Travel Time: ~10 minutes by boat or 15 minutes by bus 103 which continues from our base to Iseltwald.
• The Sight: A picturesque former fishing village known for its stunning peninsula and the historic Seeburg Castle.
• The Global Hit: Fans of the K-drama Crash Landing on You will recognize the famous pier where Ri Jeong-hyeok played his piano. It’s the perfect place for a walk and a photo after your morning paddle.

Giessbach: History and Nature

• Travel Time: ~45 minutes by boat from Bönigen.
• The Sight: Accessible by the BLS ship, the Giessbach Falls are an impressive natural wonder. You can take the Giessbach Funicular, the oldest in Europe, up to the Grand Hotel and hike behind the roaring 14-stage waterfall.

Brienz: Tradition and Culture

• Travel Time: ~60 minutes by boat from Bönigen.
• The Sight: Famous for its woodcarving tradition and the Ballenberg Open Air Museum, where you can explore centuries of Swiss rural life.

What makes Bönigen special is that you do not have to choose between calm village atmosphere and lake exploration. You can have both.