Boat Trips

Boat trips in Switzerland aren't only for tourism and enjoyment. It still has considerable importance in terms of transport access. Every day, ferries transport cars, trucks and buses.

There are several passenger ship companies that offer different passenger trips

Passenger ship companies in Switzerland

Here you can find an overview of the lakes in Switzerland and their passenger ship companies. The table arranges the lakes by size in km2.

In the Zurich region, there are various shipping companies that operate on different lakes.

Boat Trips on Lake Zurich

Boat trips on Lake Zurich likely date back to the settlement of the lakeside around 4000 BC. The first iron ship on the European continent was the Zurich steamer "Minerva," which started operating on July 19, 1835.

Today, the fleet includes 17 ships, composed of 12 motor vessels, three Limmat boats, and two paddle steamers. The newest addition to the fleet, the MS Panta Rhei, was christened in 2007. This ship can accommodate 700 passengers and is particularly noted for its large windows and accessibility for people with disabilities on all decks.

Under the title "Dream Ship," the Zurich Lake Shipping Company (ZSG) offers a variety of themed boat trips. In Zurich, you can take a comfortable ride from Bürkliplatz to Rapperswil, or you can enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Limmat. In the winter months, boat services on the Limmat are suspended.

The ZSG serves both shores all the way to Rapperswil, and during the peak season, also operates on the Upper Lake between Rapperswil and Schmerikon. The Limmat boats also run a small route on the lake. It’s best to board the boat at the Swiss National Museum. After all, the most beautiful excursions lead to Zurich or Rapperswil via a wooden walkway that is part of the Camino de Santiago.

Since ancient times, a walkway has led from Rapperswil over the dam at Lake Zurich. The city is home to countless inns, testament to its long-standing pilgrimage traditions. The most important landmark is the triangular castle with its three distinct towers.

Offers Lake Zurich

On Lake Zurich there is a wide range of adventure cruises for connoisseurs and explorers. Regular cruises with food & drink experiences or round trips from Zurich or Rapperswil are offered.

Ferry Horgen - Meilen

The Lake Zurich Ferry Horgen-Meilen (FHM) operates year-round ferry service on Lake Zurich between Horgen and Meilen. This ferry connection shortens the travel route for individual traffic from the Zurich Oberland to central Switzerland. You can reach the opposite shore of the lake without a detour through the city of Zurich or via the Rapperswil lake dam.

The fleet consists of five ferryboats, the lion's share of whose trips are for commuters between the two lakeshores. From spring to fall, both tranquil round trips and nostalgia trips are offered.

Offers Horgen - Meilen ferry

• single trip passengers
• single trip vehicle < 3m
• single trip vehicle 3 - 6 m
• single trip vehicle 6 - 12 m

The special culinary cruises are no less inspiring. There is a breakfast ship as well as a pasta, fondue, Asian and a game ship.

Lake Greifen boat trip

15 km east of Zurich lies the charming Greifensee, whose entire shore region is a protected nature reserve. The Greifensee boat service links the five main starting points on the lake: Maur, Fällanden, Uster and Mönchaltorf Silberweide open up the region around Lake Greifen.

In 1895, the steamship Greif was built by Escher Wyss, the largest manufacturer of ships in Switzerland at that time. More than 600 ships have left the factory halls in the meantime. The steamship "Greif" is the oldest and only coal-fired steamship with screw propulsion operating in public passenger shipping in Switzerland today.

In addition to the steamship, the Schifffahrtsgenossenschaft Greifensee (SGG) also operates its own ships, which offer themed boat trips. Today, the environmentally friendly operated ships of the SGG include the MS Stadt Uster, the MS David Herrliberger and the MS Heimat.

The view from the lake is the best way to see the unobstructed shores. About 400 different plant species grow in the reed meadows and fens surrounding the idyllic Greifensee. The round trip from Maur - Uster - Maur takes about 1.5 h.

Offers Greifensee

• Whole round trip
• Evening trips with 1st August fireworks from Maur
• Sunset trips with steam romance and aperitif (Saturday)

Lake Zug and Lake Aegeri boat trip

The graceful Lake Zug - 14 km long and 198 m deep - is surrounded by a gently rolling landscape in its northern part. The southern end is nestled between the steep flanks of Rossberg and Rigi. Lake Aegeri, about 5 km southeast of Zug, is also beautiful to experience by boat. The boats leave near the boat station north of the Landsgemeindeplatz. In summer they sail south to Arth and many other destinations.

The places on the shore are served by the ships of the Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Zugersee. At the start of the season (April 1), the lake maps of Lake Zug and Lake Aegeri are available digitally. There you will also find the most important data and basics about navigation and leisure.

Lake Zug is connected by boat via 9 stops. On your big round trip you reach the worth seeing places Cham, Walchwil, Arth am See, Immensee and Oberwil via these stops.

Offers on Lake Zug and Lake Ägeri

Throughout the year, the Zug shipping company offers experience cruises. These include everything from breakfast or brunch on Sundays to aperitif cruises and themed trips like Dinner Crime, Casino Night, or Bond Brunch.

Boat Trips on Lake Walensee

The bright green shimmering Walensee stretches between the Glarus Alps and the Churfirsten mountains that rise nearly 1000 m above the lake to the north. It is 15 km long, 151 m deep, and up to 2 km wide.

The ferries of the Walensee shipping service run regularly between Quinten and Murg. The motorship Quinten is the largest unit, with a total capacity of 260 people, followed by the ferries MS Churfirsten, MS Seestern, MS Walenstadt, and MS Alvier.

From March to October, ships travel regularly between Weesen and Walenstadt. On the route Murg – Au – Quinten – Murg, they stop at several locations, including Betlis. In winter, the connection from Murg to Quinten is limited. One of the most beautiful excursion destinations is Weesen, a picturesque town often visited in summer. Hikers also appreciate a stop at Walenstadt, nestled under the steep cliffs of the Hinterrugg.

Landing stages on Lake Walen

The main landing stages at the Walensee, which are approached, are: Murg, Au, Weesen, Mühlehorn, Betlis and Quinten.

In the region of Aargau you have the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings from a ship on the Hallwilersee.

Lake Hallwil boat trip

You can cruise across the peaceful waters of Lake Hallwil on a ferry. If you want to discover the lake valley in all its beauty, you can't miss a boat trip on Lake Hallwil.

In 1888, the Lake Hallwil Navigation Company was founded - as the "Steamship Company of Lake Hallwil". Currently, five ships operate on the lake: MS Brestenberg, MS Delphin, MS Seetal, MS Hallwil and MS Seerose.

The scheduled boats sail regularly from May to September, as well as on fair-weather days in the early and late season. The main landing stages are Seengen, Delphin Meisterschwanden, Birrwil, Beinwil am See, Aesch, Mosen and Boniswil.

The big round trip from Seengen - Meisterschwanden - Aesch - Mosen - Beinwil - Birewil - Boniswil - Seengen takes 1 h 45 min. The most popular destinations on Lake Hallwil include Hallwyl Castle, Heidegg Castle, Schongiland Adventure Park and the Seerose and Delphin restaurants in Meisterschwanden.

The offer ranges from seasonal special and theme trips to culinary excursions. Among the most beautiful experiences is the Sunday morning trip with the brunch ship as well as a sunset cruise.

If you're traveling from Bern to Interlaken for the first time, you'll never forget the moment you catch your first glimpse of Lake Thun. The turquoise water will instantly charm you. It’s no surprise that these two lakes in the Bernese Oberland are a true magnet for excursions.

BLS Boat Trips

Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are located in the elongated Aare Valley between Brienz and Thun. The picturesque village of Brienz sits on the shores of the lake with the same name. Here you'll gaze across beautiful turquoise waters, surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests. The Brienz Lake, mainly fed by glacier water, is known to be one of the coldest lakes in Switzerland.

The BLS boat fleet consists of a total of 14 vessels, including the two magnificent paddle steamers “Blümlisalp” and “Lötschberg.” On Lake Thun, passenger ships operate year-round between Interlaken and Thun, while services on Lake Brienz are paused during winter.

A round trip can be combined with visits to popular spots and attractions at both lakes. For example, it’s worth stopping by the Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz or the Beatus Caves on Lake Thun. About 18 km from Interlaken, you’ll find the valley station of the Brienz-Rothorn Railway on the northern shore of Lake Brienz, which whiskey lovers shouldn't miss out on.

Offers on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

Beautiful evening cruises and numerous events complement the BLS shipping schedule. You can also plan a two-lakes cruise and connect the lakes with a ride on the Bödelibahn. This nostalgic mini train in Interlaken operates from May to October for groups of 8 or more by reservation.

Routes of the steamships

• With the nostalgic steamboat Blümlisalp, you can travel the Thun – Interlaken – Thun line or the Thun – Beatenbucht – Thun route.
• With the paddle steamer Lötschberg, you can travel the Interlaken Ost – Brienz – Interlaken Ost line.

Lake Lucerne is named after the four "forest municipalities" surrounding it: the original cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, and the canton of Lucerne. It is the fourth largest lake in Switzerland, stretching 38 km from Lucerne to Flüelen. No other Swiss lake surpasses the depth of 214 m in terms of grandeur and variety.

Shipping Company of Lake Lucerne SGV

The shipping company of Lake Lucerne (SGV) operates ships on the lake every day. With 5 paddle steamers and 14 motor boats, there’s something for everyone.

Lucerne is the perfect starting point for ship excursions on Lake Lucerne, as well as for combined tours. The lakeside areas of Lucerne exude a cheerful and relaxed vibe. Beautiful hills alternate with sheltered bays featuring almost Mediterranean vegetation. The three well-known excursion mountains, Pilatus, Bürgenstock, and Rigi, provide striking highlights.

Lake Lucerne Offers

From Lucerne, there are connections to Alpnachstad, Weggis, Vitznau, Brunnen, and Flüelen all year round. However, in winter, only one boat operates daily to Flüelen, while the services to Brunnen and Rütli turn around.

Combine your hiking trip with a boat ride, enjoy the sunset atmosphere on deck, or head towards the sea of lights in Lucerne during Advent.

With the Lake Lucerne Pass, you get a year of unlimited travel on the lake, plus many additional benefits. The annual fee is worth it if you’re often out on the lake.

East of Geneva lies Western Europe's largest inland lake. The much-visited Lake Geneva is a vast liquid mirror, nestled between the French Savoie Alps and the Vaud Alps in Switzerland. The lake's surface area comprises 60% of Switzerland and 40% of France.

Lake Geneva CGN Cruises

The sunny northern shore of Vaud, with the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Lavaux, invites you to linger, explore, and enjoy. Other attractive destinations around Lake Geneva include the Château de Chillon as well as the cities of Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva, and Evian.

Lake Geneva offers plenty of family-friendly activities. The largest ferry company (CGN Ferries and Cruises) operates a regular timetable throughout the year. Additionally, various themed cruises run on beautiful paddle steamers from the Belle Époque era.

Timetable & Offers for Lake Geneva

Main docks and routes on Lake Geneva are:

• Geneva – Nyon – Lausanne • Lausanne – Montreux – St. Gingolph • Nyon – Yvoire • Lausanne – Thonon – Nyon

Swissboat offers a variety of themed cruises on Lake Geneva and the Rhône from April to October.

The Lake Constance, located before the northern Alps, is the third largest inland lake in Europe. It ranks third in size among the extensive lakes in the Central European region, following Lake Balaton and Lake Geneva. Lake Constance is situated within Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

• Longest length: 63.3 km between Bregenz and Bodman-Ludwigshafen
• Widest point: 14.8 km between Kressbronn and Rorschach
• Deepest point: 251.8 m in the deep section of the Upper Lake

Shipping on Lake Constance

The entire southern foreland of the Lake Constance is Swiss territory, with the majority belonging to the canton of Thurgau. Conversely, the area around Rorschach up to the Old Rhine is assigned to the canton of St. Gallen.

Several ferry companies, including Swiss Lake Constance Shipping SBS, Vorarlberg Lines VLB, Lake Constance Shipping BSB, and Untersee and Rhine Shipping Company SSURh, operate across the lake and along its shores from early March to late October.

As the largest shipyard on Lake Constance, Lake Constance Shipping operates 4 service ships and 2 ferries. In addition, the ships MS Rhynegg and MS Rhy and Rhyspitz are in service. In summer, the MS Rhynegg invites you on a wonderful discovery journey on the Old Rhine. The motor vessels Rhy and Rhyspitz can also be rented.

• In the annual fleet parade, the “St. Gallen” represents Swiss Lake Constance Shipping.
• The motor vessel “Thurgau” is among the first larger motor vessels in all of Switzerland (built around 1930). Its sister ships hardly show their age.
• The “Zürich,” coming from Romanshorn, heads towards Kreuzlingen.
• Her sister ship, the “Thurgau,” underwent a refurbishment in 1991 with a charming rustic style. After being transformed into the private Swiss Lake Constance Shipping Company in 1996, the excursion program was further expanded.
• The elegant luxury yacht MS Säntis stands out as a gem.
• Euregia and Romanshorn are the two motor ferries that connect Romanshorn and Friedrichshafen in 45 minutes.
• From its home port in Bregenz, the ships of Vorarlberg Lines operate during the summer half-year to Lindau (DE), Meersburg (DE), and Konstanz (DE). The fleet also includes the MS “Sonnenkönigin,” which accommodates 1000 people, making it the largest ship on Lake Constance.

The main docking points on the Swiss side of Lake Constance are Romanshorn, Rorschach, and Kreuzlingen. Other stops include Arbon, Rheineck, Konstanz (DE), Mainau (DE), Lindau (DE), and Immenstaad (DE).

Offers Lake Constance and Rhine

The 45 km boat trip from Schaffhausen to Constance takes you along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine. The Swiss shipping company "Untersee und Rhein" operates routes to/from Kreuzlingen via Stein am Rhein and Reichenau to Schaffhausen. The trip downstream takes almost four hours – it’s an hour longer in the opposite direction.

Another round trip on Lake Constance starts from Steckborn and heads to Ermatingen, the oldest fishing village in Switzerland. Along the way, you’ll see castles, palaces, and historic half-timbered buildings. The round trip lasts about 2 hours.

In Basel, Switzerland is closest to a harbor by the sea: The Rhine is navigable for relatively large ships all the way to its mouth. It flows gently in a curve from the southeast towards the north through the city.

Rhine Boat Trips in Basel

The Basel passenger shipping company operates scheduled trips from March to October and offers year-round experiences. The company was founded in 1924. Today, the Basel passenger shipping company owns four boats.

• Its new flagship is the Rhystärn. The scheduled boat accommodates up to 700 people and features a cozy deck with a bar and generous window fronts. You’ll enjoy a fabulous view on your Rhine Basel tour.
• Equally impressive is the trip on the motor vessel “Christoph Merian,” which can hold 500 people.
• With a nostalgic look and up to 78 seats, the smallest ship in the fleet, the “Baslerdybli,” glides along its route past the old town and under numerous bridges.

Offers Basel

• The big lock trip to Rheinfelden is very popular. It is the king trip of the round trip offer. On the approx. 4-hour trip you pass the two locks Birsfelden and Augst.
• From the Kleinbasel bank of the Rhine to Klybeckquay and the border triangle, you enjoy an approx. 50-minute harbor trip with a magnificent view of France and Germany.
• In the heart of Basel, an approx. 50-minute city tour takes you past the Basel Cathedral, the Roche Tower, the Tinguely Museum and to the Birsfelden lock.

It’s hard to believe the contrasts Switzerland has to offer: While strolling along the waterfront promenades in Locarno and Lugano under well-tended palm trees, you can venture into the wild side valleys and discover an alpine jungle. The boat trips in Ticino are perfect for unforgettable moments or days with family or friends.

Lake Maggiore, stretching 60 km in length, 3-5 km in width, and reaching depths of up to 372 m, is the second largest of the lakes in Northern Italy.

Boat Trips on Lake Maggiore

Only the northeastern tip of Lake Maggiore, where the city of Locarno is located, belongs to Switzerland. The rest of the lake lies in the Italian region of Lombardy. Since 1826, there has been passenger shipping on the lake. The Navigazione Lago Maggiore company operates boats across the entire lake. The fleet consists of 25 vessels, including the historic "Piemonte", a steamship from 1904, and modern speedboats like the catamaran "Leopardie".

Whether it’s a special event tour on a paddle steamer, scenic cruises, or short excursions – every trip over Lake Maggiore is an experience. The two bays are home to the sister cities of Locarno and Ascona. A delightful contrast that always surprises is the bright blue of the lake set against the sugary peaks of Tamaro and Gambarogno.

Offers for Lake Maggiore

With the day pass, you can explore the entire Swiss side of the lake. There are various options for visiting the Italian side. A car ferry connects the ports of Intra and Laveno every 20 minutes.

Lake Lugano Navigation

Lake Lugano on the southern edge of the Alps belongs mainly to the Swiss canton of Ticino. The lake also has a share in the Italian provinces of Varese and Como. Situated at 270 meters above sea level, the lake is up to 288 meters deep and 35 kilometers long.

A boat trip on Lago di Lugano is definitely worthwhile. The transport boats on the lake are operated by the Societa Navigazione de Lago di Lugano. The offer of the shipping company with nine ships includes morning, noon and evening trips.

Offers Lago di Lugano

There are round trips from Lugano to Melide, to Morcuote and to Ponte Tresa. If you want to visit more places, it is best to choose a time ticket. In addition to the day pass, there is also a three-day pass and a weekly pass. Children travel at a reduced price.

The pier in Lugano is located near Piazza della Riforma. The boats operate all year round. They operate most frequently between the end of March and October. At this time they sometimes even go as far as Ponte Tresa, which is right on the border with Italy.

The Three Lakes Region, with its rivers and lakes, is perfect for a pleasant trip on a passenger ship.

Boat Trips on Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel, and the Aare

Lake Biel, stretching 14.5 km long and up to 3.5 km wide, marks the boundary between two geological areas: the limestone formations of the Jura and the molasse region of Seeland. The neighboring lakes, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Murten, are connected to Lake Biel by a canal.

Throughout the year, the Bielersee Shipping Company (BSG) in Biel and the Navigation Lacs de Neuchâtel et Morat (LNM) in Neuchâtel offer day trips on all three lakes. The proud fleet of BSG includes classic passenger boats, the largest solar catamaran in Switzerland, and a modern yacht. The route runs through Seeland from Solothurn to Murten. On the Aare, the ships head into Lake Biel, continuing to Lake Neuchâtel, then to Lake Murten, and back again.

A round trip takes you past beautiful shores and charming villages and towns. A famous destination on Lake Biel is St. Peter's Island – a spot of poetic beauty. You can reach St. Peter's Island by boat from Biel or La Neuveville. As you cruise along the Yverdon les Bains Champ-Pittet nature reserve, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Jura mountains.

Highlights on the Aare trip between Solothurn and Biel include the storks in Altreu, the historic town of Büren an der Aare, and the lock in Port.

Timetable & Offers Three Lakes Country

Day trips across all three lakes include lunch. Other boats operate regularly only in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, however, there are numerous special trips such as fondue evenings.

The one-way trip from Biel to Erlach takes about 1 ¼ h, the two-lake trip about 2 ¼ h and the big three-lake trip about 3 ¼ h.

In the Fribourg region, a tour by boat on Lake Murten is possible and definitely worth a visit.

Lake Murten boat trip

Canals connect Lake Murten with Lake Neuchâtel to the west and Lake Biel to the north, forming the Three Lakes Country. It is lakeland, distinguished by about 250 km of cycling and hiking trails. Lake Murten is 9 km long and up to 46 m deep. To the northwest extends the flat ridge of Mont Vully, which separates Lake Murten from Lake Neuchâtel.

In the season from the end of April to the end of October, the Navigation Lacs de Neuchatel et Morat offers boat trips on Lake Morat. On the approximately 70-minute round trip, the ship stops in Praz, Motier, Avenches, Vallamand and Faoug.

By the way, in Salavaux you will find the longest sandy beach in Switzerland.

In Valais, the main valley of the Rhône, a magical river landscape unfolds. It begins at the Rhône Glacier and ends at the shores of Lake Geneva. Unlike what you might find with boat companies on the Aare, here you can explore the region's rivers in different ways, such as through river rafting.

Graubünden is the source region of the Rhine. The Inn also springs from here, along with the rivers from the southern Italian-speaking valleys that flow into the Po. The Rhine Gorge provides a spectacular setting for your first whitewater rafting taster tours. If you're looking for more challenging waters, you'll find them on the Landquart in the middle Prättigau and in the Lower Engadin.

For canoeists, the Vorderrhein is a perfect area for your first attempts at whitewater. Here, you'll also find the best canoe school in the canton, offering a wide range of canoeing and kayaking courses.

• With a day pass in your pocket, you can hop on and off as many times as you like to explore each location before continuing with the next boat.
• If you want to enjoy the outdoor deck during the trip, we highly recommend bringing a windbreaker even in summer and good weather.
• The GA and Half Fare Card are valid on most lakes and rivers, so you can travel at significantly reduced rates or even for free in some cases.
• The Swiss Boat Pass offers a 50% discount on boat trips, including brunch and lunch.
• Boat rides are also a fantastic outing in winter. Many shipping companies offer a timetable all year round, even if the winter schedule is usually much reduced.
• The last remaining steamship on Lake Constance, the "Hoehentwiel," was launched in 1913. Just a year earlier, the first imported steamship from Liverpool, the "Compagnie Generale de Navigation sur le Lac Leman," was operating on Lake Geneva. The "Savoie," "Simplon," and "Rhone" date back to the Belle Epoque. The oldest ship on Lake Lucerne is the "Rigi," built in 1884.

Lake Constance Offers

The Lake Constance ticket includes, depending on the purchased region, the use of the ferries Friedrichshafen – Romanshorn and/or Konstanz – Meersburg in the price.

Shipping on the Undersee and Rhine

The Undersee is separated from the main basin of Lake Constance by a land bridge cut through by the Rhine near Konstanz. In its northern part, it forms the two fingers of Gnadensee. The Undersee lies between Konstanz, Stein am Rhein, and Radolfzell.

On the Undersee, the Swiss shipping company "Untersee und Rhein" offers scheduled and excursion trips. The passenger ships operate daily from April to October between Kreuzlingen, Stein am Rhein, and Schaffhausen. The main docking stations are Kreuzlingen, Konstanz, Insel Reichenau, Höri Peninsula, Stein am Rhein, and Schaffhausen.