Lake Brienz: Guided Kayak Tour & Castle Stop with Photos

Summary

Kayak Lake Brienz past cliffs castles and quiet beaches

You’ll paddle Lake Brienz with a small group and local guide, passing forested cliffs and stopping at Ringgenberg Castle for stories (and photos). Glide over turquoise water, rest on hidden beaches, learn new skills even if you’re a beginner — and leave with memories you’ll want to share long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

I was already halfway into the wetsuit when our guide, Jonas, grinned and asked if I’d ever paddled before. “Only once,” I admitted, feeling the cool morning air on my arms. The lake looked impossibly turquoise — not sure if it’s always that color or just the way the clouds hung over Interlaken that day. We started in Bönigen, right where the houses have those little flower boxes. Jonas showed us how to hold the paddle (I definitely did it wrong at first) and then we were gliding out onto Lake Brienz, the water barely rippling under us.

There was this moment crossing the River Lütschine where everything went quiet except for a couple of ducks arguing nearby. The cliffs rose up on our left — green and gray and a bit intimidating — while Jonas pointed out some tiny beach hidden behind trees. He told us stories about Ringgenberg Castle up ahead; apparently parts of it date back to the 12th century, which is wild to think about when you’re floating past in a bright red kayak. We stopped by the castle for a break, legs a little wobbly stepping out onto the pebbles, and I tried to pronounce “Ringgenberg” properly (failed miserably). Jonas laughed but didn’t judge.

The sun came out just as we reached one of those secret-feeling beaches — sand mixed with bits of driftwood, and everything smelled like wet stone and pine needles. It’s hard to explain how peaceful it felt there; maybe it was just being away from everything noisy for a bit. Jonas snapped some photos while we tried to look less awkward holding our paddles (not sure he succeeded). The whole kayak tour lasted about three hours — two hours actually on the water — but honestly it felt both longer and shorter at the same time. I still think about that stretch where all you could hear was your own breath and maybe a distant cowbell somewhere up in the hills.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided kayaking tour on Lake Brienz

• Meet at Bönigen on Lake Brienz
• Receive paddling instruction from guide
• Kayak across River Lütschine
• Explore north shore cliffs and beaches
• View 12th century Ringgenberg castle
• Guide takes photos during tour
• Spend around two hours kayaking
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long is the Lake Brienz kayak tour?

The session lasts 3 hours total, with around 2 hours spent kayaking on Lake Brienz.

Is previous kayaking experience required?

No previous kayaking experience is needed, but you must be able to handle a kayak on your own.

What is included in the Lake Brienz guided kayak tour?

The tour includes kayak and equipment rental, an expert guide, small group size (2-6), and a digital photo package.

Where does the kayak tour start?

The tour starts in Bönigen on Lake Brienz near Interlaken.

Are children allowed on this kayak tour?

Children 11 years old or younger are not allowed on this tour.

When do tours operate?

Tours run from May until October for summer sessions; winter tours start in October/November with drysuits provided.

What should I bring for the kayak tour?

You should bring a swimsuit, change of clothes, waterproof footwear, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, water bottle, and snacks.

What’s included

Your day includes all top-quality sea kayaks and paddles needed for Lake Brienz, expert instruction from your local guide Jonas (or someone just as friendly), plenty of time exploring cliffs and Ringgenberg Castle with your small group of up to six people—and you’ll get a digital photo package so you don’t have to worry about taking pictures mid-paddle.