Kayaking on Lake Brienz: Relaxed paddling for beginners

An hour on the water without the pressure of distance

Kayak Lake Brienz near Interlaken on stable sit-on-top kayaks in a 90-minute guided session that keeps you close to shore and moving at a calm pace. The experience includes an hour of paddling, photos taken by your guide, and a relaxed focus on splashing around and enjoying the scenery rather than covering ground. Non-swimmers are welcome with life jackets provided, and children from age 5 can join—those aged 5 to 8 paddle in a double kayak with an adult.

The Experience

You arrive at the base in Bönigen and get fitted with a stable, easy-to-handle sit-on-top kayak. The guide stays with you throughout, keeping the group close to the shoreline and moving at a pace that lets you feel confident from the start. If you've never paddled before, this is the format that works: no long distances, no racing against the clock, just an hour on the water where the focus is on the moment itself.

The session is built around paddling, splashing around, and taking in the lake without the time commitment of a longer trip. Your guide captures photos as you go, so you leave with images of yourself on the water. Non-swimmers are outfitted with life jackets and swimming aids, and the route stays shallow and near land, which is what makes it safe for families and anyone trying kayaking for the first time. Children aged 5 to 8 sit in a double kayak with an adult companion, so younger kids can be on the water without paddling solo.

On cold days, wetsuits and jackets are provided. A locker holds your belongings while you're out. The base is reachable by public transportation, and the whole session fits into a free afternoon without eating the rest of your day.

What’s included

• Stable sit-on-top kayak and paddle.
• life jacket and swimming aids.
• guide in English or German.
• one hour on the water.
• photos taken by your guide.
• locker for belongings.
• wetsuit and jacket on cold days.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Hightide Kayak School GmbH

Is this one for you?The 90-minute format leaves your afternoon free for other plans—you're back on shore in time to explore Interlaken or rest before dinner. Choose this if you want to try kayaking without a full-day commitment or if you're traveling with young children and need a short, supervised water activity.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can I kayak on Lake Brienz if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The kayaks are stable sit-on-top models designed for beginners, the pace is calm and close to shore, and the guide stays with you the whole time. The focus is on enjoying the water, not on technique or distance.

What happens if I can't swim?

Non-swimmers are welcome. You'll wear a life jacket and swimming aids, and the route stays shallow and near the shoreline throughout, so you're always close to safety.

How long is the actual paddling time?

You're on the water for one hour as part of the 90-minute session. The rest of the time covers arrival, fitting out, and getting back to shore.

Can my young children come kayaking?

Children aged 5 and above can join. Those aged 5 to 8 sit in a double kayak with an adult companion so they're on the water without paddling on their own.

Will the guide take photos of us?

Yes. Your guide captures photos during the session, and you take them home as a souvenir of your time on the lake.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. On cold days, wetsuits and jackets are provided. A locker holds your belongings, and life jackets are included for everyone.