Lake Brienz: Winter Kayak Tour with Drysuit & Photos

Summary

Winter kayaking lake brienz snow mountains peaceful water

You’ll slip into a drysuit and paddle across Lake Brienz with a small group, led by an expert guide who shares local stories as you float past snowy peaks. Expect moments of deep quiet broken by laughter, warm gear provided, and a photo package so you can leave your phone behind — just focus on the water and sky.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the silence — not the empty kind, but that thick, soft hush you only get on Lake Brienz in winter. We were already zipped into these drysuits (surprisingly comfy, even if I looked like an awkward penguin), and our guide, Stefan, was checking everyone’s gloves and booties before we slid out onto the water. The mountains around us were dusted white; their reflections made it feel like we were paddling through a painting. I kept sniffing for that sharp cold smell — you know the one — but all I got was clean air and the faintest whiff of neoprene from my suit.

Kayaking here in January is nothing like summer. There’s this glassy stillness to Lake Brienz, almost eerie until someone laughs or dips their paddle wrong and splashes themselves (guilty). Stefan pointed out tiny villages across the shore and told us stories about how locals handle winters here — apparently there’s a bakery in Iseltwald that only opens when the snow is deep enough for sled deliveries. No crowds anywhere. Just us six bobbing quietly, sometimes drifting close enough to hear each other’s breath.

I didn’t expect to feel so warm out there — those drysuits really work — but my toes still tingled after an hour. We stopped mid-lake for photos (included in the tour, so no need to risk your phone), and I tried to capture that weird blue-green color of the water with my eyes since cameras never get it right. The sun broke through for maybe five minutes, lighting up the snow on our paddles. I still think about that view when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided winter kayaking on Lake Brienz

• Receive top-end drysuit and gear
• Meet experienced sea kayak coach
• Launch kayak on Lake Brienz
• Kayak surrounded by snow-covered mountains
• Enjoy peaceful, mirror-like water views
• Spend around two hours paddling
• Return to shore and end tour

Top questions

How long does the winter kayak tour on Lake Brienz last?

The session lasts 3 hours total, with about 2 hours spent on the water.

Is previous kayaking experience required for this tour?

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

What equipment is included in the Lake Brienz winter kayak tour?

The tour provides top-quality sea kayaks, paddles, Palm Bora drysuits, poggies (gloves), booties, and a photo package.

How many people are in each group?

The winter kayak tour runs with small groups of 2 to 6 participants.

Are children allowed on this kayaking tour?

No, children 15 years old and younger are not allowed on this tour.

What should I wear under the drysuit for kayaking?

You should wear warm clothes: thick socks, thermal layers (top and bottom), a thin jumper or extra layers if very cold.

Is pickup included for this Lake Brienz kayak tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Are photos included in the winter kayak tour?

Yes, a photo package is included so you can enjoy without worrying about your camera or phone.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayak equipment rental — including top-end sea kayaks, paddles, Palm Bora drysuits with gloves and booties — plus guidance from an experienced local coach throughout your time on Lake Brienz. A photo package is provided so you can focus fully on paddling and soaking up those snowy mountain views together with your small group.