REVIEW · SWITZERLAND
Private Sightseeing Boat Trip on Lake Thun, Interlaken
Book on Viator →Operated by Boat Tour Interlaken · Bookable on Viator
A lake boat at sunset feels simple, in the best way. This private Lake Thun trip lets you trade crowds for a small group, guided by Captain Chris. I like that you keep control of the pace and you’re not stuck in a cattle-car schedule, and I also like that the ride is paired with a pizza break on the water.
You’ll meet at the dock in Sigriswil (Beir Säge), cruise past Schloss Spiez and Merligen, then search for the right spot to watch the sunset. The one drawback to factor in: you’re dealing with weather, so if conditions are poor, the trip can be changed or refunded rather than sailing no matter what.
In This Review
- Key things you’ll notice right away
- Private Lake Thun boat time: the real reason to book
- Boat comfort and group size: up to six, with more capacity behind the scenes
- The one-hour itinerary: Schloss Spiez, Merligen, then sunset
- Stop 1: Schloss Spiez
- Stop 2: Merligen
- Sunset: finding the right spot to watch
- Pizza onboard: simple comfort with great timing
- Where you’ll start and end: Beir Säge, Sigriswil
- Price and value: what $263.87 per person gets you
- Weather matters: your sunset plan depends on it
- Should you book this private Lake Thun sunset boat trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the private sightseeing boat trip on Lake Thun?
- Is this a private tour or shared experience?
- Where does the boat trip start and end?
- What stops are included during the cruise?
- What language is the experience offered in?
- Is there a mobile ticket?
- Is pizza included?
- How many people can the boat accommodate?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key things you’ll notice right away

- Private group time on Lake Thun means less waiting and more chill viewing
- Captain Chris runs a friendly, smooth ride with a well-kept boat
- A small-group vibe is built in, even though the boat can handle more people
- Onboard pizza is part of the experience, not an afterthought
- Two scenic passes: Schloss Spiez and Merligen on the way to sunset
Private Lake Thun boat time: the real reason to book

Lake Thun has that classic Swiss postcard effect: water, steep slopes, and those layered mountain views that don’t need filter help. The difference here is how you experience it. A private boat means you’re not competing for deck space with strangers, and you’re not negotiating with a fixed group flow just to see the sunset.
I love that this is built for your group size and attention span. One hour is long enough to feel like you left the land behind, but short enough that you don’t burn your whole evening. And you’ll get a guide driving the boat and handling the details, so you can just look out and relax.
The other practical win: the captain can focus on finding a nice sunset viewing spot. That matters on a lake, because the best angle depends on wind, light, and where the crowd situation is (and with private, the crowd issue is mostly solved for you).
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Switzerland.
Boat comfort and group size: up to six, with more capacity behind the scenes
The boat setup is designed for groups. It can transport up to 12 people, but the experience is described as perfect for groups up to six. For you, that means a few things:
- If you’re a couple or small group, you’ll likely have a lot more space and a calmer feel on board.
- Even if the boat has a bigger maximum capacity, this outing is framed as a small-group experience, so you can expect a less chaotic atmosphere.
The boat ride is simple and hands-off. After you meet at the dock, you depart, cruise along Lake Thun, and let the captain do the work. That shows up in the kind of feedback you’re likely to care about: a clean, well-maintained boat and an easygoing captain make the whole hour feel effortless.
And yes, Captain Chris comes up for the right reasons. People note he’s friendly and nice, and the boat is kept clean. That’s not just nice-to-know. On a small vessel, the condition of the boat affects comfort fast.
The one-hour itinerary: Schloss Spiez, Merligen, then sunset

This trip runs for about an hour. You’ll depart from Beir Säge, 3658 Sigriswil, Switzerland, cruise along Lake Thun, and make two named stops/areas along the way before you settle in for sunset watching.
Stop 1: Schloss Spiez
You’ll head toward Schloss Spiez as the first point on the route. Even without turning it into a long tour, having a named point matters. It gives you a clear sense of place: you’re not just floating in one spot, and you’re not wondering where you are on the lake.
Practical takeaway for you: treat this as your main “get your bearings” moment. It’s early enough in the trip that you’ll still have time to take photos, relax into the motion of the water, and settle in before the light changes.
Possible drawback: since the total duration is short (about one hour), you won’t have a long stretch of time to explore off the boat at each named place. This is a cruise-first experience, not a sightseeing marathon.
Stop 2: Merligen
Next comes Merligen. Like Schloss Spiez, it’s a clear point on the route that anchors the cruise in the geography of the lake.
For you, Merligen is a good mid-trip rhythm change. By the time you reach this area, you’ve already started to slow down. That helps you enjoy the moment instead of checking your watch.
What you should expect: you’ll be cruising and positioning, with plenty of lake-and-mountain views. If you’re the type who likes seeing multiple areas in one sitting, this structure works well.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Switzerland
Sunset: finding the right spot to watch
After the two named points, the plan is to cruise until you find a nice spot to watch the sunset. This is where the private format pays off most.
On a shared tour, sunset can feel like a scramble: where do we park, where can we see, who’s standing in front of whom. Here, you’re focusing on the viewing experience rather than managing a crowd. The captain’s job is to get you positioned, and that frees you up to just enjoy the colors shifting across the water.
Pizza onboard: simple comfort with great timing

One of the best parts of this trip is that it includes pizza. That might sound small, but on a one-hour boat outing, it’s the perfect kind of food—easy, satisfying, and aligned with the setting.
Instead of turning dinner into another plan (and another reservation), you get a straightforward onboard meal in the middle of the views. It also reinforces the point of the experience: relax first, see the lake second, and enjoy a casual moment that feels more “you” than “organized.”
From feedback tied to the trip, the food is considered good, and that’s important. When you’re out on the water, you want something you’ll actually look forward to eating, not a token snack.
Where you’ll start and end: Beir Säge, Sigriswil

You’ll meet at Beir Säge, 3658 Sigriswil, Switzerland, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. That round-trip format matters more than it sounds.
Why it’s helpful for your planning:
- You don’t need to figure out a second transportation step at the end.
- It keeps the outing tidy for your schedule. One hour means you’re not wrestling with long gaps or complicated timing.
Also, the meeting area is described as near public transportation. So if you’re staying in the Interlaken area, you should be able to get there without turning your night into a parking hunt.
Price and value: what $263.87 per person gets you

The price is listed at $263.87 per person, for about 1 hour of private time on Lake Thun. On paper, that can look steep for “just a boat.” In practice, you’re paying for three things:
- Privacy: your group isn’t sharing the boat or the viewing space with strangers.
- Time with a captain: someone handles navigation and positioning, especially for the sunset segment.
- Included food: pizza is part of the experience, not something you add separately.
Here’s how I’d think about value: if you’d otherwise pay for a standard boat tour and then still need an evening plan (dinner, reservations, and transport), this can be a cleaner way to spend your time. It’s a one-hour commitment with a built-in payoff.
The “up to 12” capacity also matters in your decision-making. Even though the outing is framed as ideal for smaller groups, a boat with a higher maximum capacity can help operators price and operate the trip efficiently. For you, the main result is that you get a private experience without it feeling like a compromise.
Weather matters: your sunset plan depends on it

This experience requires good weather. If the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
So the practical move is simple: check conditions close to departure. If skies are questionable, keep your expectations flexible. If it’s a clear evening, you’re in the zone for one of the most satisfying ways to spend time on Lake Thun.
One more small tip: pack for a lake breeze. Even when it’s warm on land, the water air can feel cooler, especially near sunset. Bring a layer so you’re comfortable while you wait for the light to change.
Should you book this private Lake Thun sunset boat trip?

Book it if you want a low-stress evening on Lake Thun with two named cruising areas and a sunset viewing segment, all done privately. The combo of small-group feel, Captain Chris’s friendly approach, and onboard pizza makes it feel like an actual experience, not just transportation.
Skip it (or at least be ready to adjust) if you’re set on a long, step-off-and-explore itinerary. This is a cruise-focused outing, about an hour long, with your main payoff in the views and sunset positioning.
If your goal is a calm evening with good odds for great photos, this private boat option is a smart call—especially because it’s designed to cut out the crowd stress right at the start.
FAQ
How long is the private sightseeing boat trip on Lake Thun?
It lasts about 1 hour.
Is this a private tour or shared experience?
It’s a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
Where does the boat trip start and end?
It starts at Beir Säge, 3658 Sigriswil, Switzerland, and ends back at the same meeting point.
What stops are included during the cruise?
The itinerary includes stops/points at Schloss Spiez and Merligen, with the cruise continuing to find a good sunset spot.
What language is the experience offered in?
The trip is offered in English.
Is there a mobile ticket?
Yes, the experience includes a mobile ticket.
Is pizza included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a pizza as part of the experience.
How many people can the boat accommodate?
The boat can transport up to 12 guests, and it’s described as perfect for groups up to six people.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.












