We will be traveling from Bern to Murren and I thought a fun way to break up that train trip would be to get off at the Spiez station and hop on the boat that goes across Lake Thunersee, getting back on the train in Interlaken. Has anyone done this? Is this a scenic boat ride? About how long would it take? Or would I have just as good views staying on the train? I'll be with an 8-year-old and an 11-year old.
Posted by
Green Bay
21160 posts
Gee whiz, its only a 53 minutes train ride from Bern to Interlaken Ost, and when you get to Spiez it is only 24 minutes to Interlaken Ost. If I remember right, Spiez station is high up on the side of a hill and about a 3/4 mile walk down to the dock. It is going to slow you down by a couple of hours when all is said and done.
Edit - Boats go from Spiez dock at 28 past the hour and take 1 hour and 21 minutes to get to Interlaken West where you either take the train or a bus to Interlaken Ost station to continue to Muerren.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11778 posts
The boat is better suited to an activity one day during your stay. It is not an efficient mode of transportation. If your schedule allows it and your kids lie boats, work it in. We took the cruise on Lake Brienz and thought it was a snooze fest.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
The lake boats can be a fun way to travel...but if you're actually moving bases (along with your luggage) then just stay on the train. Once you change trains in Interlaken Ost you'll not be bored at all. As you travel the 20 minutes from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen the dramatic snow covered alpine peaks open up in front of you and when you reach Lauterbrunnen it will be a "wow" moment - ALL the way to Murren will be "wow" moments.
Just save the boat trips for your fun day outings.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA
1131 posts
Thanks, all! I think we will just stay on the train. My original thought was that the kids might like a boat ride, but if it takes that much longer and we have to drag luggage 3/4 a mile to the boat, then it sounds like more trouble than it's worth! I'm so grateful for the advice of you all who have "been there, done that!"