Would you like to experience the effects of wind and water up close? Then try a breathtaking sailing trip on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz as you take the helm and learn how to sail. For an extra special experience, visitors to the Holiday Region Interlaken should try Thursday evening sailing on Lake Thun.
Lakes Thun and Brienz are located in the idyllic Bernese Oberland. The Aare river flows from Lake Brienz into Lake Thun, before exiting the Bernese Oberland in the town of Thun, at the north-western end of the lake. It then continues in the direction of Bern. The two lakes are surrounded by some exciting excursion destinations: the Stockhorn, Niesen, Niederhorn, Augstmatthorn and Brienzer Rothorn mountains. When the thermal current builds, a constant wind from Thun flows from the west towards Interlaken. And once the Föhn – a hot southerly wind on the northern slopes of the Alps – arrives in the mountains, whitecaps appear on Lakes Thun and Brienz. The location of these two lake provides the Bernese Oberland with two wind-resistant expanses of water which are ideal for sailing.
Lake Thun Sailing School has two sites, one in Hilterfingen and one in Spiez. With its large collection of boats, the sailing school has a wide selection of craft for hire to suit every age group and experience level. Your kids can enjoy their first sailing experience by setting sail in one of the school’s Optimist sailing dinghies, while more experienced sailors can send their boats flying across the water. On the children's, regatta, examination and high sea licence courses, the instructors provide solid training in sailing theory and practice.
Charter the 40-foot racing yacht or the 100-year-old classic old-timer for your company or family outing on Lake Thun, always accompanied by an experienced skipper. Guided sailing trips are an experience in a class of their own. For 1.5 hours every Thursday evening you can take the helm yourself or enjoy a trip with the skipper at sunset. Ship ahoy!
At the Neuhaus on Lake Thun, discover sailing in a friendly and relaxed setting. Instructors at the Neuhaus Sailing School will teach you the essential moves and knots on board one of their ships, you’ll learn about theory on dry land. You’ll soon develop a passion for this sport and have your sailing licence in your hand as you sail across the glittering alpine lake with family or friends. Take the helm in your hands!
Lake Thun is famous for its thermal winds in summer
Wide selection of sailing boats to hire
Sail against a backdrop of the impressive Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks
Learn to sail in one of the sailing schools on Lake Thun
Guided sailing trips available Thursday evenings. No previous experience required
Ask providers for detailed offers
Reserve rental sailing boats and sailing courses in advance
Bring your windcheater and some dry clothes
Sun screen is essential when out on the water
Observe traffic rules on the lake
Personal tip
“Rocked by the waves, the sailing conditions were ideal. And with the mountain panorama in the background, I had an unforgettable day on the water.”