Switzerland is not only a country of mountains but also of lakes. Lakes means that one should have boats on them, preferably steamers. This is the case on on 8 Swiss lakes which has 16 lake steamers. Each one is a historic boat, which was restored for many million Swiss francs. Lake Luzern has the most of these behemoths (5 boats) which fascinate children as much as adults. Lake Geneva has 4 of these proud examples of the 19th century. Other wonderful examples are the Lötschberg on Lake Brienz, and the Blümlisalp on Lake Thun. A smaller specimen, the Greif, sails on Lake Zurich. Steam Ahoy!

LAKE LUCERNE: A steamer cruise across the convolute lake of Lucerne on a sun-filled summer’s day is without doubt a wonderful experience. But a trip on a late scheduled sailing through a mild summer’s evening or, shortly before Christmas, toward the sea of lights that is the town of Lucerne must at least be just as unforgettable. As is the mystical mood on the lake during the autumn mist period, and when the steamer cuts steadily through the waves on Lake Uri whipped up by the föhn wind. Trips in the cosy warmth of the saloon motor vessels, whilst the snow-covered winter landscape passes by outside, can only be described as complete relaxation.
The largest shipping company in Switzerland operates the necessary routes to reach many of the most important excursion destinations and mountain cableways of the region, such as the Rigi, Pilatus, Bürgenstock and Klewenalp. Special musical and culinary events are also offered on numerous scheduled and additional trips. The rich offering of delicious foods from the onboard galley provides added enjoyment and pleasure to any cruise.
A boat trip can be ideally combined with a walk, such as the "Weg der Schweiz" or Swiss Path, a themed trail on the history of Switzerland. Several cycling and skating paths as well as numerous bathing and rest areas are provided along the lake shores. An excursion to the popular sightseeing and shopping town of Lucerne, to include a trip to the Swiss Museum of Transport with its IMAX cinema, the Glacier Garden or a leisurely shopping expedition through the old town, is well worthwhile.
The German lake name, ‘Vierwaldstättersee’, has its origins in the four historic ‘Waldstätten’ (lit. forest sites), the three original cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, and the canton of Lucerne, which, together, surround Lake Lucerne. The foundation for the Swiss Confederation was laid in 1291 with the oath taken on the Rütli, a meadow above Lake Lucerne. In the past, the lake was an important transit route, until 1863 in fact the only trade route to the Gotthard pass.
The lake route is still plied today by the "Gotthard Panorama Express": the trip begins in Lucerne with a cruise to Flüelen, and then continues in first-class panorama carriages across the famous Gotthard railway line through to Ticino.

LAKE GENEVA: Lake Geneva is a water body of superlatives: mildest climate, largest lake and lake with the largest amount of water in Central Europe.The Celts called it “Large Water” or “Lem an”, and to this day it is called Lac Léman in French.
And it certainly is big. Scheduled boats, historic paddle steamers and small ferries ply this 582km2 body of water, breaking records as they go. The Compagnie Générale de Navigation (GGN) on Lake Geneva operates eight paddle steamers, the largest European fleet of its kind. Shipping on Lake Geneva also breaks records.Regularly scheduled lake boats connect the numerous villages and cities, and small ferries, called "Mouettes", carry passengers in Geneva rapidly from one shore of the lake to another.
Visitors who want to enjoy a comfortable journey book a special culinary trip or a cruise to notable sights, such as the emblem of the city of Geneva, the "Jet d'eau", an up to 140 meter high water fountain that is illuminated at night.
If you spend time around Chillon Castle and the Montreux promenade, sooner or later you'll be tempted to take a cruise on the “Haut Lac” between Vevey, Montreux, Chillon, Villeneuve and Le Bouveret.

LAKE THUN: The small town of Thun at the western end of the lake with the same name is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. It boasts a medieval Old Town, a mighty castle and an attractive pedestrian zone. One of the best-known towns in the Bernese Oberland is Interlaken, at the foot of the Jungfrau Region. The town at the upper end of Lake Thun is an ideal starting point for excursions to the Bernese Oberland.
Lake boats sail Lake Thun all year round. In summer a magnificently restored historic paddle steamer plies the lake. On the sunny southern slopes between Thun und Merligen subtropical vegetation flourishes that has given the region the name the “Riviera of Lake Thun”. On the opposite side of the lake, in the Bay of Spiez, which is presided over by a beautiful castle, you will find small vineyards. Not to be missed are the twelve one-thousand-year-old Romanesque churches that dot the coastline, for example in Einigen.

LAKE BRIENZ: There has been a regular boat service on Lake Brienz since 1839. Today, the fleet numbers five boats, including the splendidly renovated steamer the "Lötschberg", built in 1914. Especially in summer, there are a number of special excursions in addition to the regular service: for example, the "Fondue boat", the "Breakfast boat", the "Alpine-style brunch", the Halal Cruise", the "Hooked on fish ...", Evening round trips on SS Lötschberg" or the "Swiss BBQ Cruise", particularly popular with visitors from abroad who wand to try all the Swiss culinary specialities.
The regular boat service links all the little places around the lake on its route from the chic resort of Interlaken on the western side to the idyllic little town of Brienz in the east. From Brienz, the oldest steam rack railway in Switzerland, the Brienz-Rothorn Railway, takes you up to the Brienzer Rothorn (235 m). From here there is a lovely panoramic view of the lakes and mountain chain. The Brienzer Rothorn is also the starting point for some exciting hikes, not least over the summit to the Brünig Pass.
Another destination for a boat trip on Lake Brienz is the Giessbach Falls. The roaring waterfall thunders in a number of different stages down 500 metres into the lake. Immediately beside it is the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach, which looks like a fairytale castle. The oldest funicular railway in Europe leads from the landing-stage in Giessbach straight up to the hotel and the mighty waterfall. Another popular excursion is to walk along the southern bank of Lake Brienz from Bönigen via Iseltwald to Giessbach.

LAKE ZURICH: Whereas, in the past, the lake was above all a route for traffic and transport, today it is a popular place for excursions, and homes along its shores are much sought after. Gently rocking waves, peace and quiet, relaxation and fine food: the best way to discover the Lake Zurich area is by taking a boat trip. Most of the places around the shore are served by a regular boat service all year round.
The famous “golden coast” extends along the northern side of the lake, from Zollikon to Feldmeilen. This sun-soaked region is famous for its low rates of taxation and high property prices, and is therefore the stretch of coast where you can seen the magnificent houses and villas of the upper echelons of society.
At the eastern end of the lake is the “rose town” of Rapperswil. In the public gardens here you’ll find over 15,000 rose bushes blooming, of more than 600 different varieties. The lakeside promenade with its Mediterranean charms, the picturesque Old Town and the medieval castle make this harbour town a popular place for excursions.
Popular places to visit around Lake Zurich include the numerous swimming areas, the sunny islands of Ufenau and Lützelau near Rapperswil, the wooden footbridge across the lake between Rapperswil and Hurden, the Baroque church in Lachen, the famous Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory in Kilchberg