Hightide Kayak School GmbH · Am Quai 1, Bönigen
A three-hour guided kayak tour from Bönigen to the cliffs and small beaches of Lake Brienz's north shore, below Ringgenberg Castle. One coach for every six paddlers, beginners welcome, and the photos come with it.
The tour starts at the Hightide base on Am Quai in Bönigen. After some simple coaching on the shore you paddle across the outlet of the River Lütschine and follow the north shore of Lake Brienz, under sun-warmed cliffs, past small beaches and with Ringgenberg Castle above you. The pace is relaxed, with stops for photos and a breather. Count on about three hours in total, roughly two of them on the water.
It runs regularly from May to October, in English and German. An evening tour follows the same route in the softer light after the wind drops. No kayaking experience is needed and non-swimmers can join, but the minimum age is 12 and the maximum weight 120 kg. Groups are capped at six per coach. The coach takes the photos, and in October the operator hands out wetsuits as the water cools.
No travel pass covers it. This is the operator's own boat, not a BLS course, so the Swiss Travel Pass, the GA and the Berner Oberland Pass do not apply here. Hightide paddles in most weather, rain included. Free cancellation runs up to 3 days before, not the usual 24 hours, so lock the date once your plans are firm. From November the same school runs a winter kayak tour in drysuits.
Check in at Am Quai 1 in Bönigen. Bring a swimsuit, a change of clothes, waterproof footwear, sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen.
Your coach fits the kit and runs through the basics so you feel in control before you push off.
Paddle out from Bönigen across the mouth of the River Lütschine towards the north shore.
Follow the north shore below the cliffs, with stops at small beaches and a view up to Ringgenberg Castle. Your coach shoots the photos.
Paddle back to base, change and collect your photos. About two of the three hours are spent on the water.
★★★★★We ended up being the only ones on our tour. Our guide was awesome and answered all our questions. We had an amazing time on the beautiful lake.
★★★★★It was awesome even tho it was raining much of the time Michael was the best and made it worth the trip
★★★★★A memorable kayaking trip on the gorgeous Lake Brienz! Our guide Jolien was entertaining while also making sure we were safe. [...] Booking with Hightide Kayak was a breeze and the small group made for a more personalized and pleasant experience.
★★★★★We had a great time kayaking on Lake Brienz! The equipment provided was excellent. Everything was provided and taken care off, all we had to do was enjoy the lake! [...] He took some great pictures of us and played some fun kayak games with us!
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No. The coach starts with simple instruction, the pace is relaxed, and the listing says the tour suits beginners and non-swimmers.
Regularly from May to October, with day and evening departures. From November to April the same school runs a winter tour in drysuits.
The minimum age is 12 and the maximum weight is 120 kg (265 lbs).
No. Travel passes cover the scheduled BLS boats only. The kayak tour is booked and paid separately.
Ready to book
Three hours on the turquoise water below Ringgenberg Castle, one coach for six guests, photos included.
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