Stand Up Paddling, Thunersee
© Liquid Trails

Water sports

Whether you prefer it calm or action-packed, the opportunities for taking part in water sports on Bernese lakes and rivers are vast. Boat, canoe, stand-up paddle board or wakeboard – the choice is all yours.
Kanuweg Thunersee
© Interlaken Tourismus

The left shore of Lake Thun has lots to offer. This is where you'll find the town of Spiez with one of Europe's most beautiful bays, the fairytale Spiez castle and hillsides cloaked in lush green vines. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the canoe trail between the villages of Gwatt and Leissigen – on a stand-up paddle board or in a canoe. Accessible from five different hire bases, the trail can be followed one way or completed as a round trip.

Lake Thun canoe trail

Canyoning

Bernese Oberland
Canyoning Interlaken
© Interlaken Tourismus

Interlaken is the ideal starting point for your canyoning adventure. Accompanied by an experienced guide, the adrenalin-fuelled trip will bring you face-to-face with the power of whitewater rivers. The "Grimsel" canyoning tour packs a particular punch, with exciting cliff-top leaps, rock sliding and zip lining.

Canyoning

River rafting

Rivers Lütschine and Simme
River Rafting

On a river rafting tour along the whitewater rivers Lütschine and Simme you'll encounter nature's might from its most beautiful side. In the company of an experienced guide, you will paddle your way through the glorious mountain landscape, across rapids and past thundering waterfalls. We guarantee an action-packed experience!

River rafting in the Bernese Oberland
Räblochschlucht
© Emmental Tourismus

Discover a different side to the Emmental with a thrilling paddle boat tour through the Räbloch gorge. Led by an experienced guide, the boat glides through deep narrow basins framed by 80-metre cliff faces. Intermittently wading and swimming, you'll pass underneath a narrow natural bridge and eventually reach the open riverbed of the Emme.

Räbloch gorge adventure
Kanutour, Nidau-Büren-Kanal
© Tourismus Biel Seeland - Stefan Weber

In Nidau’s beautiful setting, the water-borne fun with your family and friends begins with the renting of canoes. After that, you can paddle down the river as a group, exploring the ‘Häftli’ nature reserve with its species of rare birds along the way. The little town of Büren an der Aare is the final destination for this adventure.

Canoe tour on the Aare river
Wakeboarden auf dem Hornbergsee
© Wake Up Gstaad - Melanie Uhkoetter

From late June to mid-September, Lake Hornberg above Gstaad becomes Europe's highest wakeboarding hotspot. With equipment available for hire on site, everyone – from beginners to experts – can enjoy the lake, the beach bar, and the lounge set in the middle of this magnificent mountain panorama.

Wakeboarding on Lake Hornberg
Stand Up Paddling, Arnensee
© Destination Gstaad

Is the weather too hot down in the valley? Then why not enjoy some stand-up paddle boarding up in the mountains, on the idyllic Lake Arnen at Destination Gstaad. Simply rent the equipment you need at various stations or bring your own, book a guide, and off you go!

Stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Arnen
Stand Up Paddling, Thunersee
© Liquid Trails

Fancy paddle boarding across the glistening deep blue waters of Lake Thun or Lake Brienz with family or friends? The two lakes have plenty of trendy SUP boards, courses and guided tours on offer from various equipment hire outlets. Plus the wonderful natural backdrop and the delightful tucked-away coves are all included free of charge!

Stand-up paddle boarding around Interlaken

Jetboat tour

Lake Brienz
Jetboat auf dem Brienzersee, Ferienregion Interlaken
© Outdoor Switzerland AG

 

It’s high-speed and action-packed: the Jetboat tour on Lake Brienz has it all – thrills, water-borne fun, and 360-degree turns. Besides exciting anecdotes about the region as related by the captain, the trip includes wonderful panoramic views and a stop-off at the Giessbach Falls.

Book your Jetboat trip