Passenger ships on Lakes Thun and Brienz are operated by the railway company BLS.
The oldest passenger ship on Lake Thun is the former screw steamer Spiez, constructed in 1901.
It was later converted to a motor ship and taken out of service in 2008. A trust is currently working for its restoration.
Here I spotted it alongside the motor ship Niederhorn at the company's shipyard in Thun (Lachen). [Jul 2007].
The oldest active ship of the fleet is the paddle steamer Blümlisalp, constructed in 1906.
However on 1st August 1971 it had its
last spell of duty and from that time it was out of service.
A group of enthusiasts worked at its restoration. After a large fundraising effort and repair the Blümlisalp
was put back into service in 1992 as part of the BLS fleet.
Here it is near Faulensee. [Jul 2007].
From May 1975 to November 1988 the Blümlisalp was kept in the Kander Delta in the of the aggregates company Kanderkies.
When passing by ship it was possible to get a quick view of the old steam ship from the lake.
In November 1988 a provisional drydock was built, in which the Blümlisalp was renovated.
[Jul 1988].
Blümlisalp particulars: Passenger capacity: 750 pax. Length: 63.45m
Width: 13.30m Draft: 1.78m Shipyard: Escher Wyss.
The Blümlisalp is seen leaving Faulensee. [Jul 2007].
The paddle steamer Blümlisalp near Balmholz, just west of the Beatus Caves.
[Aug 2014]
Until 2006 the Blümlisalp was in simple white colours, without the black area on the wheel cover.
The ship has just left Spiez. In the background is Mt. Niederhorn.
[Jul 2005]
Over summer, the Blümlisalp regularly runs evening cruises.
On one of the evening cruises, the steam ship Blümlisalp leaves Spiez.
[May 2015]
The evening cruises of the steam ship Blümlisalp are part of the normal passenger service and therefore
can be used with all tickets that are valid on Lake Thun. A daily ticket for Lakes Thun and Spiez, for example,
allows passengers to travel on ships from 08:40 in the morning to 21:20 in the evening. One evening
the Blümlisalp arrives in Spiez.
[Jul 2015]
The steam engine of the Blümlisalp can be observed from the main deck.
[May 2014]
The beautiful stairs to the upper deck of the Blümlisalp show the style of the belle epoque.
[Maz 2014].
One of the wheel sidehouses of the Blümlisalp.
[Aug 2015]
The paddles doing their work. From the toilets one can see how the Blümlisalp moves through the water.
[Aug 2015]
The steam ship Blümlisalp is leaving Oberhofen. The landing bridge of Oberhofen is right beside the famous castle.
[Jul 2007].
Another photo of the Blümlisalp in plain white colours.
Here, the ship leaves Oberhofen towards Interlaken. [Jul 2005]
The steamer Blümlisalp heads towards Oberhofen, with the mountain
range that gave the ship its name visible in the background in resplendent white. [Oct 2014].
After a rainy summer, so many people flocked on the Blümlisalp that fine autumn day,
that the motor ship Niederhorn had to provide additional capacity. [Oct 2014]
The Blümlisalp is part of the parade of the fleet on the 1st of August, the Swiss National Day.
Here it is seen near Hilterfingen. [Aug 2014]
The Blümlisalp arrives in Oberhofen on its evening cruise.
The paddle steamer comes closer to the castle than the other ships, because it has a larger turning circle.
[Jul 2005].
The snow on the mountain Blümlisalp glows in the last rays of the sun,
as the steam ship Blümlisalp arrives in Oberhofen.
[Jul 2007].
The setting sun drenches the paddle steamer Blümlisalp in golden light,
as well as the castle of Oberhofen and the mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in the background.
[Jul 2007].
The paddle steamer Blümlisalp departs Oberhofen one summer evening. [Jul 2007].
The Stockhorn mountain range provides a backdrop as the Blümlisalp heads towards Thun [Jul 2007].
By late summer it is already dark when the Blümlisalp travels back to its home port of Thun.
Here it is seen departing Oberhofen.
[Sep 2015]
Before the Blümlisalp arrives in Hünibach, it turns around to go backwards into the canal of Thun.
Here, the Blümlisalp is at the landing bridge of Hünibach and is about to depart to Thun.
[Sep 2015]
In some years, the paddle steamer Blümlisalp also was operated over the Christmas and New Year Period.
Here it arrives on Christmas Day in Oberhofen. It is only 5pm, but already nearly dark on this winter afternoon. [Dec 2014]
On New Year's Eve the Blümlisalp travels past Hilterfingen.
The clock on the bell tower indicates that it is just past 5pm.
[Dec 2015].
On a winter evening, the steam ship Blümlisalp has turned around and lands at in Hünibach, before it enteres the canal to Thun.
In the background are the mountains Eiger, Mönch und Jungfrau.
[Dec 2015].
On New Years Day, the Blümlisalp is seen from Castle Hünegg.
During the winter steam week, the ship also operates a morning course to Beatenbucht.
[Jan 2016].
The salon of the Blümlisalp is wood-panelled in style.
This is now the dining room for second class passengers, with a new panorama restaurant for first class passengers
created on the upper deck. [Dec 2014]
The Blümlisalp has arrived in Thun after a spring evening cruise.
[Mai 2014].
The paddle steamer Blümlisalp tied up in Thun on a sunny morning.
She will ply the waters of Lake Thun in the afternoon.
[May 2014]
The Blümlisalp arrives in Faulensee.
[Jul 2007]
The motor ship Niesen was constructed in 1935. It was in passenger service until 2001.
Now it is used as a maintenance ship. [Jan 2014]
The motor ship Niesen often is involved in the repair of landing bridges.
For that work it sometimes is joined to a barge. Here, the Niesen and a barge are seen near Oberhofen.
[Jan 2014]
As maintenance ship, the Niesen is mainly used during the winter months.
The ship is seen leaving Oberhofen with a barge. [Mar 2014]
The motor ship Niesen with a barge meets the gravel ship Balmholz near Oberhofen. [Mar 2014]
While the ship Schilthorn navigates a straight line during its regular service,
the Niesen weaves a wide arc near Längenschacen. [Jan 2014]
The Niesen passes Wichterheer Gut on its way to Längenschachen.[Jan 2014]
The Niesen during maintenance at the quay in Thun.
The forward railing has been removed, to give a clear deck for work.
[Jan 2016].
The maintenance ship Niesen in the canal at the Thun Railway Station.
[Jan 2016].
The Niesen travels past Oberhofen with a barge.
[Mar 2016].
The motor ship Oberhofen was constructed in 1939 for Lake Zurich and transferred to Lake Thun in 1940,
where it was named after the lakeside village Oberhofen with its impressive castle. [Jul 2015]
Before on-board hospitality became so important, the Oberhofen used to ply Lake Thun often during winter.
Its capacity was sufficient for the few passengers on these courses.
Hier the Oberhofen has just departed from the landing bridge in Oberhofen.
[Mar 1989].
In 1999 the Oberhofen was sold to a Dutch operator. After nearly 15 years in Amsterdam as
motor vessel Vriendschap, the ship was returned to Lake Thun in late 2013.
After renovations, it ceremoniously entered service again as MS Oberhofen at an event in Oberhofen. [May 2014]
Oberhofen particulars: Passenger capacity: 80 pax. Length: 25.83m
Width: 4.73m Draft: 1.14m Shipyard: Escher Wyss.
The Oberhofen is seen near Hünibach. [Aug 2015]
The Oberhofen is nearly exclusively used for charters. It is the smallest passenger ship in the BLS fleet.
On a misty Swiss National Day the Oberhofen carries a group near Hilterfingen. [Aug 2015]
The Oberhofen at the Oberhofen landing bridge.
[Mar 2016].
The crew of the Oberhofen gets some rope-throwing training at the Oberhofen landing bridge.
[Mar 2016].
While the Niederhorn stops during a regular voyage at Oberhofen,
the Oberhofen travels past the castle on a charter.
[Mar 2016].
Here the Oberhofen is seen crusing on the upper Lake Thun with Leissigen in the background.
The photo was taken from the Beatus Caves on the opposite shore. [May 2014]
The Blümlisalp range provides a backdrop to the Oberhofen approaching the village that gave the ship her name. [Jul 2015]
The motor ship Oberhofen is about to depart from Thun with another group. [May 2014]
The motor ship Thun was built 1940 by Escher Wyss.
When 1992 the steam ship Blümlisalp entered service again, the motor ship Blümlisalp was renamed Stadt Thun.
The small motor ship Thun was then renamed Kyburg.
It was in service until 2000.
This was one of the first photos I have ever taken.
[Jul 1987].
In contrast, this photo was taken by my father.
Thun Particulars: Passengers: 400 pax. Length: 39.00m
Width: 6.10m Draft: 1.41m Shipyard: Escher Wyss.
[Jul 1987].
The motor vessel Stadt Bern was constructed in 1956.
Due to falling passenger numbers on Lake Thun, the ship was taken out of service in 2002.
Apart from a short stint as exhibition ship, it has been tied up in the shipyards at the BLS Lachen shipyards (Thun).
Here it is seen in the company of other ships. [May 2014]
Stadt Bern particulars: Passenger capacity: 1,000 pax (then) Length: 50.10m
Width: 10.50m Draft: 1.85m Shipyard: Bodanwerft, Kressbronn.
The Stadt Bern is seen at Lachen with the three -horn ships. Note the large shipyard shed. [May 2015]
The Stadt Bern on a cloudy autumn day in the BLS shipyards at Thun-Lachen.
[Sep 2015].
The motor ship Niederhorn was constructed in 1959 and has remained in service since then.
In this picture near Spiez it is seen in front of the mountain that gave the ship its name. [Jul 2015]
Niederhorn particulars: Passenger capacity: 500 pax Length: 44.20m
Width: 8.10m Draft: 1.65m Shipyard: Bodanwerft, Kressbronn.
The ship approaches Spiez. [Mar 2015]
The Niederhorn has just left the landing bridge in Beatenbucht and continues its voyage to Thun.
[Oct 2015].
The Niederhorn on a dreary spring day near Spiez. [Mar 2015]
But sometimes spring days are brilliant. The motor ship Niederhorn arrives in Oberhofen.
In the background are the famous mountains Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. [Mar 2014]
The ship Niederhorn is dwarfed by the castle of Oberhofen. [Mar 2014]
The Niederhorn is mainly used as a standby ship and only runs regular services
to cover for one of the other ships. [Aug 2014]
On the 1st of August, the Swiss National Day, the Niederhorn is used on the evening service from Interlaken,
while other ships prepare for the parade of the fleet. Here it arrives at Oberhofen. [Aug 2014]
The Niederhorn passes the water tower of Oberhofen castle. [Aug 2014]
The motor vessel Niederhorn arrives at Oberhofen on a brilliant autumn day. [Oct 2014]
In spring, the Niederhorn is more frequently used during the pre-season.
On this early spring day the ship is approaching Oberhofen.
[Mar 2016].
Winter still seems to hang on, as the motor ship Niederhorn heads for Oberhofen.
[Mar 2016].
In Spring 2016 most of the voyages during week days were operated by the ships Niederhorn and
Beatus.
The Niederhorn has just left Oberhofen and continues its voyage towards Interlaken.
[Apr 2016].
The Niederhorn in front of the castle of Oberhofen.
[Mar 2016].
The Niederhorn has departed Oberhofen and heads in the direction of town in front of the background
of the pyramid of the Niesen.
[Mar 2016].
The Niederhorn travels from Thun towards Lake Thun along the shipping canal.
This canal links the railway station with the river Aare and Lake Thun.
[Sep 2015].
The motor ship Bubenberg was constructed in 1962 to replace a paddle steamer.
After the ships Jungfrau and Stadt Bern it was the third ship to be delivered in the style
that became classic for Lake Thun. [Jul 2007]
Bubenberg particulars: Passenger capacity: 800 pax Length: 51.00m
Width: 10.50m Draft: 1.92m Shipyard: Bodanwerft, Kressbronn.
The ship approaches Oberhofen [Jul 2007]
In the morning the motor ship Bubenberg waits in Thun to load passengers.
Behind it is the motor vessel Berner Oberland. [May 2014]
Through the trees of Schadau Park the Bubenberg is visible after it has just left the River Aare behind and now is on Lake Thun heading towards Hünibach.
[Jul 1986].
Sailors haul the lines aboard as the Bubenberg leaves Hilterfingen.
[May 2014].
The motor vessel Bubenberg approaches Oberhofen. [Jul 2007]
The Bubenberg meets the Berner Oberland, which has just departed from Oberhofen.
The Bubenberg will arrive at the lakeside village shortly.
[Jul 2007].
During the winter 2013-2014 the Bubenberg was tied up in Spiez. In the background is the castle,
including the castle church, which is over a thousand years old. [Jan 2014]
The Lords of Bubenberg of Spiez gave their name to this ship and we see it here approaching that town. [Jul 2005]
The Bubenberg at the landing bridge of Beatenbucht.
From this bay a cable car provides a connection to the village of Beatenberg, located halway up the mountain Niederhorn.
[Oct 2015].
The motor ship Bubenberg leaves Beatenbucht behind and will travel along the northern shore of the lake
towards Interlaken.
[Oct 2015].
The motor ship Bubenberg has left Beatenbucht behind and travels near Balmholz towards Interlaken. [Jul 2015]
Under the Summer timetable from 2012 onwards, the Bubenberg was often the first ship to leave Thun in the morning.
It would do the course Thun-Interlaken and back twice a day.
All the stops of the course are shown on this sign. [Aug 2015]
At the head of Lake Thun the Bubenberg approaches the ship canal leading to Interlaken West. [Aug 2015]
Passengers board the Bubenberg at Interlaken West at the head of the ship canal.
Passengers wanting to travel between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz have to take the train across Interlaken to Interlaken Ost. [May 2014]
Like many ships on Lakes Thun and Brienz, the Bubenberg has a play area. [May 2014]
The Bubenberg leaves Oberhofen on its course towards Thun. [Oct 2014]
Because two paddle steamers were taken out of service, another ship immediately followed the delivery of the Bubenberg.
In 1963 the motor ship Beatus entered service. [Jul 2007]
The Beatus was quite different in style from the previous motor ships built for Lake Thun.
It was also built and designed by a different shipyard, the first ship on the lake to come from Austria.
The Beatus is here seen near Neuhaus, with Mt Harder in the background. [Jul 2005]
Beatus particulars: Passenger capacity: 600 pax Length: 46.85m
Width: 8.20m Draft: 1.70m Shipyard: Schiffswerft Linz.
The ship is seen near Hünibach. [Aug 2015]
The motor vessel Beatus approaches Beatenbucht on a windy day.
In the background across the lake is Krattigen. [Oct 2014]
The Beatus leaves the bay of Spiez, sometimes called the most beautiful inland bay of Europe.
[Jul 2015]
The motor ship Beatus approaches Spiez.
In the background is Mt Niederhorn.
In the caves near the lake Saint Beatus, the monk who brought Christianity to this
region, is said to have lived. [Aug 2015]
The Beatus crosses Lake Thun from Spiez to Gunten.
In the background is the Blümlisalp Range.
This photo was taken from Ringoldswil, high above Lake Thun.
[Nov 2015].
In early spring the Beatus has just departed from Oberhofen on its voyage to Interlaken. [Mar 2014]
The Beatus then heads into more open waters and towards its next landing point, Gunten. [Mar 2014]
The Beatus approaches Oberhofen on a dreary 1st of August, the national day of Switzerland.
[Aug 2015]
Passing the castle, the Beatus arrives in Oberhofen.[Jul 2007]
That is the scene in winter, as the Beatus approaches Oberhofen. [Dec 2013]
The first signs of spring are in the air as the Beatus approaches Oberhofen.
[Mar 2016].
The Beatus sounds the horn for its arrival in Oberhofen.
[Mar 2016].
The motor ship Beatus as it comes alongside the landing bridge at Oberhofen.
[Mar 2016].
The trees blossom, though there is still plenty of snow on the mountains,
as the Beatus arrives in Oberhofen.
[Apr 2016].
A child watches the ship Beatus from the castle parklands at Oberhofen.
[Apr 2016].
The white mountain in the background is the Morgenberghorn.
The Beatus turns towards Oberhofen.
[Mar 2016].
The Beatus heads past the castle of Oberhofen towards the landing bridge.
The famous mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are prominent on the horizon.
[Mar 2016].
The motor ship Beatus has departed from Oberhofen and resumes its journey to Thun.
[Mar 2016].
The snow reaches down to the lake in this view of the Beatus departing from Hilterfingen.[Dec 2013]
The landscape near Hilterfingen looks more pleasant in spring.
I took this photo of the motor ship Beatus from the graveyard that surrounds the church in Hilterfingen.
[Apr 2016].
On the evening before our departure from Switzerland, the Beatus was the last regular ship that I
captured with my camera.
In this way our memorable time near Lake Thun ended here in Oberhofen.
[Apr 2016].
The motor ship Stadt Thun was constructed in 1971 as MS Blümlisalp to replace the old paddle steamer.
When the paddle steamer Blümlisalp was put back into service in 1992
the motor ship was renamed Stadt Thun. [May 2014]
Near Spiez the motor ship Stadt Thun passes the steam ship Blümlisalp it was meant to replace.
[May 2015]
Stadt Thun particulars: Passenger capacity: 1,100 pax Length: 55.00m
Width: 11.50m Draft: 1.84m Shipyard: Schiffswerft Linz.
The ship is seen near Spiez. [May 2014]
At a time when the ship still carried the name Blümlisalp it arrives in Interlaken West.
A large family is fascinated by the arrival of the ship. [Jul 1985].
The Stadt Thun is travelling between Beatenbucht and Merligen.
Parts of the shores of Lake Thun are still forested.
Photo by Eva-Maria Frank.
[Jul 2017].
The motor ship Stadt Thun crosses the lake near Merligen on an autumn day.
In the background is the city of Spiez. [Oct 2014]
The castle of Spiez provides a fitting backdrop to the ship Stadt Thun. [May 2014]
The Stadt Thun regularly ran the last service from Interlaken for the day.
By catching the evening cruise on the paddle steamer Blümlisalp and disembarking at Spiez,
it was possible to return to Thun onboard the Stadt Thun and briefly enjoy the evening on the lake.
The Stadt Thun approaches Spiez. [Aug 2015]
At its bow the Stadt Thun has the figure of the Fuulehung, the carnival figure of the city of Thun.
This is a relatively recent invention and has been put on the ship as the carnival has gained more popularity.
Here, the Stadt Thun arrives at Spiez one evening. [May 2015]
I certainly think that the Stadt Thun looked better without that carnival figure on the bow,
as I still saw it in 2007. [Jul 2007]
Another picture of the Stadt Thun without a figure on the bow.
The ship is approaching Spiez.
[Jul 2007].
The Stadt Thun has crossed Lake Thun from Gunten and is about to arrive at Spiez.
[Jul 2005].
From 2001 to 2003 the Stadt Thun was decorated as the dragon ship.
Unfortunately, I do not have any good photos of the ship in this state.
So this will have to do.
Two old ladies watch the dragon ship as it approaches Oberhofen.
[May 2002].
This was the view from the front deck of the dragon ship through the teeth on lake and mountains on a rainy day.
[May 2002].
The Stadt Thun passes the grounds of Oberhofen Castle.
In the background is the entrance to the Simmental with the steep cliffs of the Stockhorn Range.
[Aug 2014].
On this day the Stadt Thun was used on the evening cruise normally run by the steam ship Blümlisalp.
Here it has berthed at Oberhofen. [Sep 2015]
The motor vessel Stadt Thun is at the landing bridge of Oberhofen on this fine autumn day. [Oct 2014]
The Stadt Thun in front of the castle of Oberhofen.
In the background are the snowy mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
[Apr 2016].
The Stadt Thun has departed from Oberhofen and continues its voyage towards Thun.
The panorama of the Bern mountains surrounds the ship.
[Apr 2016].
The Stadt Thun passes the castle of Oberhofen. [Jul 2015]
The motor ship Stadt Thun approaches Oberhofen. [Jul 2014]
The motor ship Stockhorn was built in 1974. It is the sister ship of the Iseltwald on Lake Brienz.
[Jan 2014]
Stockhorn particulars: Passenger capacity: 250 pax Length: 35.70m
Width: 7.00m Draft: 1.35m Shipyard: Schiffswerft Linz.
The ship departs Beatenbucht. [Mar 2015]
The Stockhorn is used to cover one of the early morning trips.
[Jul 1986].
On the Stockhorn it is possible to stand right at the bow and watch how the ship cuts through the lake.
[Mar 2015]
The Stockhorn waits at landing bridge in Spiez.
On this hot summer day she is on the lake for a special excursion.
[Jul 2015].
In 2008 the Stockhorn was remodelled as the first lounge ship in Switzerland.
A new café style decor made the ship trendier.
During summer it is often used for evening cruises.
We see it on one of the cruises near Gunten.
[May 2015].
The Stockhorn approaches Spiez on one of its evening cruises.
In the background the steam ship Blümlisalp is visible.
[Jul 2015].
The Stockhorn is regularly used for services in spring, when passenger numbers are lower
and the lake level often only allows ships with a shallow draft to service the landing bridges.
Here, the Morgenberghorn provides a dramatic background.
[Mar 2014].
On a fine spring day the Stockhorn arrives in Oberhofen.
[Mar 2014].
The motor ship Stockhorn approaches the Oberhofen landing bridge.
[Mar 2014].
A few days later the weather was fine again as the motor ship Stockhorn headed towards Oberhofen.
[Mar 2014].
In 2007 there were road works between Oberhofen and Thun.
To take some traffic off the road, there were no additional peak time buses, but the Stockhorn
provided a free service at 7 am from Oberhofen to Thun, stopping at Hilterfingen and Hünibach as well.
Here the Stockhorn is seen departing Oberhofen.
[Jul 2007]
During the parade of the fleet on the 1st of August, the Swiss National day, the Stockhorn is seen at the rear.
[Aug 2014]
The motor ship Stockhorn on a charter voyage near Oberhofen.
[Apr 2016].
The Stockhorn and the Niederhorn are tied up in Oberhofen for a special event.
The Berner Oberland operated the regular voyage, but could not land in Oberhofen that day,
because the landing bridge was occupied.
Therefore, the Berner Oberland instead used the landing bridge Längenschachen with passengers connecting by road.
[Apr 2016].
The Stockhorn is seen cruising near Thun with the Eiger North Face in the background.
[May 2014]
The view from Mount Stockhorn.
On Lake Thun, the ship Stockhorn heads towards the shipyard at Thun-Lachen.
[Oct 2015].
On the last cruise during the use of my Swiss Annual Transport pass, I encountered the Stockhorn
near Hilterfingen.
[Aug 2015]
After over 20 years without any newbuilt ship joining the fleet, the Berner Oberland was built in 1996 under a plan to modernize the fleet on Lake Thun.
It is the ship with the largest hull on the lake.
[Mar 2014].
Berner Oberland particulars: Passenger capacity: 1,000 pax Length: 57.00m
Width: 12.00m Draft: 1.75m Shipyard: Meidricher Werft, Duisburg.
The ship has just departed from Beatenbucht. [Sep 2014]
Some of the people around the lake did not like the Berner Oberland, because its style
was so different from that of the older ships. Over time they got used to it.
And in comparison to ships since built for other Swiss lakes, the Berner Oberland still
has more traditional lines.
Here it is seen ahead of the pyramid shaped Mt Niesen.
[Jul 2005]
The Berner Oberland does not have a lot of outside space for such a large ship.
Here it is near Hünibach.
[Aug 2015]
The Berner Oberland is very spacious inside. It has an atrium with gallery,
which allows concerts and other events with the audience seated at two levels.
[Jul 2014]
On many Sundays, the Berner Oberland is used for the breakfast cruise.
[Apr 2016].
The motor ship Berner Oberland has just departed Neuhaus. This is the view from the Niederhorn.
[May 2014]
The Berner Oberland arrives at Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen.
[May 2014]
The Berner Oberland approaches Spiez.
[Aug 2015]
The Berner Oberland crosse Lake Thun from Gunten to Spiez.
The prominent peaks in the background are the Schreckhörner.
[Oct 2015]
On the 1st of August, the National Day of Switzerland, the Berner Oberland is ready
to depart Thun for the parade of the fleet.
Behind it is the Stadt Thun.
[Aug 2015]
On a rainy summer day the Berner Oberland arrives in Oberhofen.
[Jul 2005]
The Berner Oberland travels across Lake Thun near Oberhofen on a nice spring day.
[May 2015].
The Berner Oberland arrives at Oberhofen.
[Mar 2014]
The Berner Oberland appears behind the water tower of Oberhofen Castle.
[Jul 2007]
On this dreary spring day the mountains are shrouded in clouds.
The Berner Oberland in front of the castle of Oberhofen.
[Apr 2016].
A few weeks later, the view is considerably better,
as the Berner Oberland approaches Oberhofen.
[Apr 2016].
In honour of the Day of Swiss Navigation the Berner Oberland is decorated with banners as it arrives in Oberhofen.
[Apr 2016].
The Berner Oberland near Hilterfingen.
In the background is the Stockhorn Peak.
[Dec 2015].
The motor ship Schilthorn is the newest ship of the fleet on Lake Thun.
It was put into service in 2002.
[Jan 2014]
Schilthorn particulars: Passenger capacity: 300 pax Length: 43.00m
Width: 8.50m Draft: 1.30m Shipyard: ÖSWAG Werft Linz AG, Linz.
The ship approaches Oberhofen. [Jan 2014]
The Schilthorn has a spacious interior, providing seating for diners.
Like the Berner Oberland it has a mezzanine atrium, so that events can be followed from the whole interior of the ship.
When in regular service, the lower deck is for second class passengers, the upper deck for first class passengers,
as is usual on the ships of Lake Thun.
[Jan 2014]
The Schilthorn has just departed from the landing bridge in Beatenbucht.
The ship now continues its voyage to Thun.
[Jan 2018].
With the snow-covered ridges of the Bernese Alps in the background,
the Schilthorn crosses Lake Thun near Faulensee.
[Jan 2014].
With its shallow draft and proportinally large inside space, the Schilthorn is ideal for winter services.
During summer, the Schilthorn is just used for charters and culinary cruises, but in winter it is regularly seen on liner service.
Here the ship approaches Spiez. [Jan 2014]
The Schilthorn leaves Spiez on a wintry day.
[Feb 2015]
The motor ship Schilthorn heads across Lake Thun.
[Mar 2014]
From late October to early March there is just one daily return service on Lake Thun.
Most of winter, and certainly from early January onward, this service is usually operated by the Schilthorn.
Here the ship leaves Oberhofen.
[Dec 2013]
If you are at Lake Thun during winter, the Schilthorn might be the only passenger ship you will see.
But the ship can look splendid as it approaches Obehofen in the winter landscape.
[Feb 2014]
With its daily service across Lake Thun in winter, the arrival of the Schilthorn was always a special time of the day
while we lived there during a few winter months.
[Mar 2014].
The Schilthorn arrives in Oberhofen on a cold, snowy day.
[Feb 2015]
The motor ship Schilthorn approaches Oberhofen from the direction of Thun.
The doctor's house with its tower was built directly on the lake by the Lords of Oberhofen to
give medical care for the inhabitants of the village.
[Mar 2016].
The 1st class verandah on the aft upper deck is a small, comfortable room with great all-round views.
On a day like this the views are excellent, for example on the peak Stockhorn.
A view of the ship Schilthorn and surrounding mountains from the courtyard of the castle of Oberhofen.
[Mar 2016].
On a sunny day the Schilthorn stops at Oberhofen.
[Mar 2014]
It is snowing heavily as the Schilthorn is navigating towards Oberhofen.
[Feb 2015]
The Schilthorn near Hilterfingen with Mt Stockhorn in the background.
The BLS no longer follows the plan to buy new, modern ships for Lake Thun, but rather continues to refurbish
the old ships that are well-loved by the people around the lake and by tourists.
[Feb 2014]
I took this photo of the Schilthorn from the Hünegg Castle on New Years Day.
[Jan 2016].
I need to show at least one non-wintery photo of the Schilthorn.
In late spring the Schilthorn meets the Beatus near Hilterfingen.
[May 2014]
During the winter 2015/16 the water level of Lake Thun was lowered more than usual.
As a result, even the Schilthorn was unable to use the canals to Thun and Interlaken.
The ship therefore only operated between Hünibach and Neuhaus, using Spiez as its home port.
The Schilthorn arrives in Hünibach.
In the background are several ships of the BLS fleet in the Thun-Lachen shipyard.
[Mar 2016].
The Schilthorn arrives in Hilterfingen on a winter day.
[Jan 2016].
On Lake Thun a small solar-powered vessel is also available for charter.
It is operated by a private person.
[Mar 2014]
Cargo ships also operate on Lake Thun.
They take gravel from Balmholz near Beatenbucht to Thun, where it is discharged and then loaded
onto railway waggons.
Here the Siegfried and the Balmholz are at the discharge facility in Thun.
[Jul 2007]
The Balmholz fully laden near Oberhofen.
[Mar 2014]
The Balmholz returns empty from Thun.
[Mar 2014]
The Siegfried is alongside the terminal in Thun, its cargo of gravel still in the holds.
In the background is the castle of Thun.
[Dec 2015].
The cargo ship Siegfried travels fully laden towards Thun.
Spiez and the snowy slopes of the Kander Valley are in the background.
[Mar 2016].
Without any cargo the Siegfried travels past the castle of Oberhofen.
[Mar 2016].
The cargo ship Siegfried at the jetty in Gunten.
This is is home port, from where it travels to to any Balmholz and other places along the lake to load cargo.
[Nov 2015].
To round this off, two pictures of the parade of the fleet on the Swiss National Day.
From left to right: Stadt Thun, Bubenberg, Stockhorn, Berner Oberland, Blümlisalp.
[Aug 2014]
Here the fleet is on its way back to Thun approaching Oberhofen. From right to left are:
Blümlisalp, Berner Oberland, Stadt Thun, Bubenberg, Beatus, Stockhorn.
[Aug 2014]