A Hot Tub Boat on Lake Brienz? Yes, It Was as Amazing as It Sounds

Okay, this might be one of the coolest things I have ever done in Switzerland. Or ever.

It is a hot tub.

It is also a boat.

And you can drive it around the ridiculously turquoise water of Lake Brienz while sitting in 38°C water with a little wood fire burning beside you.

I had wanted to do this from the moment I discovered it existed, and it absolutely did not disappoint.

We booked the boat while travelling around Switzerland with my mom. The three of us climbed in, received a quick lesson on how to drive it and then slowly floated away from the shore in what was essentially a giant wooden bathtub.

It was hilarious, beautiful and surprisingly relaxing.

The boat moves very slowly, which is really part of its charm. One person steers, someone occasionally adds wood to the little stove, and everyone else gets to sit in the warm water and stare at the mountains.

The quick information

• Where: Pirate Bay Nautical Center in Brienz, Switzerland
• Experience: A wood-heated hot tub with an electric boat motor
• Water temperature: Approximately 38°C
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Capacity: Up to six people per boat
• Boat licence: Not required
• Minimum age to drive: 18
• Price: CHF 255 for one to three people or CHF 399 for four to six people
• Season: Available throughout the year
• Getting there: The dock is directly across from Brienz railway station

How much does it cost?

The standard 1.5-hour experience costs:

• 1–3 people: CHF 255
• 4–6 people: CHF 399
• Additional 30 minutes: CHF 60 per boat, arranged by email

Each boat holds a maximum of six people, and children count toward that total.

If you have a larger group, you can reserve two boats together by email:

• 7–9 people: CHF 765
• 10–12 people: CHF 909

You can bring your own towels or rent them for CHF 8 each. They also rent adult ponchos for CHF 12, children’s ponchos for CHF 8, or a towel-and-poncho combination for CHF 16 per person.

A bottle of Prosecco costs CHF 25, and snacks and soft drinks are available to purchase at the jetty.

Was it worth it?

Yes.

It is definitely a special-experience price, but it was also one of the most memorable parts of our trip.

Lake Brienz is already almost impossibly beautiful. Experiencing it from a warm floating bathtub—with my mom and husband, laughing at the absurdity of the whole thing—made it even better. They also provide a Bluetooth speaker, so naturally we cruised around listening to old country classics. “King of the Road” felt particularly appropriate.

It did not feel overly fancy or staged. You steer the boat yourself, keep the small fire going and slowly make your way around the lake. It is simple, slightly ridiculous and so much fun.

What should you bring?

Bring a swimsuit and dry clothes for afterward. There is a cute little changing cabana, as well as cubbies where you can leave your belongings while you are out on the lake.

We were travelling around Switzerland with large backpacks containing all our clothes and valuables, and we felt completely comfortable leaving them in the provided storage area. You can bring your own towel or rent one there.

I would also bring a waterproof phone case if you want to take photos without spending the entire trip quietly panicking about dropping your phone into Lake Brienz. It is one of the deepest lakes in Switzerland, so if your phone slips while you are trying to capture the magnificence of the experience, it is probably goodbye forever. They do provide a free dry bag where you can safely keep your phone when you are not using it.

If you go during cooler weather, bring a warm hat. Your body may be sitting in beautifully hot water, but your head is still very much outside in Switzerland.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely—especially when friends or family visit.

It is unusual enough to feel like a real experience, but relaxed enough that you do not need to train, hike up a mountain or accomplish anything. It is also incredibly easy to reach, with the dock located directly across from Brienz railway station.

You simply sit in warm water, float across an Alpine lake and enjoy how wonderfully strange life can sometimes be.

You can check availability and book directly through Pirate Bay Nautical Center.

All listed prices include VAT but are subject to change. Check the company’s website for current prices and booking details before planning your visit.

Have fun!

Bridgette Joy