Switzerland Guide
Getting around
By boat
All of Switzerland's bigger lakes, and many of its smaller ones, are crossed by regular ferry services. Most run only during the summer season – which can vary, but at its broadest covers the period from April to October – and are primarily pleasure-oriented, duplicating routes which can be covered more cheaply and quickly by rail. However, if you have the time, a leisurely cruise through the Alpine foothills to Interlaken, for example, or between the three lakes of Neuchâtel, Morat and Biel/Bienne, or from shore to shore along the length of Lake Geneva, beats the equivalent train journeys hands down. Apart from on Lago Maggiore (which is mostly in Italy), travel by boat is covered by all Swiss travel passes: consult www.swisstravelsystem.com for full details and purchasing. The Swiss Boat Pass (Fr.35), valid for a year, knocks fifty percent off fares on fourteen of Switzerland's bigger lakes; the Swiss Family Boat Pass (Fr.50) has the same benefits and also lets the kids travel free.