Strandbad Bönigen

Strandbad Bönigen is the lakeside lido of the village of Bönigen, on the northern shore of Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland, at Lütschinenstrasse 24. It is a managed swimming facility rather than a natural sand beach: the shoreline is a mix of lawn, paved sunbathing areas and the lake edge, with entry into the water by steps and pebbly lake bed. Lake Brienz is fed by glacial meltwater, so the water has the milky turquoise colour typical of Alpine lakes and stays cold even in midsummer, while the heated 25 m pool offers a warmer alternative for lap swimming and young children. The lido sits in a sheltered position at the eastern end of the lake's west basin, with views over the water toward the surrounding mountains. The character is distinctly family-oriented. An aqua park with floating play elements gives children and teenagers something to climb and jump from, and the grassy areas allow families to spread out towels beside the pool and the lake. Amenities include showers, changing rooms and a kiosk selling snacks and drinks; restaurants in Bönigen village are a short walk away. The facility operates seasonally, roughly from mid-May to mid-September (the 2026 season is listed as 16 May to 13 September), and day tickets are charged at the entrance, so current prices and daily opening times should be checked on the day, since weather can close the site. Access is straightforward. The lido lies about 2 km from Interlaken Ost station, reached by bus 21 from Interlaken Ost to Bönigen, or by BLS lake boat to Bönigen pier, which is roughly 100 m from the entrance. Visitors arriving by car find limited parking in the village, which fills on hot weekends. Because of its pool, lawn and kiosk, the site suits half-day visits combined with a stroll along the Lütschine river or the lakeshore path. Shade is mostly limited to trees at the edges of the lawn, so sun protection is advisable on clear days, and swimmers entering the lake should expect a sharp temperature difference compared with the heated pool.